(Tommy pictured above)

Chapter 6   It's All About the Foliage

The boys had been kneeling quietly facing the east wall of the training room for 20 minutes as Matthias checked emails on his phone, looked through invoices and reports from the past week that he'd brought with him in a file to sort, and then he picked up the notebook Payton had been writing his notes in. Throughout his training of the two boys, Matthias had directed Payton to write down each of the basic rules he had been teaching and any other notes he thought the boy might need which he could go through on his own time and study. Having spoken with the him, Matthias knew that he had trouble with listening and auditory learning. It was apparent that his mind wandered when he was just lectured to, something he would have to work on and a behavior a Dom would enjoy modifying, but it was important for to Matthias that he have a good base of training before he let him loose with the Doms in his club.

The other boy, Tommy was picking things up quickly. He was a polite, listened carefully and did exactly as he was told. His training would be straightforward and as Matthias was sure he'd be ready as fast as Ashton or Tai. Payton might just need a little more time, more for his comfort level than anything else and Matthias planned to have him work with other submissives and other Doms during the process so the boy didn't get too attached to him, which he could easily see happening. It was something that happened often with the submissives he trained, Matthias being their first exposure to a Dominant. From his talks already, Matthias had a pretty good idea that the boy had a generous sense of loyalty and desire to please. He needed a strong role model and solid guidance and it seemed like that was lacking in his upbringing. He would make an ideal submissive for the right Dominant, he just had to make sure he didn't end up with one who would take advantage of those attributes.

He'd seen the starry eyed look the boy gave him, it was flattering, but he was here to teach the boy, not to play with him. Matthias made it a point to make it a clear line between trainer and prospective Dom. He never did anything sexual with a submissive he was training. After they completed their training and had some experience with other Doms, he might take one to his playroom, but he was careful with who he chose, no one who would get too attached and only subs who had plenty of experience and fully understood that when a scene was over, it was over. Of course, he always performed thorough after care, but there was no long term relationship involved.

When Matthias wanted to perform a scene for a show, he had a handful of 'go to' subs that he had worked with many times, who knew it was for demonstration or fun; he made sure to make it as pleasurable as possible for them and they always felt honored when asked.

Matthias wasn't afraid of commitment, just up until recently he hadn't met anyone who'd interested him that way and when he finally met someone who sparked that fire, the guy didn't want to have anything to do with him. He didn't even know his name. But Matthias didn't give up easily. He would have him, he was certain of that.

"Okay boys, you've been very still, good job, stand up and stretch, get the blood running again in your legs. You're done for today, get dressed. Tommy, you can wait for Payton in the lounge, Payton once you're dressed meet me in my office and we'll discuss what type of work you can do for your membership fee." Matthias left the room, returning to his private office. The large pile he had left on his desk was still there and he sighed in frustration. He wiggled his mouse so his screen came to life and the new software system he had recently installed to manage his books was still up, taunting him. "Intuitive my ass, this program is more cryptic than the DaVinci code," he muttered.

Tommy and Payton stood up, stretching out their stiff legs. For the training they were clad only in their boxers, the first tenet Master Matthias wanting to impart was to be comfortable with your body. Also, restrictive clothing made it difficult to practice the positions that Dylan, one of the experienced submissives in the club, had come in to teach them while Master Matthias oversaw and made any corrections with the snap of his crop.

Payton

When Tommy and I show up for our first training together, we don't really know what to expect. I had visions of us being strung up naked and whipped...okay, I don't really think that's going to happen, but a small irrational part of me is a little scared about that. It isn't so bad though. We were told in advance that we would have to strip down to our boxers, so, although it's a little disconcerting at first, having Tommy here with me makes it easier. Master Matthias talks to us some more about the lifestyle and then lets us ask questions. When he goes over basic rules; he stops every few minutes and has me write them down. He tells Tommy to repeat them for me as I write so he can also make sure that Tommy is listening carefully. It makes the training very interactive which is great for me because it keeps my attention the whole time. At the end of our session he takes my notebook to look through to make sure I'd written down everything I was supposed to.

