It was two hours until the party and Liam hadn't seen Zayn all day. He spent the morning working in the kitchen with Kalli and the catering staff. Now he was sweaty from the heat and in serious need of a shower. He'd just stepped out of the kitchen and into the foyer when a loud Zayn came stumbling through the front door.
Liam caught him before he face planted on the wood floors and stood him upright. Zayn looked up at his rescuer and smiled. "Liam, darling," he recognized fondly.

Liam inhaled and cringed. "Are you drunk?"

"High on love, baby."

Liam rolled his eyes. "You have a very big party starting in a few hours and you need a shower even more than I do."

"What'd you mean? You smell great," Zayn complimented before burying his face in Liam's neck. "Like pastries."

"Yes. Pastries for your party. That starts soon. So, once again, shower."

Zayn hummed, "Shower. Let's do that." Zayn wrapped his arms around Liam's waist and leaned into him. Liam's breath caught and he swallowed thickly against the close proximity. "Come shower with me."

Liam stuttered for something, anything to say, but it was unnecessary because Marvin came around the corner and slung one of Zayn's arms across his shoulder.

"Come now, Mr. Malik. You've a party to attend."

"Marvin," Zayn acknowledged with a smile. "Liam and I were just going to shower."

"I'm sure that's not true."

"It is. I was going to suck him off against the tile..." They rounded the corner and went through a door, leaving a blushing Liam with his mouth hanging open in the wide front room.

Liam shook himself and ran up the stairs to his room. He pressed his palm to his cock; his cock that had just started fattening up thanks to Zayn's words. He didn't have time for this. He had to clean up and start getting ready. He stripped off quickly and got in the shower. The warm water loosened up his muscles and his mind started wandering.

Now that Liam knew Zayn was, in fact, single and that he apparently was much more attracted to Liam than he ever knew he couldn't keep his mind from thinking, "What if?". What if one of them had said something just a week earlier, had the courage to take that step? What if Zayn had sent out any signals besides his usual strict demeanor, then Liam could have done something? Now it was too late. He would be matched in a few short hours. Then he'd only see Zayn on the rare occasion that his Master and Zayn were at the same event. That scared him more than meeting the new man that would own him. Not seeing the one that currently does, even without legality.

He needed Zayn right now more than he ever did. He was alone and scared and Zayn was drunk somewhere in the house, probably still talking about Liam's dick. The thought made Liam hit his fist against the slick wall, ignoring the sharp pain. The shower wasn't helping anymore so he quickly cleaned up and got out, wrapping a towel around himself.

He spent his time in silence, trying to come to terms with his new life. He just hoped his Master wasn't anything like his dream. But he knew Zayn would never let that happen. Whoever the man was would probably be Liam's wet dream. Too bad his dreams were currently occupied with another man. But he needed to be a good slave, well behaved and obedient, to whomever he was matched with. If only to make Zayn proud. If Liam were to turn down his match and run, or even worse, run to Zayn, then Zayn's name would be on the chopping block. His business, his reputation, everything he put his word into would look shifty and untrustworthy. No. He had a responsibility to uphold. He'd asked Zayn for his match-making skills and now he would live with his choices.

By the time he made his way downstairs, the party was already underway. People dressed in fine suits and expensive dresses were flittering around with drinks and fake smiles. It was just like his dream, but it was also just like any society party. He tried not to let the fear get to him as he searched for Zayn. But the imposing brunet was nowhere to be found. Instead he found a tall boy that just screamed 'paired slave'. The boy kept his eyes down, but he was practically stuck to the back of a bubbly blond. He felt safe approaching another slave, especially one already paired, so he'd be awarded the associated protection of a paired Master.

"Hi," Liam started. "I'm Liam."

The boy looked up from the floor and smiled. It was a kind, genuine one that held a joy that could only come from a happy home and life. So at least the boy was cared for. Good too, Liam thought, he'd hate for a boy so fragile to be without love.

"Harry," the one with curls answered. "Liam? That must mean you're Zayn's."

Liam froze at the description. Was that how people knew him? He needed to get rid of that immediately. His new Master wouldn't like it very much. "No I'm not-I don't belong to Zayn."

Harry nodded easily, "Oh, I know. Sorry, I just meant. You're the one that he's told my Master so much about. You're just like he described. Yummier maybe."

"Who are you flirting with over here, love?" The blond had excused himself from his conversation and had laid a territorial hand on Harry's hip. He stuck the other hand out to Liam. "Niall. And who might you be, slave?"

"Niall!" Liam nearly fainted. "You're Niall. Oh God, sir. I'm sorry," he backtracked quickly. "Mr. Horan, I mean. And this is Harry. Your Harry. Your slave. Because you are not a slave. You are a Master."

Niall was looking at Liam like he might have a screw loose. Harry leaned into Niall and informed him, "This is Liam." He leaned closer and repeated slower, "Liam."

