Chapter 23 Contracts, Correspondence and Conversation

Payton

I let Master Kael lead me out to the VIP area, keeping my eyes down at the floor in front of me. It doesn't keep me from seeing several looks out of my peripheral vision and I blush at the attention. Most are smiles, though I notice glares from a few subs I've seen staring at Master Kael several times.

I'm not used to, nor do I really like being the center of attention so I'm happy when we reach the area where Master Kael usually sits; the same area where Master Matthias and Lane sit as well as Master Rowan and whoever his sub of the night is, Master Cole and Dylan, Master Mike and Lane's cousin Denny and sometimes Mistress Annabelle and Edmund. Others occasionally join them too, like Master Gideon and Master Casey but tonight everyone seems to be off somewhere or in one of the other rooms, so for now we have the immediate area to ourselves. I wonder quickly where Ashton and Master Gideon have gone to, or if Master Casey has arrived to meet Tommy yet, but the thoughts flit out of my mind as quickly as they come.

Master Kael sits down and as soon as he's seated I sink to my knees next to his legs placing my hands behind my back and my gaze down.

"Come closer, so I can reach you Payton, you're too far away."

I blush at the scolding, I was only a few inches away, but being someone's sub is all new. I guess I'm just unsure of everything I do, but I expect that will pass as I get used to Master Kael and how he likes things. It still feel weirds to me and scooting forward in between his knees seems so intimate, but I follow his hand gesture and soon I'm tucked in between his shins.

"Good boy, I like to be able to run my fingers through my sub's hair as I sit and relax and you'll find it calms your nerves too. Are you okay?"

I quickly nod.

"Look up at me, let me see your eyes."

I look up and give him a small smile.

"First things first, when I ask you a question I expect a reply. A nod isn't enough, you need to use your words."

"I'm sorry Sir, I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous and not sure what to do."

"Don't worry about that, trust your training. I know Matthias trained you well and I'll acquaint you with my own personal preferences. For now just relax your posture, you look so tense. Drop your hands to your sides and lean your head here," he said patting his thigh, "Penny should bring the contract over shortly and then we can go over it, but for now calm your nerves a bit. You're doing well and there's nothing to be worried about."

"Yes Sir. I'm sorry."

I suck in a deep relaxing breath and find my eyes closing as I lean against his well-developed vastus medialis. Tommy would be proud that I'm practicing for our upcoming kinesiology quiz. I can feel the muscle against my cheek and want to start purring as he begins petting my head. This having a Dom stuff is pretty damn nice and I feel really lucky that Master Kael is taking me on for four weeks. I send off a little random prayer of thanks to whatever god or higher power exists, since I'm not really sure who I believe when it comes to religion, maybe I'll just make my own.

I hear murmuring voices and when I open my eyes Penny is walking away while Master Kael lifts his hand off my head and begins reading through some papers. The contract.

After a few minutes he looks down at me.

"This is a special training contract Payton. Your hard and soft limits have been incorporated, it's for a 4 week time period and in that time I'll be training you as my submissive. We'll discuss what sort of time commitment works for both of us, but in all ways you will be mine. When we are together I expect you to yield to my control 100%; give yourself to me fully in mind, body and spirit, trust me as your Dominant and be completely honest with me. I, in turn; along with your training, will care for you, see to your needs, physically and emotionally, push your limits, let you explore a side of yourself that you may not even know exists. There's no give without take, so I will expect you to see to my needs as well, respect me as your Dom and service me however I ask without hesitation. Of course, all my requests will be keeping in mind your current limits. I do understand, as a new submissive there may be limits you are not even aware of, so much of your training will be actively exploring those, so clear communication and honesty is obligatory. Does this meet your expectations and are you comfortable with this."

"Yes, Sir. Very much so."

"Are there any new limits you've realized since you made this list for Master Matthias?"

"No Sir."

"And what about safe words?"

"Oh, I've come up with new ones!"

"New ones?"

"Yes Sir. At first I couldn't think of any unique ones so I was going to use Red and Yellow."

"I can see you're excited about this, tell me what they are boy."

