Constant, page 4
“He’s a walking wet dream,” Roddy said finally. “But I bet you didn’t want to know that.”
“I don’t care. If you’re happy and getting what you need, then I’m good. I just want the broadcasts to get back to the high level we used to be known for—nothing against you. You’re working with a staff that’s less than cooperative and doing the best you can. It’s natural you’d need a place to blow off steam. If a little slap and tickle gets you there, then cool.” Tory stood and wiped his hands on his jeans legs. “Well, be safe and keep it on the down-low. I haven’t had any issues—other than Macklin and Cardin having big-ass mouths—but you never know. I won’t tell because it’s none of my business, but seriously, man, have fun with dream guy.”
“Thanks.” Roddy stood and rounded his desk. He shook hands with Tory. “You’ve put me at ease.”
“I’m a bad person to ask. I have negative feelings. Does everyone who goes to Darkness dislike the place? No, or they wouldn’t still be in business.” Tory put both hands in the air. “I know—still not reassurance. You know my preventative speech. I’m sure this Vegas is good for you—unless there’s something I should know?”
“I’ve had all positive experiences there.” Roddy folded his arms and widened his stance. “The reason I asked you about the place was that I saw you there one time. I never said anything because it wasn’t my place to talk about it.”
“The night he and I tried to help him heal. We haven’t been back.”
“Understandable. Since my experiences have been good, I wondered if I was just lucky or if the place was going to end up being bad in the long run. I didn’t want the rose-colored glasses effect.” Roddy bit back a groan. He sounded like a doofus, but he wasn’t sure how to put his thoughts into words.
“I’m sure it’s fine. If it was really awful—like what River dealt with—you’d know, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It would be much darker.” Tory twisted his watch around his wrist. “I’m not late, but River will be concerned. I told him I was leaving half an hour ago. Mind if I bail?”
“Not at all. Have a good time.” Roddy opened his office door. “Enjoy a few dogs and beers for me.”
“We will.” Tory winked then headed down the hallway and out of sight.
Roddy leaned on the doorframe to his office and sighed. Did he feel better? Much. Unlike Tory, he’d been reassured. His experience with Master Vegas wasn’t anything to worry about. He’d been respected and seemingly loved. He appreciated the freedom in being with Master Vegas. He could relax, rejuvenate and embrace the naughtier sides of his personality in a safe environment. He also felt freer because someone else knew about his situation. Going to Darkness wasn’t his dirty little secret any longer.
Chapter Four
Roddy chuckled to himself. He couldn’t wait to go to Darkness and put himself in Master Vegas’ hands. He shut down his computer and tucked his tablet into his messenger bag. The paperwork went into the front pocket. He’d deal with the logistics of the upcoming stories on Saturday when he had a chance to think with a clearer head.
He locked his office door, then made his way down the four flights of stairs to the parking level of the building. For the first time in what seemed like forever, the weight on his shoulders seemed bearable. He wasn’t the lone man dealing with all the shit at the office—well he was, but that shit didn’t seem quite so awful.
The drive home seemed to take no time at all. He sang along with the radio and rolled his window down to get fresh air into the car. He breathed in the fragrance of falling leaves and the lingering fresh scent from the earlier rainstorm. At his gated community, he swiped his pass card through the machine then headed toward his street. All of the condos looked the same save for a few minor changes—a differing shutter color or added bushes. Some units had trees, whereas others didn’t. His condo featured both a maple tree and bushes in front of the main windows.
When he arrived at his condo, he thanked God for his attached garage. The one-car stall afforded him some privacy from his nosy neighbors. He should’ve been thankful to have Mrs. Kennedy snooping on him. She let him know when people used his driveway as a turnaround and when the religious group left fliers in his mailbox. But as much good as she did, she liked to pry into his life, too.
He closed the garage door then went into the condo through the garage. His mail lay in a scattered mess on the foyer floor. When he knelt to gather the letters and bills, a shadow moved over the glass in the front door
“Roderick?”
