Then

"It seems we've got almost everything ready for tonight. Brannon?" Packard sat at his desk with a clipboard in front of him, looking up at the people in his office. The usual meeting with the Master Dom and Dommes had merely been a formality that day. He had breezed over their talks about trainees and show ideas to get to the good part, where people who normally would not attend the meetings had joined them. People like Brannon and Chess. Going over his checklist with those in charge of an area, everybody had reported all ok, so far.

"I'll be on entrance duty until we get past the initial rush, then Hamish and Alec take over for the night with Drew and Oscar as backups," Brannon informed between bites of the pizza slice in his hand. "I promised Eoin I'd not be working the entire evening."

"Are there extra wardrobe personnel too?"

Brannon rolled his eyes. "Yes, I've got it handled. It's not my first rodeo, you know. I do this for a living."

Chuckling lightly, Packard nodded in acknowledgment. Brannon knew what he was doing and had never failed him before. Since his promotion to head of security years earlier, things had run smoothly during every shift. Even on his days off, everything was under control. His reports were on time, and shift schedules for his areas were in the online shift roster fourteen days ahead of time for people to swap shifts between them if they wanted a specific day off that they had not informed him about. He had concocted a backup schedule for the part-timers to be on call if needed because of illness or unforeseen busy nights. Brannon had his shit together.

Packard hummed and checked off the entrance as handled. Brannon had already given him the advanced schedule for the evening for the wardrobe girls, bouncers, VIP doormen, and floating guards to roam the club during the night. He was grateful that Brannon wanted to step in on his night off, but like himself, he knew that Brannon never shut down his brain. He was working, even when he was not.

There was no reason for him to scrutinize him further. Packard moved on to the next item on his checklist.

"Chess, are all the bars manned and ready for a busy evening?" He directed his gaze to Chess, who sat on the couch to the side of the desk, also munching on pizza like the rest of them.

"Yes, Sir." Chess nodded, making his now blue hair flow around his head. "I've placed double teams in the club from the doors open and then tripled from midnight until closing. I've assigned the regulars in the VIP area and double teams in the private club. We have extra busboys, servers, and dishwashers on too."

"Good, good." Another checkmark on his papers. "And last, Phoenix, is the entertainment good to go?"

Phoenix stood leaning against the wall, a soda in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. They were used to him coming in jeans and a shirt for the meeting, but as he had come directly from work, he was in his business suit and looked out of place among the people in the office, not that he made a show of it. "It's fine. The lounge band is setting up and doing sound checks as we speak. Our house DJ has brought a buddy to guest spot during his breaks, and I've already given you the schedule for the exhibitions for tonight."

Packard didn't question him because of the way Phoenix said it. It was in his nature to double-check everything before a big event, but they were qualified people who would be offended if he micromanaged them.

"I think we're good to go." Packard stood up and ran a hand through his white hair like he always did when he was stressed. Leading up to an event, though he had done it many times before and he had capable people working for him, he still stressed about every detail. He was a perfectionist, and it showed in his behavior and results in the end. "I hope this birthday party will be the best one to date. Go get changed and find your party spirits."

All the Master Dom and Dommes left the office after the meeting to go to their playrooms to change before the birthday party. Brannon rushed off too, though he knew he was welcome to stay behind. Chess and Phoenix were the only ones who did not leave. Phoenix moved to sit on the couch opposite Chess, pulling out his cigarettes, as they were now alone, and Packard did not mind him smoking i his office.

"Is this what you eat at these meetings every time? I think I should be in charge of ordering food for you, for some healthy alternatives," Chess commented, though he happily ate his pizza. His violet eyes twinkled when Packard wrinkled his nose at the suggestion.

"I second that. Let's have burgers next time." Phoenix winked at Packard because they both knew Chess tried his hardest to get Packard to eat healthier. With no luck. It was the curse of living at work. Phoenix, too, lived on takeaway, and though he tried to mix it up, he could not claim to have a healthy diet.

Chess threw a napkin at Phoenix. "You're no help, Sir."

"What? Burgers have lettuce and stuff in them, and fries are potatoes," Phoenix defended one of his favorite go-to meals. "But I wouldn't mind if we made a monthly dinner thing. You two, my boy, and maybe Brannon and Eoin?"

Packard stood from his desk and came over, sliding down onto the couch close to Chess, pulling him to his side with a kiss to his temple. "I'd be up for that. Once a month and we take turns choosing the restaurant?"

"I'm in. I know a vegan place not too far from here." Chess smiled triumphantly and giggled when Packard's wrinkled nose turned into a mask of disgust.

"I'm not a fucking cow. If I wanted to eat grass, I'd move to the countryside. Ok, new rule. We Doms choose the place," Packard said, grinning at Chess' pout and evil glare. "You can quit that look, or I'll blindfold you the rest of the night."

"You wouldn't dare," Chess said with mock shock and blinked innocently. He crawled up on Packard's lap and cuddled into him. "I want to see the shows tonight. Pretty please?"

