Constant, page 9
“I agree,” Eric said again. He folded his hands on his desk.
He stared at his boss. Something wasn’t right. “Explain, please? I’m in the dark here. Did you already have this conversation with her?”
“She was a gamble for Van and she’s not paying off.” Eric shrugged. “She lacks motivation. Once she was hired on, she assumed she’d be given the highest job because Van promised her that. Not good.”
“Oh.” Roddy wobbled on his feet. “I knew you weren’t thrilled with her and were planning on firing her, but I didn’t realize we were on the same page concerning the station.”
Eric sighed again. “I’ve tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and time to adjust to the ebb and flow of the station, but she’s not interested in adapting. She’s too busy being young and entitled. It’s sad, but true.” His shoulders slumped. “Now about whatever her issue is… I heard her chewing you out. Something about you and the guy in the community center piece? I’ll be blunt. If you’re fucking him, then fine. I don’t care. If you’re going to a club and having kinky sex during your time off, then that’s your business. Don’t let it affect your job.”
Roddy dropped his hands into his lap. Talk about being gobsmacked… He’d envisioned being fired himself, not being trusted for his judgment.
“What are your thoughts, Rod?” Eric asked.
“I didn’t think I had been letting my private life affect my job.” Fuck. He might as well just tell the rest of the truth. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He stared his boss in the eye. “I’ve been going to Darkness for the last two years. I thought I’d improved here. I’m happier and better equipped to do what needs done.”
“I agree.”
Huh. Not the answer he’d expected from Eric. “Are the things I’m doing at the club taking away from my job? No. I’m more focused. I don’t flaunt what I’m doing.” He sat back in the chair, emboldened by his honesty. He had nothing to be ashamed of. “I need to know. Are you thinking of firing me?”
“You’re not on camera day to day, but how will it look if word gets out as to what you’re doing?” Eric’s eyebrows rose. “It’s a prickly situation.”
His heart raced. His collar felt too tight and he rubbed his sweating palms on his pant legs. The confidence flowed straight out of him. “So are you saying you’re wanting to placate Susan and get rid of me? Or am I too important to let go, but you’re going to silence me in order to make her happy?” He jumped up from his seat, not able to stand still. Damn it. He hated to lose his cool, but he loved his job too much.
“Slow down, Roddy. Sit.”
Roddy whipped around and stared at Eric. “I can’t do either. I’m not sure what the hell is going on here. I’m sorry. I sound like a shit, but my life seems to be coming apart at the seams.”
“Whoa.” Eric stood then rounded his desk. “I’m saying we’re going to weather the storm.” He grabbed Roddy’s shoulder. “Susan wants to cause trouble? Fine. I figured her out right away. I’m suggesting we move her to the weekends. Let her try the desk. She’ll see it’s not what she’s thinking. If she can pull her weight—which she might if given the right motivation—then fine. If not, then we’ve given her every chance. For now, no one is fired.”
He wasn’t reassured. Not in the least. “And that’ll fix this? She wanted to tell everyone about my private life.”
Eric nodded. “You’re right. One lateral move won’t solve the problem. What it will do is calm things down a bit. I’m the boss. If I see her not working out under my watch, then it’s on me. My ship and my disaster to deal with.”
“Wow.” Roddy wobbled and grasped the back of the chair. “We’re in this together, so to speak?”
“I know my people. You’re one of the best producers I’ve got. If you’re gone, there will be gigantic shoes to fill and I don’t want to replace you. I am going to move Tory up to working the desk for the five and six o’clock broadcasts as well as helping you on the production end. He’s earned the raise, but you’re the leader right under me. No changes there.”
“Tory…” Roddy hooked his fingers into his pockets. “This isn’t how I expected the conversation to go.”
Eric shrugged. “It’s not how Susan expected, I’m sure. She wanted your nuts stapled to the bulletin board.”
Roddy winced. “Damn.”
“Your thirteen years of experience here trumps her six months. Don’t worry about her and don’t advertise your off-the-clock antics. Whatever you’re doing is up to you.” Eric chuckled. “I’ve never been to Darkness, but I have done my share of misbehaving.”
