“Then don’t you think it’s possible that all you’re seeing from him is a desire to do the best job possible so as not to disappoint his boss? That he’s not so much interested in being dominated as much as he is in remaining employed?”
Heat flushed Javier’s skin once again. But this time it was anger. How dare he? Saul knew nothing about his boy, nothing about his needs. He’d never seen Michael on his knees begging for Javier’s cock, for his whip, the stinging slap of his hand.
“I…” Careful. “It has been through my repeated observations of him, his manner when he follows orders, all of it contributes to my belief that he not only would benefit with a Master, but that it’s crucial that he have one for his own wellbeing.”
“Well then. You seem quite adamant about this. And since you obviously work much closer with him than I do, then I’ll concede to your opinion.”
Javier let go of a sigh. He’d been worried for a moment that Saul wouldn’t believe him and he would be left not knowing what to do.
“Wonderful. Thank you so much, sir. I’m certain this is the best thing for Michael.”
“From what you say, it certainly sounds as if it will be.”
Javier allowed himself another small sip of water. His throat was still dreadfully dry and he needed a moment to shove away the thoughts of another man touching his boy. Javier closed his eyes. Not my boy. Don’t do this to yourself. It’s about him. Not you. He lifted his lids.
“So, what happens now?”
“Happens?” Saul tilted his head as if he’d completely forgotten everything they’d just discussed.
“With Michael.”
“Have no fear, my good man. I’ll handle it.” He patted Javier’s knee, a slight smile gracing his lips, then settled back in his chair. “Was there anything else?”
Javier’s stomach roiled. My God. What have I done? “That’s it? I mean, will I…?”
Of course not. Why would Saul include him? He was merely a concerned staff member reporting an issue to his boss. Michael was his charge as Saul’s employer. There was nothing personal between them as far as Saul was concerned. No reason for Javier to be kept informed.
“Will you what?” Saul still regarded him with an impassive expression.
“Oh, nothing, sir. I was just thinking…” He grabbed a quick drink of his water and took a small swallow. “Do you think…? What I mean is, could you perhaps find someone who can offer him some affection as well? I know that love isn’t guaranteed by any means.” He laughed shakily. “But perhaps someone who enjoys caring for a submissive man in ways that are in addition to the strict instructions, sexual perversions and harsh beatings.”
Saul shook his head, frowning. “I will do my best, Javier. But you know as well as I do how difficult that is. We’ve been very fortunate to have so many successful committed pairs here at Hampton, but in general, it’s very problematic with the discretion we are forced to employ. I mean, look what we just went through with Colin? It was practically a miracle when he finally found someone who could provide him with, how did you put it? Ah, yes. Affection. In our world, you might find domination or affection. But rarely at the same time. As lovers of men, we have limited options in society.”
“Of course, sir. I understand completely.”
He swallowed down a lump in his throat, suddenly desperate to get out of there, to find somewhere private for a few moments to gather himself together before the night’s revelry began at Hampton Road.
Saul patted his knee one more time before rising. “Don’t worry, Javier. I’m sure the perfect Master and man for Michael is lurking about somewhere. I just need to draw him out then bring them both together, right?”
Javier rose as well, keeping his eyes averted from his employer, the man who’d saved him in much the same way as Javier had saved Michael.
“Yes, sir. I’m sure you’re right.”
A sense of despair washed over him, but he couldn’t give in to it. He had a job to do, a staff to run. And he had to face Michael and pretend that he wasn’t about to give him away to another Master.
Chapter Three
Michael checked over the to-do lists for the annual orgy. He’d only experienced one the previous year, and it had been dreadful. The house doctor had needed to be called in to set a broken bone when a fight between three men had broken out. Apparently, a submissive boy who wore the collar of one of the members had sneaked away with two other men to an unapproved area of the mansion. The Master of the boy hadn’t minded sharing him with others, but had been incensed that the boy had not only chosen the men for himself, but had denied his Master the opportunity to watch.
As such, the list that Javier had created which related to safety and security was the one of which Michael wished to be the most informed. Javier hadn’t ever questioned Saul’s decision to hold the event again, but Michael had noticed the slight quirk of one of Javier’s eyebrows, the barely concealed press of his lips when Saul had announced it at their weekly staff meeting. Javier might say that he knew every small detail of Michael, but Michael felt the same way about him.
“Well, I see you’re busy getting ready for tomorrow night’s shindig.”
Michael jerked his head up from where he sat at the table as Saul stepped inside the kitchen. He enjoyed most of his off hours in the large airy room. It was one of the limited options in the mansion where the light streamed in naturally. For a few hours each day at certain times of the year, it would shine through the beveled glass.
“Yes, sir. I want to make certain that I’m properly prepared.”
Saul nodded, his mouth curved in a happy smile. “Excellent. You’re a very good boy, aren’t you?”
Michael blinked several times, confused. Saul had never referred to him as a boy, had never acted like a dominant man toward him. He’d always been friendly to Michael, but in the same way he was with the rest of the staff. It was clear that he was their employer and nothing more. And Saul was dedicated to Kenneth. Their relationship as Master and submissive was one of the ones Michael ached for. It would break his heart if he’d misinterpreted Saul’s character and devotion this whole time.