"What do I get out of it?"

Chess beamed because he had already won that one. "A happy me?"

Phoenix chuckled at the interaction between Packard and Chess. In that regard, Chess and Jace were very alike. They both knew just how to wrap their Doms around their little fingers. Reminded of Jace, he checked his phone to see if there were any messages or missed calls because he had silenced his phone during the meeting. Jace had promised he would show up as soon as he could sneak away from his guard.

"Is he on his way?" Chess asked with excitement. He stopped his flirty sucking up to Packard and turned to see Phoenix. "It's been too long since we've hung out."

Shrugging, Phoenix typed a quick update request and sent it. "I hope so, or the boy will stand the entire evening."

Packard winked at him knowingly. It was truly unlikely that Phoenix would spank Jace for any reason that was not meant as a sexual prelude. The change in Phoenix over the years since he and Jace had found each other was noticeable. He was still a grump, and he kept quiet most of the time when in the company of the other members out in the club, but privately he had loosened up. He took part in the meetings with suggestions and helped a lot behind the scenes. The small hints of humor and sharp retorts were extremely fun to witness, which only made Packard appreciate Phoenix more. And that Phoenix did that in his company, showed how Phoenix trusted him.

Their friendship had grown through the years, and he would not change it for the world. Phoenix was a solid guy who was trustworthy and responsible, something Packard prided himself on being too. Both approached BDSM and business with the same meticulous responsibility and care, and both had earned their respect. None of them ever demanded it.

"Like you would do that to him," Chess taunted and stuck out his tongue. "You love when he's curled up beside you on the couch in there."

"I do." Phoenix quirked a lip at Chess' blunt statement. Everybody in the club knew he preferred when Jace sat on the couch with him, as opposed to kneeling on the floor. Somehow with Jace, Phoenix felt more dominant when Jace was close to him. When he could touch him and listen to those sounds he made in appreciation of Phoenix's touches.

They sat eating and smoking a bit while talking about their expectations for the evening, enjoying each other's company. Finally, a knock on the door stilled their conversation.

"Enter," Packard said in reflex rather than a conscious decision on it being ok to be interrupted.

"Sir?" Jace popped in his head and scanned the room, clearly searching for Phoenix, because he lit up with a smile when their eyes met. A cute blush spread on his cheeks when he waited for permission to enter.

"Come on in, Baby."

Jace skipped all the way over to Phoenix and threw himself into the open arms Phoenix held out for him. "Eh, I brought the Wicked Witch of the West. She drove me here, so don't be a jerk," Jace explained and pointed a thumb back at the door, where Tana came sailing in like the queen she thought herself to be. Her tight corset and obscenely short skirt showed off her tiny figure easily. Her bouncy curls were pinned back, so it looked like she had a poodle strapped to the back of her head.

"Hello, riff-raff. If it isn't the cutie-pie and Santa Claus." She waved at Packard and Chess and then looked at Phoenix. "Hey there, Mr. Grumpy pants."

"Greetings, Spawn of Satan," Phoenix mumbled, smiling into Jace's neck when he chuckled at the introductions. Tana had not learned to put a lid on her opinions or rein in her mouth. That was her, and he sort of liked that about her because he functioned best with direct and honest statements. If nothing else, she was a great friend to Jace, and that alone earned her a lot of points in his book. "Thank you for driving."

"No worries. Jacey-boy promised me a good time and a lot of boobs to look at. I think the exchange is fair." Tana jumped over and landed her ass on the armrest next to Packard. She bent down and kissed his white hair. "Dude, really. I love that Snowdome head of yours."

Sighing, Packard rolled his eyes and tried to hide the smile tugging at his lips. Only Tana had it in her to comment on his odd hair color. She had the most creative nicknames for him, and it was fun to hear when she came up with new ones. He liked it best when she had called him a vanilla sundae, but reeled at being called the Irish Yeti.

"Chess, would you mind grabbing a gold armband for Tana?"

"Of course, Sir." Chess got up and went to a cabinet where he rummaged through a box inside and came back with a gold armband he held out to Tana.

"I already have my armbands." Tana waved her hand and let the dangling green and rainbow-colored armbands show. She even had a silver one for the private club.

"The gold one gives you free bar for the evening," Packard explained, looking at her pointedly until she took it and put it on. "I hope you have fun."

Shocked, Tana sat, staring at Packard. Her mouth opened and closed over and over. "Are you sure? I drink like a fish."

"Fair warning," Jace grinned, earning himself a playful evil glare from Tana.

"I'm sure. If you need a cab home, just show the armband to the doormen. They'll give you a voucher for the ride."

"Wow! Thank you."

It was a rare sight, but Tana's eyes misted over, and she smiled sweetly at Packard. "You really are Santa Claus. I appreciate it."

Packard threw his hands in the air. "You got Jace here. That means Phoenix is happy and focused. It's the least I can do."