He also explains about the membership fee, which Ashton had told us a little about. The sub's membership fee isn't nearly as much as the Dom's membership fee and the subs have different ways they can pay it. They can either pay the monthly charge outright, they can do a work exchange, or, when you sign a contract with a Dom, they're expected to pay your fee. Some Dom's who don't have their own sub even pay into a fund to help pay for submissives who can't afford it and aren't able to do work exchange. Tommy and I had kind of giggled over that afterwards, like a submissive scholarship. Tai had told us that those are the Doms that like to play around with different subs instead of signing a contract with one. They help pay because without a variety of subs to play with, they'd get bored.

With the work exchange, the sub works in the club a certain number of hours each month, based on a reasonable wage, but instead of getting paid, it's credited to your account to pay the membership. Although Master Matthias has many normal employees, some of the subs bartend, bus or wait tables, work in the kitchen, clean or some are even dancers; they dance in the showroom up on platforms in almost no clothes...I know that's not for me and I can't work behind the bar, but Master Matthias said I could talk to him after our session about what jobs I'd be interested in. Tommy was going to pay his membership fee from his monthly stipend. He already works a large number of hours at a Boys & Girls club and with his newfound interest in working out, he wants plenty of free time to go to the gym. Not that we have a lot of free time with a full course load.

Even though I also work part time at the library and have the money I saved from working full time last year, I still want to do work exchange because I really need to save my money for books, supplies and clothes. I promised myself I wasn't going to ask my parents for any extra money. Money from my parents always comes with strings attached; they think it gives them the right to tell me what to do and the guilt they put on me when I make decisions they don't 'approve of' is overwhelming.

My college tuition is paid mostly by an education plan that my grandparents started for me when I was born, which both sets had regularly contributed to as I grew up and part by small grants. Because my parents are fairly well to do, I don't qualify for much financial aid unfortunately, but with that funding and working in the summer, I'll just make it through okay, on my own.

"I'll meet you out there Tommy," I call out as I walk towards Master Matthias' office.

When I walk in the door I'm startled by a small booklet flying across the room followed by curses as Master Matthias swipes a bunch of papers off his desk. As you can imagine, I freeze. I don't know if I should sneak out before he notices me, stay where I am or just start picking up papers. When I see him lean back heavily in his chair and let out a frustrated sigh, I choose the third option and carefully walk forward, picking up the booklet and then gather the numerous business receipts strewn on the floor next to his desk. When I glance at the book I see it's a user manual for Peachtree, which I know is a common small business software package for managing books and finances.

Master Matthias swivels around in his chair when he hears the sound of the papers I'm placing into a neat pile. "What are you doing?" He growls.

"Um...picking up the papers...you...you said to come in and see you after..."

"Right. Thanks," he says, his voice a little softer when I finish straightening the pile on his desk. I look at the screen and see the program open. It looks like he's still in set up mode.

"Are you...do you need help?" I ask cautiously.

"Unless you know something about stupid accounting programs, I don't think you can help me Payton." His voice is gruff and annoyed.

"Well...I do...um, Sir."

His face shoots up with interest and his green eyes are trained on me, I quickly look down. "I thought you were studying Physical Therapy?"

"Yeah, I am...but my parents wanted me to become an accountant," I roll my eyes as I say the word accountant because although I love math and numbers, I can't imagine sitting at a desk all day and doing it as a career, not that it's a bad job, just not for me. "They made me take all these classes in High School and a couple last year at the local community college before I came here. I actually helped with the books at the place I was working at, they also used Peachtree."

"You know how to use this...thing?" He waves his large pointer finger dismissively at the screen and I have to stifle a grin at his outright disgust at the software program. It really isn't a bad program once it's set up, that's the hard part, after that it's just data entry.

"Yes, Sir. I'm actually really good with it, I'm kind of a math geek...I just didn't want to go into it for a career, I'm not the desk job type person, but I don't mind doing it part time...maybe I can help you...you know, set it up and then I can do some of the inputting for my hours?"

