(Master Casey's sexiness above)

Chapter 20   Tantalizing Taste Explosions

Tommy

"So I don't know if I'll be home tonight Payton, do you need my car? I can ask Casey to come pick me up."

"No, I'm hanging out with Brody, he's coming to get me later."

"You're going to that party?" I don't even attempt to hide the frown.

"Yeah, I thought I'd check it out." Payton purposely doesn't lift his face from the book he's reading. I look at my watch. I'm supposed to meet Casey in 15 minutes so I don't really have the time it takes to wrestle things out of Payton when he doesn't want to talk about something. I let out a sigh. Lately he's been about as forthcoming as Tai's bearded dragon, Niles. Odd choice for a pet, but Tai loves him. He sits silently in his aquarium for hours without even moving. Throw a butter worm or a blueberry in there though and that little guy is like the Flash.

"Seriously? You hate parties."

"I don't hate parties. I went to Chris' party...though...maybe that's a bad example. Besides, Brody said if I don't like it we can go somewhere else," he replies shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe even the Backdoor. His best friend is in town out of the blue too, and he wants me to meet him. He's Brazilian. I've always wanted to meet a guy from Brazil. Have you seen some of those Brazilian models?!"

"Did Brody live in Brazil?"

"No, Guillermo, that's the guy's name, was born in Brazil, moved to London when he was 3 and then his family moved to Boulder when he was 13. Strange huh? Anyway, they were best buds since then. Like us!" he adds, flashing me a smile. "I talked to him on the phone before when Brody called about the party, he's got a sexy accent. Guillermo said I had to go because Brody wouldn't stop talking about me and he had to meet this 'Payton'. I can't believe Brody was talking about me!"

"I didn't think you were into Brody."

"I never said that. I don't know him that well, but he's nice. Hot too! Anyway, it's just a party, I'm not going to marry him," he laughs, "we're just going as friends. You're the one always telling me to get out and meet people."

"I'm just surprised. I thought after what happened the other night..."

"Exactly! Which is why I want to meet some normal college guys."

"So...you don't want to be in the lifestyle anymore?"

"I didn't say that Tommy. I want to try lots of things. It's college! Time to experiment. Life is a smorgasbord and I want a taste of everything...I can already think of a few Doms I'm drooling for."

"Oh really? Who?"

"I'm not saying, I don't want to jinx anything."

"Tell me Pay! Master Kael? Master Rowan? Um...Master Clark? Master Jason, Master Caster...Not those 4 from the dungeon?"

"My lips are sealed," Payton teases, "or maybe all of the above." He looks back down at his book with a shit eating grin and I let out an annoyed huff.

"You're not being fair Payton Johns," I scold. "I'm going to be late if I don't leave now. Just be careful tonight. Call or text if you need me."

"Sorry bae. I'm just teasing you. Go have fun with Casey."

"That I will!" I call out as I run out of the room and out of the building. Luckily the parking spot I found last night was close by so I don't have to walk too far. Before I start the car I quickly text Casey and tell him I'm going to be a little late. He's making me dinner at his place and then...I'm not positive but I think we're going to do a scene. I'm nervous and excited. Not worried though. I trust Casey 100 percent. He would never hurt me or make me feel uncomfortable.

Knocking on his front door I suddenly wondered what I was supposed to do...he's my Dom, right? And my boyfriend? How should I greet him since we're in the privacy of his home?

"Tommy," a deep voice says as the door opens. I look up like a deer in the headlights, confusion filling my head.

"Cas...Sir...Master Casey?"

"Are you okay Tommy?" His voice sounds patient and calm as he looks down at me intensely. I suddenly feel a bout of nerves standing there frozen, hesitating as he watches me.

"Um..."

"Are you nervous?"

"Ya...I think so..." I mutter.

"There's nothing to be nervous about. We've already agreed to take things slowly, just like last time we were together, you set the pace. Come inside," he gestures so I take a few steps forward until I'm inside his townhouse. I let my eyes wander around.

"It's beautiful," I say out loud as I take in the open concept first floor. Casey's home has a decided masculine quality, but it's warm and homey at the same time. A mix of country and rustic  influenced furniture; lots of mission style, wood, warm tones. It suits him.