Roddy stared at Eric. “You and Thad?” He’d thought he knew his boss pretty well. The guy personified calm and collectiveness. He’d been with the same guy forever and acted like an old married man without the necessary paperwork. Steady and sure, Eric kept everything in order.
“Me, Thad and his boyfriend at the time, Chad. There’s a long story, but the short version is that Chad wanted a threesome. We did and he realized he didn’t want either of us.” Eric shrugged. “I got the better end of that deal.”
“When was this? You and Thad have been together forever—and why would Thad want to date someone whose name rhymed with his?”
“Twenty years ago. I was crazy in my early twenties and so was he. The guy was hot, though. Not a catch, but hot.” Eric shrugged again. “Now go home to that man of yours. He’s cute.”
“He is.” Although having his boss describe Andrew as cute seemed…odd. Screw it. Life hadn’t collapsed quite the way he’d imagined. Things just might be all right.
“Besides, you need a break.” Eric walked Roddy to the door. “Go home, do whatever it is you two do and enjoy tonight and tomorrow. You’ve earned some time off. No calls, no begging to come in. I’ll helm the ship and start training Tory. Deal?”
“Fair deal. Thanks.” Roddy headed out of Eric’s office and sprinted down the hallway. He needed to get to Andrew and sort things out. Now. He needed his man.
Chapter Nine
Andrew plopped onto the closest chair and groaned. He stared at the screen after the clip had stopped. He hadn’t said anything wrong while he’d talked to the media and had nothing to be ashamed of, but Christ. He’d gone into the club early to work on bookkeeping, but had managed to handle a couple of clients in the meantime. He never should’ve taken a break to catch the local news. Of all the times to see the freaking clip, he had to watch it now.
Anyone who frequented the club would know his face. Instead of his usual black and leather, he wore a bright red shirt and smiled, but he couldn’t change the structure of his face.
He turned off the tablet then tucked the device into his bag. In fifteen minutes he had a client coming in. He needed to focus and continue to be Vegas. When he turned around, the owner of Darkness, Jonas, stood in the doorway.
“Vegas?” Jonas asked. “Your client had to miss his appointment.”
“He always calls me.” Vegas gritted his teeth. “How’d I miss it?”
“I spoke to him earlier.” Jonas strolled across the room. “We need to talk.” He folded his arms, licked his lips, then stared Vegas in the eye. “I’ve been very transparent with all my Doms. While you’re working for me here at the club, you don’t talk about it. You don’t make a spectacle of yourself.”
Vegas laced his fingers together. He wanted to argue, but why? Jonas owned the club and made the rules. He was expected to follow those rules.
“That interview you did was fantastic. I hope plenty of kids come to the center and benefit from what you’ve said and things you’ve done. But what I’m having an issue with is the fact that you went on television. I’m getting phone calls. Just in the last hour since the interview played, I’ve had fifteen calls. The subs are freaking out because they know you from being here. Some of the Doms are worried their identities will be disclosed.”
“Sir.” Vegas dragged a breath into his lungs then let the air out slowly. “I didn’t destroy the secrecy of the club or disclose anything about Darkness. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“You’ve not spoken about the club, but what happens when one of the subs sees you about town? Isn’t that a risk no matter where you work? What am I supposed to say if someone sees you here? We have some open play nights. Are you willing to explain why those have been stopped?” Jonas glared at him. “I have the whole club to think about. If any of the privacy of the club is in jeopardy, then I have to make changes. Understood?”
“Yes. Sir. I understand, but I don’t agree.” Vegas stuffed his hands into his pockets. “You’re getting rid of me for the sake of everyone. I understand because that makes sense, but you’re jumping to a conclusion that’s unwarranted. There are plenty of clubs and plenty of players. If no one has disclosed anything yet because of the privacy agreements we have in place, then there is nothing to worry about.”
Jonas narrowed his eyes and sighed. “You’ve been one of my most devoted Doms. I’ve never had a negative word to say about you. That said, I need to protect the group. I’m sorry.”
