It was obvious Ned was whispering to the smallish young man seated next to him. Once in a while, the boy would cup his hand to Ned’s ear, either in question or response. Thomas was seething with curiosity. He hoped he wouldn’t soon also be seething with anger. He wished Aaron hadn’t left to go to the library with Saul. Apparently, Kenneth had fallen into a deep slumber after their shared interlude and Saul’s subsequent ministrations, and Saul hadn’t wanted to disturb him. Thomas would’ve loved to have gotten Aaron’s reaction to Ned’s unexpected appearance. Perhaps he’d join them in a bit after he’d finished watching Ned and the mystery boy.
He was startled by a tap on his shoulder. He twisted in his chair and saw that it was Javier.
“I beg your pardon, sir,” he whispered, “but Linus has sent word that he needs to speak with you urgently.”
Thomas pressed his lips together, glancing quickly in Ned’s direction. It seemed unlikely, but had Evan somehow found out about Ned and the unknown young man? He’d left Evan with Linus, so he had to wonder if that was the case. Thomas rose.
“Of course.” He kept his voice low so as not to disturb the patrons. “I’ll go to the den.”
“Actually, sir, he’s in the library with Master Aaron and Master Saul. He’s rather upset.”
Thomas glanced toward Ned again, ready to march over there and give him a piece of his mind. If he’d been less of a controlled man, he just might have. Instead, he hurried down the long hall that led to the library. When he arrived at the door, he didn’t bother to knock. Instead, he barged right in. The well-being of his boy had been pushed to the front of his mind. He hated seeing him upset for any reason. Linus had already been through so much in his short life.
As soon as he entered the room, Linus rushed into his arms. Thomas held him close, kissing his temple, whispering his love to him. He grasped Linus’ shoulders then stepped back so he could see his eyes.
“What’s going on?”
Saul and Aaron stood off to the side, their expressions implacable. Linus gazed up at him.
“Evan won’t come out of the restroom. He ran out of the den when Ned drove up with a fellow I’ve never seen before. He said he’s never coming back here again.”
I knew it.
“I see.” Thomas glanced at his friends. Saul gave a small shrug as if he didn’t know what to make of it and Aaron’s lips were pursed in disapproval. Thomas let go of Linus then ran a hand over his slick-backed hair, not caring one whit about the grease. Saul strolled over to them then offered Thomas a handkerchief. He took it, nodding grimly.
“Thank you.” Sighing, he brought Linus to his side again with one arm. “Me, Saul and Aaron are going to take care of this.” Linus nodded against his shirt. Thomas leaned down to whisper to him. “You’re such a sweet boy to come to me out of concern for Evan. I love you very much.”
Linus tipped his head back. “I love you too, Master.”
Thomas helped himself to a quick kiss. He regarded his friends. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to personally take Linus back upstairs. Will you both be here when I return?”
“Of course, old sport. We should have a chat.”
“Hmmph. Yes. A chat.”
Thomas turned, his arm remaining around Linus as he guided him back to the den.
“Master?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Evan really likes Ned.”
“I know. It’s frustrating when two men can’t find their way to each other.”
“He was asking me about him tonight. Wanted to know whether Ned had tried anything funny the first time he brought me to the club—”
Thomas halted, his gut clenching. He whirled Linus around until he faced him. “I thought you said nothing ever happened between you and him?”
He took a breath. Taking his anger out on his lover and submissive regarding Ned’s behavior was completely inappropriate.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I had no right to snap at you like that. I’ll confess I’m rather frustrated with the situation myself.”
“Can I, um… Can I tell you something without you getting upset?”
Thomas crushed Linus to him. “I could never promise not to get upset about something you say, but I won’t get upset with you. You are my everything. What is it, boy?”
Linus gazed up at him. “Ned didn’t try anything with me, like I said.”
“I know. I was wrong to react like that. I know you’ve been honest with me.”
