Then

"You did very well today," Phoenix said in a gentle voice and sat on the bed to brush back a few locks of sweaty, auburn hair from the woman staring up at him with a dazed look on her face. "You both did."

His eyes met the man on the other side of the woman. He, too, had a sort of dazed look on his face and a tired smile.

"Is there anything you were uncomfortable with, Daisy? Something you need us to talk through now or go over next time?"

"No, Mister P., not at all. This is everything I've ever needed." Daisy smiled sweetly at Phoenix and then turned to kiss the man. "Thanks, babe."

"Anytime." The man mumbled between kisses to her forehead, which soon led to a passionate kiss on her lips.

"Jon, do you have any questions for me or something you want me to prepare for next time?"

With a wet sound, Jon let go of Daisy's lips and concentrated on Phoenix. "No, Mister P., there's nothing. I'm comfortable with the training as it is, and I feel we'll soon be ready to take the final test with Master Packard to get our memberships."

"I'm glad to hear that. I think one or two times more and I can recommend you to Master Packard." Phoenix nodded to himself, going over the things he had already worked on with the couple. The training to certify them as members went really well.

They were an experienced couple that had moved to Dublin because of Jon's work, and they had applied to become members. It had fallen on Phoenix to certify them, and they had been wonderful. Jon was a responsible man in his late forties, with no issues about being a Dom, and his Daisy, was an obedient and pleasing sub in her early forties.

Jon listened and took everything Phoenix said and showed into account, not once feeling the need to out-Dom Phoenix to show he was Daisy's Master. Daisy had at all times acknowledged Phoenix's status as a mentor without ever giving Jon the impression that she obeyed another Dom.

They had been a dream couple to train, unlike some of the other ones Phoenix had been stuck with.

Still, he enjoyed doing it because he wanted people to practice BDSM safely. He wanted people to have the right mindset and the understanding of how it worked to enjoy their desires. There were too many horror stories out there, from Doms and subs alike, where things had gone awry because they had not known how to do it safely or say stop when the signs showed.

A common mistake was a sub not knowing how to assert their limits, or Doms not knowing the tells of their subs before trying to push limits. Submitting to another human being should never be done without knowing that human was one to be trusted to care. And dominating should always be done with the intention to please, not hurt. Even if pain was the desire, it should be done from a place of meeting the desire for pain.

Never pain for the sake of pain.

"Do you need me to help you with anything, or do you want to do aftercare alone?" Phoenix brushed Daisy's hair in a calming way to let her know he would stay to supervise if she needed it. "I booked the room for another few hours, so take the time you need."

"How about a long bubble bath, Daisy?" Jon stared lovingly into her eyes.

"Sounds perfect."

Phoenix nodded at them. "I'll go turn on the water, and then I'll leave you to it. Text me your schedule, and I'll book you for our next session, ok?"

"Will do." Jon gave Phoenix a handshake.

With the water running into the large tub and some scented bubble bath solution poured into it, Phoenix grabbed his things and waved at the couple relaxing on the bed. Daisy sent him a soft smile before returning her attention to Jon. He quietly closed the door to the playroom behind him and walked down the hall and up the stairs to the VIP rooms where his own was located.

In a sense, he wanted what Jon and Daisy had, that intimacy and the caring between them. But the reality was that Phoenix knew he had no way of maintaining something like that. For a few months, he could fake his way through, but the subs always felt he lacked something, and he broke it off with them before it got too awkward.

It had earned him the reputation of being unobtainable, and maybe he was. It was not a nice label overall, though it gave him some help in keeping his distance and served to not get him into socially awkward situations. The subs flocked to get a chance with him. He knew it was almost a competition between them to be the one to snatch him up.

He had no intention of leading anybody on. A night with somebody here and there. A public scene, or just the chance to sit at his feet and bring him drinks for an evening, was what he could offer.

Nobody should snatch him up because they would regret it in the end.

Contracts and a steady sub were not in the cards for him.

He was no prize.