“Sir?”
“Would you mind if I sat with you?” Saul indicated to the bench Michael was perched upon. “I don’t wish to interrupt you while you work, but I’ve never had the chance to get to know you since you arrived at our little sanctuary here.”
Michael’s stomach became uneasy, yet how could he refuse the owner of the Hampton Road Club?
What would happen if Javier walked in on us right now?
He wasn’t sure what would be worse—Javier being upset that Michael was with another man or not caring if he was. He swallowed hard. Not caring.
“Michael?”
“Yes, of course, sir.” Michael scooted over as far as he could as if he was merely being polite by making room for Saul.
“Well now.” Saul clasped his hands together then rested them on the table. “You’ve been with us how long? A little over a year?”
“A year and one half, sir.”
“And you enjoy your work here?”
Michael tried not to frown. When things weren’t clear to him, it left him unsettled and anxious. His uncle had sometimes punished him by sending him to bed without supper if he’d misinterpreted what had been required of him, whether errand or chore. Michael operated much better with specific instructions and clear expectations. The unknown terrified him.
“I enjoy it very much, sir. If I haven’t expressed how grateful I am for the opportunity you’ve given me, I beg your forgiveness. This is the best, most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me.” It’s kept me near Javier.
“There, there dear boy.” Saul patted him on the shoulder, the gesture more fatherly than anything. Michael almost sighed in relief. He admonished himself for thinking wrongly of the older man. “I was merely correcting an oversight on my part by not taking the time before now to make certain you were being well cared for.”
He arched his eyebrows. “That all of your needs were being met.”
“Oh yes, sir. They most certainly are.”
Saul rubbed his chin before fixing him with a probing gaze. “Truly? All of them? That’s odd.” He folded his hands together again. “Because Javier visited me in my study last night and he seemed quite concerned that it wasn’t the case. He thought it might be a good idea if I found a strong Master to take you on. He requested that I make some inquiries soon and I wanted to find out how you felt about that before I did. Especially if your new Master wished for you to leave your position here.”
Michael flushed, heat filling his neck then crawling up his cheeks. His stomach went funny, as if he was melting from the inside out. He attempted to fold his hands the way Saul had to steady himself, but it was as though all the strength in him had drained and he could no longer lift his arms.
“I-I… He…?” Michael lowered his head. The tears were unavoidable. He couldn’t lose Javier, couldn’t be sent away. He wants to be rid of me.
“Boy?” Saul laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Michael couldn’t meet Saul’s eyes, he couldn’t. “Whatever you think is best, sir.” He sniffed and swiped at his eyes. His voice had been so pitiful that he was ashamed.
Saul placed a finger under his chin then encouraged him to turn his way. “But I don’t know what’s best. Not in this matter. As I said, I barely know you. How can I make such an important decision without the proper information?”
“Oh. Well, that makes sense, I suppose. But…”
He wanted to say—yell if he had to—that he didn’t want to give any information to anyone, that he didn’t need to because Javier knew him better than anyone ever had.
“But what?”
“I can continue as I am, sir, quite fine. Perhaps you could let Javier know…” Careful. “I mean to say, if he’s concerned, he needn’t be. I don’t wish for anything other than my job.” He cleared his throat. “I have no interest in any other ways to occupy my time.” He shifted his weight on the wooden bench, wincing before he could stop himself.
Saul arched his eyebrows again. “Did you injure yourself?”
Damn. “I’m fine, sir. Nothing to worry about.”
“Boy.” Saul’s voice had an edge to it. “That’s not what I asked you. I inquired about an injury.”
Michael’s cheeks heated again. “Forgive me, sir. I…” He couldn’t get Javier into trouble. “I…wasn’t careful. My actions caused me to…become injured.”
“Hmm. I see. Is there a part of the mansion you find more injurious to your person than another?”
Michael’s heart thudded so hard he thought he might faint. “No.” He sucked in a large breath. “I think it’s because I don’t pay attention well enough sometimes. I need to learn to become more focused.”
Saul nodded sagely. “I’d say that’s very wise. Perhaps there’s someone here at Hampton Road who you believe would be the perfect teacher for you?”
The tears burned at the back of his eyes again. It was hopeless. Javier would never be his and he’d never belong to the handsome Master.
“I imagine—” His voice broke, so he paused to swallow before speaking again. “I imagine that even if I did, it wouldn’t make any difference unless that person was interested in teaching me.”
“Very true. But how would you know unless you asked them?”
“Forgive me, sir. But that’s not my place.”
“I sympathize with your dilemma.” Saul patted him again. “It’s not easy being a submissive man, is it? Not sure of your place at times, needing a Master to obey, to guide you, yet uncertain whether it’s permissible to ask for what you want. The agony of believing that there’s no one who would wish to keep such a wonderfully rewarding young man as you, Michael.”
“Me?”
What was Saul talking about? He was merely someone from a poor background who was lucky enough that kind men had given him a chance when no one else would. There was nothing special about him.