Mrs. Kennedy. Roddy groaned. He stacked the mail on the desk, then opened the door leading to the small porch. “Hi, Mrs. Kennedy.”
“Hello.” She smiled and clutched the newspaper. “This was delivered to my house by accident.” She handed him the paper. “I see you came home alone.”
“I usually do,” he replied. “I live alone.”
“I know, but you seem happier. I wondered if you had a new boyfriend.” Her brown eyes sparkled behind the thick lenses of her glasses. The lines framing her mouth deepened when she smiled again. She stood at least six inches shorter than him, but possessed the skill to make him feel small sometimes.
“No new boyfriend.”
“Did you break up?” She frowned. “I hate when that happens.”
“You were married to Merle for more than fifty years. Have you started dating again?” He knew the answer, but loved to egg her on.
“Oh no, Roderick. He’s my only one.” She clasped her hands together. “Are you going to start dating again? No more duds like that last boyfriend, I hope. You know, I do have a nephew. He came out last year. You two might hit it off.”
Good Lord. He didn’t want to be fixed up with anyone, least of all her nephew. The guy might be a great guy, but he didn’t know her nephew. And if he had to deal with Mrs. Kennedy telling everyone how she’d fixed them up…
“I can’t remember if he’s got a partner—you do call your boyfriend your partner now, right? Anyway, I wasn’t told if he was with someone, but you never know with young people. Always changing things up.” She stopped talking long enough to breathe, then started right back into her speech, “But you know, he’s about your size and age. Might be the one and you never knew it.”
“Mrs. Kennedy, I’m glad you’re worried about me and I appreciate your looking in on me. I’m truly touched, but I’ve got a…commitment tonight.” Commitment. Not a bad word for what he was about to do, especially when he refused to tell her the truth. He’d have to use that word to describe later outings.
“Oh.” Her shoulders sagged. “Will you be home late? I’ll keep an eye on your place. We’ve had lots of cat burglars lately and I don’t want something bad to happen to you.”
“Thank you for your caring. I’m not sure when I’ll be home.” He grinned and hoped he hadn’t rolled his eyes. They lived in a gated community with great security. If there had been a rash of break-ins, then he was paying too much for that security team not to be doing their jobs. But, he did have someone who cared enough to be nosy, and he was thankful. Would he have to worry about a lack of security if he and Vegas were together? Probably not. Vegas would scare off any intruder.
Roddy grabbed the doorframe for stability. What the hell was he thinking? He and Vegas weren’t a couple, and Vegas sure as hell wasn’t volunteering to come to his house as a private security man, let alone a boyfriend. He and Vegas played. No romance—not that he knew of. He wanted to be with Vegas, yes, and all the time. The sex with Vegas had been off the charts, but come on. He couldn’t be sure Vegas felt the same rush when they were together. Besides, how did he know the relationship would work? He’d thought he and Justin had a future and he’d been so wrong.
“Roderick?” Mrs. Kennedy waved her hand in front of his face. “Hello?”
Shit. She was still there and had been talking to him. “I’m sorry.” He massaged his forehead. “I had a long day at the station today. My brain isn’t functioning. I didn’t mean to space out on you.”
“Oh.” She blushed. “I asked if you were getting a cat. You mentioned adopting an animal. Cats are great companions and would give you someone to come home to until you did find a boyfriend.”
Until? “A cat is a long-term commitment. If—and this is a stretch—but if I do find a boyfriend and I have a cat, he’d better accept the both of us.”
“Good. I’d hate to find out you’re one of those.”
“Who ditches the pet?” Roddy asked.
“Yes.” She waved her hand again. “You need someone to come home to. It’s a big condo and I’m sure it’s lonely. Well, I’ll let you get back to your commitment. Have a nice evening and don’t get into that much trouble.” She grinned. “Goodnight, Roderick.”
If she only knew what kind of night he was about to have… She’d probably choke on her tongue. “I won’t be bad, Mrs. Kennedy. Goodnight to you, too.”
Roddy closed the door. At least she hadn’t caught him in his leather gear or his G-string. Then she really would’ve been concerned.