Tired, and a bit discouraged, Phoenix sighed and leaned his head back against the closed door of his playroom. In there, he did not have to wear the Dom mask or even the business mask.

He could just be tired.

And it was one of those days.

They had returned from Belgium a few days earlier, and he had set Jace up with the first module of the learning program, one Phoenix had spent hours adapting to fit Jace. To make sure Jace did not feel overwhelmed or crept back to that idea of him being stupid. The whole first module was tailor-made to build up Jace's confidence in himself and show him that the skills he already mastered could be used as a stepping stone to the parts he needed to learn.

On his return, there had been another package waiting for him. That time, a pair of designer jeans to fit his 'perfect ass' as the card had stated. The gifts themselves did not bother him much. The fact that he had a stalker, or maybe more than one, was a minor detail since there were no threats. It was the part where he felt restricted in his life with the security Gareth insisted he had.

The latest gift had only made Gareth more persistent in his want for an around-the-clock bodyguard detail on Phoenix. Something they had discussed at length and rather loudly, too, until Garth had relented and let Phoenix have it his way to only have protection when he went to teach.

Because they had spent some days in Belgium to convince Noreen and draw up the contract with Horse, Phoenix had missed a few meetings that Rotha had rescheduled, and those had come at him back-to-back in the days since their return.

That day alone he had started with a 4 in the morning one with Korea, an 8 a.m. one with the Middle East, and an 11 a.m. one with France about that contract he had worked on before their trip to Belgium. He had clocked out at 2 p.m., after almost twelve hours of work, only to go directly to the club for his first training session with a sweetheart of a sub, he had worked with for a few months, who was almost ready to take the certifying test. And then after a bite to eat, he had gone to meet with Jon and Daisy.

To say he needed time off was an understatement.

Absentmindedly, he looked at his watch. If he was lucky, he could manage a one-hour power nap before the evening's pre-show meeting with Packard and the other Master Dominants. He dragged himself to the bed and collapsed, making sure he set his phone to wake him.

He was out cold within a minute.

An hour later, Phoenix grabbed his phone to turn off the alarm. He was tempted to throw the damned thing at the wall but kept his aggression to squeezing it tightly until he feared it would break anyway.

It was too much hassle to get a new one.

With a groan, he sat up and stretched. He flexed his muscles to relieve some of the tension. What he needed was a good massage. Maybe he could get a sub to give him one later?

That would be heaven!

A quick shower and shave later, Phoenix pulled on his 'club uniform' of form-fitting jeans, a wide leather belt, and large boots. Not that he hated the leather pants and classic Dom attire, he just felt more at ease in jeans.

Though his ass looked marvelous in leather.

He was about to do his hair when his phone rang.

"Vlad?"

"Sorry to disturb you. I know it's your day off," Vlad responded instantly, apparently not knowing that Phoenix had worked half the day.

"No worries, mate. What's up?" Phoenix pulled out a water from his mini fridge and threw himself on the bed, putting the phone on speaker as he rested his head for a moment more.

"Gareth is ranting about some project with Wellingham Development, and Rotha is about to shit himself. It's not one of my projects, so I assume it's one of yours?"

"Yes, there shouldn't be anything wrong with it? Is he going crazy, or can it wait until I'm back home or at the mansion?"

Vlad chuckled. "He's probably a banana short of a fruit salad right about now."

Phoenix sighed and rubbed his temples. Gareth's timing sucked spades. "Are you at the mansion?"

"Yeah, I was about to leave. I have plans tonight, but if I don't calm Gareth, I'll be dead, and not just late."

"Give me five and I'll call Cellmate to access my computer for you to get the file. Just go to my office and wait. I'll call you back."

"You're a lifesaver," Vlad breathed with relief. "What do you say to dinner on Monday? It's been a while since we've gone out without it being a work thing. My treat."

Monday?

That was his day of doing nothing. No club and usually no socializing with the guys. They were all too knackered from the weekends to do anything on Mondays. He had no training scheduled and nothing to do except for relaxing at home with a book or some TV.

Dinner did not sound half bad.

