The Rules of Love (3 page)

Through clenched teeth, Preston growled out a warning, “Don’t draw attention, you weak, pathetic man.”

“Please…”

The word had escaped from his mouth unbidden. There was no taking it back, no apology that would mollify his torturer. Once Kenneth had realized that Preston not only didn’t love him any more—if he ever had—but was only interested in abusing his body whether Kenneth enjoyed it or not, he’d refused to think of him as his Master any longer.

Even though Ronald had been a loving Master, it still hadn’t been easy. He had taken Kenneth to unexpected heights through his expert use of tools that punished. But it had been worth every bruise, mark and tear. He’d never experienced such an all-encompassing love. Wrongly believing it would be like that with every Master who shared Kenneth’s need for more extreme beatings, he’d allowed himself to be taken in by Preston’s lies. He’d believed what he had promised.

Preston continued to shove him forward by holding on to his wrist still viciously held behind his back. His arm was flush against his sweaty, stinging flesh, and the typical numbness he would employ to distance himself from what was being thrust on him washed over his body. It was a shield that became stronger every year that he remained in Preston’s clutches. It protected his heart, but it couldn’t save him from his physical sufferings. It was all the more tragic since being beaten had always been such a joy for him. But the sensation of being free that he’d experienced with Ronald had eluded him ever since Preston had become more detached and hateful.

They left the grand ballroom then turned down the hall to what Kenneth assumed would be one of the rooms Preston had reserved for the night. They rarely went to the bedrooms upstairs. Those were undoubtedly too nice, too personal. What Preston required could be had in one of the places set aside for harder players.

“Master Preston, your presentation was rather intense this evening.”

They halted abruptly and Preston jerked back on his arm to keep him in place. Kenneth thought he might recognize the voice of the man speaking, but he didn’t even dare to peek up through his lashes to verify his suspicions. Somehow Preston would know and Kenneth would only be sorry.

“Yes. I apologize for his behavior.”

“His…?”

There was an odd silence and Kenneth chanced a quick look. He’d been correct in his assumption that it was Thomas, a Dominant who appeared to be at least ten years younger than him. He’d heard that the friendly Thomas was a newer member and didn’t seem to have a boy of his own.

Neither does Master Saul.

He swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus his stray thoughts back on the awkward scene that appeared to be unfolding.

“Yes, yes. His obviously defiant actions. It’s an embarrassment.”

Preston dug his fingernails into the sensitive inside area of his upper arm even harder as he continued to pinch the thin skin. Kenneth’s eyes watered more, a sweat breaking out on his upper lip. One tear trailed down his cheek. There wasn’t the slightest chance he could stop it.

An uneasy chuckle sounded from Thomas. “I was actually quite impressed. He’s so strong and beautiful. I would think you would be proud. I’ve never witnessed anyone take a harsher punishment without begging for mercy.”

Preston let out a grunt that was akin to disgust. “As if I would allow him the chance. He’s much too weak for that. I make sure he knows he can never request mercy. Why, he’d ask for it all the time! No, he’s not allowed to make one sound and is required to submit to me, regardless of what I do.” Preston jerked his arm. “And still he defies me with his cries that are like what an infant would make.”

“Uh…I see.” Thomas cleared his throat. “I suppose if that’s what you have both agreed upon then you would know best.”

Preston let out a hearty laugh that always made Kenneth cringe. It had a chilling quality to it, as if Preston were a madman about to be unleashed.

“I’m the Master, am I not? Of course I know best. Now if you will excuse me, I have another much more striking and younger man who awaits. Good evening to you.”

It seemed as if Preston hadn’t waited for a response. Instead, he yanked Kenneth down the hallway once again. Kenneth hadn’t been able to see Thomas’ reaction, but he fantasized the way he always did around good people that the kind Master would be struck with horror and revulsion at what he’d witnessed. That Thomas would intervene on his behalf by alerting Master Saul to his terrible circumstances—then he would be rescued from Preston’s never-ending abuse.