He rifled through the mail, putting the bills aside in order to be dealt with later. According to the clock, he had an hour to get ready for his appointment with Master Vegas. Time to get changed, then.
Excitement ran the length of his spine and added a spring to his step as he ascended the stairs to his bedroom. Call him crazy, but he couldn’t wait to see Master Vegas. He’d come to cherish their time together—not just for the play, but for the companionship, too.
Roddy loosened his tie. He hated wearing the damn thing, but according to the dress code of the station, he had to look presentable. He stripped out of his dress shirt then hung the garment on the back of his wooden chair. With just the tie draped around his neck and his bare torso showing, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He’d never considered himself sexy, but he wasn’t looking half bad. The hour each morning at the gym was beginning to show. His abs were more defined. Seeing the evidence of his hard work pleased him.
He turned away from the mirror and unbuttoned his pants. The slacks puddled at his feet. He removed the tie and added it to the pile of garments.
Getting naked at home never seemed exciting, but when he dressed for Master Vegas, he felt alive. He toed out of his socks and shoes, then stepped out of the wadded up clothing. Master Vegas liked him to wear the leather jockstrap. Easy access, but kept the goodies covered. He eased his underwear down his hips then opened the top dresser drawer.
He hadn’t had a boyfriend over in more than a year, so hiding his fetish wear wasn’t a problem. He held up the leather undergarment. His cock twitched and blood settled in his groin. He couldn’t wait to present himself to Sir in nothing but the jockstrap and his boots.
Roddy hiked the jockstrap up his legs and adjusted his dick in the scrap of leather. He refused to drive across town dressed so scantily. He donned the leather tear-away pants to serve as a cover. Easy off for easy access. He checked the fit of the pants then selected a black tank top from his dresser. If anyone saw him, they’d think he was ready for a night of clubbing.
“Perfect,” he murmured. Roddy slid on a pair of black socks then stepped into his black boots.
Confidence swelled within him and he bit back a smile. What would be great would be for Sir to decide they weren’t just a twosome in the club, but he’d worry about that detail later. Now he’d go to Darkness and be with Sir in order to make his day complete.
* * * *
Vegas stood on the balcony, overlooking the main playroom of Darkness. He stared out at the group of players. No one particularly grabbed his fancy. Hell, the other subs he had weren’t making his heart race any longer. Not good. He was there to provide them with a service.
But providing a service didn’t work if his heart wasn’t involved in it. He groaned and leaned against the railing. Part of him wished he could find someone else to turn his head. Getting caught up in one person wasn’t his style—especially not after his last boyfriend had left. He liked his solitude. But being alone wasn’t keeping him warm at night. He had no one to talk to or share coffee with. He wanted someone to watch football with him and to argue about the different strategies. Someone who could handle his Dominant tendencies and got off on being spanked and used. Did that sort of person exist?
As much as he wished he could keep himself distanced from Roddy, the rest of him knew better. He’d been searching for someone like Roddy. They had the play component down and the connection, too. When he occupied the same space as Roddy, he felt better. But he’d have to say something if he expected them to make a go of any sort of relationship.
He sighed. Putting himself out there and allowing his heart to be potentially used wasn’t his idea of a good time, but for Roddy, he might take the chance.
One of the subs who also worked as a doorman made his way over to Vegas. He kept his head bowed. “Sir, your boy is here.”
“Thank you,” Vegas replied. He left his post at the railing and headed to the main floor. Each step closer to Roddy sent his heart racing. He waited just inside the gigantic playroom and folded his arms. If he showed too much excitement, he wouldn’t present the front Roddy needed from his Dom.
Roddy inched into the room, but didn’t look at Vegas. He kept his head down and his hands behind his back.
Vegas nodded once. The black tank and slick leather pants showed off his pet’s physique. His mouth watered and he wanted strip his boy nude to parade him around the room. Look what I’ve got and what I’m not letting go of. His fierce protective streak came on strong. Yes, they’d played for two years and only had sex once, but that sex was good and the connection was off the charts. Too much, too fast? Fuck it.
