The Rules of Love (2 page)

Saul indicated for Aaron to go ahead of him and they proceeded down the long hall until they reached the round smoking room at the farthest end. It was attached to an upstairs music room. The mansion had been laid out so that many of the entertainments took place on the second floor. The first floor was kept in a pristine state of upper-class elegance, but was off-limits to the club’s participants. It was designated that way in order to maintain a degree of security. Should anyone unexpectedly show up at the front door, they wouldn’t be treated to an eyeful and possibly endanger the members.

In addition to the ballroom, music and smoking rooms, there were several large and luxurious ones that accommodated every manner of perversion. The lounge was the smallest of the rooms on the second floor—more intimate, lined in dark woods. It was used for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it was a nice place for a respite from the intensity of a night’s activities, at other times, it could be an informal and quick trysting spot.

The bedrooms with a wide variety of sadomasochistic amenities were on the third floor, along with the large den where the submissives gathered when not with their Masters. An additional den adjacent to it was where men without Masters waited to see if their services might be requested for the evening. At least once a week some sort of mixer was arranged to afford unattached Dominants and submissives the chance to mingle. Saul was proud that the club he was so closely a part of had made many successful matches.

The only cost required of anyone was a monthly fee which only the Dominant men paid. The monies were then used to offset the cost of maintaining the club. No one knew who owned the property and Saul felt it was best that way. Preserving the owner’s anonymity meant that any questions or concerns regarding how the club was run were exclusively handled by the elected board.

Had he known what Preston Cornwall was going to be like as a Master, he might have argued to the other board members that the Dominant man not be granted a membership. There was a twinge in his gut at that thought. Had he turned Preston away, Kenneth would have likely gone with him. It was a silly consideration in many ways, since he had nothing to do with the handsome young submissive. It was none of his business what went on between a Master and the lover who offered him their submission. He grimaced.

Lover.

The passion, the openness that Saul could sense from Kenneth seemed at odds with the cold, uncaring person that Saul believed Preston to be. He was conflicted. He never wanted to be a party to censuring another man’s desires and how he chose to express them. For years he’d fought to reassure others like himself to embrace rather than subjugate their needs. His involvement with the Hampton Road Club was a testament to that. But perhaps there were men, like Kenneth, who were being taken advantage of, who hadn’t agreed to what they were being subjected to. Maybe they didn’t understand that they deserved respect and love. That they mattered.

Saul and Aaron entered the smoking room, and once Aaron had stepped inside, Saul clicked the door shut behind them. No one entered or knocked on a closed door at the club unless they’d been specifically invited. Saul frowned as he considered that. It was an unspoken rule. When had that come about? Who had decided it? He wasn’t sure he could say exactly.

Saul picked up a cut glass brandy decanter then removed the stopper. He held it aloft. “Drink?”

“No, thank you. I’ll be tying up Sam later. I have some new silk scarves I’d like to try. If they’re to my liking, I’ll paint him being restrained with them.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Saul poured a small amount of the golden drink into a snifter, not bothering to go to the effort of warming it. He swirled the glass, taking his time, pondering how he wanted to bring up what was bothering him to Aaron. Had it been a year earlier, he would’ve spoken to his closest friend, Vincent Franklin, Global Studios ex-chief. But Vincent had long since moved to a ranch up north with his submissive lover. Even though they’d known one another for years, once Aaron had permanently relocated to California, Saul had then become closer to him. If he were to seek anyone’s opinion, or share concerns, it would be with Aaron.

And now Aaron has someone too.

Saul mistakenly allowed a sigh to escape his lips. He didn’t want to come across as melancholy. He had a reputation of being jovial amongst his peers, yet severe with his submissives. He also didn’t want to appear jealous.

Aaron had taken a seat in one of the wing chairs, and Saul noted that despite how relaxed his long-time friend appeared, a slight frown marred his brow as he regarded Saul. Lowering himself onto the matching chair opposite Aaron, Saul contemplated how to bring up the thoughts that had been troubling him as of late. He’d had yet to organize them, or even decide how or if he wanted to take any action in response. However, the scene with Kenneth had made up his mind.

