At last, Seth’s features brightened, and Malcolm believed he’d reached him. That his boy had left the dark place he’d been lost in all day.
“Okay. On three.”
Malcolm held the large envelope from the top. “Here we go. One, two, three!”
The envelope tore, and they both pulled out the certificate and a cover letter. The moment Seth’s eyes lit up and he broke into a grin, Malcolm’s entire body felt as if it had exhaled.
“Look, Daddy! I have my birth certificate.” He regarded Malcolm with joy. “Next is my Social Security card, then he’ll no longer have anything to hold over my head.” Seth took Malcolm’s hand. “I know he doesn’t anyway. But, sometimes it’s hard to believe he isn’t still taking control of my life and forcing me to be the way he wants. That’s why he kept my documents. He thought he’d have power over me forever.” Seth stared at his birth certificate. “Not anymore.”
Malcolm kissed Seth’s cheek. “No, baby. Not anymore.”
The evening had gone from stressful to celebratory in record time, and Malcolm wasn’t in the mood to try and coax him into trying anything new. It was more of a comfort food, relax by the fire and watch a movie sort of night.
“Hey, I was thinking.” Malcolm covered Seth’s hand with his own. “You don’t want that nasty ol’ Greek food, do you?”
Seth snorted out a laugh. “Why do you say that? And anyway, you told me Greek food is delicious.”
“It is. But doesn’t pizza sound much better?”
“Yeah, Daddy. Pizza sounds way better.”
“Excellent. We can save the Greek food for tomorrow.”
Malcolm yanked Seth into his arms and poured all his love into a long, deep kiss. The pizza could wait for a few more minutes.
Chapter Nine
Seth angled his body first one way, then the next, as he stared at himself in the hotel room mirror. He wished the glass extended all the way to the floor, because he couldn’t see his entire club outfit. And standing back far enough from the counter the mirror was above didn’t work either. The most he’d been able to see was halfway down his legs. He turned to the side again then peered over his shoulder.
They’re so tight.
Daddy had said the black, slim fit slacks were stunning on him, but he wasn’t so sure. Not only could you see everything, but they had a slight shimmer that made them very flashy. He’d never considered wearing anything so daring before. Not that he didn’t think they were nice. His concern was more related to how they looked on him.
The shirt was another matter. While the deep, wine-colored button up garment was just as showy as the pants, Seth was entranced by it. He ran his fingers down the shiny, silky front. Woven into the fabric was what Daddy had described as a herringbone pattern. Whatever the design was called, Seth thought the dress shirt looked sophisticated.
Seth’s eyes snapped up to meet his own reflecting back at him. His shoulders slumped. Maybe the shirt was sophisticated… So far, keeping his self-deprecating remarks to himself since they’d arrived in Portland—and when he’d been trying on clothes—had been a true test of strength. A slight flush went to his cheeks. However, having Daddy ooh and ahh over him all day had been worth it.
The door to the bathroom opened and his nude Daddy stepped out, a burst of steam following in his wake. He smiled as he regarded Seth while toweling off.
“Gorgeous. Are you feeling more comfortable now that you have the whole outfit on?”
Seth touched his fingers to the open collar and glanced down at the shiny, burgundy ankle boots. Because his pant legs were so narrow and ended at the top of his shoes, the silver star embellishments on the outside of the boots were visible.
He glanced up to see Daddy scrutinizing him with clear approval. The shopping excursion hadn’t been easy. He’d done his best not to shoot down every suggestion Daddy had made, but the only thing dressy he’d ever worn was an ill-fitted, second hand, plain black suit for weddings and funerals. Other than that, his only attire had been T-shirts and jeans—with a sweater and jacket for the wintertime. Bright colors or anything with leather, no matter how conservative, had been a no-go for him.
Seth allowed his gaze to drift to the black leather pants Daddy had laid out on the bed for himself to wear. His old ones at home had been a bit snug—which hadn’t pleased Daddy very much—and had a small tear he hadn’t noticed the last time he’d worn them. So, while they’d been shopping for Seth, Daddy had indulged himself in a couple new things as well.