Master Matthias stands up, looming over me. His strong presence is daunting as he gestures to the desk chair. "Show me."

I scoot past him and sit in the seat, still warm from the heat of his body. "Well, it looks like you're stuck in the part where you set up your payables and receivables...do you have, um, a list of GL codes you've been using in your old system?"

Over the next half hour Master Matthias pulls out his accounting files and I transfer what his accountant has set up into the program, he explains that as the club is growing it was necessary to bring the process in-house. Master Matthias grumbles about how he was told it was so easy, and with an MBA, he should be able to figure it out.

"Once it's set up it will be easy to work with," I explain, "you just kind of have to be...a bit of a computer nerd to get the accounts and data files ready. I think they're working on a better set-up interface, but it won't be out until sometime next year...I heard."

"Well, I guess if you want to do this, it can be your work exchange Payton. As you can see, I can use the help."

"That'd be great, I mean, this stuff is easy peasy." Master Matthias' brow creases and my face blanches. "I mean...only because I know it and I love this kind of stuff...numbers...and making the accounts balance..." I look back at the screen, "I'll just shut up now."

"Okay, all of the GL codes are in," I say a few minutes later, "so the invoices can be entered, it's just data entry now...I can do that for you."

"When do you want to start?" He asks.

"Umm...whenever you want me to?"

"Payton, you have classes, your part time job, studying, just tell me what day you want to come in."

"Well, ummm, I have a shift at the library tomorrow and then I have to study tomorrow afternoon for an exam on Monday, but I finish classes on Monday at 4 so I could be here for 5?"

"Five o'clock on Monday, okay Payton. Now, get out of here, the club is open and your friends are waiting for you."

"Okay, Sir. Thank you for today," I stand up and shuffle awkwardly. His large frame blocks the way past his desk and I look from one side of his to the other, trying to figure out which way I can sneak through without bumping into him. Finally after a few awkward seconds that felt like 10 minutes, he lets out a deep chuckle and moves to the side.

I blush and walk quickly to the door.

"Payton."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Your notebook." I run back and take it from his hand. "Good job today!" He says, though his face is his usual expressionless mask.

"Thank you Sir," I say and I can't keep from smiling at the compliment. "Um...should I schedule my next training with Cindy?"

"Yes, talk to her on Monday, I'm going to be pretty busy next week so I'm going to have you and Tommy meet with another Dom next time, and his long-time submissive. They can give you both another perspective and I know Tommy is interested in seeing how a committed Dom/sub couple works."

"Okay, Sir."

Tommy

"What took you so long?" I ask Payton when he finally shows up at the table, "I was starting to get worried."

"I was helping Master Matthias with his accounting software, it's going to be my work exchange." I watch him closely as he looks around the table, "Hey Ash, Tai, Chris." The other three greet him in return as he sits down between me and Ashton. Teddy, one of the subs who waits tables part time comes over and Payton orders a pina colada mocktail. He must be in a good mood, he usually just gets a coke or water.

Denny and Dylan stop by and talk to us for a few minutes before they go to find their Doms. They're a little older than us and have been with their Masters for a while, so we always have a few questions for them. Luckily they're very open and don't seem to mind it when we get too nosy.

Chris takes off to 'work the room' and Tai stands up asking me if I want to dance as he sees two friends of his; Luigi and Luca. They're actually twin subs. Luigi and Luca are in their early twenties and have been in the lifestyle since they were eighteen. Tai told me about them, but I haven't met them yet. They're eastern European and only moved here two years ago, so they actually had their training with a Master Dom over there. At some point I want to talk to them to find out if the lifestyle is practiced any differently in Europe than here. They both go to the University of Chicago, Luigi studying photography and Luca computer sciences.

I ask Payton if he wants to come with us, but his drink just arrived so he says he's going to stay with Ashton for a while. Tai and I make our way to the dance floor and are soon joined by Denny and Dylan who must have gone to ask permission from their Doms. Tai introduces me to the twins and we all start dancing in a group together.