No point in arguing. “When do you want me to go?”
“One of your other boys is here. I thought I should speak to you first.” Jonas clasped Vegas’ shoulder. “I didn’t want to fire you, but I don’t have any choice. Once it’s over, then you’re done. I’m sorry, Andrew.”
“I am, too.” He didn’t regret his decisions. Talking to Holden, although awkward after the fact, had been the right choice. Now he had to walk out of the club with his head held high.
“I’ll leave you to your boy.” Jonas nodded once then left the room.
Andrew thrust his fingers into his hair. Now what was he supposed to do? Work solely at the community center? If he’d thought finances were tight before… At least he could wear more than black and leather on a more frequent basis.
“Sir?”
Andrew turned around. Roddy stood where Jonas had been.
“It’s not our time,” Andrew said. “You’re lucky. My previous appointment canceled.”
“How about we take a drive, then? I wasn’t here to play.” Roddy swung his keys around his finger. “I’ve got the rest of the night off and a few gallons of gas to burn. “Come with me. This is important.”
“Sure.” Not like he had anything else to do. Andrew gathered his keys, wallet and bag full of belongings, then stopped Roddy. “I go first.”
“Sure,” Roddy said. “Sir.”
Andrew strode out of the room. He’d thought he’d be upset the final time he left his playroom, but an odd sense of calm swept over him. The stress of having to keep his life separate flowed out of him. He could be himself and not have to hide anything. Liam was on his side…maybe things would work out. Maybe.
In the parking lot, he stopped by Roddy’s car. Andrew groaned. He’d been at home at Darkness for so long he wasn’t sure what to do with himself.
“Wait.” Roddy leaned against the trunk. He crossed his ankles. “Normally, I’d let you lead, but there is something on your mind. Why don’t we stop and talk?”
“You’re right.” Andrew shook his head. He placed his bag on the trunk of Roddy’s car. “I refuse to keep this bottled up. I take it you saw the interview.”
“I’m pretty sure everyone did,” Roddy said. “It was tasteful and should get the community center plenty of publicity.” He looked Andrew in the eye. “Holden said he talked to you.”
Andrew folded his arms. “You’re right on both accounts. The numbers at the center will increase, and yes, Holden spoke to me. I turned him down.”
“I see.”
Andrew braced himself. Here it comes… The flip-out. Roddy probably wanted to fact check, then to turn Andrew down. He gritted his teeth again. His faith had been tested too much in the last few days. Although he wanted to believe everything happened for a reason, he doubted it did.
“How come you never told me about your job at the center?” Roddy asked.
What the hell did he have left to lose? “Until this weekend, my private life was private. It’s my fault, though. I should’ve stayed off camera, but since I didn’t I’m no longer welcome here at Darkness. I’ll be lucky to have the job at the community center.”
“Wait. You lost your job over some privacy? They can’t connect you to the club other than through your own admission and you’re being fired?” Roddy snorted and shook his head. “That’s crap.”
“Well, I let my guard down in the interview and with you. This is my penance.” Andrew groaned. “I fell for you and the fucking game changed.”
“It did.” Roddy caged Andrew in his arms and against the hood of the car. “I’m glad.”
Roddy’s calm bothered Andrew. How could he be so smooth and cryptic? “Look, just tell me what you’re thinking. If this is where we split, then say so. I can’t see what you could possibly be glad about.”
“No?” Roddy slid his hands up and down Andrew’s chest. He blushed and smiled. “I was going to tell you that yes, it’s crap that you’re not at Darkness, but it’s also great. I’m proud of you for being yourself and for doing what you do. There aren’t many people cut out to work with kids, especially at-risk kids. That you can and do with ease is pretty cool.”
“Oh.” He wasn’t sure what else to say, but he liked the stroke of Roddy’s fingers against his T-shirt covered skin.
“I get why you’re upset. I had some trouble at the station because one of my co-workers felt the need to spread my private business around as gossip.” Roddy placed his finger against Andrew’s lips. “But I handled the situation. No one else—save for Tory and my boss—knows anything. As far as I’m concerned, we’re safe.”
