Chapter 33  Frickle Frackle

Tommy

"You don't have to make me breakfast, I had a bagel already," I put out there, partly for something to say.

We barely spoke in the car on the way to Casey's house and now he's shuffling back and forth from his refrigerator to his butcher block prep area while I sit on one of the stools at the island separating the kitchen from the sunroom.

The car ride wasn't uncomfortable or tense, which actually surprised me. Probably because Casey held my hand the whole time, except when he was shifting of course. He kept giving me those reassuring squeezes to tell me that it was going to be okay. Maybe he wanted to get me home first. Maybe he was afraid I'd bolt. I don't know, part of me wanted to. I kind of dread this conversation. I also feel like I'm 12 years old waiting for a lecture. A well-deserved one, I'll be the first to admit I acted impetuously and immaturely, there's no good excuse. I let out a quiet sigh.

"I'm making a frittata, veggies and protein will make you feel better. It won't be ready for a while so maybe you'll be hungry again."

"Listen, Case..."

"Not yet Tommy. I just need a few minutes."

"I'm sorry." My head drops and I stare at my hands in my lap. I know I've disappointed him.

"I know, I am too," he replies. "I'm also angry, mostly at myself, but also angry that you didn't talk to me about what you were obviously feeling. But...I don't want our conversation to come from a place of anger. Which is why I'm keeping myself busy until I get my emotions in check."

"Okay...sorry. Um, can I help?"

"No...well, you can set the table and pour some juice if you want something to do."

"Mkay."

I get up and grab forks and knives from the drawer and then bright yellow plates from the cabinet in the dining room. They're cheery and maybe would make this feel like the relaxing brunch that it should be.

"Um...can I talk about other stuff?"

Casey let out low chuckle, probably because he knows it's hard for me to be silent for this long.

"Yeah, baby."

I couldn't help but smile, relieved that he called me baby, making me realize things would probably be okay.

"So I think we've finally decided where to go for Spring break. Florida! It was Payton's idea...or, maybe it was Ashton's. I forget. But we're going to stay with Ashton's Aunt and we're going to go to the beach and Busch Gardens and maybe Disney too, though Disney will be packed at Spring break. I mean, so will Busch, but..."

I ramble on for at least half an hour telling Casey about our plans. I'd asked him if he wanted to go with us when we first started making plans a few weeks ago, but he said he couldn't get away from work right now and that I should do the college thing with my friends. As long as we don't go too crazy and stay safe.

"Next weekend we're going shopping for summer stuff. Tai's going to take us to that big mall...."

"Here we go, asparagus, broccoli and leak frittata with melted gruyere."

"It looks delicious Casey, and luckily I'm hungry again."

Casey serves us both and then sits down. He looks tired, like he hadn't slept all night. I feel guilty, but start to eat. Casey likes to take care of me and one of the ways is to cook healthy food. He told me it makes him feel good to watch me eat what he's prepared for me. He said it was the Italian mother in him.

"Oh my god, this is really good," I say after a few bites when I come up for air.

"I'm glad you like it baby."

"I always like what you make me Case. You really do...you do a lot of things for me and I don't know if I tell you enough how much I appreciate it."

"You show me in many ways baby, but I don't want you to ever show your gratitude by doing something you don't want to. That's not fair to you and it's not fair to me either."

"I know...well I know now. I'm sorry I freaked out. I should have said something. I don't think I realized how uncomfortable I was up on stage in front of everyone until I was there. I always thought I'd like that, because, you know, sometimes I like to be in the center of the attention, but..." I struggle to explain, but Casey stops me by placing his hand on mine.

"You don't have to explain, there's a big difference between showing off on the dance floor and standing naked doing a scene in front of a room full of people. I should have recognized your body language."

"No..."

"No Tommy, I'm your Dom. It's my responsibility to know what you're feeling. I was too busy showing off, being the big Dom...making up for my last performance. I was putting my need to redeem myself above yours. A good Dom never puts his needs above those of his submissive. I also put the Dom above the boyfriend, and I don't want to do that. I love you Tommy and I want so much more for us than what happens inside the club or downstairs in my playroom."

