Asylum

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

June 2018

Each time the heavy metal door creaked open, music filled the alleyway and I strained for a peek within the private club. I could swear I heard the heartbeat bass drum in one of my favorite songs as two leather-clad men said their good-nights in the open doorway. The song wasn’t exactly what I imagined when I fantasized about secret b**m clubs hiding within the back streets of Boston. I wasn’t sure exactly what I expected, house music perhaps, or maybe something with an industrial flair. But, no, this song was kind of perfect. I felt gooseflesh rise on my arms as I imagined being flogged to the thumping of the beat welcoming me to the new age, to the new—The song cut off as the door slammed closed once again, and I sighed.

I ran a nervous hand through my brown curls, wondering impatiently when my happy little pill was going to kick in. Then I’d grow a pair and approach the door. I wasn’t wearing leather, but I figured my multiple facial piercings, tattoos, and lean physique would get me past the inevitable security I assumed waited beyond the dark entrance. I really didn’t have anything to lose at this point. It’s not like I had anywhere else to be. But I wouldn’t think about that right now. I’d think about…the leather daddy that was walking my way. Oh my, he was rather burly.

“Hey.” I nodded, pretending to be cool, and hoping I was pulling it off.

“Why hello there, little pup.” The beefy man leaned against the brick wall as he lit a cigarette. I fought a smirk at the ‘little pup’ comment, as I towered over the man, even at my moderate height of five-foot-ten. Despite the man’s short stature, he still looked like he could break me in half if he were so inclined. So, no taunting the muscular strangers. Check.

He tilted the pack toward me in offering and I shook my head. I hated cigarettes. And I hated the taste of guys who smoked them. My friend Shelly used to give me s**t for that, saying “If you’ll put some random stranger’s dirty c**k in your mouth, what’s the big deal with cigarette breath?” I still hadn’t worked up a witty retort for that. Personally, however, if I was going to pollute my lungs, I’d much rather do it with something that will make it worth my while. If I was going to shorten my lifespan, I might as well enjoy a good high. Right?

“You come to play?”

“Maybe,” I hedged. Perhaps this man could at least help get me through the door. He wasn’t a bad-looking sort. Just a little older and hairier than what I was looking for. “Just deciding whether I want to check it out.”

“Ah, first time at Leviticus?”

I couldn’t hold in a laugh of disbelief.

“Seriously?” When Shelly had told me she’d heard rumors of a kinky club in this alley, she hadn’t known the name. And it’s not like there was a big flashing neon sign above the door. I supposed naming a gay b**m club after that particular part of the bible was an apropos f**k-you to the religious right.

In the dim light of the alleyway, I caught the man’s raised eyebrow.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Maybe,” I hedged again. “You need a membership or anything like that to get in?” I tried to infuse my tone with an air of couldn’t care less, but wasn’t sure the other man was buying it, especially when he chuckled.

“Yeah, it’s a members-only club, pup. But…members are allowed to bring in guests.” He seemed to be gauging me for my interest.

“You a member?”

“Maybe,” he teased. “You gotta be at least eighteen, though.” The man gave me a good look up and down.

“Turned eighteen two weeks ago.”

“No offense, but you don’t look it.”

“Yeah, well tell that to the f*****g foster care system,” I muttered, which gained me another raised eyebrow. I didn’t mean to let that tidbit loose, but unfortunately Mr. Short and Beefy struck a nerve. The moment I’d aged out of the system, my latest foster family had turned me away, claiming they needed the bed for another boy in need. I knew what they really needed was the check that came along with that boy. Likely a boy who wasn’t a freak and a fag as their son liked to call me behind closed doors. Whatever. I had only been there a few months anyway.

“What’s your name, pup?”

I wasn’t sure if I should tell him my name and keep up the flirting with this man. He seemed friendly enough, but he looked like he could be my dad’s age, that is, if I had ever had one of those. On the other hand, I did get a decent vibe from him, and I generally trusted my instincts.

“Justin. And you?”

Just then the club door opened again and another man in leather yelled over, “Mike! Angel’s about to do his scene with Julio. We need you back in the booth.”

“Sure thing, just a sec.” Mike stubbed out his cigarette butt on the wall and turned back to me. “Unfortunately, I gotta get back to work in there. But if you promise to be a good pup, I’ll vouch for you tonight so you can check the place out.”

My blood began to thrum in my ears with excitement.

“Cross my heart.” I grinned and pushed myself off the wall, following Mike to the door.