“You really believe that?” Andrew said and snorted. “I mean, come on. Everyone will look at you a little differently.”
“I do believe what I’m saying. I’m honored to be with you. I saw the piece.” Roddy’s smile widened. “You’re a dedicated man. It’s sexy and made me fall for you even more. I can’t imagine my life without you—in or out of the club. If people want to talk about us, then screw them. We’ve got something special.”
“Roddy.” He’d been stunned again. Roddy seemed to know the exact way to break him down, while building him up.
“I want the Dom I trust and the man I love all in the same package. I don’t want to let go.” Roddy dragged his nose along Andrew’s temple then kissed him on the cheek.
“Of me?”
“Yes,” Roddy murmured. His breath warmed Andrew’s skin. “No quitting. You’re the constant in my life. I can’t turn away now and I don’t want to.”
Andrew grasped Roddy’s upper arms to still him. He needed to look into Roddy’s eyes. “I’m not allowed to return to the club.”
“So? Are you still working at the center?” Roddy smoothed his palm along the side of Andrew’s neck.
“I have no idea. I haven’t talked to Liam.” He widened his stance and slid his hands into Roddy’s back pockets. “I don’t make much working there.”
“I never said I wanted a rich man. I want you. Whether you’re rolling in money or dirt poor, I don’t care.” Roddy rested his forehead against Andrew’s and grinned. “I’ve been in love before and have been in a couple of relationships, but never anything this heady. You collared me. You have my body and soul.”
“Love you, too, Roddy.” The words rolled off his tongue so easily and the regret wasn’t there. He’d found the man to complete him in every way and he didn’t want to let go.
“Can we go back to my place and play? I’m dying to show you my devotion.” Roddy bobbed his eyebrows. “Please, Sir?”
“Yes. I expect you’ll follow?”
* * * *
Roddy raced into his condo and tore his clothes off. He couldn’t wait to get naked with Andrew. He should’ve moved with caution, but why? The punishment would be worth the enthusiasm.
He yanked his shirt up over his head then unzipped his jeans. On the way up the stairs, he tripped.
“Whoa, handsome.” Andrew eased up behind him. “You’re keyed up.”
“I am.” Roddy sagged against the steps. “Want you inside me so bad.”
“You do?” Andrew nipped Roddy’s shoulder, sending sparks through Roddy’s body.
“I want you to tie my ass to the bed and make me beg for you.” He’d been bold by saying exactly what he wanted, but he didn’t care.
“No spanking?” Andrew swatted him. “Every good boy needs a spanking or three.”
“I do.” He shivered. “I’m yours, Sir.”
“Safe word?”
“Blue. I don’t want to use it.”
“Good, pet.” Andrew wrapped his fingers around Roddy’s wrists. “A normal scene isn’t going to work here. Not a harder one, either.” He nudged Roddy. “Up the stairs.”
“Yes, Sir.” Roddy managed on wobbly legs to get up to the second floor. He freed his ankles from his underwear and jeans while kicking out of his shoes.
“The socks only look is rather hot.” Andrew grasped Roddy’s wrists again. “I want you over my knee. You should be punished for running away from me.”
“Yes, Sir. With pleasure.” Roddy waited for Andrew to sit on the edge of the bed, then he draped himself across his Dom’s lap. The pressure on his cock sent a frisson of heat through his body. He stifled a groan against the mattress.
“How many do you deserve?” Andrew palmed Roddy’s ass. He massaged circles over his sub’s skin. “Four? Five?”
“Six, Sir. I’ve been bad.” Roddy balanced on his fingertips and his toes. “Please?”
“At least six.” Andrew continued to massage Roddy’s ass. “You walked away from me. Didn’t properly invite me into your home. Didn’t wait for me.”
“I didn’t, Sir.” He shivered. Just when he thought Andrew wouldn’t actually hit him, Andrew connected. He spanked him three times on each ass cheek, then stopped.