I looked down with a smile, blushing a little in embarrassment. Sometimes I can be such a geek.

"Well, 'Avast' for stop, and 'Belay' for slow down."

"Interesting."

"They're nautical terms...um...because sailing is one of my hobbies."

"I remember. Well they are unique. Good job. Just make sure you don't forget them and that you use them when you feel necessary. You won't be punished for using your safe words. Do you understand that?"

"Aye-aye Captain...I mean, Yes Sir."

Master Kael's face looks stern for a moment, but before long it softens as he lets out another chuckle.

"Well my time with you certainly won't be boring," he muses.

"I hope not Sir. I mean, I don't want you to be bored...not that I'm going to try to be...um...overly funny...I'm just going to do my best for you and meet your needs as well, and..."

Master Kael holds up his hand to stop my rambling. "Good boy. I'll have you read through the particulars now and then we'll talk about what kind of time commitment you are comfortable with seeing as you are a student and work part time. My law practice keeps me busy as well, but I'm sure we can find an acceptable compromise."

"Mhm...yes, Sir." Master Kael hands me the papers and tells me I can turn around and sit between his legs while leaning against the couch. I sit cross legged and begin reading through the contract. It's very similar to the contracts Master Matthias had Cindy showed Tommy and I during our training with a few changes like Master Kael had described.

"It's fine Sir," I say looking back up his face.

"You've read it carefully?" I smile hearing the lawyer in him.

"Yes, Sir."

"You understand it is a contract, but you have the right to call it off at any time, it's not legally binding. The purpose of these contracts is to formally outline the expectations of both parties. I say it's not legally binding, however I do expect you to fulfill the terms of the contract and if you can't to come forward immediately and we'll discuss the problem. If you sign you are going into the arrangement in good faith."

"I understand Sir. I've had a lot of time during my training with Master Matthias to think about what it meant to sign a contract with a Dominant, and I really want this. I can do it. I...um...I need this Sir."

"That's good to hear Payton. I'm glad you thought about it, this lifestyle is not something to jump into. I respect Matthias for the rules he's put into place for new submissives, and Doms as well. This is a very intense lifestyle and not for everyone. It's been glamorized in books and movies by people who know very little about it. For some, it can be very fulfilling and enriching, but anyone coming into it for the wrong reasons or with misplaced expectations can cause harm to themselves and others."

Nodding at his serious tone, I hold his gaze not sure if he's waiting for a reply. After a few seconds he reaches a hand out and runs a finger down my jaw. "I can see it's important to you Payton. Matthias and I have discussed you in depth."

"You have?" I blurt out, blushing at my interruption. "Oh...I'm really sorry Sir."

"Yes we have. Nothing bad, don't worry," he chuckles, probably at the look of fear I'm sure is plastered on my face. "I'm looking forward to our time together. It will be a pleasure to guide a submissive who has such a sincere desire to do his best."

"Thank you Sir, I really will. Try my best, I mean."

"I know you will Payton. I'm sure you will make me very proud. Come here," he says quietly and when I move closer, he reaches a hand behind my head and grips my hair pulling my face up to his strong lips which immediately dominate mine. I let the feeling of being controlled wash over me like a caress. The hand pulling at my hair and his tongue pushing into my mouth. It's...it's amazing.

When he finally pulls away, releasing me, I gasp sucking in some much needed oxygen. Master Kael centers me in front of him and puts his hands on each of my shoulders.

"There's one more thing I'd like to discuss pet."

"Yes, Sir?"

"I want to make sure you're clear on our arrangement."

"I've read the contract Sir."

"Yes yes. I just want to be clear. I want to make sure you understand..." he pauses for a moment looking up as Master Cole and Dylan walk by on the way to their private playroom. "I don't do romance and I'm not interested in anything like that," he adds, nodding at the married couple.

"I understand Sir. I'm not expecting anything like that. I don't even think I'm...in a place where I'm ready or even want more than...what's outlined in the contract. All I want is to serve you as your submissive for the 4 weeks, learn everything you have to teach me...learn about myself and my limits...and then...continue my exploration with other Doms."

