Friday Evening
Greg walked up the steps to the huge converted Victorian farmhouse that was Indiscreet at seven p.m. The house was enlarged by an addition that attached it to the old barn which Reed and Bear turned into two stories of playrooms. Just as he expected, both Brian and Jim were at the club.
Brian was dressed in a tunic and Jim had on a leather jockstrap paired with a vest that fastened in the front with a silver toggle. Greg bet that Reed was wearing tight leather pants and a vest that coordinated with Jim’s. Both subs wore their collars proudly. “Don’t you guys look good?” Greg said.
He let Jim twist him around once, taking in the tight tee, jeans and cuffs. Jim pronounced, “You’ll do,” as he nodded.
If he could trust anyone with his plans, it was these two. Brian kept his secret for over three years and Jim could be as silent as a tomb if someone he liked made the request.
“I’m glad to see you made it,” Jim said effusively, Brian at his side. “Master Reed and Master Bear gave us blanket permission to speak to you and give you a tour of the club. Once the evening begins at eight, you’ll be on protocol. First they will introduce the Doms; then the new subs will be introduced as a group to the membership. The hired service subs will be differentiated from the paid members.” Jim herded the little group up past the members bar.
“You may speak to a Dom only if he asks you a question,” Brian delved into the conversation, “otherwise you stay in kneeling down position at one of the tables near the main bar. This is only a meet and greet. Our Masters like to give the Dominant members a chance to meet the new subs all at once. Some of the subs will be offered contracts right away, no doubt about that, but you don’t have to accept any one of them until you’re ready. You can just play for a while.” He straightened his tunic. Jim showed Greg the cigar bar but they didn’t go in.
Jim’s toggle came undone and Brian fussed with Jim’s vest. “Thanks, hon.”
He gave his attention back to Greg as they walked down to the kitchens. “Since none of the Doms bidding for a new sub will be playing tonight, both the downstairs and the upstairs bars will be open and a Dom may ask to buy you a drink, you may refuse or accept according to your wishes but you can’t sit at the table unless specifically asked.” Jim directed Greg into the kitchen.
From the kitchen they climbed the service stairs to see some of the playrooms. Greg saw one with a spanking bench and stocks, and another with a St. Andrew’s cross and a rack with a wall full of whips and chains.
“Some of these guys are really into pain,” he commented.
“Yeah. The upstairs rooms are open for members who reserve them for scenes. Some of the members are into heavy pain, others not so much.” Jim shrugged.
Brian piped in, “I suggest you stick to soft drinks because there will be a lot of Doms vying for your attention tonight and you don’t want to get smashed and give a bad impression.”
Jim interrupted. “If a Dom offers you a drink, be aware that another Dom will not approach you until you are finished speaking with the first Dom and with your drink.”
Brian finished. “You need to give each Dom time to get to know you, that’s protocol; about fifteen minutes to a half hour is customary at Indiscreet, then the Dom will be free to move along to someone else.”
The hour to the presentation went quickly and Greg found himself back downstairs at the member’s bar. “There’s only one Dom I want to see, you know.” Greg said.
“Of course we do, silly.” Jim flounced. “But you need to let him know you are a desirable commodity.”
“Papa Bear is gathering the new goslings, you better go on over to join the gaggle,” Brian told him.
It was eight and from that moment on all of the subs were on protocol. Greg checked his posture and attempted to walk gracefully over to the small stage which also served as the bandstand in the room. For Greg, the most difficult part of the training was staying in position. As a doctor, first in the emergency room and then in private practice as a psychiatrist, Greg had no time to be still. His mind was always active and it showed in his posture.
He needed to stand out and that meant he had to calm his mind, be silent and centered. He thought he was average in the looks department, dirty blond hair, grey eyes, only five foot seven. His only advantage was his body. In the last year he had joined a gym and worked very hard to get in shape because he knew that Cisco was religious in his own fitness program. His pectorals were well developed and he had a six-pack that he was proud of.
Greg fell into line with the three other new subs, all standing with their hands behind their heads, eyes down. Jim and Brian told him that some Doms might require him to strip and he made himself ready for that by going commando. He surreptitiously looked from side to side.