"I do too. I think that's why I got so upset too. All I could see was the Dom, Master Casey, and the way I was feeling, I needed Casey. Sometimes, I feel so insecure..." Casey opens his mouth but I quickly stop him by holding up a finger. "It's not because of you; it's just me, ever since my parents died. It's like I had to suddenly be this mature teenager when I was still a kid. I didn't want to burden everyone, my Aunt or friends, so I had to act like I was fine. Better than fine, taking care of everyone else to prove how fine I was, but sometimes I just wanted to fall apart and have someone pick up the pieces. I just never felt like I could. I guess with you, I feel like I don't have to be that strong person all the time, I can fall apart if I need to and you'll be there to pick up the pieces."

"You know I will baby. I want to be the person who takes care of you, I just need help sometimes. I need you to tell me what you need, and what you don't need."

"And you don't have to try to be the perfect Dom. You are the perfect Dom...even better, you're the perfect Casey. Everything about you is perfect, just as you are."

"I'd rather be perfect as your boyfriend and lover than the perfect Dom. I realized that late last night, worrying about where you were and how you were feeling."

"I'm sorry."

"Stop, you're not the one who needs to be sorry, so enough of that. Just...don't ever run away from me again. Please talk to me first. I won't ever put you in another uncomfortable position, no more shows, hell, if you want to leave the lifestyle, we can leave the lifestyle."

I freeze at his statement and I'm sure my mouth drops open. Casey would leave the lifestyle for me? "You would do that?"

"Of course Tommy. I've told you I love you, I thought you realized that you come first. I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear." Getting out of his chair, Casey walks over to me and pulls my seat out from the table, crouching in front of me. "You are more important to me than anything. I know we've talked about taking this slow while you're in school, but Tommy, you are my future. I won't put any pressure on you, but you have to know how I feel."

I nod, my eyes getting moist. "I do," I say, taking in a shaky breath.

"Now, do you want to leave the lifestyle and be a normal couple?"

I shake my head. "No. At least not now. Maybe someday. But for now, there's lots of parts I like. I just, want the intimate stuff just between you and me. I like what we do behind closed doors and I like the people at the club and hanging out with them. I guess...if we are together in like 5 or 10 years and want to start a family, I can't see me wanted to be a submissive when I'm parent. I know lots of people do it, but I don't want to."

"I understand," he replies, pushing a stray hair behind my ear. "And I agree. And I hope with all my heart we will be together when you're ready to start a family. I want us to be together forever, but we'll talk more about that when you're finished with school and ready to have that conversation."

"Yeah...it's kind of hard to think that far in advance. Right now I just want to do well in my mid-terms and get some new outfits for Spring break." We both laugh, but then I reach down and take Casey's face in my hands. "But when I'm ready to think like that, it will definitely be you I want to make those plans with. I'm sure of that Casey."

"After we finish eating why don't we take a nap, I didn't get a lick of sleep last night," Casey says before turning his head and kissing the inside of my wrist.

"Do you mean a nap or a 'naaaap'?" I ask, making air quotes with my hand.

"I was thinking a 'naaaap' and then a nap," he replies chuckling. "But finish your breakfast first."

"Okay babe."

"Oh, and I have some fresh pineapple for dessert."

"Pineapple?" I say, grinning. "I've noticed we've been eating a lot of pineapple together lately."

"It's an experiment. My own episode of Mythbusters."

"And?" I ask.

"You tell me?" he replies coyly.

"I need to do more research. It may take a lot of research, but I'm up for the challenge."

"I bet you are baby."