"Okay. Now that we're on the same page, what's your availability Payton?" he asks, taking the contract out of my hands.

"My weekends are free. My classes are all during the week, I work at the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I do my work exchange for Master Matthias on Monday afternoons."

"While you are my submissive I'll be paying your membership fee of course..."

"You don't need to do that Sir, seeing as you're doing it as a favor anyway."

"I've asked you to be my submissive because I will take great pleasure in being the Dominant to help you broaden your horizons Payton, it's not a favor and it's customary for the Dom to pay their submissive's membership fee. It's non-negotiable. You may continue your work exchange if you'd like and Matthias will have Cindy bank your hours while we're together, or you can ask Matthias for the time off, it's up to you."

"I'll continue Sir. I helped him set up the new accounting system and I kind of feel responsible for keeping it up to date and checking the entries by the other staff members as they get used to it."

"That's fine. I'm tied up most of the week with my practice and occasionally have to fly out of town for a client, but I don't have any big cases for the next four weeks so I propose that we spend Friday evening through Sunday morning together. I'll pick you up Friday's at around 6 p.m. we can have dinner together before we go to the club, spend the weekend together and I'll drop you back at your dorm Sundays by noon. Will that give you enough time to keep up with your studies? If you need to you can bring your books and I'll give you time Saturday afternoons and you can work at my apartment."

"That's great Sir. I get most of my studying done during the week, so that will work perfectly."

"I will make myself available by phone if you need anything and perhaps we can meet for lunch or dinner during the week, but not to interfere with your studies."

"That would be great Sir."

"And I'll be checking up on you, texting you a few times a day, so be sure to keep your phone handy and I expect honest replies to any questions. I may also give you a task to do which I expect you to fulfill exactly as specified." He holds up his hand to stop me as I'm about to agree, "And, of course, I expect you to refrain from engaging in any relationships or sexual activities other than those you will experience with me. That includes masturbation or watching porn." Again he stops me as I go to agree, "And it goes without saying that drug use is forbidden and no alcohol unless I give you permission."

I pause, waiting to see if he has more to say, but he sits back and looks at me expectantly.

"I don't have a problem with any of those requirements Sir."

"Good."

Master Kael makes a few notes on the draft contract and then gestures for me to follow him to the front desk where Penny will make the changes. She's able to quickly type in the additions and print out the copies while we wait. Once she hands us the final copies we read through them again before Master Kael and I sign each copy. One for each of us and one for Master Matthias to review and sign off after which it will be kept on file at the club.

"Now that the preliminaries are settled, why don't I reacquaint you with my playroom. The last time you were there was so brief and you were pretty flustered."

"Yes, Sir."

"Oh Payton," Ian calls out after Penny goes off to leave our contract on Master Matthias' desk. Ian is seated at the far end of the reception desk where members sign in.

"Yeah Ian?"

"I totally forgot, a letter came for you in today's mail. I figured you'd be coming tonight, so I held it here for you."

"A letter? Here? Who knows I belong to the club except people I would just see here?"

"I don't know, it doesn't have a return address...do you know anyone in New York?"

I take a step forward to take the plain white envelope Ian is holding out, but pause, looking back at Master Kael. He looks as perplexed as I feel for a moment, and then a flash of realization passes over his features followed by anger. I pull my hand back.

"Sorry Master Kael, I should have asked permission."

"I'm not angry at you pet, don't worry." We both stand there staring at each other while Ian holds the envelope out.

Slowly, like the thawing of an ice cube, understanding creeps into my head and I turn back to Ian taking a step back from him, my hands sliding unconsciously behind my back like he's trying to pass me a hot potato.

"Um...I don't know anyone in New York Ian," I stammer. "It must be a mistake."

"It says your name on it." I can tell by his tone he's annoyed at my reticence. I half expected a 'D'uh' to accompany the statement.

"Ian, I'll take it," Master Kael says, breaking the sudden stand-off. He takes the letter before turning back to me. "You can decide when to open it or if you'd prefer myself or Master Matthias to read it for you."

