Hearts Under Fire (8 page)

“Just a second,” Daniel said, one hand lightly brushing Clark’s arm. “I see one of my clients. I can ask his dom if I can speak to him, can’t I?”

Clark paused and carefully stepped away from Daniel’s touch as he spied the only dom and sub couple nearby. Clark racked his brain for a moment and came up with the sub’s name -- Peter -- who was on a leash attached to Rhys Croft’s wrist. Peter was in harness, with his hands fastened to his lower back, probably filled from how he was walking, but not gagged.

A foul taste spilled into Clark’s mouth as he eyed Rhys, but he merely nodded at Daniel.

“Yes,” Clark said, seeing that the two men weren’t involved in anything more serious than chatting. He looked at Rhys and decided to stick with Daniel. Rhys could be a little territorial. “Don’t look at your client until the dom gives the okay to chat,” Clark cautioned.

“Right.” Daniel walked over to the pair, and Peter’s eyes widened. Rhys stopped and gazed at the professor, assessing and measuring. Rhys’ eyes were the color of old bourbon in the club light, and Clark worked hard not to betray his distaste as he sauntered forward, eyes on Rhys, who was utterly focused on the interloper.

“Rhys,” Clark said evenly, watching Daniel instead of the brown-haired man.

Rhys merely glanced at Clark and grunted, and Clark wasn’t surprised. They’d never gotten along; Rhys was under the impression that the right coaxing would land Clark in Rhys’ bed.

Clark -- who usually wasn’t terribly picky about bedmates when it came to one-night stands -- would rather coat himself in honey and lie in a nest of fire ants than give Rhys more than bare civility.

“Hello,” the professor spoke up. “I’m Daniel Germain, and I was wondering if I might have permission to speak to your sub?”

“Wawl, isn’t that sweet? You ask so nicely.” The drawl seemed friendly, but Rhys’ smile was cold, and he yanked on the leash to bring Peter close to him. Daniel’s face stayed impassive, and he hid fists behind his back.

“There’s someone that’d rather speak with you than me,” Rhys said. “Shall I let him?”

Peter kept his eyes down. “As you wish, Sir.”

“Wawl, given that little Peter here’s let it be up to me...” The drawl hesitated, drew out, and Clark rolled his eyes at the play on anticipation. Daniel waited, patient as the sea, and Clark felt an inexplicable burble of pride.

“... all right, but he stays right here.” Another jerk on the leash, and Peter stumbled forward. “No touching, but he can look at you if you want him ta.”

“No problem.” Daniel turned toward Peter, and Clark casually stepped around in front of Rhys with a wolf’s smile; he wanted to hear Daniel talk to Peter. Rhys glared at him, but Clark put his hands behind his back and blinked innocently at Rhys.

“Look up,” Daniel commanded. Clark watched Peter’s entire expression change as he looked at Daniel. The pretty blue eyes went from wild to calm. Clark’s breathing grew shallow because something about the tone in Daniel’s voice -- the tenderness there, the soft pitch -- made him think --

“Look at me, Sergeant. Tell me what you see.”

-- of things best left dead. Clark shook his head and forced his spine straight and mind blank. He even kept his lack of expression when Peter looked deliberately at him and then back to Daniel, one pale eyebrow raised in question.

“I’m here on an invitation to check this place out. I like it, but it can be a little scary,” Daniel said, his eyes intent on Peter.

Rhys let loose a hearty laugh, and Peter shook his head at Daniel, a tiny jerk. Clark breathed an inward sigh of relief; at least the guy knew what he’d signed up for when he agreed to a night with Rhys.

“Enjoy yourself,” Daniel said, and got a quirk of Peter’s lips. Then he looked at Rhys. “Thank you. I appreciate the permission.”

“Anythin’ to help out a chil’ frightened by his elders.” The smirk was self-satisfied, and Clark turned smartly and watched the pair leave, mind rolling around in too many directions at once. He really -- really -- wanted a drink.

“Rhys can be an ass, but he won’t hurt Peter,” Clark said without looking at Daniel. What he didn’t say was that he kept tabs on Rhys. Even though a background investigation could check out and gain someone membership at Break, that certainly didn’t mean Clark liked everyone he approved.

Or left them alone once they were through the doors.

“I imagine he will give Peter some pain,” Daniel said mildly. “Peter wouldn’t go to him, otherwise. Peter’s more self-destructive than I like, but I’ve managed to channel it into activities of lower risk and less humiliation than he thinks he wants. Still, you’re probably right; Rhys is unlikely to go past Peter’s limits.

“It’s good, though, that you seem to despise Rhys nearly as much as I do,” Daniel added with a chuckle.