"So what has you so worried?" he asks once I've taken off my jacket and put my black leather messenger bag on a chair. And no, it's not a man purse despite how much Payton insists it is. I needed to pack a few things though because I'm probably staying over tonight. I also kick off my shoes and place them on a mat by the front door where I see a few other pairs of shoes.

Casey turns me around to face him.

"I don't know...I guess I thought maybe we're scening tonight and I'm afraid of disappointing you."

"You won't disappoint me. You couldn't possibly. As your Dom I'll lead you through our scenes and all you have to do is let go and trust me. I take the responsibility of how it flows, so you're completely off the hook."

"What if...what if I can't...um..."

"We won't be doing anything you can't handle. I read through your hard limits and soft limits, all you have to do is trust me. And you always have your safewords if you're at all unsure. I think I know enough about you already so you won't even need to use them."

"Okay. I'm sorry. I'm just being stu..."

"Shh, you're fine. Come inside, I made us a light supper. I'll put some music on and I'll feed you. It's an easy way to get used to giving up control and trusting your Dom."

"Really? That's so cool..."

"You mean, yes Sir." Casey puts a finger under my chin, lifting it up until we're eye to eye and gives me a warm grin.

"Yes, Sir. Thank you."

"Strip down to your boxers and sit down in front of the fireplace on the cushions I've laid out. I'll go get our food."

"Do you need any help carrying..."

"Tommy," he says patiently. "If I needed or wanted help, I would tell you. Tonight you are submitting to my control. I understand when we skirt the line between the lifestyle and boyfriends, it can be confusing, but tonight I'd like to work on getting you used to being my submissive and following my directions."

"Yes, Sir. Sorry."

"No worries. I promise to be patient with you pet."

As I watch Master Casey walk to the kitchen, I notice how relaxed he looks in a pair of dark workout pants and a tight black t-shirt. Casual Casey is pretty hot. Clothes. Oh yeah. I quickly pull my sweater over my head and then the t-shirt underneath. After unbuttoning my jeans and sliding them down my legs I step out of them and pull my socks off, folding everything and leaving the pile of my clothes on the arm of a nearby sofa before walking toward the fireplace.

Casey puts on some soft jazz. Mood music. That combined with the crackling of the fireplace puts me right at ease.

Stepping onto a blanket piled high with pillows I kneel in the center and sit back on my heels, placing my hands on the front of my thighs - a position we learned in our training. I drop my head down and keep my eyes on the floor in front of my knees.

"Beautiful Tommy," Casey says as he walks in. I don't look up, but in my peripheral vision I see he's carrying a large tray, I keep my eyes down. I hear him place it on a nearby table. From behind me I feel his hand on the back of my head, caressing it a few times before he takes my hair in his hand and puts it in a ponytail with an elastic or scrunchie he must have had in his pocket.

"Do you like Asian food Tommy?"

"Yes, Sir. Very much."

"Great. I call this Asian Fusion. I've made some Vietnamese fresh spring rolls and Pon Pon chicken - one of my favorites from a little place I used to go to when I was at University; the Five Spice Cafe - it's just strips of chicken breasts and a thai style sauce, very simple, but delicious. We also have Sesame noodles, spicy cucumbers and Mock Duck."

"Mock Duck Sir?"

"Another dish from the Five Spice. I became friends with the owner and he gave me some of his recipes. It's an Indonesian dish made with seitan and vegetables, sautéed in a light spicy peanut sauce."

"You didn't have to make all this for me, Sir?" I say as i look up and see he's taken off his shirt, my mouth goes dry at the site of his thickly muscled chest.

"Well it's for both of us, and you'll have to get used to it. I like to take care of what's mine. It gives me great pleasure to prepare food for people I care about, and feeding you myself is even more gratifying."

Moving in front of me Casey takes a seat, leaning against a large couch.

"Why don't you sit down on the floor instead of kneeling. I'd like to take our time and I don't want to worry that your knees are getting tired. I want you comfortable so you can enjoy our meal."

As I adjust so I'm sitting cross legged, Casey motions for me to move forward so I'm right in between his legs and he doesn't have to reach far.  He hands me a glass of water so I take a quick sip and then place it back on the table.