“But that’s not all. When Evan asked me about Ned, I could tell it was because he hoped I would say something bad about him, that I would give him a reason to hate him. I don’t know…to make it easier I guess. Except when I remembered back to how Ned brought me here, how he treated me that night at the pansy club, I realized something very important about him.”
“What was that?”
“That Ned really is a good man. The night he brought me here it was because he saw that I was in trouble and needed help. When we showed up together, everyone assumed I was his to play with. He only let them think that because he didn’t want me to be uncomfortable. He was protecting me so other men wouldn’t bother me until I decided whether I wanted to be at the club or not.”
Thomas stared at Linus in wonder. His boy was more than he could have ever hoped for. He was obviously much smarter than him as well. Thomas grabbed Linus’ face between his hands and looked him in the eye.
“You are amazing.” He gave him a short but demanding kiss. “So you think Evan and Ned would make a fine couple?”
Linus broke into a wide grin. “Yes, Master. I do.”
“Then let’s see what we can do about that.”
After taking Linus back to the den—where he discovered from Sam and Francesco that Evan still hadn’t left the restroom—he headed back to the library, a plan already formulating in his mind. He only had to run it past Aaron to get his agreement before he sought out Ned. When he entered the library, he stopped in mid-gait. Aaron and Saul were there, but so was Ned and the young man he’d brought to the club.
“Oh, hello.” He tried to ascertain the mood of the gathering. Everyone seemed at ease, so he assumed nothing was amiss. “Am I interrupting?”
“Not at all, old sport. Glad you dropped in.” Saul winked at him. “Why don’t we all have a seat and Ned can introduce you to this delightful young man he’s brought to the club.”
Thomas took one of the side chairs, leaving the two wing chairs and the settee for the others. He carefully observed when Ned and his charge took the small sofa. He noted that Ned made a point to sit as far at one end as possible. It seemed to be a good sign. The fact that the look of guilt was missing from Ned’s face since their previous encounter in the library also seemed to portend well.
“So, Thomas.” Aaron regarded him with a cautious expression. “Ned was just explaining to us that he met young Colin here at Saul’s bathhouse. Apparently, Colin isn’t happy there and Ned thought he might flourish as a submissive here.”
Thomas turned to the boy. “Is that so?” He wondered what Colin would say if he spoke for himself.
“I was very grateful for the job, I promise. But I don’t want to go with men for money. I told Ned I was saving it for the right man. He said that was a good thing and that maybe I could come here and find someone like that.” The boy glanced at Ned.
“Go on. Say whatever you want. I told you no one will judge you.”
Colin continued. “He also told me that you have strong men here who like to be served. That’s something I do very well, so I think I could definitely meet the right man if I’m allowed to stay.”
Thomas pressed his lips together. Giving the boy the impression that he was mocking him would be cruel. He liked Colin’s spirit. He’d spoken right up, despite the furious blush on his face. No doubt watching three men pleasure one another in front of him had helped to relax him well enough. Ned had been right to bring him to Hampton Road. In the same way Linus and Sam had been before him, Co
lin was ripe for exploitation if he’d been left on his own in the world.
“Well, Ned was correct. It’s nice to meet you, Colin. I hope you’ll be very happy here and find someone soon.”
The young man beamed at him, and Thomas was more grateful than ever that his boy had stopped him before he’d torn into Ned. Having his ex-submissive nearby and without a Master had caused Thomas more angst than he’d anticipated. He knew that the urge to take responsibility for Evan’s well-being would continue until he was safely ensconced in another man’s care.
There was a brief discussion as to what would happen to Colin for the night. It was decided that he would be taken to the same hotel where the other submissive whom Saul was temporarily housing was residing. Javier was instructed to tend to Colin, and after they had both departed, the four men were left with one another. Ned had been calm enough when Colin was there, but he subsequently became agitated, his gaze never landing on one spot for more than a few seconds.
Aaron and Saul were engaged in light chit-chat, each sipping on some seltzer water. Ned turned to Thomas, his expression one of discomfort.
“Would you happen to know if Evan is here this evening? I thought I saw him in one of the windows upstairs.”