Clark grunted and spoke without considering his words. “He likes to think he can entice anyone. Tried it on me more than once.” He sighed. “Anyway, Peter’ll be fine. Rhys obeys the limits of contracts in regards to physical pain. He’s a bastard but not a monster.”

“Well, Peter thought as much, so I can let it go.” Daniel’s voice was soft and thoughtful. It made Clark nervous.

“You were going to take me where again?” Daniel asked.

“To meet Tristan,” Clark answered, gaze catching Daniel’s for a second before sliding away. Tristan and Adam were still talking, and while Clark watched, Adam brought his cuffed wrists up as he laughed at something Tristan whispered in his ear.

“This way,” Clark said to Daniel, forcing himself to walk instead of stalk.

Chapter 5

Tristan was a slight man with dark hair and eyes. A carefully structured goatee circled his mouth and outlined his jaw, and he always looked ready to burst into laughter. He barely cleared five-six, but sheer force of personality let him fill a room. Tonight he wore a black shirt, maroon vest with a pocket chain, and plain black pants. He looked like an extra from a Victorian movie rather than a man more than happy to take a crop to a sub’s ass until it damn near bled.

Adam was also a slender man with dark hair, but his eyes were startling blue. His skin was pale, not a line in sight, and Clark liked that Adam was the sort always comfortable in his surroundings.

Even when he wore little more than a scrap of fabric and a pair of chain-linked leather cuffs.

“Clark!” Tristan bellowed in a deep voice. “Was wondering when you’d get your ass over here and say, ‘Hi!”

Clark stepped forward and embraced Tristan. “Showing a new guy around; we got a little lost over on Rhys row.”

Tristan rolled his eyes and turned to size up Daniel. He grinned, showing teeth stained from too much wine and coffee, and held out his hand. “Tristan.”

“Daniel.” Daniel grinned and took the proffered hand. “How do you like it here?”

“Oh, he likes it dark and moaning, but it’s early yet,” Clark joked.

Tristan laughed, and Adam shook his head, hair falling across his forehead in a very fetching way.

“He knows me,” Tristan said with a smile, before turning it on Daniel. “I like it very much. Been with the club practically since it opened its doors. The men run a good place.”

Adam cleared his throat and didn’t even try to make it subtle. Clark hid a grin.

Tristan petted the back of Adam’s head. “And this is Adam. He’s insolent, irritating, and a drama queen, but he loves to get his ass spanked, so what can one do? Say hello to the nice man, son.”

Adam went up on his knees and twisted his hands to offer one to Daniel. “Pleasure to meet you, Sir.” His voice was a pleasant tenor, and he met Daniel’s eyes with a keen gaze.

The tension drained out of Daniel’s shoulders, and he smiled in delight at Adam, taking the boy’s hand firmly in his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Adam grinned and gained a mischievous look that Clark recognized. “Master Tristan, you officially have competition for the evening.”

“Imagine,” Tristan said drolly. “You? Like the pretty, dark man? Well, I never...”

Adam stuck his tongue out at Tristan and looked back at Daniel. “Be happy to be of service, Master Daniel.”

Daniel turned to Tristan. “I was thinking of just watching and learning how things work around here. And I wouldn’t want to get in the way, but this is awfully tempting.”

Tristan chuckled and nodded. “Oh yes. Lord knows we understand Adam and his brand of tempting.”

Clark kept the smile on his face and told himself firmly that what he felt was neither jealousy nor a vague sense of loss. Feeling such things was insane and utterly not allowed.

The fuck, Clark, really?

“Adam was just good enough to offer to keep me company for a while,” Tristan said. “I’ve got no claim on him, other than what I thought was a heartfelt friendship.” He sighed with false longing.

“I’m a fickle bitch,” Adam said, with a wrinkled nose and lick of his lips. Tristan laughed again, and Daniel joined him.

“Hm... I guess the best way to learn is to try things out with proper guidance.” Daniel glanced at Clark. “Besides, I’m sure Clark would like a chance to assess my abilities while I work.”

Clark chose not to comment, but his gut tightened.

“You two all right with helping out a new guy?” Daniel asked. “Well... new to this place, not new to the Scene. I have some spanking experience, mostly by hand and some with paddles.”

“Oh, we’re
very
happy to help,” Adam said emphatically.

“Refrain from eating the patrons alive, Adam,” Clark joked, and Adam covered his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Spoilsport,” Adam muttered, and then his eyes met Daniel’s. “I’m easy,” he said. “You will be ‘Master’ or ‘Sir’ to me, as you prefer.”

“And I’m just ‘Tristan,’” the man interrupted.

Adam nodded. “Paddling’s fantastic -- your hand would be delicious.” Adam paused as if distracted on that point, but then continued. “Or you can use Tristan’s toys. He’ll let you because I’ll let him play, too.”

