“The Fortuna men do love a good argument,” Giovanni says warmly.
“Perhaps it is a display of dominance,” Leandro muses. “An attempt to put me in my place?”
“Like two lions in the jungle.” Giovanni says. “If your father is having to give up control in so many other aspects of his life, he may be clinging to his habits as a way of asserting himself. I imagine it is difficult for great men to feel their power waning, to have to cede their authority to a younger, more virile man.” He glances at me meaningfully, perhaps to intimate that Valentin and I have shared a similar struggle.
Leandro smiles softly at Giovanni. “You are wise beyond your years.”
Gio grins and lowers his head in deference. It seems to me a promising start.
We speak of other things, the beautiful spring weather and my mother’s health. Giovanni offers little in the way of personal information, but he remains engaged throughout. After Leandro leaves, and we are alone again, I ask, “What did you think of Leandro?”
“He has kind eyes.”
“Would you like to be whipped by such a kind man?”
Giovanni laughs, before turning earnest again. “I would like to give it a try.”
“My brother was a sadist,”I tell Leandro over drinks the next night. This is something he knows already but it bears repeating. We’re on the small balcony of my apartment, which overlooks the marketplace, known for its many artisanal shops and restaurants. Leandro’s agreed to meet with us again, and it feels a bit like courtship, only the bride is my own beloved.
I knew of my brother’s kink long before he came to live on the island but had never really witnessed him in his element before Giovanni. I was continually surprised by the depths of his desire to inflict pain and Giovanni’s desire to receive it. To Leandro, I say, “That was a significant part of their Master/slave dynamic. Giovanni craves the sort of pain I cannot provide him. We are looking for someone we trust to offer him an outlet. A sadomasochistic scene without touching.”
“No touching?” Leandro inclines his head in an inquisitive manner.
“Nothing sexual.”
“What are you looking for in this scene?” Leandro asks Giovanni who is seated at my side. My hand rests just above his knee, and despite the relative warmth of the evening, he is trembling.
“Release,” Giovanni says with a small shudder.
Leandro considers it. “What types of implements have you used in the past?”
Giovanni begins to list them, and it is exhaustive. In their four years together, there was very little he and my brother didn’t try. Giovanni concludes with, “But I only do bondage with my Sir.” We exchange a smile at this.
Leandro nods. “I have experience with several of the implements you listed. I rent a studio not too far from here, a very discreet place where I conduct scenes. Perhaps you both can come by tomorrow afternoon? We can go over the finer details then?”
I look to Giovanni, for the decision hinges on his answer. With his body tense and eyes sharp, he nods.
Leandro’s studiois a subfloor apartment in the Spanish Neighborhood, a historic district of Napoli where the streets are lined with clothing shops and food stalls selling fried pizza, our regional specialty. There are also several flower vendors whose lush bouquets attract Giovanni’s attention, something to remember for later.
Today, I’ve outfitted him in something simple and light for the weather. In his shorts and t-shirt, he looks like any other student on their way to class or perhaps an American tourist taking in the many sights and sounds of a city so rich in culture and history. I fixed his hair too and smoothed a lightly scented balm over his lips. Giovanni teased me that he’s going to start calling me Daddy. I wouldn’t mind.
“You look very handsome,” I compliment because he seems nervous, and I never tire of telling him.
“Thank you, Sir. I hope to represent you well in front of your fellow Dominant.”
“Just be yourself, Gio.”
“If only it were that easy,” he says with a worrisome twist of his lips.
“I know it is not your preference to be assertive, but I’d like you to be direct with Leandro about what you want and what you need. He’s a friend, and he wants to help.”
“I’ll do my best, Sir.”
I buzz the door and Leandro greets us wearing loose pants and a shirt with an open collar. He is barefoot, casual. He invites us inside and we descend the short staircase to where there is a small table in what appears to be a reception area. He offers us drinks, then sits with us to discuss rules, limits, and safewords. Giovanni asked that I provide his written list, so I offer it to Leandro who reads it over carefully.
“And what is your role during our scene, Silvio?” he asks.
“I am Gio’s Dominant, but I will defer to you. I’d like to be present throughout, as an observer and a support.”
