The Hampton Road Club: Hesitant Heart Part 15

Aaron tensed. Sam leaned into where Aaron cupped his cheek and hummed a soft noise that Aaron had heard from him many times. Sam made it when he was contented and relaxed. It had actually been shocking to Aaron just how accepting Sam had been to the new experience at the club. If there were such a thing as a match made in heaven, Aaron believed that he and Sam would be the epitome of such a relations.h.i.+p.

Grasping Sam's chin, Aaron then tilted his boy's head up so that he could capture a kiss from his lover. After leaning down to take what he wanted, he pulled back and saw the look of adoration Sam held for him in his eyes, his expression. He had to let go of his pointless fears. Sam was his.

Chapter Twelve.

Sam was very careful with his new African violet as he carried it back home. He had two of the dark purple ones, one fuchsia and the white one he'd only just purchased at the end of his s.h.i.+ft and was in the process of bringing with him to the house. He'd dutifully given Aaron the ten percent every time he was paid, almost all of the other ninety percent going to pay for more plants, pots and soil. For their three month anniversary, Aaron had bought him a little greenhouse-it was all they'd been able to fit on the patio of the small yard in the back.

He'd been thrilled, yet embarra.s.sed, that he hadn't gotten anything for Aaron-not that he would've known what to get. Aaron had hugged and kissed him over and over, telling him that he had all he'd ever need. He had Sam. More than ever, Aaron's statement brought to mind something that had been rolling around in Sam's mind since meeting Francesco that first night at the club.

They'd returned two more times since then and Sam had been lucky that his friend Francesco had been there for both instances. They'd played cards, talked about their favorite things and confessed what their deepest desires were. Sam had finally told Francesco that he really wanted to get branded for Aaron, but was afraid to ask. Francesco had encouraged him by reminding him that all Masters wanted to know what their boys were feeling. Sam was resolved to talk about it with Aaron as soon as he got home.

In his peripheral vision, he noted that a motorcar seemed to have been driving awfully slow right near him for most of his walk back from work. A cold tingle ran down his spine as he remembered something Martin had told him when he'd first arrived at the nursery that morning. 'Two men stopped in to see you, Sam. They said they were your friends and wanted to say h.e.l.lo. I told them you'd be in later and they said they'd be back.'

Sam had been completely perplexed at first, but then he'd concluded that it must've been Theodore and Francesco. He'd told Francesco all about the plant shop where he worked. Something seemed off though. He'd forgotten all about Martin's message as soon as he'd become wrapped up in the plants and their needs. Now that he thought back on it, if Master Theodore had said they'd return, they would have.

Trying to remember to breathe, Sam chanced a peek at the black vehicle less than ten feet away from him. He almost dropped his plant when he caught the eye of one of his father's large a.s.sistants. Sam had no idea why his father had needed the burly man around him all the time or how he'd managed to find him, but that was the least of his concerns for the moment.

He couldn't panic, couldn't collapse into his terror. Aaron had taught him that he was strong, that he could handle almost anything if he kept his focus and remembered how good and smart he was. The car sped up a fraction, advancing close to him. That was all it took.

Feigning left as if he were going to head down a side street, he waited until they'd turned the bulky car to follow him. Then he bolted across the street behind them and jumped over a short hedge into the yard of a corner home. He scurried alongside the house until he reached the back. He knew that an alley ran between that house and the home he shared with Aaron.

Hoping that no one from the bungalow was watching him or about to call the coppers on the intruder carrying a potted flower, Sam reached the brick wall that separated the property from the alley. He placed the violets on the top then hoisted himself over. Out of breath, his heart hammering, he retrieved his precious cargo then raced for the back gate. It was locked. He set his plant down. Dragging a tin trash can over to the wall, he climbed atop, his feet scrabbling as he almost tumbled off the loose lid of the unwieldy bin.

Gazing down the length of the alleyway, he spotted the car that had been following him at the end. He squeaked. Too frightened to worry about his poor plant any longer, he threw himself over the top of the barrier. The bushes that bordered the back wall tore his s.h.i.+rtsleeves, scratching his arms and cheek. He stumbled and landed on the small patch of gra.s.s that comprised the main part of their backyard.