Two of his fellow subs were typical twinks, a blond and a brunet who was gorgeous, the blond, good-looking anywhere but beside the brunette. Both were small boned with lean swimmer’s builds. The third man on the dais was the other paid member. He was dark and sultry looking, with big brown eyes with a slight slant and creamy light golden skin. He was taller than the first two, but the third man was taller than he was and had a beautiful body. He also looked to be both educated and urbane. Greg heard him introduced as Masato Bryant. He looks interesting. I don’t think Cisco would go for the twinks but this other guy could be real competition.
While keeping his eyes down, he tried to look out at the crowd convening in front of the platform on which the subs stood. Attempting to stay still, his eyes peeked out from under his long lashes and roamed the room in search of the one person he wished to see.
* * * *
Cisco stood in the back of the room with Bear while Reed prepared to introduce the newest subs to the membership. The first two he dismissed immediately. The one in the middle looked interesting; hot in bed but maybe not one for conversation. Wait, who was that last sub?
Cisco turned to Bear. “Is that Greg Harris up on the platform?”
Bear’s eyes twinkled. “It might be, wait a moment and we’ll find out.”
Reed stepped up to the microphone and introduced the first three subs with a brief description of their attributes. Cisco barely heard their names intent on the fourth sub whom he believed to be Harris.
Finally Reed got to the fourth sub. “Dr. Greg Harris is the fourth of the subs I am introducing to the membership tonight. He is a paid member with a medical degree in Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine. He will also be one of the doctors who supervise our resident Physician’s Assistant, Jim Menetti, as well as our paramedics. Now I will direct our new subs to kneel back at the tables set in the members bar area so that they and the Dominants can become better acquainted. May I remind the Dominants that the subs are under protocol and are unable to speak unless one of you asks them a direct question.” With that statement the subs filed from the raised platform to the waiting tables on the dance floor in the bar.
Before the words left Reed’s mouth; Cisco pushed his way up front and stood at the bar, ready to sit at Greg Harris’ table. He moved quickly so he could get in front of three or four other Doms heading in the same direction. Cisco was in shock. Greg Harris, a man he admired as both a doctor and as an ethical human being was interested in a life of submission.
This is a man who can understand what I do and the amount of work it takes to accomplish. He wouldn’t be a twink looking for a sugar daddy or a boy looking for loads of s*x without providing any intellectual stimulation. As long as Harris isn’t looking for any deep emotional commitment, he’s perfect for my needs.
Cisco managed to elbow his way ahead of the crowd. Greg knelt beside one of the four tables placed around the lounge. Cisco noticed he was perfectly positioned, eyes down, shoulders straight, ass on his heels and hands on his thighs. Cisco pulled up a chair.
“Stand, strip, and present.”
Greg blushed at Cisco’s request; but followed his direction, removing his T-shirt and jeans in slow motion and carefully folding them on the chair opposite Cisco.
“Turn.”
The boy took his time as he rotated before Cisco maintaining the proper position for presentation—feet apart, shoulders back, hands clasped behind his head.
“You may dress and sit across from me.”
Cisco watched as Greg dressed and assumed position on the chair with his hands placed on his knees keeping his eyes down.
“I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t know you had any interest in the leather community. You have my permission to speak freely.”
“Sir, my interest in the leather community is long standing. I played at the Shore during college.” Greg confessed.
“Are you into pain?”
“Sir, I can take pain but what I wish to do is serve my Master by making him a home and anticipating his needs and fulfilling them.”
“I want a sub with interest in the outside world. Would you continue to practice medicine?”
“Yes, Sir, I am looking to provide a comfortable home for my Dom, wait on him, attend to all of his needs both in and out of the bedroom and in general strive to make his life more comfortable and peaceful; but I also want to use my skills as both an Emergency Room physician and a psychiatrist.”
“Are you willing to do scenes and accept both punishment and discipline?”
“I am willing to take punishment for any infraction that disturbs the smooth running of the household or offends my Master and daily discipline if my Master deems it necessary.”
Cisco noticed that Greg didn’t move his position despite the interrogation.
“Are you willing to perform household tasks? I do not employ a housekeeper or a cook; just a cleaning woman who shows up once a week to do the major chores.”
“Sir, one of my hobbies is gourmet cooking and I maintained the house for my mother while she was ill and she had very exacting standards. I did this while holding down a part-time job and going to school for premed until she passed away.” Cisco nodded his head.
“And after your mother passed?” Greg struggled not to fidget.