Seth might not be interested in wearing leather but was very interested in Daddy wearing it. The pants made Daddy’s behind look amazing.
“Well?” Daddy grinned. “What do you think, baby? Because you take my breath away.”
“Um, I don’t know about that last part, but it’s a beautiful outfit.” He glanced in the mirror. “And it’s really okay to wear the collar open like this, without a tie?”
“More than okay.” Daddy patted his ass on his way back to the bathroom. He draped the towel over the shower curtain rod. “I’m gonna powder myself so I can shimmy my way into those tight as fuck things, then it shouldn’t take me much longer after that to finish getting ready. Then we can go, all right?”
Seth checked his reflection again. He had to quit gawking at himself or he’d end up becoming vain. He was starting to believe the clothes looked good on him after all.
Daddy washed the powder residue off his hands, dried them thoroughly then approached Seth. He rested his palms on Seth’s hips, the touch light, as if he was being careful not to mess up Seth’s outfit. If dressing up made Daddy not want to hug him close or caress him the way he usually did, Seth didn’t think he’d want to wear those kinds of clothes again.
Daddy inclined his head. “Are you still nervous?”
Seth didn’t see the point in pretending. “Very nervous.”
“We don’t have to go. Remember, your safeword isn’t only for sex.”
Seth shook his head. “No, I want to see what the club is like. I knew I’d be freaking out a little, but that’s okay. I’m tired of being afraid of things all the time.”
Daddy leaned in for a soft kiss. Seth moved his lips over Daddy’s, each of them taking turns tasting each other before Daddy leaned back.
“You’re so strong and brave. I’m very proud of you.”
He let go of Seth and made his way to the bed where he retrieved the leather pants. Seth watched in fascination as Daddy wiggled into the snug garment. He was even wearing them without any underwear. Seth licked his lips once Daddy had them all the way on. Daddy’s thick cock was smashed against one thigh, visibly outlined by the tight leather. Everyone would see. The more pressing problem was how he was firming up in his own pants. Without the cock cage, his dick seemed to be getting hard every time the wind blew.
Daddy ran a hand over his close-shaved head then regarded Seth. He chuckled. “That was a workout all by itself.” Daddy gave Seth what could best be described as a leer. “Do I get at least one dance with my sexy boy tonight?”
Seth gave a shaky laugh. “Yeah. I want to try.”
Excitement thrummed under his skin. He couldn’t predict how they night would turn out, what new things he might experience, but that was fine. Daddy would be by his side.
* * * *
By the time they’d reached Club Surrender, Seth was so wound-up, he hoped he didn’t make a fool of himself. Sure, he was still stressed about going to such a strange place—at least, for him it was strange—but his curiosity had taken over. Then there was the thrill of being with Daddy out in the open. They could hold hands, kiss, dance and even better, he could say Malcolm was his Daddy out loud and no one would care.
The streets were crowded even though the night was cold. At least the rain had stopped—he didn’t want to ruin his new leather shoes. Seth snuggled up to Daddy as they waited near the front door for Nate and Tina to arrive. Daddy kept an arm around him even though he was wearing his new suede jacket. There m
ight not be any rain, but that didn’t keep the wind at bay. They weren’t far from the Columbia River, either. That seemed to make the wind stronger and chillier.
Daddy jostled him. “There they are. Thank God.”
They’d only been waiting a few minutes, but the brisk air had made it seem a lot longer. The original plan had been to get together for dinner before the club, but Tina was in the middle of litigating a big case and hadn’t been able to spare the extra time.
Nate waved at them with one hand, clutching Tina’s hand with the other as they approached. Seth couldn’t detect Nate’s car anywhere nearby, but that wasn’t surprising. He’d never seen so many cars and nowhere to park them in his whole life.
“Hey,” Nate said breathlessly. “Great to see you guys.”
Daddy smiled. “You too.”
They all exchanged greetings then Nate rubbed his hands together, blowing on the palms. “Helluva cold night. I don’t know why I can never find my gloves.”
Tina smirked. “Especially since you have at least a half-dozen pairs, Sir.”