"These are my famous fresh spring rolls," he explains as he picks up the first plate from the tray. "Lettuce, vermicelli, shredded carrots, fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, basil and fresh mint wrapped in rice paper." I watch as he dips a spring roll in a sauce and leans forward holding it out. "Take a bite."

"Mmm," I moan at the light crunch of the raw vegetables coupled with the flavors of the fresh herbs exploding in my mouth. "That's delicious, Sir. I can't believe you made those yourself!" I feel myself blush. "I mean, I just didn't realize you had so many talents."

Casey lets out a deep laugh. "I love good food and I love to create and experiment, so the kitchen is one of my favorite places. Also the one room in the house where I don't scrimp. Some guys go on and on about their cars or boats, I could talk about my 48 inch Viking Tuscany Series duel fuel range with..."

He suddenly stops and looks at me with a blush. "Sorry, I can get a little carried away."

"Don't be sorry Sir, your passion is contagious. I had to learn to cook after I moved in with my Aunt. It was either take up cooking or starve," I chuckle, "maybe we can cook together some time. I'd love to learn how to make some Asian dishes...and check out your Tuscan duel turbo fueled..."

Casey lets out a loud laugh, "I'd like that Tommy. Now cleanse your palette with a bite of these," he says as he reaches for the little dish of spicy cucumbers, "and then I want you to try the chicken." Casey picks up chopsticks and adeptly serves me bites of each dish. We both laugh when I try to suck in the sesame noodles that stray from my lips. A bit of sauce splashes on my chin and he leans forward and licks, then kisses it off, causing a flash of heat to wash through my body and settle in my groin.  I can feel myself blushing and take a deep breath to calm down.

"Aren't you having any?" I ask when I realize he's been feeding me bites, but not himself.

"I just want to make sure you get plenty of everything first," he replies, then picks up a spring roll and takes a large bite to appease me. "Mmm, I love cilantro," he moans once he's swallowed.

"Oh my god, me too! It's one of my favorites herbs, I love the smells too; you should see me at the grocery store sniffing the fresh cilantro! I always tell Payton when I have land someday, I'm going to grow a big field of cilantro and just roll around in it naked." I quickly cover my mouth with my hand once I realize what I've blurted out. It's true, I do say that and I have every intention of doing it one day, but it's not anything I've ever told anyone other than Payton...and he totally gets it because he's right there next to me when we go to Whole Foods, inhaling the intoxicating scent, moaning along with me.

Casey lets out another belly laugh. "I have a small yard behind the house here where I grow a few herbs and vegetables. Next summer I'll plant a few extra rows of it just to see that. Though I'm not sure if I want my neighbors to see my boyfriend so exposed. That's for my eyes only." A shiver runs down my back at the sound of his voice deepening in the last sentence.

I beam at the thought of Casey making long term plans. One thing I know about myself is that I get too attached for the three month contracts that many Doms and subs make. I knew it going in, but I also knew that might be one of the more difficult parts for me. I've always been one to feel too hard, love too hard... I can't help it.

I take a sip of my water to give me a chance to look away and recover somewhat.

"Close your eyes Tommy, just focus completely on the tastes and textures."

I close my eyes and Casey continues to feed me small bites of the delicious food. It's funny, but with my eyes closed and focusing on the experience, I can taste things I didn't notice before. Casey really is a good cook because the combinations of herbs and sauces he used compliment and raise each flavor to something more than they would be individually. Even if he did follow someone else's recipes, it still takes a talent to get a dish just right.

"Mmm..." I moan. "Everything is so amazing, but I'm getting full."

"Okay, you can open your eyes now."

My eyelids blink open and two steel blue eyes are watching me intently. "Can I feed you some now Sir?" I ask. He looks surprised for a moment, like I startled him.

"Sure, please do," he says, sitting back against the couch. I get up on my knees so I can reach the food.

"I'm not as good with chopsticks, but I'll try not to spill anything on you."

"Take your time and don't try to get too much. Small bites that tease the palette."