He had to quit allowing himself to be filled with so much emotion. His lip quivered as the one truth of Preston’s assessment of him ate at his gut. Kenneth knew he was weak. In no way was he strong the way Master Thomas had said. He enjoyed pain, had always been grateful for its administration at Ronald’s hand, so in his mind that meant nothing. It was his inability to fight Preston, to escape him. If he were truly brave, he would get away then protect his beloved aunt, who Preston continuously threatened.

If you so much as act as if you might leave, I will torture then kill her while you watch. You’re my property to do with as I wish.

Kenneth cut off a sob, but was too late to stop it from being heard. Preston wrenched his arm and a sharp pain in his shoulder alerted him that his muscles had been pulled too harshly. No doubt he would be feeling it for days, but he hoped that it wouldn’t interfere with any of Preston’s punishments or other planned activities. Then he would pay even dearer.

They reached the door of Preston’s usual room to tryst in and after opening it, he pushed him inside. Finally freed from Preston’s painful grasp, he stumbled then caught himself. He gazed around the dim room. Preston’s most recent favorite toy lay prostrate on the floor with his nose in the plush Oriental carpet. Kenneth stood completely still, waiting for instructions. He knew better than to say even one word.

“Ah, Linus. You are quite the lovely one.” Preston made sure to direct his remarks to Kenneth. “Young. Exquisitely fair. Lean and delicate. So unlike…others.”

It was a ritual they went through. It was the one time when Preston demanded that Kenneth look him in the eyes. The whole interaction was a way for Preston to set the scene where he could fuck who he truly desired and could humiliate Kenneth with his hurtful words at the same time. It was difficult to discern which act gave Preston the most pleasure. He suspected it was a combination of both. He knew that Kenneth no longer cared if he took other men, but Preston could still wound him in other ways.

“Fix us a drink, Kenneth. I want my delightful companion for the evening to enjoy himself to the fullest.” The warm smile that had briefly crossed his face changed into a scowl. “And for heaven’s sakes, do put on some clothing. I don’t want my view of Linus to be spoiled and there’s certainly no other reason for you to be nude right now. I brought up your underthings when I claimed the room. I don’t want any blood on your regular garments.”

Without hesitation, Kenneth did Preston’s bidding. It was true that Preston controlled all of his actions, made all of his decisions. Under completely different circumstances, Kenneth would have gladly given his submission. It was what he’d enjoyed with Ronald. Without love, it was agonizing.

But in his
mind
, Kenneth could live whatever life he chose. In his fantasies, he was cherished and loved. He gave of himself freely, allowed his body to be used however his lover wanted because he knew he would be fulfilled. As Kenneth poured the brandy for Preston and Linus, he found himself completely absorbed in his thoughts to the point where he could almost feel real happiness.

He wasn’t sure when the imaginary relationship had begun to star the same man he wished was his Dominant. As always, his partner was a striking, silver-haired gentleman who was about fifteen to twenty years older than him. He was tall, broad-shouldered with a trim waist and flat belly. The deep blue eyes set in his handsome face were filled with mirth. Kenneth had seen those same eyes radiating a severity that made Kenneth’s knees weak.

It wasn’t wise for Kenneth to fixate on that one image, to wish for someone like that.

No. Not
like
that. Like
him
.

The Master Kenneth wished for wasn’t one he’d made up. He was very real. The one Kenneth dreamed of was right there at the Hampton Road club. He was Master Saul.

Chapter Two

“Another drink, old sport?”

Aaron nodded and held up his snifter. “Thank you, Saul.” After his glass was filled halfway, Aaron took a healthy swallow before setting his brandy down on the cherry wood side table. “You know, I do believe we need to bring in the other board members on this.”

“Agreed, but we’d better do it fast. Elections will be coming up soon and it’s obvious in the way that Preston has been courting favor with the new members that he intends to throw his hat in.”

“Hmm. This is troubling, at best.”

A light knock sounded at the door. Saul shrugged his shoulders then moved to answer it.

“Thomas, do come in. Were you expecting us, or were you hoping for more interesting company?”

“I promise I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I heard you mention to Aaron that you wanted to have a smoke. I know you well enough since relocating here that smoking for you is another way of saying that you have something serious on your mind.”