Nate jerked his chin at Tina. “Then there’s this one. So eager for a hearty flogging and we only just got here.”
Seth tensed and Daddy squeezed his arm, tugging him closer. Daddy and Nat bantered back and forth as Seth focused on the breathing techniques he’d learned from Dr. Clay to help calm himself down. The type of relationship Nate shared with his baby girl was as valid as the one he had with Daddy. He reminded himself that Tina enjoyed what Nate did to her, that she also had a safeword. Then he focused on the laughing Nate and how Tina was smiling up at him in adoration.
He had nothing to be afraid of. Nate would never hurt Tina the way Seth had been hurt in Idaho.
Tina caught his eye and she winked. She gestured up and down his frame with her pointer finger then gave him a thumbs up. “Hot stuff.”
Seth almost choked on his own spit as his face heated. He’d never had a woman compliment him like that before. “Um, thank you. You…” He wasn’t about to tell her she was hot. Nate might get upset. “You look very beautiful.”
Seth couldn’t see what she had on under the long duster coat, but whatever it was, it must complement the lace-up stiletto boots she was wearing. But it didn’t matter what she wore. He thought she was pretty anyway.
She dipped her chin in acknowledgement. “Why thank you, kind sir.”
Nate whirled his head around, his mouth agape. “What’s this? The minute you spot a handsome younger guy, you’re ready to call him Sir?”
Seth gasped. “I didn’t mean anything—”
“It’s all right, Seth. I’m messing with her.” Nate grinned.
“Oh.” He was still getting used to being around people who liked to joke about things a lot.
Tina elbowed Nate as she regarded Seth. “He’s a mess all right.”
Daddy chuckled and Seth relaxed a bit. Going out together the way they were was a great idea. He needed to get better at being in social situations, quit being so awkward and feeling as if he didn’t belong. Daddy’s mom had said she was coming to visit in the New Year, and he wanted to make a good impression.
Nate and Tina were whispering to each other. Then he reached behind her and whatever he’d done made her yelp and break out laughing. Nate regarded them.
“So, my nuts are about to freeze off and that’s one of Tina’s favorite parts of my anatomy. Whaddya say we head inside?”
Daddy grunted. “Charming. But yes, let’s do that. And we’re here early enough that it shouldn’t be too crowded yet.”
Nate hooked his arm through Tina’s. “Perfect. Then Seth can witness some of my signature dance moves and the crowds won’t be blocking his view.”
Tina snorted. “Not without a drink first.”
Nate made an exaggerated protest, huffing and tossing his head to the side. “Well! I’ve never been so insulted in my entire life.”
Daddy arched his eyebrows. “I doubt that.”
As they made their way across an empty patio to the club entrance, Seth listened to them trade mock insults back and forth. He studied their expressions after each joking comment to make sure no one appeared as if their feelings had been hurt. He wasn’t without humor, but any slur he’d ever heard uttered had been meant to wound.
They reached a velvet rope stretched between two stanchions with a large man standing behind them like a sentry. He glanced over each of them, as if assessing whether they were worthy enough to be granted passage to the interior. Daddy had explained that while Seth didn’t have to wear the racy things he’d seen on the Internet, the club did have a dress code. No athletic shoes, jeans, T-shirts or other casual wear. In other words, the only type of clothing Seth owned prior to the day’s shopping trip.
“IDs, please.” They each pulled out their cards and the burly man checked them with a tiny flashlight. “Is anyone going in the dungeon tonight?”
Seth involuntarily tensed again as Nate spoke up. He’d already told Daddy he’d decided that the dancing area was all he could handle for his first visit.
“My baby girl and I are planning to take a gander.”
The doorman plucked a stamp pad and stamp off a small podium that was also behind the rope. “No alcohol then. Hold out your hands.”
Nate rolled his eyes at Daddy then he and Tina presented their hands to be stamped.
“The cover is ten dollars for the dance club only. You’ll need to pay an additional twenty for the dungeon, and unless you’re a member you can’t participate, only watch. Understood?”