"Yes, Sir," I breath picking up a few pieces of cucumber with the two wooden sticks. I hold the bowl underneath as I move towards Casey's mouth. "Eyes closed," I say softly and he closes them with a grin. Casey takes the first bite and I watch his face as he chews and swallows, taking notice of his beautiful, full lips and the way his jaw muscles work.

It's a treat to be so close and be able to study him without being seen. Under close observation I see very light freckles on his face and I melt at the sight. When he clears his throat I realize he's been waiting patiently for his next bite and I blush, glad he can't see.

"Sorry," I whisper and pick up a spring roll, dip it in the sauce which Casey said was made with Hoisan and then bring it up to his mouth.

"It's okay Tommy, we're in no rush. We have all night."

"Mmm...," he moans after taking a bite. "I could eat these every day and still be amazed by the way the flavors work together."

"I know," I agree. "Not to make a bad pun on their name, but each bite just bursts with this sense of freshness."

"What is seitan?" I ask as I give him a bite of the Mock Duck.

"It's a vegetarian protein made from wheat gluten. I find its used a lot in place of poultry, but it's one of my favorites when prepared correctly. If not, it can be pretty nasty," he chuckles.

"Do you make it or buy it?" I ask as I feed him some noodles. "Oops sorry," I grimace as a few noodles fall onto his chin.

"You'd better clean that up," he teases.

I look around for a napkin, but then realization dawns on me so I lean over and lick the noodle and sauce away. Before I can move back, a hand curves around my head and holds me there while Casey moves his mouth down to meet mine. Our lips join in a sensuous kiss as I close my eyes, our tongues touching and gliding together in a sweet caress.

"You can make it from scratch or buy it already made," he says when our lips part, and it takes me a moment to realize he was answering my earlier question. "I prepared this from scratch."

"It's really good!"

"I'm ready for dessert," Casey breathes.

"What's for dessert?"

"You," he chuckles. Casey takes the bowl of noodles out of my hand and places it on the table before standing up. "Come with me," he adds, holding out a hand. I let him pull me up and follow him out of the living room. He walks to a door and turns before opening it.

"Downstairs is my playroom. You don't have to be nervous, you're completely safe with me."

"I know."

He opens the door and I follow him down into what looks like an ordinary family room...or more like a man cave. A large screen TV, comfortable chairs and sofas and a built in bar. We pass through this room though and come to a closed door. I watch as Casey reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key. I wonder if I'll have one of those moments...y'all know just what I'm thinking. Will I walk in and the room and it will be filled with scary implements and devices. Will I be 'enlightened'?'

I step in once Casey turns on the light and gestures me inside. The overhead lighting is on a dimmer switch so he turns it about half way up. The room is not really what I expected. Well, some parts are. There is a large, dark wood 4 poster bed in the middle, but the walls aren't covered with whips or crops or rope. They are painted a deep blue and I see a few paintings that I would describe as submissive art. They are nudes, but very tasteful and what is very beautiful is the way the subject in each looks up at their Master. You don't see the Master, only a hand on a shoulder or around the submissive's middle, but you know he's there. You sense his power.

"The artist is a friend of mine," Casey says, bringing my attention back to him. "He's a Dominant out on the west coast."

"They're beautiful." I look around and notice there is what may be a large cross on one wall, but it's covered with a blue silk sheet. The furniture, a couch and two chairs are black leather and there's one of those swings hanging from the ceiling. A 'fuck me hard' swing as Lane once described it.

"This is a bathroom," Casey says opening one of two doors in the room, "and this is the closet where I keep supplies and such." He opens the second door and I see built in shelves and drawers.

"You'll be happy to know that I'm not much into pain or punishment, but I do enjoy bondage and dominance. I will always make sure you feel safe and I'll never humiliate or degrade you. If you ever feel that way from something I'm doing, I want you to tell me right away, even safeword if you need to and we'll talk about it. Okay?"

I nod. "Yes, Sir."

"Before we start, I did draw up a contract based on the discussions we've had so far."

"I didn't think we needed one, since we're more than just...you know Dom/sub."

"This is just a simple contract for when we play. I want you to feel comfortable that I know your boundaries and that you know what to expect. It's open ended, meaning it stays in place as long as we're together. It's also a requirement of the Red Door and once we both sign it, I'll give a copy to Matthias to approve and have on file at the club."