"Yeah, okay," I whisper.

Tommy

"Jacobi can I get a cranberry and OJ?"

"What is this like the sub club signature drink or something?" he replies with a laugh as he pulls out a glass. I smile at his use of the nickname we somehow got that's been spreading throughout the Red Door.

"Where's your usual crew anyway?"

"Everyone's gone off with someone and I'm just waiting for Casey...er, Master Casey. He was supposed to be here a little while ago, but I guess he's running late. He drove to Minneapolis yesterday to interview for a new manager at his health club there. He had interviews this morning and then was driving back so he probably just got caught in traffic. I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"Yeah, I-90 is a bear through Madison and with all that construction around Schaumburg the traffic moves at a snail's pace. He probably should have taken a commuter flight."

"Mmm, he likes driving though and hates getting crammed into those small planes."

"Well I'm sure he'll be here soon, in the meantime you can keep me company. So tell me, how are things with Casey?"

"Amazing! Better than I could have imagined, well, he's so great you know."

"Yeah, he's pretty awesome," he says in agreement.

"Oh...you do know?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" he asks then a look of understanding spreads across his face. "No, I know he's great because he's friends with Master Giovanni...so, no, I was never his sub," he chuckles.

"Sorry." I look away with a blush. "I have this irrational jealous streak, it's one of the things that annoys me the most about myself."

"Eh, don't worry about it Tommy, that's human nature. But Master Casey only has eyes for you now, so don't worry."

"I know, there's nothing more unattractive than a green-eyed monster."

"Then just look forward, to where you and Master Casey go from here, don't worry about his past, I'm sure you have your own."

"Yeah, I do. You're right. I'll just look forward. He asked me to be his boyfriend you know, not just his sub." Sitting up straight, I put a smile on my face.

"I didn't know, that's great! You wanted more than just a Dom/sub relationship."

Jacobi and his Dom Giovanni had done a lot of my training and we'd talked a lot about my hopes for the type of relationship I eventually wanted.

"Cheers!" Jacobi says, holding up his glass of club soda.

I pick up my glass of juice and tap his glass. "Cheers!" I repeat.

"So tell me, what's the scoop with the other members of the sub club? Did I see Ashton go off with Master Gideon and Payton with Master Kael?"

"Yes!" I reply with excitement. "I don't have any details yet, but I know that Ash has had a thing for Master Gideon for a few weeks at least and Payton...I'm not sure what's up with that. I don't know if it's just for tonight or what. I'm a little worried about where his head is at right now...ever since New Year's Eve."

"What happened on New Year's Eve? I saw him leave with Master Remington."

"It's not really my story to tell, but, in a nutshell, they were going to 'get together'," I make the quote-unquote gesture with my hands before continuing. "But I guess Master Remington has a sub in France and lo and behold he shows up right in the middle of it."

"No way! Oh my god that's gotta suck so bad."

"No kidding and Payton told me that Lane thinks he had sex with the guy as soon as Payton left."

"That's just cold."

"Exactly! Poor Payton. He was a wreck."

"I bet. He seems fine now?"

"I don't know...he seems fine, but I'm not so sure what's really going on inside his head. He ended up hooking up with a guy at a college party and now he just...seems...reckless. Like he wants to have all these meaningless hook ups."

"Seriously?"

"Well, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but the list of Doms he wants to scene with keeps getting longer."

"Not everyone wants heavy romance you know Tommy. Before I met Giovanni I wanted to be dominated, no strings attached, I needed it. I was with a lot of different Doms and I learned a lot about myself in the process. I think it was important for me so that when I met Giovanni, I knew what I wanted and was ready to give myself to him fully. If I'd met him when I first became a sub, I don't think it would have worked out. Maybe Payton needs to sow his wild oats first. He hasn't had much experience, it's probably good for him and Master Matthias and Lane will keep an eye on him. That's probably why he's with Master Kael, he's a very responsible Dom, he won't hurt Payton."

"Yeah, I guess. I'm a hopeless romantic, I just wanted Master Remington to sweep him off his feet."