“Why yes. You. But just because you’re expected to be the compliant man in a Dominant and submissive relationship, doesn’t mean you don’t get a say, my boy. You are the gift to the Master, not the other way around. If a man chooses to take you on, leaves you vulnerable in that way, doesn’t give you everything you need, then it’s your right to insist that he do right by you.”
Michael could barely believe what Saul was saying. It couldn’t be true, yet, Saul was the owner, had been the one who had founded the club in the first place. He had his own boy. Surely he must know better than anyone else?
“But wouldn’t a Master be angry if he was challenged such as that, told that he hadn’t been taking care of his boy in every way?”
Saul shrugged. “Perhaps. But if he’s worthy of you, he’ll recognize that he’s made a mistake by not appreciating the gift you’ve already given him.”
“A mistake?” Michael was stunned. “A Master?”
Saul chuckled. “We’re all human. No one gets to claim they’re immune to mistakes.” Saul slid along the bench to the end then pushed himself up from the table. “But I’d make certain that if you do find someone who you’d like to teach you, that you let them know that you’re the gift.”
Michael nodded, still not sure if he could ever do such a thing, especially since it seemed as if Javier had already made up his mind by speaking to Saul about him.
But if he’s already given up on me, what more do I have to lose?
Javier furrowed his brow as he entered the kitchen to check on how Michael was doing. Saul rarely set foot in the room.
“Ah, Javier. How goes the preparations?”
Javier froze in mid-stride. Michael had gasped as soon as Saul had spoken, turning away from where he sat. Saul was at the threshold of the kitchen right about to exit the room.
Has Saul found someone for Michael so soon?
His gut clenched, even if he knew it was the right thing. In time, he’d get over Michael. Javier had already decided that he wouldn’t seek out another submissive boy. He’d keep his memories of Michael in his heart where they couldn’t be stolen from him. If he had to, he could always go to a pansy club to find a quick release with another man. Anything beyond that was unnecessary.
Saul stared at him expectantly.
“Excellent, sir. I was about to inquire as to how Michael was getting along.” He cleared his throat. “In terms of the task lists.” Saul continued to stare at him with no reaction. “To verify that he didn’t have any questions or concerns.”
Saul nodded slowly, pursing his lips. “Very smart. Thoughtful too.”
“Sir?”
“That you include your assistant in the process. Get his opinions over how things are progressing, making sure that there’s nothing left that might leave him feeling, oh I don’t know, at a loss?”
Javier didn’t consider himself to be a stupid man, but he couldn’t quite grasp what Saul meant. It was almost as if he was saying one thing, but alluding to something else. Javier had already been building up to a nasty headache all morning, and the fear that Saul might already be sending Michael away combined with his cryptic words was not helping him in the slightest.
“Uh, yes sir. Michael’s input is valuable to me.”
He frowned before he could stop himself. He had to admit, he hadn’t queried Michael for his thoughts as of late. The concern that they might become more entangled if Javier were to let Michael get any closer had already caused him to stop Michael from sharing his opinions. That hadn’t been the case at all when he had first arrived at Hampton Road. In the beginning, Javier had built him up, encouraged him to express himself. His stomach twisted even as he attempted to push away his feelings in the matter.
“Oh?” Saul arched his eyebrows. “I’m very glad to hear that. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard.” The lighthearted mien that Javier typically associated with Saul came back. “Well, I must be going. I’ll leave both of you to work on
whatever issues might need immediate handling. I’ll be taking the evening off in anticipation of tomorrow’s festivities. Ring me at home if you need anything.”
“Yes, sir. Good evening to you.”
Saul strode away, his gait brisker than was common for a man of his age. Javier had always been impressed by his strength and by how well he took care of himself. Filled anew with resolve to see the matter through with Michael, he turned back to see Michael hunched over his lists, his body angled slightly away from him.
That will never do. More than ever, he needs to be on his best behavior in order to attract the highest quality Master.
“Michael?”
“Yes, Sir?”
Javier pressed his lips into a hard line. Michael hadn’t even lifted his head, hadn’t even turned toward him in the slightest.
“Michael.” Javier’s voice boomed in the kitchen, echoing off the rough-hewn stone that comprised the floor and the one wall behind the oak table. “You know I demand eye contact and immediate acknowledgment when we’re working together. You’re to obey me at all times.”
Michael whirled around, his face flushed scarlet, his eyes red as if he’d recently been weeping. “Why? You’re not my Master! This isn’t my role here right now in this kitchen. You’re head of staff, and from what you told me once, I’m your assistant. You gave me a task to complete and I’m completing it. While I owe you more than I can ever repay for bringing me here and giving me a job, a home, you won’t give me the one thing I need more than anything.” Michael straightened as he sucked in a deep breath, anger flashing in his eyes. “In which case, if there’s anything you wish to discuss regarding tomorrow evening’s event, I’m at your disposal. Otherwise, since you seem to have tired of my company, I’d like to retire to my room until the club opens for the evening.”
Javier gaped at Michael. He’d never witnessed such behavior from him. He’d always been such a docile man.
A Master For Michael Page 3