"Oh, okay."

Casey pulls a large envelope out of one of the drawers in the closet and leads me over to the bed. "Read through this while I get some things from the other room. If there is anything you don't understand or want changed, please let me know, okay Tommy?"

"I will," I reply as I sit down and take out the document. Reading through I see it's very similar to ones that we saw while we were being trained. Everything on my soft and hard limits lists have been included and clauses about being in an exclusive relationship, honesty, everything we've already talked about so it doesn't take me long to read through it.

"Look okay?" Casey asks as he walks in with a tray. I see a bowl of ice along with some water bottles and a bottle of chocolate sauce, which makes me laugh.

Casey looks down and grins. "I have a sweet tooth," he admits, "and I did mention dessert. I have strawberries too!" He adds lifting the top off a container and showing me the fruit he's sliced up.

"It looks fine," I say, referring to the contract. I pick up a pen he'd left on the bed and sign the two copies and hand them back to him after he's put the tray down. Casey gives me a warm look and signs them as well, before placing them back in the envelope.

"We're going to do a very simple bondage scene tonight Tommy. You'll be blindfolded as well so you'll have to trust me."

"I trust you completely Casey...Master Casey."

"Good. Take off your boxers and lay down in the middle of the bed Tommy, on your back."

Without hesitation I stand up and follow his directions. Casey pulls some leather cuffs attached to short chains out of the closet and brings them over. He puts them down and opens the drawer of the small table next to the bed and pulls out a blindfold, which he then puts over my eyes. Now I listen and feel him as he moves around the bed. First he cuffs my wrists and secures my hands together above my head, clipping them to something in the headboard.

Next he cuffs each ankle and spreads my legs, securing each to opposite corners of the bed. I test my restraints and find that I can barely move any of my limbs.

He walks away and suddenly I hear some sort of monastic chant music fill the air.

"Just relax okay, baby," he says softly rubbing a hand over my thigh. When his hand leaves I hear the humming sound of a vibrator. Next I feel fingers and cool gel, followed by soft vibrating rubber pushing into me.

"Ahhh..." I let out a long moan as it slides in, stretching me gently, pulsing through my core.

"Good boy, so beautiful." His voice is breathy and the admiration makes me heady.

I take a deep breath to calm down and let the sensations flow throughout my body, emanating from my center and down my limbs and back, culminating in my balls and cock which tighten and fill in response.

My body jumps when I feel something very cold being dragged down my chest. I hear a chuckle and then something warm and wet follows the path of the ice. I feel my breathing pick up when I realize it's Casey's tongue.

He circles first one nipple and then the other with the ice followed by his warm mouth.

"I like the way your body reacts," he murmurs as I feel my nipples tighten and bead. I feel my whole body blush as he hums his approval.

Casey takes his time, moving the ice over every part of my upper body with his tongue in hot pursuit. I want to move, I feel squirmy and ready to jump out of my skin, but I can't. Luckily the cuffs are padded because I pull on them uncontrollably as he makes my body shiver in anticipation.

I gasp when I hear a cap flip open and what I believe is chocolate sauce is squirted over my lower stomach, one of my most sensitive areas. "Oh god," I groan as his tongue drags over my skin and he licks, nibbles and sucks the chocolate, with the occasional gentle bite. His bites use just enough teeth to make my whole body shiver, but not enough to hurt. Though I'm sure I'll be covered in little red marks when he's done. But I don't care. I relish the thought of being marked up from him knowing they would fade away quickly anyway.

"Mmmm..." My whole body shudders as his tongue moves down my hips. My shaft is beyond hard and I feel precum dripping down onto my belly as my cock strains to find some friction. I hear him chuckle as he purposely, I'm sure, doesn't touch my cock even though it's begging him to be stroked, tasted or gripped...or something!

"Casey..." I whine, "please..."

"Shhhhh, Tommy. You're okay. Deep breaths. You look absolutely captivating. Delectable."

"Uhhh!" I tense up as I feel liquid, more chocolate sauce I assume, spread over my cock and balls.