“Out with it, Saul.” Aaron winked.

“You know me too well, old sport.” Saul took another sip of the brandy before continuing. “Have you ever hurt, or worried that you might hurt Sam—or any of the other submissive men you’ve had the pleasure of playing with?”

“I…don’t understand.” Aaron’s peaceful expression clouded. “Of course I hurt Sam. He receives either pleasure or emotional release from the pain I give him. So do I.” Aaron shifted in his seat, the look on his face growing more troubled. “I feel as if we’re about to have the same conversation that we did the night I almost let Sam slip away. You were the one who encouraged me, reminded me that the desires we all have in common here at the club are not wrong. Yet, somehow I get the impression that I might be the one doing the encouraging tonight?”

“Perhaps. But don’t misunderstand me, old sport. I wholeheartedly believe in our lifestyle, in the beauty of what we share as Dominant and submissive men.” Saul huffed. “As a matter of fact, the relationships we forge typically have a stronger bond than what is considered to be normal.”

“Then what is it that’s bothering you?”

He needed to be careful how he expressed his worries to Aaron. There was a fair chance that his new resolve had been greatly influenced by how closely he’d been keeping an eye on Preston and Kenneth.

If I’m being honest with myself—how closely I’ve been watching
Kenneth
.

The urge for a cigar overtook his thoughts and he distracted himself from answering Aaron’s question for the moment by retrieving a fine Cuban stogie from the brass humidor that boasted an intricate design of a Chinese dragon. He busied himself with cutting and lighting the cigar and attempted to ignore the heat of the glare he imagined Aaron must be directing at him.

“So, is there a reason I sent my sweet boy away from me so that we could speak alone?”

Saul had barely had the opportunity to suck in a good lungful of smoke and he’d already had enough. He laid the cigar in the matching crystal ashtray.

“You’re right, old sport. Please forgive me.” He rubbed his forehead, his fifty-three years taunting him as if they were actually a hundred. After taking a deep breath, he continued. “I don’t care for the way in which Preston treats Kenneth. He’s more than harsh, more than severe. In my opinion, many of his actions are cruel.”

“Saul…”

“Take this evening, for instance. How could Kenneth cry mercy when his ability to verbalize was taken away?”

“Yes, but—”

“How do we even know if any of the severe beatings Preston gives Kenneth are ones he’s agreed to? There’s absolutely nothing we can say about it on behalf of the club because there are no rules in place. What if a man were to be deliberately injured here? What then?” Saul gestured with his hands, palms up. “We certainly can’t bring in the authorities now, can we?” He took a deep breath as he tried to contain the whirlwind of thoughts that had come tumbling from his mouth. “I’ve been a fool. I have a responsibility—
we
have a responsibility—to ensure that the submissive men who come through our doors can give of themselves freely and know that they will be safe. Cherished.” Saul crossed his arms across his chest defiantly.

“May I interject?”

“Of course. That’s why I wanted to speak with you privately. I’m…I’m overcome with worry.”

The look on Aaron’s face was one of obvious compassion. “Saul. Kenneth is Preston’s boy.”

Saul couldn’t hide his reaction to Aaron’s words, the frustration very likely apparent to his friend. He needed Aaron to understand that his concern was genuine and not exclusively due to his feelings for Kenneth.

I don’t have feelings for him. I’m merely watching out for the willing men who patronize Hampton Road to get their needs met. That’s all.

He inwardly cringed at what he knew at the very least was a partial lie. Never before had he asked himself if the other submissive men were being abused. He’d enjoyed the various demonstrations, he’d heard the discussions between the Masters of what their favorite forms of either punishment or discipline were and he’d witnessed the welts, bruises and brands on the flesh of the willing participants.

It wasn’t until Kenneth had come along that he’d questioned whether a submissive wasn’t as willing as Saul had always assumed they were. If Kenneth truly desired what Preston did to him then he knew it was none of his business. But if he was being coerced in any way… Saul couldn’t bear the thought. Kenneth was a magnificent specimen of a man. Not only was he lovely in form, but his chiseled features and soft hazel eyes exuded an interesting combination of strength and an eagerness to please. Saul was startled to awareness as his cock hardened at the thought of Kenneth aching to please him through his unrestrained surrender.