Any hope of calm or focus had been completely shattered. Hysteria threatened and all he could do was think of Aaron. He would be safe with Aaron. He had to get to his Master. After pus.h.i.+ng up from the ground, he lunged forward, willing his shaky legs to take him to Aaron and safety.

The French doors on the patio were latched. Aaron was very careful about everything being locked up even when they were at home. Given the nature of what they engaged in, it was vital that they remain extremely alert. He frantically smacked his hands on the gla.s.s. It wasn't his intention to break anything, but he had to get inside, had to make Aaron come to him.

Sam almost fainted with relief when he saw a visibly startled Aaron headed toward him from the inside. Aaron's surprise changed to a look of fear and worry in almost an instant. Sam had a stray thought that he'd never seen his lover so animated. Aaron unlatched the doors, and the moment they were opened, Aaron yanked Sam inside, clutching him to his body as he relocked them. Sam noted that Aaron seemed to be checking outside, no doubt verifying that there wasn't anyone who had followed Sam into the yard.

He turned Sam in his arms so that they faced one another. Aaron held Sam's upper arm with one hand and grasped his chin with the other, tipping his head back and staring down at him.

"My G.o.d, Sam, you're injured. What happened? Did someone try to rob you?"

He gasped, took in too much air then swayed. Aaron gave him a small shake.

"Breathe, Sam. You must tell me what happened so I can help you."

That makes sense.

Sam tried to focus on Aaron's words. He had to breathe so that he could talk. Then Aaron could make everything better.

But those men...

"Sam. Bedroom, now. Morning position."

Those were words with which Sam was very familiar. He heard them repeatedly, looked forward to the order they brought to his world.

"Are you disobeying me?"

That jarred him. "No, Master."

"Then take your morning position. I want to see perfect posture when I enter the room."

Aaron must have dropped his hand already, because Sam was able to freely move out of the living area. He did as he'd been told. As soon as he'd achieved his very best stance, his breathing slowed, evened out. He fixed his gaze on the blue scarf in the painting Aaron had done of him. It had been the first of many since then. He took in the way his hands rested above his head in the picture, the scarf wrapped around his wrists like a lover's hold. It soothed him.

"Good boy. Exactly as I like, little Sam. You're safe in our home, safe with me. No one will ever touch you because I won't let them. I will always protect you, no matter what."

Aaron petted his mussed hair back from his forehead.

"Stay in position. Keep your breathing regular. I need to get some mercurochrome for your scratches."

Aaron was back in what seemed like an instant. Sam only flinched a couple times when the antiseptic stung him as Aaron cleaned his wounds. After Aaron had finished with his task, he slowly removed Sam's clothing then scooped him up into his arms. He carried him the short distance to the bed then gently lay him down on top of the covers. Aaron discarded his silk robe then curled up next to him, propping himself up on one elbow, stroking Sam's hair over and over as he gazed down on him.

"Tell me, Sam. It's my responsibility to take care of you."

"My father found me."

The caresses halted. "How do you know that?"

Aaron's voice had remained gentle, calm. The carding of his fingers through Sam's hair picked up again.

"Martin said that two friends of mine had stopped by asking about me, which I thought was very odd. Then when I was walking home, I noticed a car driving real slow next to me. I turned to see who it was and..." His breathing accelerated and he wasn't sure he could get his words out.

"You're safe with me, little Sam. No one can ever take you from me. I won't let them."

He let out a whoosh of air, grateful that Aaron had reiterated to him that Sam would be safe in his care. He knew it deep inside, but Aaron's words were like a balm.

"Thank you, Master." He took a deep breath, determined to get the rest of the story out. "One of the men in the car is someone I know. He works for my father and he's really big and mean. I saw him beat up a fellow real bad at the house one time. I was in my bedroom upstairs looking out the window. I watched him sock this guy in the face again and again and he was bleeding a whole bunch. I was about twelve and I decided to stay far away from him after that."

Aaron gathered him close, kissing the top of his head repeatedly.

"I'm going to fix this, little Sam. No one can take you from me. Never."