Phoenix just nodded at Packard in thanks. Though he figured Tana's tab would get taken from his share of the profit, not that it mattered.

"Well, we all need to change for the private party. You'll come back later and join us, ok?"

"Of course. I need to get dolled up, anyway. I don't intend to only look at boobs tonight. Have a blast, kinksters," Tana exclaimed and ran out of the office.

"The Flash has got nothing on her," Phoenix commented dryly, hugging Jace to his chest before he let him go. "Your costume is in Chess' locker. You boys go change. Packard and I will do the same."

"Yes, Sir." Jace lifted his face, waiting for a kiss. He had missed Phoenix and looked forward to a night with him. Especially because Phoenix had promised the party would end with a bang, literally.

Since Christmas, Gareth's devotion to spending time with Mackenzie had strained Phoenix a lot. Between going to London to consult with Devil, Roarke's team, and the undercover men for the mission of finding the missing subs and Levi, and practically having Vlad live at his apartment for work when he was back home, there had been little time for extra-curricular activities. Jace, too, had taken on more responsibility because of Gareth's travel schedule to see Mackenzie. Gareth's orders had Jace on Dublin lockdown, which meant Jace stayed to manage Dublin while Vasili did the traveling to cover what Gareth did not.

Their time together had been limited to a few hours here and there. Enough for a minor scene or a quickie, but never enough to submerge into the depths of what made them good together. Phoenix easily felt Jace's jitters and insecurities. He knew Jace well enough to know when the jokes and pranks got too much, it was Jace's subconscious asking to be reeled in and subdued. He practically begged to have his mind cleared from worry and responsibility by letting go during a long scene and relaxing aftercare.

Phoenix was the same. He had noticed the signs in himself. Where he, before Jace, had waited between scenes and subs with no impact on his life or work ethic. Now with Jace, he, too, got anxious and needy for the release he found with Jace. There was a craving inside him to connect with Jace, like a battery in need of a recharge to function fully, and the flat battery had him running low on enthusiasm and concentration at work.

Kissing Jace quickly, asserting all his promises for later that evening, Phoenix let Jace get off his lap and looked at the perfect ass in the jeans as he exited the office with Chess.

"So, you're doing it tonight?" Phoenix asked when he was sure their boys were gone. He found his cigarettes and lit another one. The nicotine boost he needed before they went into the club, as it would be a while before he got another chance. He was in charge of the entertainment program and would have to stay inside most of the night. There would be little time to run off to smoke.

Scratching the back of his head, looking down, Packard nodded. "I figured tonight would be the perfect occasion."

"I agree. Want me to be part of it?"

"Yes, please. I wanted to ask you the other day, but I forgot."

"No worries, I'll gladly do it." Phoenix nodded to himself, going over it in his head. It would be a straightforward task with a wanted result. "Did you get the papers drawn up as we talked about?"

"I did. I just need your signature." Packard stood and went to get a folder from his desk, handing it to Phoenix. "Read it over, and if you want any changes, we have time."

Phoenix took his time to read the papers. Everything looked as they had discussed. Quickly, he signed the papers and handed them back to Packard, who locked the folder away in his desk without commenting further.

A quick drink and a smoke later, Phoenix went to his playroom to change. He put on his costume and looked at himself in the mirror. By God, he hated dressing like a dork, though he was sure Jace would appreciate his efforts. And he sure as Hell would enjoy what he had chosen for Jace. He checked the white open swashbuckler shirt he had tucked into his black swashbuckler pants, held up by a bright orange sash. Instead of his usual man bun, Phoenix made a high ponytail. He knew he would regret it, but he put on the eyepatch to finish his pirate look and exited the playroom.

The club members, who had been invited to the private pre-party, were already arriving. The workers had been at it tirelessly the entire day, decorating with balloons and streamers. It was maybe not all that BDSM proactive, but as it was a party, it was expected and appreciated. The tables had sparkling tablecloths; they had equipped the bars with twinkle lights, and the signature non-alcoholic drink for the evening stood in large bowls behind the bar. Everybody had dressed to impress. Nobody came to Packard's theme parties without going all in.

Walking through the room, he nodded at people left and right and looked to see if Jace had finished dressing. He did not see him yet, so he got himself a drink at the bar and went to the VIP area where Packard already sat with some of the other Master Dom and Dommes, relaxing before the party started. None of them had their subs with them. In all likelihood, the subs were in the locker rooms, dressing and having fun together, gearing for an entrance of massive proportions.

"You'd better be drinking rum with that costume," Packard commented with a sly smile, eyeing Phoenix's pirate-wannabe look with an approving nod. He had expected Phoenix to dress up as something boring where a suit or tux was the main part of the costume, like he had done the other years. The pirate thing showed some initiative that was unlike Phoenix.

"Just the coke. I promised Jace a good time later."