Payton

'Fresh air!' I cheer inside my head as I exit, no, escape outside onto...I look up...East Pearson Street. I stupidly let Tai and Tommy drag me to Water Tower Place. A freaking huge mall that has like 50 million floors of shops, and that is only a slight exaggeration. They said we needed to go shopping to get clothes for Spring break which is only a couple of weeks away. I'm still trying to figure out why we need new clothes to go to the beach...I already have a bathing suit. When I'd suggested a road trip to Florida couple of weeks ago, I didn't think it would necessitate this much shopping. Maybe a couple of things, I could use some new shorts I guess and a couple of T-shirts. But I don't need to spend $75 on a T-shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch that looks like it's 10 years old because it's supposed to have that worn look. I hate that store. It always smells like weird perfume in there. Though I did like the plaid madras shirt I found on a sale rack for $39. With Tai and Tommy's help I did manage to find some things, of course now I have 5 bags I need to lug around until we go back to where Tommy parked his car, which is like a mile away.

In the meantime, I'd had enough shopping and they were still going strong so I told them to keep at it, but I needed to get out of there. The crowds, the irritating lighting, the insipid canned 'mall music' was getting to me. Tommy said he'd text me when they were finished and we could meet up. Which means I probably have at least 3 hours to myself. I know we're not too far from the Museum of Contemporary Art. At least it would be quiet in there. I love museums almost as much as libraries.

'God I'm such a geek,' I chuckle to myself. Well, maybe not all the time. I blush as I think about last weekend when Master Kael did his last scene with me...and last night's scene with Master Ryan. Master Ryan is a big guy, makes me feel petite around him. Tall, wide, all thick muscle. The first time I saw him he scared me, but it turns out he's really just a big teddy bear. It was a fun scene last night, but pretty tame. The big scary guy was just a gentle giant. Definitely didn't push or even come near my limits. Though, probably a good person to start with to ease me into the one-night play scene.

I condense my bags into one by shoving the smaller plastic bags into the larger shopping bag and then head up the street where I see a large banner for the museum. I pass a Starbucks and can't resist walking in the door as I salivate at the thought of a Grande Chai Latte. I don't get the whole coffee thing, but I love Chai and the line seems to moving pretty quickly, so I might as well grab one.

"What can I get you?"

I look up at a guy about my age, a bit taller, well built with short dark hair, a bit of dark scruff and black glasses. He's totally hot in that part jock, part nerd way.

"Um..." My mind is a complete blank and I blush. Who's the actual nerd? He gives me relaxed smile and chuckles.

"Coffee?" he asks.

"No," I say as I look up at the menu board, oh yeah. "Grande Chai Latte."

"Regular or skim?"

"Regular," I reply since skim only makes it taste watered down. "And, um, a maple oat scone."

"Those are my favorite," he says with a wink. Yes, he winked at me and his hot level just increased to scalding.

"They're really good with a Chai," I say, like a dolt, and blush even more.

"You're really cute," he says, "you blush so easily."

"It's my curse."

"Naw, your charm," he replies.

"Thanks. You're obviously not lacking in the charm department," I add, surprising myself at my boldness.

"Thanks," he chuckles as he rings up my order.

"What's your name?"

"Payton." I watch as he writes it on the cup and hands it down to the barista. I hand him a ten dollar bill once he's back at the register and then move to the side while he gets my scone, putting it in a small paper bag.

"Have a good day Payton," he says handing me the bag. "I'm Daniel, by the way."

"Thanks Daniel. It's nice meeting you." His dark brown eyes hold mine until a girl waiting at the register clears her throat. This time he blushes and gives me an embarrassed smile before turning his attention to her. I walk down to the end of the aisle just as my Chai is ready. I add a little more cinnamon before heading out the door, looking back just before the door closes at a pair of brown eyes and a smile.

Wow. That was a first. A hot guy flirted with me. He was flirting with me right? Or maybe he's just a nice guy and like that with everyone.

I walk down to the museum, but find a spot in the sun to sit so I can eat my scone and drink my Chai before I go inside, since I'm pretty sure you can't bring food or drink inside a museum. When I open the small bag I see a piece of paper inside along with the scone. I grin as I pull it out and see Daniel's name and a phone number. Hmm, I doubt he gives his phone number to everyone and my smile gets even wider.

"I'd love to know what put that smile on your face," a voice says and I look up.

