Page 27 of Pain Play

Terry didn’t want to let on that he did too.

****

Several days had passed since the incident with Marco. Phil had been pleased to learn from Gerard that extra security precautions had been put in place and that his attorneys were investigating all angles in case Marco’s uncle tried anything. However, it meant that the club nights had temporarily been put on hold.

Phil checked his watch while he waited at the bar of the small BDSM club Gerard had recommended as a temporary replacement. Terry had gone to change from his leather gear back into street clothes now that it was time to leave. His comfort level had been almost nonexistent from the moment the idea of going to a public club had first been suggested. Phil had initially wondered whether it was necessary, since they played in their home and still saw Gerard and Marco socially. But once Terry had expressed nervousness over the idea, Phil had been convinced to push for it. No public demonstrations had been involved, only observation with Terry on high protocol. Phil was proud of how well he’d done.

I want tonight to be the night.

Terry appeared from the hall that led to the changing area, his head bowed but his posture straight and movements graceful as he drew near. A swell of emotion filled his chest at the sight.

As was agreed upon, Terry never spoke unless spoken to when they were at a club or gathering. Their discarded no touching rule was also in effect and was the only time it was still used. When Terry reached him, he dropped to his knees. Phil pinched the bridge of his nose.Dammit. I should’ve been more specific.

“You can stand, baby.”

He hadn’t needed to raise his voice, since the bar they were in didn’t play loud music. Although he was curious about Terry’s reaction to the new experience, he wasn’t anxious to come back anytime soon. The space had been nice enough overall, but it couldn’t compare to the atmosphere at Gerard and Marco’s home.

“Follow me to the car, I’m ready to head to Musso and Franks.”

“Ooh, nice.”

Terry had almost whispered it under his breath, but Phil had caught his remarks. He tried not to chuckle.

“Did I ask for your opinion?”

“No, Master. My bad.”

Phil was in a losing battle with his chuckling. Terry submitted to him freely, joyfully even, but there was nothing weak or spineless about him. He no longer feared whether Terry might give in to one of Phil’s demands when it was actually a hard limit. The trust he had in his sub was implicit. That knowledge gave him the freedom to explore their dynamic without fear.

Once they reached the car, Phil paused before opening the door to brush off the knees of Terry’s slacks. “I should haveexplained to you ahead of time that once you were back in your street clothes that club protocol had ended.” Phil nipped Terry’s ear. “I doubt you’d want to go to Musso’s with dirty knees. The patrons might wonder what you’ve been up to.”

“They probably will anyway now that you’ve given me a hard-on.”

“Excellent.” Phil reached around Terry to get the door, intentionally brushing their cocks together in the process. “All part of my evil plan.”

Terry let out a small groan as he settled into the passenger seat. After Phil buckled him in, then got into the driver’s side and did the same for himself, he took off from the downtown loft that housed the club and made his way south to Hollywood Boulevard. Excitement built, along with his nerves.

“Wow, you must have really loved that place.”

Phil tilted his head. “Why do you say that?”

“You have an enormous grin on your face, like that was the most amazing club you’d ever seen.”

Phil picked up on a tone in Terry’s voice indicating to him that he didn’t think there was anything amazing about the club at all.

“I take it you weren’t that thrilled?” He wanted to hear exactly what Terry’s opinion was before he gave his own.

“Well…”

“Honesty, remember? I always want your genuine thoughts and feelings.”

“I just don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”

That’s not what I was expecting. “How can I get the wrong idea from you disliking a club? I’m sure there are others out there we can try. We can even check out some that are out of town, make a getaway of it.”

“Um, that’s not what I meant. The club was okay, I guess, but I didn’t get the same vibe like I did the first time we went toGerard and Marco’s.” Terry paused, and Phil stole a glance to see if there was an indication he planned to continue. Terry’s brow was furrowed as if he were considering his next words carefully. “I realize their place is the only public gathering of sorts that I’ve ever been to before tonight, but I can’t imagine getting the same thing out of some other random club.” Terry cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. “Because, you know, Gerard and Marco wouldn’t be there.”

“Oh. I see.” Phil ran Terry’s words through his head for a moment, not wanting to misinterpret their intent.