"Same, this iced tea is not really setting the party mood, but I'll stay sober for Chess." Packard held up his cognac glass, which apparently held iced tea and not cognac.

Packard sported tight leather pants as always, but on his chest, he had drawn a large sign of the Devil. His white hair he had combed back with red hair gel of some sort and a set of devil horns stuck up from a hairband. Across his lap was a plastic devil's pitchfork he lifted to point at people.

It was not a bad look for him, Phoenix admitted and sat down on the couch next to him. He kept quiet. That was what he did when there, observing intensely without getting involved in the conversation among the VIPs. People knew and respected his need to just sit, and nobody tried to force him into a conversation. The only ones allowed to bother him were the VIP servers who were obligated to ask if he wanted a refill when his glass was empty.

Lost in his own thoughts, Phoenix sat and waited, paying no mind to the surrounding conversation. It did not bother him he missed out on some information here and there. If important, Packard would tell him at some point. That was a silent agreement between them.

Whistles, cheers, and a few cat-calls sounded, and then the applause began as people turned to see what was happening. Instinctively, Phoenix too turned his head to see what was going on, and he was glad that he did. The subs came flooding from the subs' locker rooms, all decked out in bright, sexy costumes to either please their other half or to make an impression and maybe score for the night. Like everybody else, he stood up to greet the subs, and, of course, see Jace when he made an appearance.

He liked that none of the Master Dom and Domme's subs came out before the others. They allowed for the singles and paired subs to go first and draw attention. And attention they drew; like vibrant and proud peacocks, they paraded into the room to split up and either go to their partners or to the bar to hang out. It was a classy move, which most likely was Chess' idea. That boy had a knack for understanding other subs.

With the same level of impatience and excitement, he and Packard stood side by side on their tip-toes to look over the crowd, hoping to spot their boys. Standing on their tip-toes was stupid, as they were among the tallest people there, and they stood elevated on the plateau of the VIP section. Still, they did it for that coveted first glimpse of their boys.

Finally, they appeared with Eoin, the small boy dressed as the least intimidating gladiator of all time. Tiny, brown, leather shorts, a matching leather harness around his slim torso, strappy sandals, and a red, one-shoulder half-cape. He even had a small shield latched onto his forearm. He looked adorable and was soon whirled from the group of subs by Brannon, dressed as Caesar with a white and gold accented Roman toga with a red cape and a golden crown. They made the perfect pair and complemented each other well in their costumes.

Phoenix spotted Chess before he noticed Jace. He was in tiny, gold boy shorts, had a set of fluffy, white wings on his back held on by shoulder braces, and a headband with a halo hovering over his blue, flowing hair. The way Packard lit up with a proud smile said it all. Chess bounded to his Master, a radiant smile on his face. The Devil and his angel.

Chuckling, Phoenix flipped his eyepatch up onto his forehead to see his boy properly and let his eyes drift to Jace, who came out after Chess. Jace's costume matched Phoenix's. Loose, black swashbuckler pants and an orange sash like himself. But Jace was bare-chested only decorated by the chain with Phoenix's pendant, hanging to state his status of taken. His beautiful skin, rubbed with something that made his smoothness more prominent, the bulging overarms and perfect pecs magnificently displayed to show everybody how lucky Phoenix was to have a man like Jace. Though Phoenix loved Jace's hair, the black bandana made him look positively sexy, and he did not mind that he could not see those honey-gold locks.

Jace only had eyes for Phoenix as he walked closer. The heat in his Dom's eyes as they roamed his body and took in every inch of him with a predatory smile, like the wolf looking at Little Red Riding hood, took his breath away. The glowing embers of Phoenix's eyes heated his blood and sent it rushing south, where it settled like a tidal wave behind a dam, threatening to overflow. All he could do, when he noticed how Phoenix had dressed to match, was smile like a schoolgirl with a crush.

Phoenix was hot!

The pants folded around his long legs; the sash cinched in his slim waist and the loose shirt hung on his shoulders and draped over his muscles in a way that showed them off but still left a little for the mind to play with. His hair looked different when not in a bun, and the lifted eyepatch was a testament to how Phoenix had taken his costume seriously. He loved that about him. Despite his hatred for costumes and dressing in anything outside the norm, Phoenix had done it to fit in at the party.

A slight gesture with his hand stopped Jace about five yards from Phoenix. They stood there, eyeing each other with lust and expectation, smiles gracing both their faces. Well, as close to a smile as Phoenix allowed in public. Another gesture with his hand had Jace make a twirl on the spot for Phoenix to take him in from all angles. He bowed lightly after his performance and sought Phoenix's approval.

For a man in his thirties, who usually had full control over himself and had seen Jace naked and in many compromising positions, Phoenix felt dumbfounded at the lump that formed in his throat when he looked at Jace. That man was there for him, waiting for his approval and acceptance. It was clear in Jace's beautiful eyes how much it meant to him that his appearance pleased his Dom. The way Jace's stomach muscles clenched from his labored breathing, and he anxiously bit his lip while he awaited judgment, nearly did Phoenix in because his body's reaction was violent and fast enough to make him dizzy.