"Sure, why not. I've got to run. I'll call you in a sec when I've gotten a hold of Cellmate."

"Awesome. Thank you again."

Phoenix mumbled under his breath and cut the call to get Cellmate on the line. He, of course, was accommodating and helped instantly, making it easy for Phoenix to call Vlad and give him the go-ahead to take the files to Gareth.

Whatever had gotten Gareth's knickers in a bunch, Phoenix wanted none of it. The world could burn for all he cared. He was busy and too tired to give a shit. He turned off his phone and put it in the safe he had installed in his playroom, along with all his other personal items for safekeeping while he was inside the club.

Theft was not an issue there. Still, he liked to know that nobody could get to his things.

He had a scene to do later and could not be bothered by outside stuff. It could be dangerous for the sub, and not enjoyable for him at all, if not in the moment. Worrying about nonessential issues was a recipe for disaster.

As usual, Packard had made sure there was something to eat at the meeting. They had them on Fridays or Saturdays each week, just to touch base on everything to make sure things ran smoothly.

And to socialize.

The other Master Dominants gave their reports on progress with training and suggestions on things to change or improve on based on their experiences.

Nothing new, and nothing worth much attention.

It was mainly just casual chit-chat.

The meeting went smoothly. Phoenix got something to eat, which helped with his growing annoyance and inevitable headache because of his long day. People seemed in a good mood and did not piss him off as they did at times. Too many Doms in one room could be too much, especially because they had no outlet. No Master Dominant's subs got invited to the meetings, but they came for socializing most other days before the club opened.

When the meeting finished, they scurried off to their playrooms to dress for the evening and those with subs to make sure they were ready.

"So, you're still doing that whipping exhibition tonight?" Packard moved from his place behind his desk to the sofa across from Phoenix, where he sat with a glass of soda. Like Phoenix and all other responsible Doms, Packard did not drink if he planned on playing later.

"Yes, Leanne offered to sub for me."

Packard instantly got a surprised look on his face. "Not Rosemary?"

"Honestly, she's getting a tad too clingy. And she's become arrogant with the other subs. I caught her warning off that new one, Sophie, the other day." Phoenix grumbled low. He hated drama, and he hated uncontrolled subs with superiority complexes. A warning should have done the trick.

"You should have told me. I don't condone that kind of behavior."

"I know, but I handled it. And she's being properly punished by not getting what she wants from me."

Laughing smugly, Packard acknowledged Phoenix had handled it fine. He did not expect adults and respectable Doms to run to him with every little thing, whining like schoolyard kids. Rosemary's behavior was only a problem for him if it became too much for the other subs in the club. Their overall comfort was his responsibility, but quarrels between play partners they should handle themselves.

Still, he liked to know what went on, even if he did not have to step in.

"I see you're not with your usual cognac. You plan on taking a sub for the night?" Phoenix raised an eyebrow at the soda in Packard's hand.

"I've thought of it. There's this one guy I'm a bit fascinated with, but he won't be here, so I thought I'd take Simon or maybe Loren for a spin. If they present for me, of course. Usually, they all come to you."

There was no envy in Packard's voice. It was a statement of facts, and he had no trouble getting a sub for a night if he wanted one. He recognized Phoenix's special pull for a sub. If it was only a question of gay attraction and not a BDSM top-and-bottom issue, he himself would have no problems with being with Phoenix for a night – or more. Sadly, the man gave no indications of being attracted to either males or females, and in the end, it would be Dom on Dom, and that would not do.

He was a gorgeous man, though. Packard's stomach churned at times when he observed Phoenix. Being gay, he noticed men a lot more than the average man did. And Phoenix was a prime specimen, even if his height was somewhat scary. There was something eerie and captivating with the coldness in those grey eyes. His voice sent shivers down most people's spines, and the grace he held himself with was almost majestic.

Yes, he was attracted to Phoenix.

He would never act on it, though.

"What about that green-haired one? He's a sweet one, from what I know. I think you'd match well," Phoenix suggested, trying hard to get off the topic of all the subs running after him. "What's his name? Checkers? Ludo?"