Nate gave him a hearty nod. “Understood.”
Seth sensed there was something going on he didn’t understand, but he’d wait and ask once they were all inside. The doorman regarded him and Daddy, the stamp poised to ink them as well. Daddy shook his head.
“No. Dance club only tonight. Thank you.”
They all paid their covers then were allowed past the velvet rope. The moment Daddy tugged the door open, Seth was met with the sound of thumping dance beats. They all stood aside to allow Tina through, with Nate trailing after her. Daddy gestured for Seth to go ahead and he sucked in a deep breath. This was it. A whole new world was about to be revealed to him.
Seth followed Nate and Tina down a hallway that drew them ever closer to the club’s interior, but he peered over his shoulder to make sure Daddy was close behind. They locked gazes and Daddy came up behind him, wrapping his hand around Seth’s nape in a possessive grip. Already, Seth was lost in the intensity of the evening. He couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
When they reached the end of the hall, they were funneled into an enormous darkened room filled with colorful flashing lights, deafening music and a sea of moving humanity. So much was going on at once, Seth wasn’t sure where to look. His mind was on overload and he needed Daddy to anchor him.
As if he’d read Seth’s mind, Daddy slipped an arm around his waist and directed him to the left of the entrance where Nate and Tina had also headed. A long, mirrored bar outlined with pink and purple LED lights lined the entire wall on that side. In front of the bar was a lounge area filled with black tables and chairs that struck Seth as being very modern—not like any furniture he was used being around. Each table contained a large, purple pillar candle that, upon closer inspection, was actually battery powered. Seth marveled at how realistic the flickering flame appeared.
Nate pointed to an empty table and Daddy nodded. Seth couldn’t stop trying to take in the view all at once. Even though the place was noisy and crowded, it was so interesting. So many people together laughing, drinking and dancing. Everyone having fun.
“Come on, baby. Let’s grab a seat then I’ll get us something to drink.”
Seth nodded so he wouldn’t have to shout his reply. He could see why Nate hadn’t bothered asking Daddy if he wanted them to sit at the table and had gestured instead. Daddy helped Seth take off his coat while Nate did the same for Tina. Seth quickly averted his gaze as soon as Tina’s dress wa
s revealed. The outfit she wore was cut so low and the skirt so high, he was afraid he might see something he shouldn’t.
He started at the sound of Daddy’s voice next to his ear. “If you check out what others are wearing, you’ll see that a lot of patrons—both men and women—are rather scantily clad.”
Now Seth understood why Daddy had suggested he try on the see-though shirts when they’d gone shopping. But he wasn’t about to go out in public with his nipples showing.
He regarded Daddy. “I guess it’ll take me a while to get used to it.”
Daddy held out his chair for him with a smile. “It’s that way for everyone.”
Seth sat down, with Daddy dragging his own chair close enough so they wouldn’t have to yell when they spoke to each other. Nate made a drinking motion with his hand then pointed at the bar. Daddy leaned over the table to answer Nate.
“I thought you were going to the dungeon later?”
“I’m getting us each a Red Bull.”
“Ah, gotcha. You go on ahead. I’m gonna check and see what Seth wants first.” Daddy eased back in his chair then turned to him. “Would you like to try something a bit harder tonight? Help you loosen up a bit before we hit the dance floor?”
Seth’s eyes widened. He hadn’t thought about getting a real drink. He’d assumed Daddy would get him a seltzer like usual.
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t know what to order if I did.” Then another thought occurred to him. “What if it makes me too sleepy?”
Daddy traced his fingertips along the back of Seth’s neck. He shivered from the thrill. Being touched by Daddy that way in the middle of a crowded room did something to him. Something exciting.
“Well, it’s different for everyone, but wine tends to make me drowsier than hard liquor. I’m not suggesting you go on a bender, but wondered if you’d like to give it a try since this is your first time going to a bar.”
That reminds me. Seth angled his head so he could speak right into Daddy’s ear. “How come Nate and Tina can’t drink any alcohol? Nate gave you a funny look.”
For the Love of a Boy (Father Series Book 2) Page 9