"M..Master Saber?" I'm seriously so startled to see him outside of the club I nearly drop my scone on the steps and spill my Chai in my lap, but luckily he has quick reflexes and grabs my cup and I'm able to catch my scone. Because I would have been so bummed if I lost either. Though, it would have given me an excuse to go back.

"Hello Payton. What are you doing in this part of the city, and out here you can call me Saber."

"I...was shopping with Tai and Tommy...but had enough. I left them at the mall for a few hours."

My mouth drops open as Master Saber takes a sip of my Chai and then sits down next to me. "I'm not too fond of shopping either. I have one place I go, they have a really good tailor. When I need a suit I just call him up, then I only have to go in for the final fitting. For everything else, I have a personal shopper."

He's definitely wearing one of those tailored suits. He looks so different than he does at the club. He always looks hot at the club in his leathers; bear-chested, muscles glistening, but now he had the look of a successful businessman, his buff hidden, but very apparent under the dark grey suit, dark blue dress shirt and purple silk tie.

"I guess you could say Tommy's my personal shopper," I laugh. "What are you doing here, do you work nearby?" Then I remember it's a Saturday, but lots of people still work on Saturdays.

"I had a meeting with a client who was only in town for the day, we looked at a property just down the street, but my office isn't too far. Sometimes I come here to decompress and today's negotiations were pretty brutal."

"You like art?" I ask, and then realize maybe I should have asked about the meeting. Gah, I mentally slap myself on the head, I'm so bad at making conversation.

"I do. I'm a collector, I spend a lot of my free time wandering through the art districts, have you been on a 2nd Friday Gallery walk on Halsted?"

"No, I've never heard of it."

"I'll take you some time."

"Cool." Cool? I sound like a kid. "Um, I'd like that, I like seeing the work of local, contemporary artists." There, that sounded better.

Master Saber looks over at me and chuckles, takes another sip of my Chai and hands it to me.

"Thanks. Would you like some of my scone too?" I hold it out and he takes it, breaking off a piece while I sip my Chai. This is so weird. Surreal even.

We sit and make normal chit-chat while sharing the scone and Chai, and once they're finished, we go into the museum. Master Saber shows me his favorite exhibits and then we decide to walk down the street and grab some food.

"Can I ask you something Ma...Saber?" We're sitting in a casual restaurant that he picked out because he says they make the best chicken club sandwiches.

"Sure."

"How come you seem so normal here...outside the club."

"What did you expect?"

"I don't know," I laugh, "sorry, that was kind of stupid. It's just so weird."

"What is Payton?" Master Saber takes a bite of his sandwich, raising his eyebrows at me. He's been so patient and easy to talk to, it's freaking me out a little.

"Sitting here like it's a normal afternoon, having a club sandwich with you."

"Why?" he mumbles, his mouth still full.

"Because you're...you Master Saber. You're one of the Freaky Foursome."

"The what?" Master Saber chuckles as he licks a spot of mayonnaise off his finger.

"Don't tell me you don't know what you and the other three are nicknamed?"

He shakes his head, giving me a wry smile. He has an amazing smile. It's hard for me to imagine him seeming scary as I sit across from him.

"I'm only Master Saber when I'm at the club, down in the dungeon. Out here," he says, gesturing around, "in the light of day, I'm just a normal guy. A businessman, a Bears fan, a gym rat, a sky diver..."

"You jump out of airplanes?"

"Yep, I love it. You should try it some time."

"Nope. Nuh uh. Never. There is no way in hell I'm going to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and plunge to my death."

"That's where the chute comes in Payton."

"Knowing me I'd freeze up and not be able to pull it. I'm not taking any chances thank you."

Master Saber lets out a long hearty laugh. "Well, I'm a certified instructor in my spare time, so I'd be happy to take you and pull the chute. You wouldn't believe the adrenalin rush."

"No thank you Sir. I get my adrenalin rushes from racing sailboats. I'll stick to that. If you fall overboard, you just swim around until someone picks you up; you're not a pancake in a potato field."

"Fair enough. And stop with the Sir, I don't want to have to keep reminding you, call me Sabe, it's what my friends call me."