There was an intensity in Aaron's voice that Sam had never heard before. He hadn't raised his voice in volume, but he could have been shouting. All that really mattered was that Aaron was going to handle everything. He would make it all better. Sam didn't need to know the details or what he planned on doing. That wasn't his place. Aaron was his Master and he was in charge. All Sam had to do was surrender his fear to him.

"Both Bruce and George will be here?"

Aaron had enlisted Saul's help from almost the moment Sam had told him of what had occurred. Their mutual friends, Thomas and Theodore, had also offered their a.s.sistance. Thomas knew of two big burly men-Dominants at the club he belonged to in Santa Barbara-who had been pro boxers in their day. They'd all wanted to be a.s.sured of as much back-up as possible to insure their little scheme went off without a hitch.

Saul lit up one of the rare cigars he indulged in at times. Aaron knew that his friend really only had one when he was in a stressful situation. The previous few days had been wearing to everyone's nerves.

"Most certainly, old sport. Those brutes won't know what hit them-so to speak." Saul chuckled. "What time did you agree on with Sam's father?"

"Seven sharp this evening. That gives us plenty of time to set everything up."

"Indeed it does. Your boy's father must be quite desperate to get Sam back to agree to all of this."

"Yes. Desperate to save his own skin. He's a snake. I'd rather break his neck than anything, but I'll behave myself as long as he accepts my terms."

Saul swirled the amber liquid of his brandy in the snifter he held. They were reclining on a long brocade sofa in one of the lounges at the club. The rooms were primarily used for smaller groups of men who wanted to share their subs or who wanted to watch another pair perform together. He took a sip then set his gla.s.s down on a cherry wood Queen Anne end table.

"I imagine he will if his skin is as important to him as you believe it is."

Aaron made a sound of disgust. "Somehow he has it in his mind that if Sam doesn't marry this little chippy of a girl, he'll be unable to achieve his political ambitions. Supposedly it's vital that Sam live up to his responsibilities or else her father won't introduce him in the proper circles to help further his goal of holding office."

"He should redirect his focus on his ability to maintain his current lifestyle if he doesn't give in to all of your wishes." Saul chuckled again, appearing more relaxed after a smoke and a sip. "As if there could ever be a man who doesn't give in to your demands."

Shaking his head, Aaron scowled at his well-meaning friend. "Please. That conjures up rather unpleasant images."

Saul winked. "I'm guessing that it will for your boy's father too, after tonight."

"If the b.a.s.t.a.r.d had left my sweet Sam alone in the first place, then he wouldn't have to meet my other demands as well."

Aaron hadn't filled Sam in on any of what would be happening that evening. His boy had trusted Aaron to handle everything.

They went over more details of the plan, Aaron confident that everything would go as intended. Saul had taken care of getting the boxers to come down for back-up. Thomas and Theodore would provide the method that would insure that Sam's father would leave him alone for good. Aaron was there to play the part of the money-hungry pimp who would only relinquish Sam once a sizeable amount had been paid to cover for Sam's lost services.

It had taken some convincing to get Sam to walk 'alone' to the plant shop the morning after he'd been followed. Aaron, Theodore and Thomas had watched from the Bearcat to see if anyone tried to approach his boy. The same brutes that Sam had described to Aaron had shown up and the men had cut them off. A note with Aaron's contact information had been pa.s.sed along, stating that Sam was Aaron's property but that perhaps a business arrangement could be agreed upon. Sam's father had called shortly thereafter and the meeting they were preparing for had been set up.

"I need to check in on Sam." Aaron pulled out his pocket watch. He was sure he'd have ample time and it would be good for them both. "If you'll excuse me, I need to take my boy into one of the private rooms for a good spanking and f.u.c.king. He's been rather anxious the last couple of days, but today has been particularly wearing on him."

"Poor thing. Yes, go take care of that charming creature. He needs you."

Aaron stood then regarded his loyal friend. Saul appeared absorbed in his cigar and brandy, gazing off into nothing, seemingly lost in thought. The only wish Aaron would ever have other than having Sam happy and by his side forever, would be that his kind-hearted fellow Dominant would find someone to comfort him. Someone as adoring to Saul as Sam was to Aaron.

His thoughts s.h.i.+fted back to Sam. Saul was right. Sam did need Aaron.

But no more than I need him.