“Such a giving little thing,” Tristan interjected. “But yes -- you can help yourself.” He nodded toward a golf bag leaning against a chair.

“Safewords are simple: yellow and red. Green if you want to check in with me, and I’m good to go. Touching’s fine, kissing’s better, but if you want to feel me on the inside, there’s latex and lube under that table.” Adam pointed and grinned at Daniel. “And if your aim is to get me off,” he purred, “they’ll come in handy.”

Tristan laughed. “Let no man ever accuse you of being less than eager, boy.”

“Indeed,” Adam agreed, eyes flashing. “And I can tell you what I’d love for you to do to me, or you can decide for me, Master Daniel.” Adam lowered his eyes and slid to the floor with a sinuous movement. He knelt back on his heels and leaned to brush his lips lightly over the back of Daniel’s hand. The professor stroked Adam’s jaw, under his ear, and into the dark hair. Daniel’s grip tightened, and Adam shivered.

Daniel smiled and let go to stroke Adam’s hair. “I always like knowing what you’d love for me to do. I think, however, that Tristan and I will do what we wish to you. Thank you for the safewords, those are easy for me. As for ‘Sir’ or ‘Master’...”

Clark took a deep breath and froze as Daniel’s eyes caught his, an unidentifiable expression on Daniel’s face. “I’d prefer ‘Sir’ for now. It’s been a long time since I’ve owned anyone,” Daniel said softly. Unable to hold the gaze, Clark looked anywhere but at Daniel.

“Happy to serve, Sir,” Adam replied, rubbing his face against Daniel’s leg.

Tristan crossed his arms. “Oh, I do love it when a night turns more interesting than I expected.”

Clark forced a chuckle. His heart thudded loudly in his ears, and he felt the fringes of old panic flutter in his chest. He ignored the sensation -- he had to get through another hour or so, at least. Otherwise people would wonder why he left, maybe worry that he was sick. The last thing Clark wanted was questions.

Lost in thought, Clark didn’t noticed that Daniel had approached him until they stood practically nose-to-nose.

“Thank you,” Daniel said softly, and leaned closer until Clark could feel the heat coming off Daniel’s body. Just for Clark’s ear, Daniel murmured, “I now know what you meant about Adam. This should be a lot fun. You look like you’d rather be anywhere but around me, but I thought I’d ask if you wanted to join us.”

Clark’s heart sank into his gut with leaden force, and he heard a noise in his ears like a gunshot but knew it wasn’t real. Someone laughed nearby, and it made him want to flinch, but he didn’t. The music that was previously beneath Clark’s notice flooded over him and made him want to snarl.

He smells so damned -- No. Just no. And call him on the goddamned observation that you don’t want to be nearby. Damnit, Clark. Damn. It.

Clark did not lean closer to Daniel, tilt his head, or do much of anything except stand like a statue. He would have felt proud of his lack of reaction if he wasn’t kicking himself so hard for needing to channel such focus at such a high price. Thinking of the color blue, Clark took a small step to the side, head turning toward Daniel and mouth curving in a practiced smirk.

“Wouldn’t want to crowd your fun, Professor,” Clark said, voice a low rumble to match Daniel’s. “Don’t want you thinking you owe me anything for the night. Go. Enjoy Adam. I have.”

Daniel’s brow furrowed in a flicker of what Clark thought might be frustration. He looked up, and Clark was caught by the hurt, longing, and desire in Daniel’s eyes. His lips parted, and for one insane nanosecond, Clark wanted to apologize.

Why does he look so --?

Confusion swirled in Clark’s gut, and his hand twisted into a loose fist.

“Excuse me... Clark?” a soft voice said from behind Daniel. But Clark didn’t move, rooted to the spot by Daniel.

Daniel was not similarly affected, however, and he turned and stepped away. A man stood nearby, wearing camouflage pants and nothing else. Orange-red hair stuck out in all directions, and red curls covered his chest. Both nipples were pierced, as were his lips and ears, and his eyes were pale in the light. Freckles covered his face and arms, and he ducked his head when Clark acknowledged him.

“Ellis,” Clark said in a shaky breath. “Good to see you.”

The man relaxed a fraction at the greeting. “You, too. Sorry... didn’t mean to... uh...” He glanced at Daniel and then back at Clark.

“You didn’t,” Clark said immediately, stepping farther away from Daniel and trying not to feel relief for it. “Daniel was just inviting me to some fun with Adam and Tristan, but...” He shrugged one shoulder, as if to say something else came up. In truth, the sight of Ellis made Clark feel even more tired and confused. And angry.

“We were about done anyway,” Daniel said smoothly, and the words sank like marbles into Clark’s guts. Feeling no fewer than four sets of eyes on him, Clark made himself relax and shove thoughts of Daniel away. He smiled warmly at Ellis and reached out a hand, inviting the redhead closer.