"It feels weird...Sabe. I guess it's hard to picture some of the Doms at the club in their life outside of the Red Door."

"Most are pretty normal, it's not like we run around in leathers all day long wanting to flog people."

"I don't think many people would complain if you walked around in your leathers all the time, though, you look really good in a suit too."

"Well aren't you the brave boy, the first time I saw you in the club you were afraid to say boo, now look at you."

Feeling my face heat up, I smile as I look up from my sandwich and shrug my shoulders. "I guess I do have more confidence now."

"It's kind of heady realizing how much power you have as a sub, isn't it?"

"Kinda."

"A sub like you is very desirable to a Dom. You're going to have your pick and choose."

I let out a laugh. "I think you're exaggerating, but thank you."

"No, I'm not. You have the right balance of confidence and humility. You're funny without being obnoxious, you're cute and that tight little ass is icing on the cake." He lets out a deep laugh, "I wouldn't mind licking some icing off that ass," he adds as he wiggles his eyebrows and I let out a chuckle.

"Can I ask you something Ma...Sabe?"

"Shoot."

"Why are you with Master Lucien, Master Garrison and Master Baird? I mean, I get that Baird is your brother...don't you ever just want to be a Dom on your own though?"

"Huh, I guess that is a good question. There's a long history we don't necessarily have time to get into, but the short version – Baird and I were a couple of troubled teens, single mom, no male figure, and we met Lucien. He was what we needed at the time. He was training Garrison as a Dom, Garrison had been his sub for a few years up until then. Baird and I became Lucien's subs and by default Garrison's too since he trained him on us. Then there came a point where we wanted to make a similar change and Lucien and Garrison trained us. Baird and I have talked about spreading our wings a little, but we owe Lucien a lot. It's kind of like the old dog on the porch, you know that story?"

"No," I reply, shaking my head and taking another bite of my lunch.

"So there's this old dog laying on a porch, moaning because there's a nail sticking up from a board into his side. It bugs him enough to moan about, but not enough to actually get up off the porch. Do I always agree with how Lucien does things, no. Does it bother me enough to leave him, not yet. And there's Baird. I can't see him leaving and I need to stay to keep an eye on him. You could say I'm his moral compass."

"What about you, where do you go from here now that you're a free agent?" he asks, redirecting the attention towards me. "You going to just have one-night hook ups for a while or get yourself a collar?"

"I think for now at least, just be a free sub for a while. Being under contract is kind of intense. It's hard to focus on your Dom, be in school, work part-time, have time to hang out with your friends, and have any alone time too – which I need a good dose of regularly. Don't get me wrong, being with Master Kael was awesome, but it was hard to have to be accountable to one person and he was a lot less demanding than some Doms I've heard."

Master Saber watches me closely as he sits back in his chair. "And if I came up to you one night and asked you to scene with me?"

My eyebrows perk up. "I'd like that...but the others scare me. That time when I was down in the dungeon...Master Lucien...I don't know if I could hold up. I think I would have to pass."

"I'm just talking about me and possibly Baird. Lucien and Garrison will be traveling to the Ukraine on soon, they'll be gone a few weeks."

"Together?"

"Garrison is also Lucien's CPO."

"Do you work for him too?"

"No," he laughs, "I'm in commercial real estate and Baird's in construction."

"I think I'd like that then."

"Why?"

"Why? You ask me if I want to scene and then question me when I say yes?"

"Yep," he replies succinctly and directly, his eyes boring into me.

"I guess, I kind of want...to umm, push myself. Master Kael pushed my limits, but he never went that little bit further and I'd like to feel what that's like with someone I trust."

"You trust me?"

"Yeah," I chuckle, "I don't know why, but I do."

"And Baird?"

"If you promise I'm safe with him there too, then it's fine. It's like a double stuff oreo. Can't have too much of a good thing," I say with a smile.

The waitress comes over then, interrupting the moment, but I take a breath of relief having a minute to catch my breath. She takes our empty plates, leaving the bill. When I go to grab my wallet Saber slaps my hand, giving me a stern look and wagging his finger in the 'no' gesture. While he's paying I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket.