"Master Kael is amazing and has a killer bod, and, he lives in Chicago and not in France!"

"Have you been with Master Kael?"

"A long time ago, yeah. He was a member of the club I used to belong to, a lot of the Doms here were. Payton is in good hands," he says with a wink.

"What about Master Gideon? Have you ever played with him?"

"No, I didn't meet Master Gideon until I started here and I was already with Master Giovanni by then. Sad really," he adds with a smirk. His smirk turns to a laugh. "I'm only kidding you know. I love Master Giovanni, he's it for me."

"Awww, see, that's what I want." Thinking of Casey I pull my phone out of my pocket. No missed calls and no texts. I send him a quick one, even though I know if he's driving he won't see it or be able to respond. But if he's stuck in traffic he might be able to send me a quick text. I leave my phone on the bar so I'll see if he responds and turn around to watch the room as Jacobi walks off to serve some Doms who sat down at the other end of the bar.

"Tommy, I see you're unaccompanied tonight. How would you like to keep me company?"

Master Adam. Internal groan. I turn in his direction and plaster a friendly smile on my face.

"Hello Master Adam, it's good to see you." Lie. "I'm sorry, I'm not free to join you. Master Casey and I have entered into a contract." I decide to leave out the boyfriend part. It's none of his business. My hand goes up to my neck though and I realize I forgot to put on my collar. Master Casey wouldn't be pleased. "If you'll excuse me Sir, I just remembered something important I need to do."

"That's a shame," he says as I stand up and stick my phone back in my pocket,  "you're very talented with your mouth, I was hoping to have an encore. Perhaps when your contract is over."

I bite my tongue as shame and anger rise and my face turns hot. "Have a good night," I mutter and turn away.

I can't believe I forgot such an important thing! I'm scolding myself as I quickly walk to the locker room. Once inside I check my phone and there's still no reply from Casey. I sit down on a bench with a sigh to feel sorry for myself for a few minutes. Hanging out at the Red Door isn't as much fun without any of my friends or Casey, but I can't leave because Casey is expecting me to be here.

After a few minutes of sulking I stand up, pull on my big boy pants (figuratively speaking) and grab my collar. Once I have it secured on, I brush my hair, put a little eyeliner and lip gloss on and march back out to the main room. I spot a few other subs I've been talking to on and off and head over to talk to Jay and Seth.

"Isn't that your friend over there with Master Kael?" Jay asks a few minutes after I've sat down. I follow his line of sight and see them at Penny's desk.

"It looks like they're signing a contract," Seth adds.

"Wow. I didn't expect that so soon," I mumble out loud.

"Master Kael, lucky kid!" I'm not even sure which one said it, but Payton looks happy and I'd heard from several sources already that Master Kael is a good Dom, and it's better than him bouncing from Dom to Dom like some of the free subs here.

"Hey, they're headed to the private play rooms, looks like your boy's getting some action tonight!" Jay chuckles a few minutes later.

"Good for him," I whisper to myself with a small smile.

"So where's your Master?" Seth asks once Payton and Master Kael have disappeared.

"He's supposed to be coming soon, but he's stuck in traffic or something. He was out of town."

"Oh, maybe he's stuck behind that big accident on I-90, that probably won't be cleared until late tonight."

"What big accident?" I ask, sitting up.

"I read it on my live stream," Seth replies, holding up his phone. "A 20 car pile-up or something like that. A transport truck jack-knifed into the other lane and wham bam bam, the cars just plowed right into it like dominoes."

"Oh my god, bring it up, what does it say?"

Seth begins tapping away on his phone. "No real news, several injured, a few fatalities, drivers being transported to the closest hospital, but that's it."

I feel the blood drain from my head and a wave of dizziness flow through me. 'Please God, I can't go through it again,' I pray to myself.

"Hey, Tommy, don't worry. I'm sure Master Casey is just stuck in the traffic behind the accident...or held up somewhere else. He'll be here soon." I nod to Seth and Jay and feel my lips press together in a line meant to resemble a reassuring smile.