He let his eyes wander down to where the sash was tied around Jace's waist. The orange was a beautiful contrast to the black pants and somehow made Jace's tan glow. The best part was when his eyes caught the outline of Jace's semi-erect cock under the black fabric. Jace did nothing to hide it, and Phoenix, who knew Jace's body, knew the man had nothing to be embarrassed about. That cock was a masterpiece in itself. Some might say a cock like that was wasted on a sub, but nothing could be further from the truth for Phoenix. It was perfect for his sub, and definitely not a waste, even if it did not do the penetrating.

Stalking over to Jace, exuding his powerful aura of dominance, Phoenix grabbed Jace's chin to turn his face upward for him to see. Tensing up at the grip, those baby-blues stared at him with want and need. Jace's mouth fell open in a soft moan that was the non-verbal begging for his Dom's approval.

"I could just eat you up, Baby boy," Phoenix whispered with a low growl of arousal when Jace's signature coconut smell hit his nostrils and sent pangs directly to his lower region. "God, you look sexy."

"Thank you, Sir." Jace's gratitude came expressed with a deeper moan of satisfaction with having pleased Phoenix, and he relaxed into the grip on his chin.

Gently, Phoenix let go and snaked his arm around Jace and down to his ass, while peppering small kisses along Jace's jawline to his ear. His other hand slid in between them and down where it brushed over the outline of the waiting cock without grabbing it. "Are you wearing all of your costume?"

Jace's breath hitched, and a blush crept onto his face. "Yes, sir."

Phoenix's hand grabbed hold of Jace's ass cheek and pulled a bit to spread them. He let his fingers find the center outside the pants and tapped on the base of the plug Jace obediently had inserted because it had been with the costume. "Is it too big?"

"My sympathy goes out to all Christmas turkeys because I now know what being stuffed feels like, but it's shaped really well." Jace squirmed a bit in Phoenix's hold, gasping at the taps on the base that sent shivers up through his spine.

Chuckling, Phoenix kissed Jace and relished in his honesty. He had chosen a fairly large plug, which was anatomically shaped to fill him good and brush against Jace's prostate with every movement.

"I have smaller plugs that fit with this setup." Phoenix smiled a wicked smile. "And larger..."

"Yeah, about that. I think I'm good."

"Great, I want you to feel full all night and be ready for me later. I'm going to fuck you so hard." Phoenix held on to Jace when he shuddered at the words. "I want your beautiful hole open and relaxed for me to push into you with little prep. But not until I've spanked that ass into a fiery red. You will beg for my cock before I give it to you."

"Oh, God!" Jace gasped and mentally thanked the hold Phoenix had on him when his legs became jelly under him. His cock jumped at the new rush of blood flowing into it.

"I'll make sure you're exhausted tomorrow, Baby. And then I'll pamper you with a relaxing hot tub, a massage, breakfast, and more orgasms." Phoenix cruelly pushed at the base of the plug. "That is if you can have more after tonight because I'll make it my mission to milk you dry while you scream my name."

A mewl and low panting were all Jace had in him to respond with. His mind spun, and his cock throbbed with need. That party had better be a good distraction, or he would beg for Phoenix long before the night was over.

"I like you like this, my needy sub. So obediently waiting and accepting my control. I'll reward your good behavior."

Still pushing at the plug with one hand, the other hand between them went back to feel Jace's cock. The long fingers felt their way to another secret part of Jace's costume. Two silicone rings sat snugly around the base of the cock and around the balls, connected by a silicone band to the plug. A small pull at Jace's balls had the plug shift a bit inside him, eliciting a muffled moan from the now quite aroused man. From the rings at the base, a steel-enforced, silicone-encased band ran down the underside of the cock to another ring that sat tight just behind the bulbous head. The rings would allow blood to flow into Jace's cock, but not leave again. The band under the cock kept a downward angle and only allowed a certain length to be gained before it controlled the erection with the ring at the head. No matter how turned on Jace got, the rings and band served as a cock cage to keep his erection locked. He could not get fully erect, and the cock could not flip upward. The best part was how the sensitive head was exposed to rub against the inside of the pants to arouse Jace constantly.

"Did you use plenty of lube? I don't want the plug to chafe if it's too dry."

Jace blushed a bit at the direct question, but acknowledged Phoenix had asked with concern. "I did, and I made sure to squirt some extra in there to keep it that way."

"You're such a good boy. I hope this will stimulate you tonight." Phoenix kissed Jace's ear, nibbling on his earlobe as his warm breath fanned down his neck. "Baby, if you get too uncomfortable, you safe word, ok? This is supposed to be pleasurable torment, not pain or humiliation. Understood?"

Softening into Phoenix's embrace, Jace sighed at how Phoenix never put him in a situation he could not get out of. "Of course, Phoenix."

