“Sam’s sadistic side and needs are somewhat different than mine. I trust that you’ve found out by now.”
“Yes, I have.” I could feel my cheeks get a little warm.
“Sam is more of a sensualist. His gratification comes from giving pleasure to those he’s taking care of.”
“He’s really good at it,” I admitted.
“He is, yes.”
I could tell by the look on his face that something serious was on the tip of his tongue, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear it. I worried it might be about Andrew, so I quickly found something lighter to talk about.
“You know so much about many members at Oxygen. Actually, you probably know all of them.”
“I’ve spent my life there, for the most part. I love helping people who have the interest but limited experience. If I can help them gain knowledge through good experiences, and give them a solid foundation to grow from, then I’m happy.”
“Did you see, or hear, about the posting that the owners are looking to sell Oxygen?” I asked.
“Walt is retiring. He and his wife want to begin traveling the world at the end of the year.”
“You should buy it. You’d be a great club owner.”
“I don’t have the time, Joshua. The owner needs to be devoted, just as the current owner has been ever since I joined.”
“You already help him with planning events, and everyone knows you’re the one in charge whenever he’s not around. And you know everyone.”
“Joshua, my devotion is to Brandon. I’ll see where Brandon and I are at when the deadlines come up for Oxygen. I know he will heavily consider my opinion on the new owner. I won’t allow the club to go to just anyone,” he promised.
As I thought about the few guys that I heard had expressed interest in the club, I realized they would all be good for Oxygen. Not as good as James, but still decent guys. While lost in my thoughts, James slipped right in with the serious comment that I had thought I had successfully avoided.
“Joshua, I’m more than happy that Sam has you and Alison under his protection.”
“I am too,” I said. I really did like how he made me feel, and I was pretty sure I even loved him.
“He’s very astute and dedicated. Sam is able to figure out needs quickly.”
“Andrew and I are a lot alike; both of us enjoy mild pain mixed with our play. But I know my need for it didn’t come close to your need to give it,” I admitted.
“Everyone’s needs are very different, Joshua.”
“I’m surprised Brandon is so into it. You know, from the kink house and all.”
“Brandon was into it before the kink house. Though his time at the kink house stripped him of a lot of things, it didn’t take that. He needs the pain because it allows him to accept love and tenderness after. He needs both.” James sat upright in his chair. “My friend, Russell, his boy is a little like Brandon. He also needs to receive pain so he can expel emotional pain from child abuse.”
I thought about that for a moment and could understand how that would be helpful for both Brandon and the other guy. But I wasn’t like that.
“Ah, you look like you’re contemplating why you don’t need physical pain.” I looked up at James. “Remember, everyone is different. Especially with how they process and deal with trauma.” I nodded at James. We’d had this talk before when I first started going to the club. “Everyone has their own kink and fetishes. Right?” He smiled and raised an eyebrow at me.
“Yes,” I said. I felt the warmth of my cheeks from slight embarrassment. James knew my kinks and the types of play that made my dick hard. He probably also knew that Sam scratched that itch almost effortlessly.
Before I got too caught up in remembering some of our play sessions, a firm knock on the door pulled me back to the present. I swallowed hard when the door opened, and Sam stood in the doorway.
“Andrew is resting comfortably now.”
“Any internal damage?” James asked.
“It doesn’t look like anything life -threatening. However, the knife did graze a kidney. I’ve already scheduled him for another CT scan later on. The first one picked up on the penetrating trauma, but I’d like to check it again to make sure nothing has changed.”
“She hit a kidney?” James asked as his hand hit the desk.