"Chess?"

Phoenix chuckled; he knew what his name was. "Yeah, that one."

"He's not interested in me. I've already had him on my radar and put out feelers. He's not taken the bait." Packard sighed. He had thought about it several times. There was something about Chess that drew him in, the same sort of something that had drawn him to that new trainee, Jace. But Chess had shown no interest at all, except for the general respect he as a Dom and employer was entitled to. And Jace, well, he was straight and was set up for training with Lady Gloria.

"I wouldn't be so sure. You know I spend a lot of time just observing people. I've seen him look at you."

"He's under my employ. He's not interested in being under me sexually."

"Give it a try, maybe just talk with him. Ask him to our table or out for breakfast after a shift. Maybe he's one of those who need a bit more than just a Dom offering some random dick?"

Phoenix shocked himself. What he had just said sounded like a normal conversation, something he had overheard others have, but never taken part in himself. He did not give advice. Most of the time he was not even aware of such things, but it was true that he observed people a lot when there. Maybe because he understood BDSM and the roles involved. There were rules, and rules he understood. Unlike those unwritten ones out in the real world, where things could change with a person's mood.

"You don't suggest I do a contract with him?"

"Why not? You need a Head sub." Phoenix shrugged." You're the Head Dom and owner. Surely most want to fuck you, but you've not signed a long-term contract in years. Chess might want more than to be a one-time bedwarmer and then get banished to work alongside you after. If he wants something, he can't commit without knowing who he commits to and knows that the person commits in return."

Packard fell silent and rubbed his fingers together in his lap. He never thought about it that way. He was not conceited enough to think himself better than other Doms, or that owning the club entitled him to his own pick-and-choose sub-buffet. The subs should not accept him because of his status. He preferred if they did because they saw him as a good Dom. He wanted a permanent sub, one he could pamper and treat like the center of his universe. And Phoenix was right, he had not shown Chess who he was outside of his status at the club.

Maybe it was time to nut up?

"I'll think about it. Thank you." Packard grumbled a bit. "Now I need a cognac more than ever. I can't think without it."

Phoenix chuckled lightly. "You sound like my boss and his whiskey."

"I think I like your boss. I at least like him for getting you here." He nodded to himself a bit and then grabbed a piece of cold pizza from the box on the table to occupy his mind from the need for a cognac. "What about you? In over a year, you've not taken a regular, either."

"It's not for me. And there's nobody who catches my fancy at all."

"What are you looking for?" That was the million Euro question. Nobody knew Phoenix's tastes at all. That he could physically give pleasure to any gender did not say what his personal preference was. It only showed he anatomically knew where to touch and how to do it. Packard too had heard the gossip of Phoenix not having sex with any of the subs he took for a night, and he sure as hell did not perform sexually on stage like most of the Doms.

"I'll know if I find it," Phoenix said with disinterest.

And that was the end of that conversation.

They both knew it.

To change the subject, Packard cleared his throat. "Have you given my proposal any thought?"

"I'm still thinking. With the amount of work I have and the schedule along with it, it's a lot to consider. But I'm ok with investing and ok with stepping in as Head Dom occasionally, but I'm not sure I want any say or other responsibilities."

"I can work with that, if that's what you want. We can put in a clause that you can opt to get more say and responsibility if you want at a later time?"

Phoenix stood up, ready to go into the club before the shows began. "Draw up a contract and I'll look it over with my lawyer."

"Thank you, P.," Packard said to Phoenix's back. He was the only one in the club who knew Phoenix's real name, and he had vowed to keep it a secret. It was necessary to know for membership and background check purposes, but other than that, Phoenix could go by any name he wished.

Why he had chosen 'Mister P.' was a mystery, with the man being as controlling and dominant as he was. 'Master' was the title most preferred, one he preferred himself too. The 'P', on the other hand, he understood. Phoenix, like himself, had a unique first name, and where his own last name of Packard was ok, Phoenix's would have made him sound weird.

