It was then I’d seen the glint in my brother’s eyes. Perhaps it had been there before, and I’d missed it. He was enjoying spending time with Everly since Heaven had left. In fact, I’d go so far as to say he was relieved to have the opportunity. I honestly hadn’t expected it. And while I wasn’t sure how to process it all yet, I was glad to see they were enjoying their time together.
For the next half hour, Ian and I took them around, introduced Dante to the club’s Masters, let them watch scenes. After taking them up to the main floor, hydrating them, it was time to get the room we’d reserved. I could see the sparkle in Everly’s eyes. She was excited, even though she had no idea what Ian had in store for her.
As we crossed the second floor, a couple of Doms glanced her way, eyeing her appreciatively. It certainly hadn’t been the first time tonight, including quite the interest from a few Doms I knew she had played with in the past. And while I wasn’t jealous that they’d had the pleasure of being with her in the past, nor did I care that they were watching her now, I was going to ensure they knew she was spoken for the next time we came.
“Right this way,” Ian said, motioning into the room.
“Everly, kneel,” I instructed.
I placed a hand on Dante’s back, looked to my brother. He nodded.
“You and I … we’re going to have our own scene. Somewhere a little more private.”
“It would be my pleasure, Master,” Dante said softly.
“We’ll have a good time without you. Won’t we, my little fairy?”
“Yes, Master Ian,” she replied eagerly.
“We’ll meet you at the bar in one hour,” I told Ian as I pulled the door closed.
I walked across the second floor to another door that was closed with a sign that read: RESERVED BY ISAAC STOKES. NO VIEWING OR INTERRUPTIONS ALLOWED.
I flipped on the lights, signaled for Dante to precede me into the room.
“You’re probably wondering why I’ve separated you.”
“It might’ve crossed my mind, Master.”
I closed the door, ensured the viewing window was closed appropriately.
“While the club monitors will check in at their discretion, I’ve asked for complete privacy otherwise.” I walked around Dante. “My objective tonight is to show you proper protocol in a club. To give you the full experience in a safe environment. While I don’t have a problem with Everly witnessing this, I wanted you and me to have this time alone. What questions do you have for me?”
“It’s not so much a question, Master.”
“Speak candidly, Dante. That’s the only way this’ll work.”
His eyes lifted, met mine. “I know you’re bothered by my past.”
I held up a hand. “First of all, yes, I am bothered by your past. You never should’ve been subjected to that. Not as an adult and certainly not as a child.” I stepped in, maintained eye contact, my voice dropping an octave. “I’m bothered because I want to kill the bastard who dared touch you. Every one of them, including that poor excuse for a man who fathered you. I, however, am not bothered by you. But I feel it’s important you experience a scene without observation, interference, or interruption by anyone. That includes Everly and Ian. This is between me and you. Only us.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“For what?”
“For not treating me like blown glass, for not thinking I’ll fall apart. I’m stronger than I look.”
I gripped his jaw. “You’re the strongest man I’ve ever met, Dante. Both your physical strength and your will. No man measures up to that.”
His chin wobbled for a second, but he recovered, swallowed hard.
I took a step back. “Tonight, I’m going to be asking your color often. If at any time you want me to stop, either red or stop will work. If at any time I don’t think you’re in the right headspace, I will quit, understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
“If you’d like me to relay the scene to you prior, I will. Until you’re comfortable with me.”
He shook his head vehemently. “No, Master. Please. I trust you. I want this.” He swallowed again, his eyes imploring me. “I trust you.”
“Then I’m trusting you to know your limits. Red or stop. Either one. At any time. Nothing I’ll do tonight is a hard limit. Whether or not that’ll change after we’re through is something you and I will work on. Understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
I walked over to the table, retrieved the envelope I’d had delivered there earlier. I tore through the flap, flipped open the paper, and skimmed the words. I glanced at the sheets behind it, then turned and took them to Dante.
“These are the blood test results. Yours, mine, Ian’s, and Everly’s. They’re all clear.”
There were tears in his eyes, but right before my eyes, he willed them back. “Thank you, Master.”