Thomas gave him a friendly smile. “No, he’s not I’m afraid. He wasn’t feeling well, so he couldn’t make it.”
A silence fell in the room and Thomas tried to pretend that Saul and Aaron weren’t staring holes into him. Ned dropped his head in what appeared to be defeat. Thomas still wanted to bring the two men together, but not on a night when Evan was a confused, emotional wreck. He’d decided that the club wouldn’t be the best setting for any sort of reunion either.
Ned sighed loudly. At last, he straightened. “I’m afraid I’m likely to blame for that.”
“Oh?” Thomas poured as much innocence into the one word as he could manage without sounding as if he was unhinged.
“Yes. I’m ashamed to confess that I didn’t handle our parting very well after we spent a glorious evening together.”
“Are you interested in making it up to him?”
Thomas was confident that he could lead the fly to the spider without too much effort. It was unfortunate that he hadn’t had the time to clue the other men in on his scheme.
“Of course. I’d hoped that he might be here tonight so I could speak with him. I don’t want to confront him all alone.” Ned gave Thomas a weak smile. “I think it’s important that he not feel beholden to speak to me if he doesn’t want to. It would be good for him to have the support of his fellow submissives around him.”
“Well, you could always come to the lawn party Aaron and Sam are having this Sunday.”
Aaron choked and gasped on his water. Thomas caught his eye and hoped Aaron had picked up on his message. He couldn’t miss the look of irritation on his friend’s face, but he was certain Aaron would go along with the ruse. Saul appeared completely confused. He frowned at Aaron.
“You never told me you were having a lawn party.”
Aaron finished dabbing at the liquid on his shirt that had spilled when he’d choked on it. “Sorry. It came up so suddenly, I never had the chance.” Aaron addressed the last part to Thomas.
“Well, old sport, this is splendid.” He leaned over from the wing chair then clapped Ned on the back. “Evan will be there, but so will all of our boys. No need to worry that he’ll feel uncomfortable.” Saul regarded Aaron again. “Should I have Kenneth make something? He’s a culinary genius! Is there anything in particular I should have him prepare?”
Aaron raised an eyebrow at Thomas before returning his attention to Saul. “I would say at this point that anything he brings would be greatly appreciated.”
Thomas glanced at Ned, who seemed deep in thought. “So you’ll be there then?”
Ned gazed up at him and Thomas was concerned his little plan may have failed. Ned didn’t appear happy at all.
“He was rather angry with me, for which I don’t blame him one bit. Are you certain this is a good idea? I don’t want to ruin Aaron’s party because I behaved a fool with Evan.”
Aaron snorted. “Please. There’s no need to worry about my party.”
Ned stared off into space, nodding absent-mindedly. “All right, if I wouldn’t be imposing.”
Thomas grinned. “Not at all. We’d love to have you there.”
Ned faced Aaron. “What time will it be starting?”
Aaron arched his eyebrows. “Uh…noon?”
“Yes,” Thomas agreed. “Aaron mentioned he wanted to start early to enjoy the entire afternoon.”
Apparently no longer able to tolerate Thomas’ charade, Aaron stood then ambled over to the bar cart. He began rubbing his handkerchief over the top of his hand.
“What in the devil’s name are you doing, old sport?”
“Trying to get this blasted stamp off my hand. I need a drink.”
* * * *
Evan helped Sam carry some chairs from the house to put on the grass under a large oak tree. As they arranged them, Evan did his best not to dwell on the time. He’d checked the round, rose colored wall clock hanging in the kitchen before coming outside and had noted that it was less than thirty minutes until it struck twelve. His nerves were going to do him in. He wondered how much everyone knew about him and Ned, or if it was only something between him, Linus and Thomas.
“Ned was only bringing Colin to the club the way he did that night with me. Thomas was there when he was in the library with Saul and Aaron, so I know it’s true. Thomas invited him to Sam and Aaron’s party, so you can speak with him then. It’ll all work out. You’ll see.”