A smile spread across Niall's face, "Liam! Of course. Just how he described you. Maybe-"

"Better? That's what I said."

Niall just laughed with Harry, but Liam was shocked. He'd never seen a slave interrupt their Master without punishment, much less to the obvious joy of the Master. "Well, Liam, have you seen my better half?"

"No, sir. I haven't seen Mr. Malik since this morning."

"Hmm, maybe I should go look for him. He's missing his own party and we all know how much Zayn loves to celebrate his own glory." He placed a soft, intimate kiss to Harry's neck. "Stay with Liam until I come back." Harry nodded eagerly and turned for another kiss, this time on the lips.

Liam watched, fascinated. Harry asking for more without even using words and Niall just giving it to him. Niall nodded once to Liam and left through the back door of the ballroom in search of Zayn.

"He's amazing."

Liam turned back to see Harry looking off in the same direction he just was. Liam cleared his throat. "He seems like a fine Master."

Harry chuckled, a smirk on his lips, "He's fine alright. Huge, too." Liam choked on air. Harry patted his back gently and laughed. "Doesn't take much to get to you does it? Zayn must have a time with you."

Liam straightened up, indignant. "Zayn hasn't had any such time with me at all."

Harry just rolled his eyes. "I know. Niall told me. One of his greatest regrets I'm sure."

"He, he talks...about me, I mean?"

"Well, not to me. But Niall tells me everything and he knows that, so basically. But yeah all the time. Doesn't stop, really."

Liam felt his whole body glow at the news. Zayn talked about him. A lot. "What does he say?"

"Eager," Harry noted. "Maybe you are more Zayn's type."

"I'm not Zayn's type," Liam argued, "I have a Master. Or I will. Soon. Tonight."

"Yeah, yeah, the new guy. I've heard. Zayn's kept it under wraps though. Won't even tell Niall who it is."

"Please stop calling your Master by his first name in public. It's rude."

Harry laughed at Liam. "I call him what he asks me to call him. How is that rude?"

"He prefers his first name? But why?"

"Niall's special. Now don't mistake; he's in charge. Totally. God, I'd do anything he says. Anything," Harry emphasized. "But we're not as unequal as some Master/slave relationships. He actually cares what I think. I'm more than just a warm hole. He," Harry seemed to be far away for a moment. "he loves me."

"You're lucky."

"Don't I know it." Harry shook his head clear. "But now, where's your new man?"

"I, I don't know. I was hoping Mr. Malik would be here to introduce us, but I don't know where he is."

"Niall will find him. He's good at that. Zayn's probably just upstairs in his room wanking to the thoughts of these," Harry squeezed Liam's arm in his hand.

Liam flinched at the touch and the brash words. "Harry, watch your mouth," he scolded.

"Oh yeah, you'll be a good mommy for Zayn one day."

Liam blushed even harder. "And don't use Zayn's first name in public."

"Like I said, I call him what he tells me to. I think he prefers his first name over his last in moan form."

"M-Moan?"

Harry hummed, "Never mind." With that Harry was bounding off to where Niall and Zayn were coming in the door. Liam followed silently, letting his eyes track a course up and down Zayn's body. Gray suit. Black shirt. Slim, silver tie. Hair quiffed, ends curling by his ears. Liam nearly fell at his feet, but then Harry was throwing an arm around his shoulders and pulling him in. "This one is something else. So polite, Zayn."

Zayn was staring. Liam couldn't stop staring at Zayn staring at him. Zayn just mumbled some half response to Harry while Liam greeted him. "Mr. Malik. The party is lovely."

Niall laughed under his breath, which made Harry elbow him gently. Liam wanted to scold Harry for his behavior again, but Zayn was still staring and not saying anything and Liam was this close to ripping his clothes off from nerves.

"You look...good," was all Zayn came up with, pulling a barking laugh from Niall and a giggle from Harry.

"Thank you, sir."

Zayn just nodded numbly and took in his surroundings. "A decent turnout," he noted.

"Decent? Everybody is here. Literally everybody. I have no clue who half these people are," Niall bragged.

Zayn still looked a little out of it so Liam lowered his voice and asked, "Are you feeling better, sir?"

"Better? You mean than when I sent him home wasted and rambling about you?"

Zayn stiffened at Niall's words. "Niall, shut up."

"It wasn't my fault I promise. We stopped drinking long before breakfast. I tucked young Harold into bed and switched to water. But when I woke up he was in the kitchen with a bottle of Jack and a turkey sandwich."

"Niall, seriously," Zayn warned.

"And when I ask what he's doing all he can come up with is 'Did you know Liam likes to read?'," Niall mocked.

Zayn clamped a hand over Niall's mouth and apologized quickly, "It's not-I didn't-never mind." He tugged Niall a couple feet away and laid a good scolding on him. Niall came back sheepish, but mostly unfazed. "Now," Zayn began again, "I believe you have a match to meet."