"Come on. Packard is about to hold his speech." Phoenix let go of Jace and took his hand, leading him to the couch where he just looked at it until Jace sat down. Since the first time Phoenix had ordered Jace to sit on the couch, Jace never protested to where Phoenix wanted him. Most nights, he would, later on, pull Jace into his lap or guide him to his knees on a pillow by his feet, depending on what mood he set for them. With where the night was going, Jace would be at his feet sooner rather than later to get him into the mindset of submitting fully, that much Phoenix knew.

"Mister P., would you care for a drink?" Jacob, the VIP server, stood politely with his head bowed and waited for a reply.

"Baby? Do you want anything?" Phoenix gently pulled Jace closer and kissed on top of the bandana. "I'll allow one drink now and one drink with dinner, then we're both going alcohol-free for the night, or I won't play with you."

"You choose," Jace mumbled and rubbed against the seat to make his pants strain over his aching cock.

"Sit still, Boy!" Waiting until Jace settled, Phoenix let Jacob hang, and only when Jace had calmed and sat like a good boy did he turn his attention to the server, who was dressed like a sexy bunny with long ears, small boy shorts with a fluffy round tail, and cute whiskers painted on his freckled face. "A strawberry daiquiri for my boy, and a coke for me, please. You look gorgeous, Jacob. Make sure to show off a bit for Master Jamal when you have time."

Jacob smiled at the compliment, especially because Mister P. rarely noticed or commented on anything, and instinctively, he let his eyes drift to where Master Jamal stood, dressed like a dominant and hot policeman. They had been circling each other for a while, and he hoped the party would be the night for them. "Thank you, Sir. I'll try when my shift ends. I'll be right back with your drinks." Jacob bowed lightly and ran off.

"You'll not do that again. If I see you trying to rub that cock, I'll throw in a good deal of punishment later too." Phoenix's voice fell to a deep rumble with a grave warning in it, making Jace shiver against his side. "If it's too much, you safe word, and I'll instantly release you, no questions asked. Otherwise, you enjoy how that plug fills your ass and how your cock throbs. And you do it in silence."

"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir."

Kissing Jace's temple to soothe his boy and let him know he was not mad, Phoenix tilted Jace's head up for them to see each other. He smiled one of his rare smiles and pecked a kiss on Jace's lips. "I'm proud to call you mine, no matter how long you endure."

"Kiss me? To take my mind off it?"

How could he deny such a sweet request? The already puckered lips and baby blues, swimming with lust, greeted Phoenix. Phoenix leaned down to capture Jace's lips in a fierce kiss. He swirled his tongue into Jace's mouth, nibbled on his lips, and ate up the relieved sighs Jace sent into his mouth. He kept kissing Jace, rubbing his hand up and down Jace's arm in soothing motions until Jacob returned with their drinks. Phoenix took a second to thank Jacob and recaptured Jace's mouth.

"Stop giving the boy a tonsil check and direct your eyes to the stage. It's time for my speech," Packard called over Jace's head and stood up with a shit-eating grin from having interrupted the hot and heavy make-out session.

"Please don't bore us to death. I've not even had dinner." Phoenix rolled his eyes playfully, knowing how Packard had a tendency to draw out speeches.

"Yeah, yeah. Take care of my angel?" Packard pointed at the couch on the other side of Phoenix and Chess came over and sat down.

"Don't worry."

Opening his arm to Chess for the two boys to snuggle against him while they watched the speech, Phoenix leaned back and held onto the cuties as Packard made his way to the stage. The lights in the room dimmed and bright spotlights hit the stage like during a show.

"Welcome, everyone!" Packard spread out his arms and bowed with the dramatic flair of a circus Ring Master. "I'm so happy to see you all for the club's birthday this year."

Packard took his time to look around. He nodded and smiled at everyone he got eye contact with, Doms and subs alike. Like every year, he marveled at the creativity of the costumes. There were a lot of different ideas, and not all were store-bought. Common to them was the sexy allure to them.

"I'll go over the boring stuff first." He grinned at the teasing groans from the room. Phoenix was not the only one who knew Packard's aptitude for dragging things out. "When we're done with the speech, we will open the other club for dancing and socializing, and at six o'clock, dinner is served. The doors to the public open at nine and the first show begins in here at ten. Please, all make sure to get a gold armband from the bars. Those will provide you with free bar for the night, courtesy of Mister P., but if you insist on paying, then spend your money to tip the employees for their effort and willingness to work on a party night."

Phoenix shook his head with an amused chuckle when people applauded his 'generosity'. He had not agreed to that, and Packard knew it, but it was a way for Packard to show the members that Phoenix was a partner. They all knew, though, he was a silent partner. Silent being the operative word. He would probably lose his profit for the month with that move, not that he cared. He was in it for the club and the members, so what if he had to pay for a round or two?