Jesus.

Regardless, he needed Aaron to understand that it didn’t matter whether he was asking because of Kenneth, only that he was asking at all.

“Old sport, I am painfully aware that Kenneth belongs to another man. I would do anything for that not to be the case.”

Saul held Aaron’s gaze in the hopes that his friend would understand the intent of his words.

“However, that’s not why I’m bringing this to your attention.” He drew in a deep breath. “This club means everything to me. It’s been my safe haven and I know it’s been that for you as well. What would we do if there wasn’t a place for us to gather and enjoy the delicious gifts the submissive men who come here offer us? Within these mansion walls we have the freedom to indulge our darkest urges without fear of arrest or even derision from fellow lovers of men who don’t understand our needs.” Saul brought his voice lower. “Would we lose all of that because we allowed a man with no conscience and a black heart to destroy a beautiful submissive in either body or soul? You know, there are other newer, initiates who are swayed by Preston’s declarations of grandeur. Have you thought what would happen if the club were to be overrun by Masters who thought nothing of hurting their partners in ways they hadn’t agreed to, or who consistently ignored their pleas for mercy to the point of permanent injury?”

Saul cleared his throat and turned away. It was difficult to read Aaron’s schooled expression. He’d held Saul’s gaze, hadn’t backed down. But Aaron’s years of Domination and control had served him well. He was an expert at concealing his inner emotions.

“I know you’re newly involved in the club board, it’s only been a little over a year. You’re a good fellow, Aaron, I’ve always believed that. And to see how you’ve trained then loved your sweet boy has only reinforced my positive opinion of you as a Master. It is with that knowledge of your character that I bring these concerns to you.” Saul faced Aaron again and locked eyes. “I need your objective thoughts as to what we should do.”

At last Aaron’s façade crumbled somewhat. He released a mournful sigh. “I think my little Sam may have to be bound another night. As it turns out, I’ll be needing that brandy after all.”

* * * *

Kenneth stifled a groan as Master Preston undid the strips that held his wrists captive. It was the last thing his Master needed to remove before he was dragged to whatever unpleasant thing Preston had planned for him next. Desperately trying to remain alert, despite the growing hurt coursing through his body, he didn’t dare indicate he was suffering in any way. The slightest hint of a complaint or show of any weakness would only result in an agonizing retribution. He had to remain still, had to behave.

Ronald never told me I was weak.

His first lover and Master had always held him after he’d gifted Kenneth with his sadistic blows. He would stay with him throughout the aftermath of all they’d experienced with one another. Ronald’s soothing words, gentle touches and soft kisses would bring him back from wherever he’d floated to—brought him back to that place where they were simply two men bound together through their love and shared perversions. He’d always been able to count on Ronald’s unwavering devotion and care.

“Don’t you dare flinch or make the slightest sound unless you want to spend the night chained naked in the shed.”

The stench of the hooch emanating from Preston was strong, the heat from his acrid breath fanning the side of his neck. But it was his tone that was the most chilling. Evenly controlled, almost calming in nature, it had fooled more than one Dominant as being non-threatening. Hell, it had fooled Kenneth for a long time, until he’d discovered the awful truth.

Only a few years before, Kenneth had ached for Preston’s attentions, craved his closeness, his touch. Gradually, as Preston had become increasingly more brutal in both his words and actions, Kenneth had been grateful for the other lovers Preston had taken. That way he wouldn’t have to be subjected to intimacies from a man he’d fallen out of love with. Once Preston realized that he could no longer torture Kenneth emotionally by flaunting his much younger lovers in front of him, he’d found other ways to make him hurt—to make him pay.

I wish I could figure out what it is I’m supposed to be paying for.

Kenneth cried out as Preston twisted one of his arms behind him. A few of the men lingering nearby after watching the show glanced in their direction before turning back to chatting with the other club members. Preston pinched the flesh of the inside of his upper arms so hard that it brought tears to Kenneth’s eyes.