"Perfect timing," I say when I read Tommy's message that he and Tai are finished shopping.

"Your friends?"

"Yeah, they're ready to go."

"Come on, I'll walk up the street with you."

As I follow him out the door into the bright sunlight, I realize I have one more question before we meet up with Tommy and Tai.

"So, it's not weird to scene with your brother?"

Master Saber laughs as he heads up the street and I follow.

"No, maybe it's a twin thing, or maybe it's just a Saber-Baird thing, but we enjoy playing together."

"Like..." I ask, drawing out the word. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders.

"None of your business," he laughs as rubs my head with his knuckles, just hard enough to hurt a little, but feel good at the same time.

When we get up to the entrance of the mall I spot Tommy and Tai and wave.

"I'll see you soon," Master Saber says as he starts to head to the cross walk.

"Okay, thanks for the museum and lunch," I reply as he walks swiftly way.

"Was that...that was Master Saber," Tai says as he and Tommy walk over.

"Yeah, I ran into him and we went to the museum and then to lunch...he's pretty cool."

"Well we're starved, you can tell us all about it while we eat," Tommy says, "do you mind if we grab some food before heading back to the dorm?"

"No, that's cool."

"Let's go put our stuff in the car first," Tai suggests and I notice all the bags they are carrying. Each of them has at least 5 times as much as I do, "there's a good place near where we parked."

Tai

I hop out of the taxi and head toward the door. I'm meeting Ashton, Tommy, Payton, Lane, Chris and maybe Sebastien if the others could convince him, for a study break at the Red Door. They've been cramming all week for next week's mid-terms and I convinced them that it's a Friday night and they need a physical outlet, they can study the rest of the weekend, but tonight we're going to have some fun. One stipulation though, no Doms until after 11, that gives us 3 hours to dance, bump, grind, whatever.

It was a great plan. A fucking awesome plan.

I get inside and see everyone's already at our table, well everyone except Sebastien sadly. I'm late as usual, but they're used to it.

So, as I was saying, it was a great fucking plan. Until.

"Tai! What the hell happened to you?!"

That's Tommy. Everyone else looks over and they all have that same look.

I hobble over and Tommy pulls out a chair for me. I let myself fall into it and let out a groan. Crutches use muscles in your body that you're not used to using. I lean the crutches against a table behind us and turn back to the guys.

I haven't caught my breath yet and all the questions are flying at me so I hold up my hands.

"Okay, okay, chill guys. It's just a sprain."

"What happened?"

"Will you still be able to dance?"

"How long are you going to be on crutches?"

"You're still going on Spring break with us right? We can carry you around if we have to."

I lost track of who was saying what. It had been a long day, especially after coming down on my ankle wrong at dance practice this morning. I was rushed to the hospital, saw a specialist who confirmed what the ER doctor said, that it was just a sprain, nothing broken, but I had to use crutches for at least 2 weeks.

I filled the guys in on everything and Scottie even brought me a special drink. One of his delicious concoctions that he makes in the blender.

"So I should be off the crutches by the time we go to Florida as long as I follow all of the doctor's instructions," I assure them.

"Was he cute?" Tommy asks.

"Who?"

"The doctor, silly," Payton replies for him.

"The doctor?" I laugh, "No. He's old, married and has kids older than us, a receding hairline and bad breath. So, no."

"Well I'm sure he told you to keep it elevated," Lane says, jumping up and bringing an extra chair over. "And you're going to want to be careful that you don't stress other parts of your body to compensate for the injury. If you want I can show you some exercises later, and make sure you get regular adjustments too."

"Adjustments? Like, attitude adjustments? Yeah, he can use those," Chris laughs.

"No Chris, what Tai needs is regular adjustments by a Chiropractor and friends that won't be assholes at a time like this. This is serious so get your attitude adjusted bucko."

"Sheesh, I'm only kidding."

"It's okay Lane," I assure him, leaning over to hug the serious out of him. "It's just a sprained ankle."