Liam's expression dropped. He was hoping Zayn would wait a little longer now that he was here before handing him over. Apparently he couldn't wait to get rid of him. "Yes, sir," Liam answered anyway.

Zayn put a gentle hand on Liam's lower back and led him away from the couple. Liam instinctively leaned into the touch while Zayn searched the party. "There he is." They approached a man with short dirty blond hair and a blinding smile. He was talking to a few other people, all their attention on him. When he noticed them approaching he turned from the people, apparently the only dismissal they needed to leave, and embraced Zayn.

"Zayn," he greeted and patted Zayn's back in the hug. "Great party. Congratulations on ten years, mate." Liam was impressed. The man was bright, all the light in the room seemed to find its way to him. His light grey eyes were shining with something that made Liam want to learn more. He turned to Liam, "You must be Liam. Wow."

Liam flushed at the obvious praise. "Yes, sir. Pleasure to meet you."

The man gave Liam an appreciative once over, quick and light so Liam didn't feel dirty like he normally did when men looked at him. "He's perfect, Zayn. Really, good job."

Zayn was stiff and looking at the wall behind them. "Yes, well. I'll leave you two to it."

"Wait," Liam felt himself say before Zayn could leave. "I, uh, I don't think it's appropriate to be left alone when I've only just met him." He begged Zayn with his eyes to understand what he really wanted. Just a few more minutes with Zayn.

Zayn seemed to get it and nodded. "Of course. Why don't we take this to my office and have a proper introduction?"

"Great," the new Master agreed. Then it was his hand, not Zayn's, on his lower back. He had to consciously stop himself from flinching away. He wasn't used to someone else touching him yet. They made their way up the stairs and into the quiet room that reminded Liam of the last time he was in here. Just yesterday. Being propositioned for a day with Zayn. It seemed like a distant memory now.

"Sit," Zayn welcomed as they sat around the large coffee table across the room from Zayn's desk. Zayn sat in the arm chair, while Liam and his match sat on the love seat. "Liam." Liam looked up at his name. "This is Marcus DeWare. A close friend and business associate. As well as your match."

"Mr. DeWare," Liam nodded in official greeting.

"Liam," he responded kindly. "We're in private. With close friends. Marcus will do."

Liam looked up in surprise. The company Zayn kept was constantly surprising him. "Of course, sir. M-Marcus."

Zayn watched them silently until Liam looked to him. Zayn nodded to the man and said, "I'm only here as chaperon. You belong to him now, Liam."

Liam wanted to cry. Throw a tantrum like a toddler. Instead he took a steadying breath and said, "Liam Payne."

"Good name. Strong. Tell me, Liam Payne, something very important..."

"Yes?"

"Do you like movies?"

Liam relaxed instantly. "I do," he smiled unconsciously.

"I, I didn't know that. I thought you just liked to read," Zayn interrupted.

Liam nodded, "I do. I love to read," he said to Marcus, "But I love movies, too." He turned back to Zayn. "But not watching them alone. And you never offered to watch one with me so I never did."

"That's why," he breathed. "That's why you asked to watch one on...uh, your day." Liam nodded silently.

"Am I missing something?" Marcus questioned.

"No," Zayn answered quickly. "I just realized I don't really know Liam that well."

I want you to, Liam couldn't help but think.

"Well that's understandable. You only had him here for a couple months. What can you really learn about someone in that time?"

A lot, Liam continued in his head.

"What else do you like, Liam?"

Liam turned to focus on Marcus, trying to and keep Zayn out of his line of sight so hopefully it'd be easier to focus. "I like to cook."

"Really? I love to cook. Own a few restaurants actually? Mind if we try out some new recipes?"

Liam's eyes lit up. "Of course not. That sounds great."

"Great. You can be my official taste tester."

Liam laughed shyly at that. "Okay."

They spent nearly an hour in there, under the watchful eye of Zayn, learning about each other. Apparently Marcus went to school for cooking. His mother cooked and so did his grandfather. A family business. And he liked sports. Promised to take Liam to a game or two because he happened to own one of England's premier teams.

Liam was melting. He was perfect. Perfect for Liam. They had so much in common, and by the end of the night they were practically talking into each other's mouth in hushed whispers. When Liam heard the door click, he looked up to find Zayn gone. He realized his position and scooted back a few inches on the couch.

"Liam, how about we grab some of your stuff for the night so we can go back to my place. We'll get all of your things over the next couple days, but I'd love for you to see your new home."

Liam looked to the door Zayn just exited through then back to Marcus. Maybe this was for the best. Zayn was obviously not interested in keeping Liam, and Marcus was...incredible. "Yeah, okay."

"Perfect."

***

The new Master is finally here! What do you think of him?? Xoxo