Saul chuckled. “It would seem that I wasn’t as quiet as I’d imagined.”

“You were quiet enough, but I was seated right near you.” Thomas winked. “Aaron was so enraptured with his boy and you were so focused on the demonstration… Well, at least one
participant
in the demonstration, that I’m sure neither of you were aware that I was even there.”

Saul worked to keep his expression even. He wasn’t ready to face the true nature of his feelings toward Kenneth, but if both Aaron
and
Thomas could tell that he had more than a passing interest in the submissive, what might Preston have noticed? Regardless of how Saul felt about the snake, he didn’t peg him as a dolt.

“You are ever observant Thomas, one of the attributes I’ve always appreciated in you.”

A cloud passed over Thomas’ expression that caused gooseflesh to rise on Saul’s arms.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything, because there’s something else I observed that greatly concerns me. Would you both indulge me for a moment?”

“Of course, old sport. We’re both having a spot of brandy. Care to join us?”

Thomas nodded, the grim look on his face not dissipating. “Yes, thank you. I believe I need one right about now.”

After he’d poured his friend a drink and they’d all taken their seats, Saul listened in growing horror at the scene Thomas described that had transpired between him and Preston. What felt like a fist wrapped around his heart as he thought about what Kenneth might be enduring at Preston’s hand.

No recourse, nothing.

In his mind he frantically ran through any possible reason he could use to interfere in Preston and Kenneth’s relationship. At the core of the entire issue was the fact that the Hampton Road Club had always been a place where men could practice their sadomasochistic and other tendencies without any reproach. The entire reason Saul had been involved in the club from the beginning was his strong belief that men such as him should have that safe haven. He would be going against his own philosophy if he were to intervene.

He started from the gentle weight of Aaron’s hand on his. “How are you faring, Saul?”

Saul grunted. He was hardly the one that needed reassuring. “Based on what Thomas has observed and what I’ve suspected all along, the more appropriate question would be, how is poor Kenneth faring?”

Aaron removed his hand, but remained leaning forward in his chair. “We need to make sure our emotions don’t color our perception of this situation. It’s no different than working with a submissive man. We can’t lose control—it only confuses matters, causes chaos.” Aaron rubbed his brow. “I assume Preston was photographed in the same manner as all new arrivals?”

“Of course, old sport.”

Anyone wishing entry to the club agreed to be photographed in a compromising position before ever being allowed inside. It prevented the merely curious or the faint of heart from reporting back to the authorities or causing any other trouble.

Aaron nodded. “Then I think we move forward with what you suggested. Let’s gather the board members together before the elections and see if we can’t get some sort of mutual agreement in regard to what is acceptable behavior when men play at the club.”

Saul glanced between his two good friends. He noted Thomas’ frown.

“Did you want to add anything to that, Thomas?”

“I’m surprised at how conflicted I am.”

“Oh?”

Saul had met Thomas through Aaron and had come to greatly respect the young Dominant. He’d been instrumental in helping with the scheme that had set Sam free from his bully of a father’s clutches. He knew Thomas possessed a good heart.

“Yes. I was repulsed by the interaction I had with Preston, and am worried over Kenneth’s well-being too, but I don’t want restrictions placed on men’s desires either. I don’t need to explain to either of you how deeply we’ve had to live in the shadows, how much fear has ruled our lives when it comes to indulging in our pleasures. What if prescribing a set of rules reduces us back to that state where we all judge and try to govern one another’s urges?”

Saul groaned. Thomas had a point. “Fucking hell. I don’t know.” He met Thomas’ eyes. “What if we at least discuss it with the others? I think I can assume that we can all agree that if anyone—whether we’re speaking of Kenneth or not—is being forced into something they don’t want, then that alone would be worth debating. Am I correct?”

Thomas nodded again. “Correct. I don’t want you to think I’m a heartless fiend, Saul. I’ve merely been witness to some horrible consequences when men close to me were punished by those who didn’t agree with the way they expressed their love.” His voice hitched. “I…I don’t want to be a party to anything such as that.”