When the applause died down, Packard continued. "I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to this club. Without your memberships and interest in keeping this place a safe environment for all of us, I would have no reason to employ so many great people. Some of them I'd like to honor tonight."

Packard went on to mention and praise key employees. Cordelia, the head of the VIP part of the club, came on stage and received her words of praise and applause. After her, Packard acknowledged Raymond, who was in charge of the website and band acquisition. Then he got to Morgan and Horacio, who were the house decorators. They did all the playrooms and alterations to the club. Their team did decorations for parties and maintenance on all equipment. Michael, Mindy, and their cleaning team received their well-deserved applause for making sure every room and bathroom was thoroughly cleaned and ready for opening the next day.

Gently, Phoenix untangled himself from the boys pressed against his sides.

"I have to go up there. You two behave, ok?"

"Yes, Sir," Chess instantly said and moved a bit for Phoenix to stand.

A look at Jace's needy pout had Phoenix regret moving, but he would make it up to Jace. "Chess, snuggle with my boy a bit?"

Chess moved into Jace's open arms and rested his head on Jace's shoulder. It was the cutest sight when they were dressed up and sweetly cuddled up on the couch. A fantasy Phoenix had nursed for years popped into his head when he looked at them. Not one he was proud of, but his head and cock agreed on the matter.

He wanted to scene with them both. Not to be with Chess, he had no interest in the man, but to see them together. The level of intimacy between them was so natural, it was beautiful in a sense that Phoenix appreciated. In his mind, it would be sensual and arousing as holy fuck. Dominating them with Packard without being with the other's sub, but for the subs to enjoy each other under the double power of two Master Doms, he was sure could be a delicious spice. It was a fantasy that he liked to entertain, but in reality, he would never put Jace through it. Phoenix would never ask something like that of Jace, knowing his past and the horrors Levi had forced on him.

Jace's sexuality was a private matter, and his submission was Phoenix's greatest blessing in life. Jace had overcome massive trauma, some still lingering inside him, and to have come far enough to show submission in the club was more than Phoenix could ask for. He would do nothing to jeopardize the trust Jace had in him. Sometimes, a fantasy was better as a fantasy. Reality had a way of ruining the perfection the mind could create. He enjoyed the mental images, and that was enough for him.

"Mister P., please?"

Phoenix heard his name and left for the stage with a kissy mouth to Jace, who smiled dreamily in return. Making his way to the stage under the watchful stares of the members, Phoenix closed off his mind. He had no issues when on stage, exhibiting his skills. That was his Master Dom earned rights, and he was very good at showing people how to use impact implements and was not self-conscious while doing it. But he hated being the center of attention.

Nevertheless, he stood tall and shook Packard's hand with his usual stoic expression, awaiting the words Packard had practiced for weeks in his office, no doubt.

"Mister P. here came into my club almost five years ago. Not a newbie in this world, but certainly new to this town." Packard smiled at the memory of their first meeting and the friendship they had formed since then. "It took me a while to get him to join as my partner, and with his expertise and insights, the club has blossomed."

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes or gag, Phoenix stood staring at Jace as his anchor while the members cheered for the partnership. Ok, Packard had been nice about it, and the words reflected everything Phoenix had wanted to gain when he joined. All in all, he would survive without punching Packard for putting him on the spot.

When the embarrassing part was over, he and Packard shared a look. It was time.

"Brannon, if you please..." Phoenix said, taking over for Packard.

Confused, Brannon stood firmly where he had been at a booth to the side, not making any notions to move, until Eoin pushed him forward with some words of encouragement. Brannon came up, slightly blushing, which was a new look on him. He shook Packard's and then Phoenix's hand and stood like a stone pillar to hear why he had been called on stage. As a man who just did his job and got paid well to do it, he had no need for the same kind of praise the others had gotten.

"Brannon has been with me since the beginning. First as a member, then as a bouncer. He moved up to take charge of the entrance and shape the teams there, and finally, he became my head of security. Brannon takes care of the entrance, the wardrobe, floor security, video room surveillance, and playroom emergency staff." Packard did not wildly flourish with the words, he was matter-of-fact about it for all to know how valuable Brannon was to the club. "Without Brannon, none of us could have our free-spirited enjoyment here at the club, have our possessions protected in the wardrobe, or feel safe when playing in the playrooms. I'm honored to have you with me, and I hope you'll stay for a long time."

Almost ducking away at the cheering from especially the members of his teams, Brannon looked around for Eoin and found him at the side of the stage, clapping his hands and cheering like a crazed fangirl. He could not help the soft smile he tried to hide in his beard. That was the only acknowledgment he needed in life.

Phoenix stepped forward when the room had marginally died down.

"Packard and I have discussed how to reward our employees through bonus systems and perks," he began in his business voice. By the look on Brannon's face, he had to get it done quickly, or the man would flee. "We wanted to reward you for all your hard work, but nothing really seemed fair in compensation or meaning, so we decided on something else."