“Haven’t seen you in a while,” Clark said, as Ellis flashed a smile and walked to him. Clark slid one hand around the back of Ellis’ neck and squeezed, and the redhead tentatively leaned toward Clark.

“Thirsty?” Clark asked in Ellis’ ear.

“Yes, Sir,” Ellis said softly.

Clark smiled. Ellis was a nice kid, but he liked Clark far more than the reverse, so Clark kept their interaction light and simple; no muss, no fuss. He thanked the stars that, while Ellis might be disappointed when Clark declined to play after they caught up with one another, Ellis would still go and find someone else. Ellis was attracted but not attached.

Tonight, that suited Clark even more than usual.

***

Daniel observed the exchange between Clark and the redhead. Ellis’ uncertainty was painful to watch, especially so close to Adam’s exuberance and balance with Tristan. He took another two steps back and calmed himself before walking back to the pair. “I guess it’s just us, then.”

“So ‘tis,” Tristan agreed and caught Daniel’s gaze. “Clark’s... good at finding ways to distract himself.” Tristan ran his hand lower to caress the side of Adam’s face, and the young man sighed, leaning to bare a pale throat.

“I just wish I knew what he was distracting himself from,” Daniel said with an exasperated sigh. He dropped into a crouch behind Adam to run his hands down Adam’s back and lightly drag his nails up the smooth skin.

Adam made a quiet sound and arched his spine into Daniel’s touch. “Feels nice, Sir,” he whispered, and Daniel smiled at him.

“Old things,” Tristan said, tilting Adam’s head up to run his thumb over the pretty boy’s lower lip. “That he keeps to himself,” Tristan added, voice thoughtful while he caressed Adam.

Daniel nodded and was suddenly sure that, even as practiced and good as these two were, he wasn’t going to talk to them about Clark. Instead, he stroked down to Adam’s ass, pressing thumbs along the taut muscles and mapping where he’d be able to spank Adam to best effect.

Adam’s breathing picked up speed, and Tristan went to one knee in front of Adam. “I think Daniel here’s going to give you exactly what you want, boy,” Tristan murmured while his thumb stroked over a pale pink nipple.

“Yes, Sir,” Adam said, voice breathy.

“Hmmm? Not ‘Master’ Tristan, now that you’re all distracted, sweet?” Tristan pinched the nipple with a sudden press of skin, and Adam jerked.

“Sorry, Master.” Adam sounded more aroused than contrite, but Tristan just chuckled.

“It’s probably good for both of you to know that I’m entirely new to doing this on a stage in front of people,” Daniel said. “I figure if I just focus on what Adam needs, it’ll help. I’d also really like it, Tristan, if you’d correct me if you see me going astray.” Daniel laughed. “I’m bad at obeying but good at learning.”

Tristan smiled at Daniel, the expression wolfish. “That’s easy enough. I think I’d quite enjoy the show. Adam is the consummate professional.” Tristan paused to squeeze both a nipple and Adam’s chin, and the boy squirmed nicely. “But I’m happy to stick nearby and teach if it’s needed. You’re surrounded by many pairs of good hands.”

“I’m enjoying you working him in front, while I’m...” Daniel’s right hand slid forward along the cloth just barely covering Adam’s crotch, until he could cup and then gently grip the bump of Adam’s balls. “...working back here.”

“
Oooh
yes, Sir and Master, please...” Adam’s spine curved in an arch, head back toward Daniel, chest toward Tristan, and knees spreading wider.

Tristan chuckled evilly and bent to press a very light kiss to the front of Adam’s throat. “Oh, I think we could make this work,” he said, tone nonchalant as his other hand came up to stroke Adam’s arm.

Around the men, the lights dimmed and the white spotlight over the play area gradually faded to blue. Interested patrons gathered at the tall tables near the catwalk, one of the best vantage points for enjoying the show. Beyond the main stage, someone cried out in earnest, and Daniel looked up to see Ellis walking away from a stiff-backed Clark. Since Clark wasn’t watching, Daniel put the bartender out of his mind and turned all his focus on Adam.

When the boy arched again, Daniel murmured, “Nice.” He moved forward, keeping his right hand on Adam’s balls as his left grabbed a hip bone. Daniel pressed his chest against the sub’s back. He kissed and let the edge of his teeth scrape along Adam’s shoulder, each kiss moving toward Adam’s throat.

Adam bit his lip and let his head fall to the side. Tristan let his hands travel down to Adam’s thighs, squeezing. “So hard already, boy. Hm. Maybe
not
such the professional tonight, then. More just a pretty sub playing to our mercy?” The lilt in Tristan’s voice made the words playful, but the husk of the tone made them a teasing taunt. Adam shivered.