Phoenix left Packard in his office to get ready and walked down the hall and into the private club. He never visited the regular club. Dance music was not his thing, and he got enough of that social scene when out with the guys. The private club suited his mentality, and people knew not to disturb him.

Thank fuck for that.

Though it was unnecessary, he went to the bar to get a soda. And maybe to check if Chess was on that night.

The green hair was easy to spot.

"Chess, may I have a Sprite, please?"

"Certainly, Mister P., coming right up," Chess stammered with a flustered blush on his cheeks. He quickly calmed himself enough to pour ice cubes into a tall glass and fill the glass with Sprite from the soda-gun.

He handed Phoenix the drink with a shaking hand and respectfully kept his gaze lowered. Phoenix could not help but smile inwardly. Chess was well-behaved and would be good for Packard, especially if they made it work long-term. Chess would be an excellent Head sub. Always respectful and a role model for other subs.

"Can I get you anything else, Mister P.?" Chess stood and fidgeted with his hands, looking down, waiting for Phoenix to order something else or leave.

"You may look at me. I don't mind."

Chess' bright, violet eyes snapped up, his lips turning upward. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me. I know you're respectful. Besides, I like to see who I'm talking to. Keep that in mind. You won't get punished for it, I can assure you."

The smile on Chess' face widened with the praise. "Are you performing tonight, Sir?"

"Yes, I think Leanne and I have a slot at 11:30."

The smile faltered a bit, and Phoenix noticed it. That was scary. He never noticed stuff like that, and he never gave advice as he had with Packard. Maybe he was really too tired to be there. "You don't like Leanne?"

"It's not my place to say."

"It is if I tell you," Phoenix shot back fast and with his usual dominance. He saw Chess reel back a bit at the voice and calmed himself. He disliked when people kept things from him, even more, if it concerned him, but it was not his nature to scare other people either, let alone a sub who was nothing but nice. "I'm sorry, please tell me."

"Eh, there are these bets among some subs on who you pick for scenes. They can be really nasty to listen to. Rosemary and Leanne are the worst." Chess looked pained at having said that. The guilt of betraying his peers swirled in his eyes as he bit his lip to keep from saying more. "Please don't tell anybody I've said anything."

Gently, Phoenix reached over the bar and ruffled Chess' hair. "Don't worry. So, you're telling me that Leanne is winning a bet if I take her on stage tonight?"

"Yes, Sir."

"I see." Phoenix nodded in understanding. He knew some subs were competitive, and some were plain nasty. But he had never thought they would bet on him. He was not a prize, and he was not one to play games with. That shit had to stop.

"Randy, please cover for Chess for a few," Phoenix called to the nearest bartender and motioned for Chess to follow.

He stood frozen with wide eyes.

Phoenix motioned toward the hallway to Packard's office. "Chess..."

"Yes, Sir."

Chess scurried after Phoenix to Packard's office, where Phoenix rather rudely just barged in. Luckily, Packard had changed and stood at his desk in his leathers, going over some papers and looking up in surprise at being interrupted.

"P.? What the... Chess?"

"I just had an interesting conversation with Chess. I'll not be doing an exhibition tonight. Please explain, Chess." Phoenix folded his arms over his chest and looked expectantly at Chess, who stood like a deer in headlights.

Paralyzed with fear at being in Packard's office with the Head Dom and Phoenix, having to rat out other subs, Chess stood there, staring at the floor with such intensity it was a miracle he did not drill a hole in it with his eyes.

"Chess?" Packard pushed in a soft voice to not scare him further. It was plain as day the man had not expected to be there. Chess never did anything wrong and had not prior had reason to come to the office, except for his initial interview and certification.

Chess took a deep breath and told everything he had just told Phoenix, only with a lot more details, including the stakes of the bets. He gave all the names he knew after Packard had ordered him to, though it looked to be a tough hurdle for him, battling his sense of loyalty to the other subs and his morals with what they did to Phoenix.

