“Come on, I’d like to introduce you to a few people you haven’t met yet,” Russell tugged me in the direction of thevoices.
People had gathered in small groups in his kitchen, and some were in the living room. In the distance, I could hear people in hisplayroom.
“Natalie, Ian, Michael,” Russell put his hand on my shoulder again as he introduced the two men and woman in front of us, “This is Ryan.” I stepped forward and shook each of their hands and then took a step back next toRussell.
“Ah, this istheboy?” Michael asked. His tone made me feel like there was some sort of inside joke or conversation that had happened that I hadn’t been awareof.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ryan,” Ian said with a smile and exchanged glances withRussell.
“Now, Russell, you did not tell us that your boy was such a handsome man,” Natalie flashed a smile and a wink. “Is your boy available for play tonight?” she askedhim.
Russell laughed and told them that I wasn’t playing rightnow.
“That’s a pity, Russell. I’d like to see his flesh,” Michaeladded.
Daniel and Russell’s Domme friend, Jeanine, from the last party appeared and joined in theconversation.
“Ryan, here, is a one of a kind apprentice,” Daniel announced and slapped his hand down on Russell’sshoulder.
Apparently, the phrase, “one of a kind” meant something to all of them because of the way they reacted to Daniel’s comment. They were all extremely interested now and looking atRussell.
I was definitely missing something to their inside joke. Or maybe I was the insidejoke.
“If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see his flesh. But good luck on getting to touch it, Michael,” Jeanine said with a laugh as she reached for a plate of oatmeal raisin cookies and offered to the guests in our circle. “Russell doesn’t let anyone touch his…apprentice.”
Russell put his hand on my upper back and rubbed between my shoulder blades as he reached for a cookie. He held it out in front of me and asked me if I’d like to mingle a little on my own. I took the cookie and nodded. And in no way did I feel like he was brushing me off. I felt like he knew I was starting to feel uncomfortable, and he gave me anout.
“Michael, Ian, Natalie, it was a pleasure meeting you.” I nodded at them and then glanced at Daniel and Jeanine. “Jeanine and Daniel, it was nice seeing you again thisevening.”
“Oh, the pleasure is all ours, Ryan,” Jeanine said with a kindsmile.
“Yes, Ryan, we’re thrilled to see you this evening. Russell can’t say enough good things about you,” Danieladded.
“Ryan, enjoy your evening, and I’m sure you’ll find something that catches your eye,” Michael said. I heard him say, “Fantastic apprentice, Russ,” as I walkedaway.
Russell chuckled with Michael, and then they disappeared from earshot. I was the fantastic apprentice and sometimes play partner. That was my role; to learn from one of thebest.
I had been introduced to several other people before Michael, Ian, and Natalie. Now that I was left to mingle on my own, I found myself slowly walking around the great room reciting the names of those I had met. I would pick them out in the crowd, recite their name and if they had told me anything identifying about themselves. Michael, Ian, Natalie, Jeanine, and Daniel were all either Doms, Dommes, orTops.
“Hey,Ry.”
I turned my head to the side and in the direction of my partial name. Leonard walked toward me and leaned on the back of the couch next tome.
“Hi, Leonard. How are you tonight?” Iasked.
He nodded his head and looked over at the group Russell was still talkingwith.
“I’m doing good, Ry. Can’t complain. Another kick ass party ofRussell’s.”
I nodded and looked around at all of the people engaged in small groups ofconversations.
“I know you’re still pretty new around here, but Russell throws the most epic parties,” hesaid.
“Yeah,” I agreed and motioned around the room with my hand that had my glass of water in it. “Everyone looks like they’re having a great time. I’m sure others are playing down the hall and enjoyingthemselves.”
“Definitely. Russell is a killer host,” I agreed with Leonard’s assessment. “He’s like a walking god. He’s so experienced and can teach you somuch.”
“Yeah, he’s teaching me alot.”
