comforting.
“I’m assuming we’d be talking at the club?” I was already out of my chair and on my way to the
bedroom. Icouldgo to the club in my slacks and button-down, but I didn’t want anything so stuffy
tonight. I wanted Sam to see me as friendly and approachable. I opted for a pair of distressed jeans, a
dark purple shirt, and my boots, because I also didn’t want to betoocasual.
William confirmed that we’d be talking on relatively neutral ground, and I told him I’d be there as
soon as I could. For better or worse, I couldn’t go to sleep another night without knowing what secret
William worried would push me away from the boy I wanted.
The front door of The Lodge opened as I approached. I held my breath until I saw William
holding it open for me. “I didn’t realize you offered this level of service.”
“Yeah, well, you got lucky,” William quipped. “Sam’s trying to get an assignment for school done,
so I told him I’d deal with opening the club tonight.”
“You sure you’re up for this?” William asked as he ushered me to one of the lounge areas.
“Nope.” At this point, honesty seemed to be the best policy. The only thing Iwassure of was I
needed to find out what I was supposed to be scared of, so I could decide if it was something I could
face. “But sometimes you have to be willing to take a chance. I’d like to think I’m man enough that
nothing could hold me back. If anything, my greatest fear is that learning more about Sam will reveal
failings in my own character.”
“If I didn’t have faith you’d do the right thing, I would have told you to walk away without
suggesting you consider how serious you are about him.” The hinges on a door somewhere in the
darkness creaked. William gripped my shoulder. “You’re a good man, Theron. I think you could be
exactly what Sam needs. All I’m asking is that you hear him out and be honest with yourself and with
him.”
“That I can do,” I promised him. Another door opened and Sam appeared. I stood, hooking my
thumbs in the front pockets of my jeans to keep from reaching out as he approached. Not wanting to
seem standoffish, I reached out a hand. “It’s good to see you again, Sam.”
I mentally kicked myself as Sam shook my hand. “Thank you for coming down. I know this is
probably a bit unconventional to you.”
“Not at all,” I reassured him. There was nothing normal about Dom/sub relationships, and I’d be
willing to bet Sam didn’t realize how common it was for things to feel more like a business meeting