"Thank you, Chess. We appreciate you telling us. Go back to work. We'll handle it from here. And come to me if anybody comes after you for this. You're not in trouble, they are. I don't want that kind of behavior here." Packard sent Chess a smile and nodded encouragingly.

"So, what do you want me to do?" Packard asked and dropped into his chair when Chess had left, and the door was closed. He ran his fingers through his white hair and looked longingly at the bottle of cognac on the bar table.

"I don't know. I personally don't want that behavior to become normal here. Of course, I'll not play with any of them again, but if they begin with some other Dom, or they gang up on subs who are in favor of a particular Dominant, it could spiral."

"I agree. This is supposed to be a safe environment. Respect is a top priority. Would you mind getting me Brannon and snatching up everybody Chess mentioned and sending them in here? I'll be out when I've concluded my talk with them and made my decision."

Phoenix nodded. "I'll ask Master Henley to take over my slot for tonight."

"Good call."

It took the better part of thirty minutes for Phoenix to round up all the subs, who by the looks of it knew why they got summoned to Packard's office. He had to go to both the men's and women's sub locker rooms and ask for random subs to go in and get the ones he needed and then scrounge up the rest inside the private club and even the main club.

God, he hated being in there.

And the looks he got from some just annoyed him. Normally, he would not give a crap about who looked and why, but that night seemed to be an out-of-body experience for him, and everything was like The Twilight Zone.

At least Master Henley and his sub, Kieran, were more than happy to take over Phoenix's slot. As a seasoned couple, married for over eight years, they could easily pull an engaging and entertaining scene out of their asses.

Or Kieran's ass as it would most likely be - literally.

Tired and deflated, Phoenix slumped down on the couch at the Master Dominant's table in the VIP area, where only a few were present, and they wisely did not approach him. The thundercloud over his head was a firm indicator that he did not want to be disturbed.

"Mister P., may I get you anything?" The cute twink, serving the VIP section that night, stood to the side of the couch and nervously looked down, feeling the annoyance come off Phoenix in waves. It was his job and not asking would land him in bigger trouble than actually asking.

In theory.

Since Phoenix was not performing that night after what had happened, he could have a drink or two. He had no intention of taking anybody to his playroom until he knew for sure they had weeded the bad subs out.

So why the hell not?

"Could you get me a Tom Collins, please...?"

What the fuck was his name?

It was not because Phoenix wanted to be rude, but there were so many employees who switched areas in rotation, not to mention new ones joining from time to time. He had only learned the names of some of them, especially those behind the bar.

"Jacob," the server said with a helpful smile.

"Jacob, yes. A Tom Collins, please. Make it a double, ye?"

"As you wish, I'll be right back." Happy to not have his head chopped off, Jacob rushed from the VIP platform toward the bar.

The next hour, hour-and-a-half, Phoenix quietly observed people. Halfheartedly he watched the show Mistress Greta and her sub, Jennifer, put on while sipping his way through two drinks. Most members in the club seemed oblivious to what happened in Packard's office and enjoyed themselves as they would any other Saturday, though he noticed a few of the subs glanced toward the hallway where Packard's office was.

They knew something brewed because people had probably talked in the locker rooms.

Slowly, the subs poured out from the hallway in a steady stream, heading for the subs' locker rooms, and shortly after, straight for the doors out of the club, all wearing their street clothes, which meant Packard had sent them home. Some of them had red faces and walked a bit carefully. That meant Packard had delivered a physical punishment on top of what Phoenix expected to be a sound verbal thrashing.

Only Rosemary and Leanne had not come out yet.

Not that Phoenix gave a shit.

It took about fifteen minutes more before Brannon came from the hallway, escorting the two women to the locker rooms and then out of the club not long after. Packard soon came out and headed toward Phoenix and plopped down, waving over Jacob.

"Triple cognac, Jacob." His voice was raspy from yelling so much in his office. Yelling was not something he normally resorted to, even when angry, but those people had threatened the sanctity of his club, and that he could not stand for.

"Yes, Master Packard. A refill for you, Mister P.?"

"Why not, and have Chess bring them, but give us a few minutes."