"Tai, every part of the body has an impact on the rest of it, especially a dancer's body. It's like a fine tuned instrument. I'll give you the name of the guy Matthias and I go to and when you're ready I can show you some good exercises to help speed your recovery."

"Okay bro, thanks."

"I'm sure Master Ken's massages will help too," Tommy says, "does he know yet?"

I let out a groan. "No, I was at the doctors most of the day between icing and then x-rays. I guess he'll find out when he gets here later," I sigh.

"I'm sure he'll want to help you feel better," Lane says before standing up and cracking his back. Sexy fucking show off with his abs of steel, perfect pecs...

"Tai, wipe the drool off your chin," Payton says chuckling.

"I can't help it," I whine, "Lane, move your deliciousness out of reach, the painkiller they gave me are making me have weird thoughts and the last thing I need is Master Matthias giving me a permanent injury."

Lane laughs and wiggles his ass in my face before grabbing Tommy's hand and pulling him to the dance floor. Chris hops up and follows them while Payton and Ashton, who has yet to say a word, lean back in their usual position and gaze around the room.

"This was my fucking idea and all I can do is sit here like the queen of fucking England instead of the queen of the dance floor." I grumble on for a few seconds until Payton hops out of his chair and comes to sit next to me.

"Don't pout Tai, I'll stay with you. We rate all the Doms in the room on a scale of 1 to 10. Okay, that one over there." He points to a guy with bleached blond hair, sticking up kind of like Guy Fieri, but much better looking.

"That's Master Carson. His looks are an 8, but he's more of a 7 in the playroom, and that's being generous. He's a little too cliché," I tell him.

"Really! You've..."

"Next," I say quickly. Some parts of my life need to remain secret.

"That one, over by the bar."

I look and see Master Desmond. "Well, looks are a 7, but playroom? Definitely a 10 plus!"

"Oh really!" Payton suddenly looks very interested and I laugh. "What about when Master Remy comes back?"

"What about it?" he says.

"You're not going to tap that?"

"Oh my god Tai, really?"

"I'm serious."

"I think he wants more than I can give to be honest."

"I thought you really liked him."

"I did...I thought I did. I..."

Payton's face turns bright red and he looks away. "What about that one?" he asks, changing the subject.

The night wears on like that and I'm pretty sure I should just go home when I feel strong fingers kneading my shoulders.

"What happened to you, sayang?" His voice is deep and melodic like chocolate sauce. Yeah, that makes no sense, but it's what always comes to mind. Maybe because it's so smooth and delicious.

"Hello Sir," I say, my breath catching as he moves in front of me, his body as sleek and graceful as ever. "I sprained my ankle at rehearsal this morning...but the doctor says it should only take a few weeks to heal." His hands gently feel down my leg which is still up on a chair, but stop when he gets to the soft cast that I'm wearing.

"Let me take care of a few things and then I'll come back to get you. I want to take this off and see how much damage there is and check your circulation. I'm sure your doctor is good, but I just want to make sure. I'll also give you a rub down to ease the muscles around it which are working harder to compensate for the injury."

"Yes, Sir."

Master Ken walks off and I look at Payton who's smiling. "He sounds like Lane. Between those two you're definitely well cared for."

"Maybe this wasn't such a bad thing Pay," I joke.

"Why does he call you sayang?" he asks, changing the subject.

I laugh, "I'm not really sure what it means. Hopefully it's something good."

"I'm sure it is, do you see the way he looks at you? It's really sweet."

"Yeah, I'm pretty lucky I guess boo."

"For sure! Now that you're abandoning me, Ashton has taken off and the others are still dancing, who do you suggest I go shake my ass in front of. I think it's time for a little frickle frackle."

"Frickle frackle?"

"You know..."

"Okay, my recommendation is Master Desmond, I'll even introduce you. Come on, before Master Ken comes back. Help me up."

"Okay, but don't make it seem really obvious...let's just casually walk by and...then you can spot him and we'll go say hello..."

"Pay, don't worry, I got this."