"I'm going to eat you up," he growls and I feel my balls quiver and before I can take another breath his mouth is all over me. Licking down my shaft, swallowing me into his hot mouth, down his throat as he growls around my cock. I want to scream, but when I open my mouth nothing comes out.

I pull at my restraints as Casey sucks each of my balls into his mouth. "Casey...Sir...I'm going to cum, I...I can't hold on..."

"It's okay," he whispers. "Cum for me Tommy!" His mouth moves back to my cock, engulfing my shaft, sucking so hard it takes the breath out of me.

"Arghhhhhh," I scream as my body convulses and I explode down his throat. I feel totally overwhelmed, out of control and it's too much. I want to curl into myself, kick my feet do something as the orgasm rips through me. I pull, but I can't move. I can't mediate the intensity in any way so I let go. I let it flow through me and I feel like I'm flying. I've never felt anything like this before. I let myself sink into the feeling, relax back and go with the flow.

I hear murmurs, Casey whispering to me, but I can't make out the exact words. Just that they're soft and comforting...and sound like praise. I can tell that he's pleased, proud of me...and I'm enveloped in a warm, hazy glow.

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Payton

"Ashton!" Okay, I may have yelled it out a little too loud with a little too much excitement, but I couldn't help myself. And I couldn't help running over to him and practically pouncing on him with a big hug. Yes. The cardinal sin. He stiffens slightly and lets out an almost imperceptible, uncomfortable groan.

"Oh, fuck. Sorry Ash," I mumble, blushing profusely as I let go and take a step back. I'm not even that much of a hugging type and Ashton, he's not even 'not much of a hugger;' he hates hugs completely. I don't know what came over me, but after the last week, I feel overwhelmed with relief to see him again.

Ashton makes me feel grounded or centered and kind of safe. I think it's his pragmatic nature. He's both complex and simple at the same time. It's really stupid, I know, but Ashton is a friend who never expects something from anyone. Being friends with him is easy, he has no expectations. I don't feel like I have to be anyone but myself and if I'm not in a social mood I can just sit there and think with him and he doesn't force me into conversation. I always feel accepted for exactly who I am...not that I don't feel that with my other friends...I don't know. It's just different. Maybe because we both have that same introspective nature, like kindred spirits.

"It's okay," he says quietly, pulling me back out of my head enough for me to see the small smile he gives me. I'm also relieved to see that his face doesn't hold the look of pity some of my other friends have given me over the past week. Granted, Ashton hasn't heard the stories yet since he didn't come to the New Year's Eve party and then went home for a few days. That being said, he doesn't really look himself either, but I can't tell what he might be thinking.

"Let's go sit down, yeah?" He says and I duck, letting out a laugh as I avoid the hand aiming toward the top of my hair.

"Psych!" I joke as we walk back to our re-claimed table. Tommy spent a half an hour getting my mop into just the right look tonight. I usually don't do all that much with my hair, but Tommy had this need to comfort me and since I don't really want to talk about 'my feelings', I just let him. So I to keep it somewhat tame, I'm not letting anyone ruffle it like they usually do.

The Sub Club is in session, I think with a smile.

It's early in the evening so we're all sharing a soda together before everyone goes their separate ways, which is invariably what happens on a Friday or Saturday night. Ashton raises an eyebrow as he looks around the table at Tommy, Tai, Chris, Lane, and our two seats against the wall, empty and waiting just for us. A few other subs had stopped by, but one way or another we'd sent them off so we could enjoy some time together on our first night back in the New Year.

"The gang's all here!" Tai calls out as Ashton and I sit down. "I know it's barely been a week, but it feels like it's been a lot longer since we've all hung out together."

"I'm just glad the holidays are finally over and we can get back to normal," Tommy replies, "it feels like so much has happened."

I look down at my hands, thinking about the party I went to a few days ago with Brody and his friend Guillermo. A lot has happened.

"A lot of crazy shit," Chris adds, but he doesn't have his usual smile or that twinkle in his eyes. He sits there brooding, looking up and around the room every now and then as if he's expecting a gargoyle to jump out of a corner.

"You okay?" Ashton asks him.