“I moved to an efficiency apartment and kept it by myself despite the number of working hours required for both internship and residency, Sir.”
“Where do you live now?” Cisco watched Greg carefully to see if he broke position.
“I rent a small house across the street from my practice. I rent it from Master Drummond, Sir.”
“If I were to inspect your home this evening what would I find? Look me in the eye.”
Greg raised his eyes to meet Cisco’s. “Sir, my home is neat and clean. I have a book on my bedside table and a clean coffee cup drying on the drainboard by the sink. The bed is made and my papers are in place in my files and my books, save the one, are placed in my bookshelves.”
Cisco saw no hint of deception in either the boy’s body language or eyes. “What do you see yourself getting out of a Dom/sub relationship?”
“Sir, I want a purpose in my life other than medicine. I want to serve. As a doctor I serve the community. As a sub I would like to serve and be a companion to my Dominant following his lead in all things. I want to take care of him and give him peace.” Cisco nodded his head.
“Would you like a drink?”
“Water would be fine, Sir.” Greg looked away, his eyes now properly looking at the Master’s shoes Cisco noted as he stood.
Cisco went up to the bar and got himself a Manhattan up with a dash of bitters and a bottle of Evian for Greg. He sat down again in front of Greg and said, “You may drink at your leisure.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Since you are a doctor, how would you expect to handle finances? You may look up again. When you answer any question I ask, I want to see your eyes.”
Greg took a sip. “Sir, I would ask my accountant or an accountant of my Dominant’s choosing to take care of the books for my practice. My earnings, except for a small allowance agreed upon in advance, would go into the household account for my Dom to do with as he saw fit.”
“You are putting quite a bit of faith in your Dominant.” Cisco was surprised.
“Permission to speak freely, Sir?” Greg put down the bottle of Evian.
“Yes, go ahead. I generally prefer it.”
“Sir, I intend to be very careful in choosing my Dominant.” Cisco thought he saw something flicker across Greg’s face indicating a desire to belong to him. Cisco took out a small notebook and a pen and began to make some notes.
“I would expect a sub to live in my home. I would assume complete control of finances for the house. As you are a doctor and can pull in a considerable income; outside of a reasonable allowance, I would invest the rest of your salary to be returned to you if the contract isn’t extended at the end of the contract period.”
“Yes, Sir.” Greg agreed.
“I would also expect complete control of all aspects of your life unrelated to your work. Do you consider this to be fair?” Cisco tapped his pen on the table.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Greg, if I were to make you an offer of a contract, would you accept?” The boy’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Sir, I have asked Master Drummond to conduct all of my contract negotiations because I believe that it would be presumptuous of me to do so. He is aware of my needs and agreed to be my go-between, Sir.”
“If I were to offer you a contract, I want to make absolutely certain that you know I am not offering love—it is not on the table. I offer affection, s*x, but not love. I don’t want it or need it in my life. I don’t want it from my submissive, nor do I want my submissive to expect it of me. On this point, I must be very clear. I know I cannot dictate feelings but any feelings generated by the relationship on the part of my submissive should be kept to himself or it will be the cause of termination of the contract.”
Greg looked downward and hesitated, then answered. “Sir, I can live with that.”
Cisco got up from the table. “I see you have several other Dominants waiting to speak to you. I will speak to Master Drummond to discuss contact terms and to determine if our needs coincide.”
“Thank you, Sir, for considering me.”
Cisco excused himself and gave his seat up and looked in surprise at the long line waiting to speak to Greg. Greg stood, placed the chair back under the table and resumed his kneeling position.
Cisco strode over to where Bear was holding court at the end of the bar.
“Bear, you bastard, you knew when I spoke to you today that Greg Harris was one of your new subs.” Cisco punched him in the arm.
“Yes, I knew; but under the rules and regulations of the club I could not discuss the membership rolls outside of the club unless I have that member’s permission. You should know that from the membership agreement. You must realize that some of the members, both submissive and Dominants, would not like their proclivities discussed outside of these walls. Some are also deeply in the closet.” Bear put down his brandy.
“I’m out, but you’re right; this lifestyle may not fly with the rest of the hospital board never mind other professions.” Cisco admitted grudgingly.
“Dare I assume that you wish to enter into negotiations for Greg’s contract?”
“You knew damn well that I’d want a contract with Greg. You realized that I would before I set foot in this club tonight.” Cisco huffed at Bear.