The time spent with Sam had taken the edge off any lingering trepidation Aaron still had over the deception they had all planned for the evening. He had no qualms over what they were about to do but had needed to shed his personal fears over the possibility of failing to protect his boy. In place of any anxiety he'd felt was fury that Sam's father wished to purchase his son-to take him against his will to a life that Sam didn't wish for.

No love.

Only the desire for power and wealth. That was all Sam represented to his father. Aaron curled the corners of his mouth into a small grin. He couldn't wait. Couldn't wait to destroy the reprehensible man.

The doorbell gonged and Aaron glanced at the ornate mahogany and bronze mantle clock.

At least the b.a.s.t.a.r.d knows how to show up on time.

Saul peered around the entryway of the study in the hall leading to the main living area.

"Showtime, old sport."

"Bruce and George are in their places outside?"

"Of course. They are well hidden and waiting for their cue." Saul arched his eyebrows. "I have to say, I've never seen you so...edgy."

Aaron frowned in consternation. "And that means what, exactly?"

He had no right to be angry, not when Saul and his other friends had gone out of their way to help both him and Sam. He knew it was really only the stress over Sam that had him out of sorts.

Saul moved into the room then took his position on the opposite end of the settee where Aaron was already seated.

"Don't take offense, old sport. You're alive. You're in love. It's a wonderful thing for me to witness."

Aaron nodded, calming. "Thank you again, Saul. This means so much to both of us."

"My absolute pleasure. I'm always up for a bit of mischief."

Saul held up his partially filled brandy snifter and dipped his chin before taking a sip. Aaron let out an easy laugh, suddenly anxious for the game to begin as well. Saul set his gla.s.s down on the elegant serving tray that sat on the low coffee table in front of them. In addition to Saul's drink, there was a half full crystal decanter of brandy and additional empty gla.s.ses. On the other side of the antique cherry wood piece of furniture were two matching wingchairs with a small round top table in between. Perched upon it was a box of cigars and heavy silver lighter. Aaron held his own drink, swirling the amber liquid within-all of it a part of the ruse.

"Gentlemen, your guest has arrived."

Aaron fought the urge to snort at Michael's mention of the term 'guest'. Both Saul and Aaron rose in unison. As the valet stepped aside, a rather rotund man of short stature appeared. The man scowled at them both, making no attempt to mask what was likely his revulsion at having to conduct business with men who ran a house of perversions. The two brutes who had followed Sam and who had taken Aaron's info, flanked Mr Cunningham.

Aaron pasted on his most radiant smile and extended his hand. "Delighted we could meet, Mr Cunningham. I'm Aaron Rubenstein. We spoke on the phone?"

The man merely grunted, but took Aaron's hand briefly before s.n.a.t.c.hing it back as if he might catch a disease.

"And this is my esteemed colleague, Saul Liebowitz."

Saul gave a quick nod of acknowledgment. "Old sport." He turned to Aaron. "I was under the impression that this was to be an amiable gathering, a simple business exchange? I wasn't aware there would be others present. I'm afraid I'm not comfortable discussing private financial matters under these circ.u.mstances." Saul faced Mr Cunningham again. "I'm sure you understand. Dreadfully sorry things couldn't work out, but I have to be on my way-"

Mr Cunningham sputtered. "Now hold on there. We had an understanding."

Aaron piped in. "I'm afraid Mr Liebowitz is correct. I had also a.s.sumed we would be meeting privately. I'll be honest, I'd rather keep Sam anyway. Wonderful boy-very much in demand. As a matter of fact, I have an overseas buyer who's expressed interest in-"

"This is an outrage!" His face had turned a vivid shade of scarlet and his eyes bulged. "This is my son you're talking about!"

Saul locked eyes with their quarry. "Be that as it may, dear sir, we have him and you do not. Are we negotiating a deal to return your son to you or has this meeting come to an end?"

Aaron held back a grin at Saul's use of his forceful tone. He could come across as quite intimidating when he did that. Not all submissives could handle him-but he could always handle them.

It hadn't seemed possible that Sam's father could appear more enraged than he already did, but the red deepened to almost a purple and his breathing became something that was more akin to snorting.

"And what's to stop me and my men from taking him from you? Huh?"