"Yeah," he huffs, then forces out a smile. "What'd you and Sean do? How was everything back home?" he adds as if remembering his manners or something.

"Who's Sean?" I ask.

"Just a friend from back home." Ashton's reply is curt and the way he looks away I know I shouldn't ask any more. Chris doesn't seem to notice that he didn't answer his question either.

"Cool." We sit quietly listening to Tai and Tommy talking to Lane about some movie he and Denny went to see that was so great and that we all had to go see too. I look over at Chris who's unusually quiet and wonder how everything went for him on New Year's Eve. I never did see him even though Tai said he was going to be there. I open my mouth to ask, but think better of it.

"Okay boys, I have to go find Brown Sugar," Lane announces a little while later, standing up. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" he says with a laugh. Then he looks at me. "Payton, don't do anything I would do either. Daddy's going to come find you later to talk to you. Make sure you're around."

He walks off before I can even reply.

"What's that about?" Ashton asks.

"Ohhh....you have a lot of catching up to do," Chris chuckles and I send him a glare. Pretending not to notice he stands up with a sigh. "I need to go talk to someone," he announces. Before he walks away he leans over Ashton's shoulder and whispers loud enough so I can hear. "Pay lost his V-card while you were gone."

Ashton's eyes pop to me, his eyebrows raised. "Remy?" he mouths.

I shake my head no. "I'll tell you later, I don't really feel like talking about it right now." I glance over at Tommy who gives me a reassuring smile. "Sorry," I add looking back at Ash.

"No problem Pay. You okay though?" Ashton asks.

"Yeah. Totally fine. It wasn't any big deal."

"Come on guys, let's go dance before Casey comes to find me!" Tommy says.

"You call him Casey?" Tai asks.

"Master Casey...I'm still getting used to it, but I call him just Casey when we're not here, so it gets confusing."

Tommy and Tai go dance after trying unsuccessfully to get Ashton and I to move off our chairs. Ashton looks over at me once we're alone, with gentle, but questioning eyes.

"Can we go to lunch or something tomorrow? I'll tell you everything then, just not here. It's really no big deal, but I'm just not in the mood right now."

"No worries Pay, you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

"Thanks," I mumble as I watch his eyes suddenly trail across the room and I turn my head to see Master Gideon at the bar picking up a drink and walking back into the area where all of the Doms are seated. He stops before he's out of sight scanning the room until his eyes fix on Ashton. I feel like I'm intruding watching the two of them having some sort of moment as they stare at each other so I look away.

"Later Pay," Ashton suddenly says standing up.

"Yeah, okay."

I watch him walk away toward the other part of the club where many of the Doms are seated.  Gideon's no longer standing where I saw him, so I assume he's gone into that area.

"Payton?" I look up to see Scotty walking by with a tray of drinks. "Master Matthias just buzzed me and asked me to come get you, he'd like to see you in his office."

I feel the blood drain from my face feeling slightly panicked.

"Take a deep breath bro," Scotty laughed, "he's a teddy bear since he got with Lane."

"Yeah, keep thinking that Scotty." I take a few deep breaths and stand up. It's no big deal. Lane told me he just wanted to talk to me. I'm not in trouble.

"You were supposed to come see me this week," Master Matthias says as I walk into his office. His cool eyes stare me down and I'm momentarily tongue tied.

"I...um...the week went really quickly and I had to work at the library...and..."

"Just sit down Payton."

I quickly sit down in the chair placed in front of his desk.

"Do you mind telling me what's going on with you? I'll give you a hint as to where to start. New Year's Eve. And then finish with the part where you give your virginity up at some college party."

I look down, feeling like the last sentence was laced with disappointment. Thank you Lane, I grumble to myself.

"I'm not angry at you Payton, I just want to understand what's going on so I can help you. Lane's worried about you and I still feel a sense of responsibility since you barely finished your training. Just start at the beginning."

"Well..."

Master Matthias is silent as I give him the abridged version of New Year's Eve. He knew all that anyway and I keep to the same version I told Tommy and then Lane and then Tai...Chris...and will tell Ashton tomorrow.

"And then Wednesday night, this guy I know, Brody asked me to go to this party with him..."