Evan hadn’t even known that Aaron and Sam had planned on having a party, but he was glad they were. When Thomas had also said that Ned sent his good wishes, Evan had been cautiously enthusiastic. Maybe his dream would become real. Maybe Ned had finally realized he’d been lying to himself all along. The only thing that still nagged at him was that even though Ned had been invited, it didn’t necessarily mean he’d show up.
I suppose I’ll have my answer then.
He really just wanted the whole thing over with—wanted to know whether to give up once and for all on the idea of him and Ned being together. As much as he hadn’t wanted to, he’d already begun to make alternate plans in case his fantasies of Ned turned out to be nothing more than that.
“This looks pretty good. What do you think?”
Sam surveyed the lawn chairs as if they were an important engineering project. They were arranged in a semi-circle with what seemed to be a big gap between each one.
“Should they maybe be closer together so everyone won’t have to speak up too loud?”
Sam shook his head. “I wanted to leave enough room so that the submissives could sit at the feet of their Masters.”
Evan flushed. There were six chairs. Enough for five Masters and one unclaimed boy.
“Oh. Of course.”
Perhaps it’d been the tone of his voice or Sam had come to the conclusion on his own, but a sudden expression of remorse crossed his features. “Oh dear. I…” Sam regarded the chairs again. “I could add more so we can all sit on them, but I don’t think Aaron would want me to do that, and I know Kenneth won’t do it. Maybe we should all sit on the ground? I don’t know what to do.”
Evan had caused too much discomfort for his friends ever since he’d met Ned and he hated that he was always the problem in the group. “Well, are your mom, sister and brothers coming? You could put out more chairs for them, then it won’t seem so… No one would notice if I…” Evan huffed. “You know what I mean.”
When he turned to Sam, he almost laughed at the look of horror on his face.
“Good heavens, no. They don’t know about the club or me and Aaron or any of that other stuff.”
Evan frowned. Where was his head at? He knew better. Some of the men from the club in Santa Barbara had families they still interacted with. They’d always been very careful to hide th
eir private lifestyle. Still, Sam’s mother lived nearby. He’d even met her a few times when she’d stop by to help with the customers for the nursery.
“So…your mom doesn’t know anything about you and Aaron?”
Sam shrugged. “I think she knows he’s my fellow after all that happened with my dad, but other than that…” Sam blushed. “We don’t talk about that kinda stuff. I always have to remember not to call him Master around her and make sure no marks show. All she’s ever said is that she thinks Aaron is a very nice man and that she’s glad he’s looking out for me.”
Evan knew there’d been an altercation of some sort between Sam’s father and the club—that he’d tried to take Sam away from Aaron. But Saul and the others had intervened on his behalf. It was how Sam’s family—sans father—had ended up in southern California in a large home Aaron and Sam had purchased them down the road from the nursery.
At any rate, it put him back in the same dilemma. It would be awkward with Ned there and everyone else in clearly defined Dominant and submissive relationships.
“I know!”
Sam’s shout had made Evan jump. He placed a hand over his chest, his heart beating rapidly.
“Heavens, Sam. You scared me half to death.”
“Sorry. But what if we scatter the chairs all over the place, let people put them where they want?”
Evan wasn’t sure how that would help, since he figured everyone would eventually bring them together anyway, but at least it wouldn’t look so obvious when Ned first arrived.
Then after we talk, maybe it won’t be an issue?
Hope fluttered in his belly and he smiled. “I think that’s a swell idea, Sam.”
They finished with the chairs after artfully placing them as if they’d been casually left here and there, then Evan helped Sam make fresh lemonade in the kitchen. They’d been preparing since the night before when Evan had boiled two dozen eggs while Sam chopped dates for the nut bread he’d made early that morning. Evan had helped spread the slices with the cream cheese and olive spread once the bread had cooled. The eggs from the previous night were chopped in half, then Sam had shown Evan how to make the deviled stuffing with the yolk they’d scooped out.
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