Jacob nodded in confirmation and rushed off. Packard sighed wistfully, looking over at Chess, who had just received the order. If it was Chess or the cognac he longed for was a tossup.

"Ok, I gave all but Leanne and Rosemary ten with the paddle and banned them for a month. Those two got twenty and will receive twenty more on stage after they've publicly apologized to you and the other subs for instigating behavior that's beneath members of this club. Are you ok with that?"

"Yes, I can accept your judgment on this." Phoenix quirked a brow and smiled crookedly. "So, your arm is killing you?"

"Fuck yes," Packard laughed. Delivering that many hits in the short time he had were far beyond what his body liked.

Moments later, Chess arrived, holding a tray with their drinks. He politely set them down on the table in front of them and waited. There had to be a reason they had asked him to bring the drinks. He just did not know which, though he figured it had something to do with all the subs in Packard's office.

"Thank you, Chess. Would you care to join us?" Phoenix nodded at the pillow on the floor between him and Packard.

Chess looked at Phoenix with awe. "Are you asking, Sir?"

Packard awkwardly cleared his throat. "I am, Chess."

The light in Chess' eyes dimmed, and he lowered his gaze. "Then no thank you, Master Packard. I should get back to the bar." He turned and disappeared before anybody had a chance to stop him.

Sighing and grabbing his drink, Packard turned to Phoenix. "Told you."

"And I told you that there's more to it. Talk with the man, make him comfortable around you."

Irritated, Packard emptied his glass in one long gulp. "Come off it already. It's you he wants."

Was the kid interested in him? That was so wrong. Phoenix had no interest in Chess; he had no interest in anybody. Chess suited Packard, and he suited the club.

"And he hits just keep on coming," Packard grumbled with humor at the stupid situation and discreetly tossed his head toward the greeting area outside the VIP platform, where a small group of subs had gathered. Men and women alike. They respectfully kneeled in presentation, waiting for attention from the VIPs.

He stood up, followed by Phoenix, and the other single VIP Dominants, and went to the greeting area.

"Who do you present for?"

"Mister P.," most said and kept their head lowered and eyes to the floor, waiting. One, however, said, "Mistress Benita." The latter walked to the sub and inspected her with gentle eyes before ordering her to stand and follow.

Phoenix looked at the three men and two women, kneeling for his attention at that moment. It was a nightly occurrence. Sometimes it happened up to five times, though admittedly, not all of them were for him every time. He looked them over, not having any intentions of taking either of them. Still, it was respectful to acknowledge them and dismiss them after a proper amount of consideration after he had inspected them.

The two women were skimpily dressed. One in a cute blue teddy with laces and tiny pink bows, her brownish hair done in braids. The other was in a latex corset with a matching skirt, her nails a sharp red to counter the black latex, and her dyed red hair in a tight ponytail.

One man was a classic twink, with a slight frame and only wearing tiny boy shorts. His tousled hair shone in a clear golden color in the lighting.

The second was a repeat one, Phoenix noticed, and so was one of the girls. He did not mind that they tried their luck several times. That was an advantage for him, and he had picked subs on a later date that he had not chosen the first time they had presented. The man was a slender, pale guy, with little to no visible body hair, wearing the same boy shorts as the first, but also a mesh top with a solid fabric back. It was a nice outfit that fit him well. His brown curls sat wildly atop his head, falling into his forehead. The last one was the most interesting in terms of style. He had a bunch of tattoos but wore a schoolgirl outfit, with his blonde hair in actual pigtails with little bows in them.

"Thank you for your time and your interest, but I'm not looking for anything tonight," Phoenix politely said to them and saw how the disappointment had one or two slump a little from their perfect presentation positions. He did not like to turn them away and hurt their confidence, because they were beautiful subs and deserved to be treasured by somebody. It flattered him they were interested; he was just not in the mood that night, and there was this nagging voice at the back of his head, saying he did not want them, he wanted something else.

"I'll get you another drink." Fast, to get away and not see the disappointment on the sub's faces, Phoenix walked around them and to the bar, where he just sat on a stool.