“That may be the case, but I can’t discount the fact that there will be other offers on the table. Some subs are looking for a sugar daddy but Greg isn’t; and that makes him more desirable than a twink,” Bear replied along with a laugh. “Although for some of the Doms, a twink is exactly what they are looking for.”
Bear took a sip of his brandy.
“I notice that both Brian and Jim have disappeared.” Cisco put his empty glass on the bar and indicated to the bartender that he wanted another.
“Brian and Jim are generally found together when not attending Reed or myself. Brian has blanket permission to be with Jim when I don’t need him for service. He’s probably helping Jim in the back of the house. They have become good friends. Brian is educated with a Masters in both Accounting and Information Technology. Jim is working on a degree in restaurant management at the College of New Jersey. My point is that they are educated men, dedicated subs and fit companions for each other.”
“Are you saying that it is a good idea for submissives to have friends who are also in the life?” Cisco picked up his refill, noticing the bevel on the green granite surface.
“Our submissives need an outlet for their frustrations and support for their lifestyles from their contemporaries; other submissives provide that outlet. If their friends are in the life, there is less danger of someone telling them they are ‘sick’ or ‘need help.’ Of course, Greg knows that this is not the case because of his profession. However, he will still need someone other than you to talk to about his life and circumstances.” Bear sipped his drink.
“I can see the wisdom of that.”
“I would expect that since Brian was a patient of Greg’s for some time that there is a friendship there and with Brian comes Jim. Therefore for successful integration into the community, I would suggest a clause that permits him to spend time with approved friends.”
Cisco sipped at his Manhattan. “Was this a conspiracy?” He arched an eyebrow.
“No, it wasn’t. This club is top heavy as are most of the clubs in the area. We are also known for the quality of our submissives. Frankly, Greg is the best of the four new submissives on offer tonight. I think he is one of the best submissives new or old in the club; of course excluding my Brian and Jim. Their prior friendship is an added benefit.” Bear played with the stone coaster.
“I gather you think I should offer for Greg,” Cisco said with a smile.
“If you wish to make an offer you should, my friend, but don’t be under the misapprehension that yours will be the only offer he receives.” Bear pushed his Courvoisier aside.
“Then take me to Reed’s office so I can construct an offer he will accept.”
“One thing I need to say, Greg is looking for a situation where both parties are committed to success. He won’t take a short contract. He will want at least six months to assess the situation. Giving a contract for six months is practical because it is long enough to detect fatal flaws in the relationship and short enough to be able to exit with dignity if the pairing doesn’t work.” Bear moved his stool out from under the bar. “Greg is more into service than pain, although he accepts the need for daily discipline and to be punished for disobedience.” Bear said replacing his stool.
“I will give out punishment and expect to enforce discipline. But love, love is a deal breaker. I already told him and I’m telling you that I don’t believe I’d ever be able to love another man. I’m not about to risk my heart again, for anyone.” Cisco stood.
“Love isn’t something you can dictate in a contract. You should know that. If he falls for you and you’ve warned him, then he decides in six months whether or not he can live with that caveat. You never know, you might be the one who falls for him. It’s not something I would discount.” Bear walked out of the bar and Cisco followed.
“I’d like to put that as a hard limit in any contract I offer. I don’t want to hear or speak about love. It won’t enter into any relationship where love is eventually expected, of that I’m sure.” Cisco was adamant in his dismissal of emotional attachment. The men climbed the stairs to the second floor office.
Bear shook his head. “It’s Greg’s decision as to whether or not he can accept that condition; but I wouldn’t completely discount the possibility on your side. Greg is intelligent, charismatic and well trained with skills that any of the Dominants out there would be happy to claim. If you insist on no emotion entering the relationship, you might as well take any one of the twinks we have as service subs. They would be more than happy to meet your conditions to get a sugar daddy.” Bear said, his voice laced with disapproval.
Cisco’s mouth took a stubborn line. “You know I have no interest in a twink. Please present my offer to Harris as I’ve stated. Put in any terms and conditions you think Greg would need to protect his interests. If he is amiable, I’m ready to sign.” Cisco took the chair in front of the desk. They went over the financials as Cisco laid out his terms to Bear.
On his way downstairs and out of the club; he glanced into the lounge and couldn’t help but notice the line of men eyeing Greg; for some strange reason that pissed him off.