The puzzled look on Brannon's face as he backed away a bit, ready to run for it, was quite humorous to Phoenix. Brannon reacted exactly like he would have done himself. He understood the inner turmoil of being put on the spot publicly.

"Packard and I have decided to sign over 5% each of our shares to you. We'd be honored if you'll accept this small token of our appreciation and join us as a partner. A very welcomed one at that."

Dumbfounded, Brannon just stared back and forth between Packard and Phoenix, exhibiting the IQ level of porridge as he processed the words. He looked to where Eoin stood to find something he knew was real, something to ground him in his mental chaos. Why were they doing that to him? He liked his job, liked people knew and respected him as a person and a Dom. But those were his needs. He had no aspiration to be a partner or the assumption to think it was possible. With minute desperate hand signals, he called Eoin to him.

The boy immediately understood his Master's needs and timidly got on stage, eyeing both Phoenix and Packard to see if he was overstepping. Though Brannon would always be his authority, the club rules had the two Master Doms ranking higher socially. Neither Phoenix nor Packard made any show of Eoin being unwanted at Brannon's side, and he moved a bit more confidently until he could rub up against Brannon and take his hand to comfort him.

"I don't know what to say," Brannon stammered, still confused with the situation and how off-center he was with the attention and what his friends had just offered him. He felt completely out of place, and being dressed in a dress and not the familiarity of his usual bouncer attire made him feel vulnerable.

"I think the first most common response to being offered something like that would be a resounding 'yes'," Eoin commented gently to push Brannon past his stage of brain freeze. "Then a 'thank you'."

All three men looked at Eoin. The Master Doms both with humor, and Brannon with adoration and gratitude. He bent down and planted a kiss on Eoin's hair, smiling at how the boy sweetly admired and supported him.

"You're right." Brannon squared his shoulders when his brain kicked back into gear. Holding out his hand to Packard, he accepted he had earned what they gave him, and deep down, he liked it. "Yes, Master Packard. Thank you."

He went on to shake Phoenix's hand and express his acceptance to him, too. They could barely hold a conversation because of the thundering cheering and applause that threatened to lift the roof.

"Then it's official. I have the papers in my office, and I'd like for you to sign them right away. We're not letting you back out of this. We want you with us."

Brannon nodded and looked to Phoenix. "I think that made you the official sub-babysitter." He pushed Eoin closer to Phoenix, who huffed as if he was annoyed, though he put a hand on Eoin's shoulder to signal his agreement. Not that he minded. Chess and Jace would love to have Eoin closer in the VIP area where Brannon and Eoin had never hung out before.

"Everybody," Packard called for attention and silence. "That concludes this year's speech. Those in need of CPR from boredom after my talking, please go to the medical room. And now, enjoy the party. Thank you all for coming."

He grinned and led Brannon away, leaving Phoenix and Eoin to go back to the VIP area.

"Thank you," Eoin whispered to Phoenix, pulling carefully at Phoenix's sleeve to get his attention.

Phoenix's head jerked. He let his eyes wander down to see Eoin smile at him. "What for?"

"Brannon needed that. He'd never ask for recognition because he doesn't feel the need for it. But I know him. He respects you two and what you did will boost his confidence and self-image."

What Eoin had just said was something Packard and Phoenix had discussed at length, and they had come to the same conclusion. Brannon's outward needs, as opposed to his secret desires, were very different. He could function fully with what he had and never seek any kind of recognition that was not presented to him through smiles and respect. But where it counted, in his own perception of himself, he wished for more. In Brannon's case, he wished it to be given freely for it to matter to him. He would never assume or demand. That was what made him worthy of the praise to begin with.

"We reward people who deserve it. Brannon surely qualifies."

Eoin just smiled at Phoenix's quipped reply. Where Brannon liked recognition but never sought it out, Phoenix hated it and would avoid it at all costs. Big, bad Doms and their issues.

At the VIP area, Eoin threw himself into the cuddle pile, and all three boys chatted loudly about how nice it was to have Brannon and Eoin as part of the VIP area for good. Phoenix stood to the side, waiting for Packard and Brannon to return, and observed the boys. His eyes naturally found the front of Jace's pants where the, still, semi-hard erection was visible, though, from Jace's smile and chatter, his earlier discomfort was forgotten at the moment.

That would not do, Phoenix thought with an evil twist of his lips. He would make it a priority to edge Jace all night, just for the bonus of making his long-awaited orgasm later an explosive fireworks show. But for now, he would allow the boys to talk and have fun.

Later.

Oh, God, later!

Hi dear Wattlings.

Thank you for reading. It's been a while, and I'm sorry. But I feel more up to writing and editing again, so hopefully that'll make me able to be more consistent in my updates.

It's the big birthday bash at the club. Are you looking forward to what Phoenix has planned for Jace? What about their costumes? Was it a good move to bring Brannon in as a partner?

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: March 23rd, 2022. ©Alix Davenport, Copenhagen