"Mister P.?"

"Sorry, Chess. Long night."

"You don't have to apologize to me," Chess said with a smile and made a Tom Collins without being asked, which he placed in front of Phoenix. "Can I ask you something, or is now not a good time?"

"Of course, what's up?"

"Why did Master Packard ask me to join you?"

"I suppose you'll have to ask him about that. I'm not a mind reader."

Blushing, Chess nodded, clearly embarrassed to have asked.

"May I ask something in return?" Phoenix inquired.

"Certainly." Though the word held confirmation, the look Chess gave Phoenix showed anything but.

"Did you hope it was me who asked?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Why?"

There was a bit of strained silence before Chess gathered himself to answer honestly. "Because I wanted it to be you."

"I appreciate that, Chess, I do. But Packard is a good guy and an excellent Dom." It was imperative to Phoenix that he did not belittle what Chess wanted and made it seem like he passed him on to another Dom. That was not Phoenix's intention at all. He hoped that Chess was a match for Packard, because he would never be for Phoenix, though he would not mind a scene or two.

"Oh, I know that," Chess exclaimed with a broad smile and stars in his eyes. "He's magnificent."

Confused, Phoenix scratched his head. "Then I don't understand?"

"Can we move it over there?" Pointing at a corner away from the bar where the patrons and other bartenders could hear, Chess sent Phoenix a begging look.

If Chess wanted to talk, Phoenix could do that. And privacy was something Phoenix understood and respected. Once away from nosy people, Chess turned his face up to see Phoenix almost towering over him.

"Uhm, there's a difference between you and him. With you, I know what I'm going into, and what I'll get. One scene or night, nothing more, but close to guaranteed pleasure and nothing but respect and friendliness afterward. No chance of a contract, no strings, and no shame. My heart and sanity will not be at risk, because I know what you want and need, and I have accepted that before going into it."

There was no doubt in Phoenix's mind that Chess was one of the good ones. One who thought ahead and knew himself and his limitations, who was in touch with his needs and not afraid to state his wants.

Chess continued in a serious tone. "With Master Packard, I have no idea. He plays with different subs, and he sometimes keeps them for a while but doesn't sign contracts with them. That's his only consistent behavior, no contracts. I can't give myself to somebody whom I do like, but who's not ready to realize that he toys with people when keeping them and not doing contracts. Even a short-term one will put a sub's mind at ease to not feel used or threatened by the next hopeful who wants Master Packard. Do you understand?"

And strangely enough, Phoenix did.

It was remarkably eloquent put and showed a maturity level that was beyond Chess' years.

"So, you like him?"

"Oh God, yes. You're gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but he's... Have you seen him? That body, those eyes, and the hair. Don't get me started on the hair..." Chess sighed dreamily.

With a deep and joyous chuckle, Phoenix put his hand on Chess' shoulder. "I get it. Give him a chance. He's dumb as a lamppost most of the time, but he'll learn. Maybe try to meet him halfway and explain where you stand. He wants and needs a permanent sub."

"Lamppost," Chess giggled and then stopped in shock. "Wait, permanent? As in collar and everything?"

"Yes, and I think you're the right one for it."

Hi dear Wattlings.

Thank you for reading. It's my girl,  MelissaLinton7's birthday, so I thought I'd grant her a little pressie that'll hopefully bring y'all some joy. Extra chapter for your reading pleasure.

So, how do you like Phoenix at the club? He's very different than at work,right?

And he got another package from his stalker on top of a heavy workload and some subs being nasty, Phoenix isn't having the best day. What do you think of his relationship with Packard? Do you like Chess, now that you've gotten to know him a bit more?

If you like it, then pop a vote and please leave comments. The comments are important for me to know how the story is progressing and the characters are developing. And I'd love to know what you think and interact with y'all.

Give me a follow too for updates on other work and put this book in your library. I'd appreciate that.

Love, Alix

Published: September 3rd, 2021. ©Alix Davenport, Copenhagen