“You’ve come on time.” Vegas tipped his head. There was something missing from Roddy’s ensemble. The moment he focused on Roddy’s neck, he knew. “No collar?”
“I’m sorry, Sir. I couldn’t get it under my dress shirt while I was at work and I forgot to put it back on.” The tips of Roddy’s ears turned bright red. The muscle in his jaw tensed and he pushed his chin tighter to his chest.
“I see.” Vegas bit back his irritation. He understood why Roddy couldn’t don the collar—he needed to keep his job. He’d feel the same way if he were asked to wear something that distinguished him as an employee for Darkness while he worked at the community center. But he also couldn’t deny the hurt. He’d placed the collar in Roddy’s hand, not around his neck. He should’ve gone the extra distance and declared his ownership. Damn it. He had the chance now to make things right. Time for them to play.
“Do you have the collar?” Vegas asked.
“I do.” Roddy slipped the length of silver from his pocket. “I’m sorry, Sir. I deserve to be punished.”
“You will be.” But then again, so would Vegas. Or rather, he had been punished. No more screwing around and not sticking with a decision. He placed the collar around Roddy’s neck. Before he clicked the lock in place, he paused. “Before we play, is this what you want? Do you trust me to bring you pleasure and to respect you all while making you burn?”
“I do, Sir.” Roddy didn’t look up, but his blush softened.
“Do you promise to tell me when you’re at your limit and trust me to push you, while keeping your boundaries in mind?”
“Yes, Sir.” Roddy finally tilted his head. “I want to please you, Sir.”
“Tell me your safe word.”
“Blue, Sir, but I don’t want to use it.” Roddy offered his wrists. “I’m yours and put myself into your command.”
“Very good, pet.” Vegas blew out a long breath. Calm settled over him. This was what they were meant to do. He pulled a set of handcuffs from his belt then snapped the cuffs onto Roddy’s wrists behind his back. He’d tucked a leash in his pocket. “Tip your chin.” When Roddy did as told, Vegas clicked the lock shut. “In front of everyone at the club and anyone else, you belong to me. My pet.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” Roddy smiled then dipped his head again.
Vegas added the leash to the collar then led his pet through the main playroom to the private rooms. Pride swelled in his heart as the others who could watch them did. A couple of the other Doms smiled and one nodded.
“Mine,” Vegas murmured. “All mine.” He tugged Roddy into the privacy of the hallway, then down to his room. Once inside his personal space, he locked the door.
“From now until we’re done playing, you will do as I ask. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” Roddy replied.
“Good pet.” He let the majority of the leash drop onto Roddy’s chest. “You’ve worn the leather and pleased me.” He trailed his fingers over Roddy’s abs. “And you’ve been going to the gym.”
“Yes, Sir.” His nipples beaded. A ragged growl escaped his throat.
“I love looking at you.” Vegas tweaked one of Roddy’s nipples and grinned when Roddy moaned. “Like that?”
“Yes, Sir.” Roddy shivered. “I— Feels good.”
“You do?” He chuckled. “Good.” What did he want to do with his pet tonight? He had so many options. Nothing too painful on Roddy’s ass. The skin was still recuperating from the caning two days before. But his pet liked pain. Who was he to not give his boy what he needed?
Vegas led Roddy across the room to the St. Andrew’s Cross. “I’m going to strap you down and spank that ass red.”
“Yes, Sir.” Roddy groaned. “I deserve the punishment.”
“You do.” He turned Roddy around and cuffed his pet to the cross. “I like the leather look on you. Very sexy. You’ve pleased me.” He grabbed the waistband of Roddy’s pants and yanked. The leather gave way, revealing more of his sub’s body. Damn. Roddy had listened to his command to wear just a jockstrap under the pants.
“I’m impressed.” Vegas strolled over to the toy table and picked up a flogger. The tails guaranteed to leave a sting, but no marks on the skin. He twirled the thick handle. “The barely there look is hot, but it’s not enough to save your ass. How many spankings do you deserve?”