We dance for at least a dozen songs before I start to feel a little sweaty, Tai wants to take a break too so we go back to the table. Tai loves dancing as much as me, which is great, I always have someone to dance with. We join Payton and Ashton who are sitting quietly at the table, but they both look perfectly content. I know Payton has probably been thinking about our training session earlier once he finally returned from Master Matthias' office.

My best friend was deep in thought, but I knew better than to ask him more about it in front of everybody; later tonight when we're back at our dorm room I'll ask him how his meeting went. Plus, I'm determined to get him out on the dance floor once his brain has a chance to recharge from the last few hours. Payton is an analytical person and he once told me that when he's exposed to a lot of new experiences at once, he has to process things and 'place them in their proper boxes' is the way he explained it. Until he does that, I know he'll just be scattered and unfocused. I don't quite get it, but as close as we are, in some ways we're very different, yet we balance each other out and I think that's why we have such a strong bond.

He and Ashton have become very close too, because they're similar in some ways; they can literally sit together for hours saying almost nothing. Payton told me that's why he likes Ashton so much, because they can do that and feel completely comfortable in one another's company. They don't feel compelled to make small talk. Ashton is also very comfortable in his own skin, with who he is, and I know Payton admires that a lot.

Tai and I have become really good friends over the last few weeks as well, we both like the same things; talking, dancing, music, socializing and letting loose. Also, Tai has a great fashion sense and he's taken me to several of his favorite clothing stores. Shopping is something I normally have to drag Payton to and he gets bored just when I get warmed up, but now that I have Tai to shop with; my best friend is secretly doing happy dances at getting out of these excursions.

It's just weird because in High School, we pretty much only had each other, now we have a growing group of friends. I don't think we're any less close, it's just weird doing things with other people, but it doesn't matter, Payton is still and will always be my best friend. I'll always be there for Payton keeping an eye on him and I know he'll be doing the same for me.

"Are you meeting up with Master Nathan later Tai?" Payton asks when we return to the table.

"No, he's out of town this weekend. I'm surprised he let me come tonight without him, I'm not going to tell you what I had to do to convince him to let me," he chuckles. "I'm sure he has one of his friends keeping a discreet eye on me though."

"Is it going okay with him?" I ask, he never seems that excited the few times he's talked about his Dom.

"It's okay. Not really what I expected. Like, he's my Dom, I knew he'd be controlling, but he's a lot stricter than I expected. I've talked to a lot of subs and as long as they follow some basic guidelines, when they're not together they have a lot of freedom. Master Nathan has a say in everything I do, he almost didn't let me go shopping with you the other day Tommy. I mean, I was spending my own money, it was a day I had no classes and he was working. It's like he's controlling any fun I want to have."

"Couldn't you have specified in your contract that it was a weekends only deal or something?" I ask.

"Yeah, I guess I should have. It was my first one and I didn't think he'd be like this so I didn't bother. Jared's been with his Dom for a year and when they're not together he can do whatever he wants as long as he's not doing anything inappropriate. That's more like what I wanted, but...it's just not working out like that."

"Have you talked to him about it?" I ask.

"You don't know Master Nathan, when I was upset once and told him what I was feeling he told me he wasn't the 'touchy feely' type and that I should just suck it up."

"Maybe you should talk to Master Matthias," Payton suggests, "he can help you cancel the contract."

"I know Pay, I just...I don't want to quit my first time out. The Doms talk and I don't want to get a bad reputation, and it's less than two more months, I'm sure as hell not going to re-sign after."

"I don't think you'd get a bad reputation Tai, Payton's right, maybe you should just talk to Master Matthias about it, at least get his perspective."

"Yeah, I'll think about it. I'm going to give it a little longer, maybe if I just try harder."

"Tai, I don't think you're the one that needs to try harder," Ashton adds, sitting up and leaning towards Tai, his voice low and sincere as he looks at him closely. "He may have the control, but only because you give it to him, you have the power. If he's not cutting it as a Dom, you should do what's best for you. Just because he's a Dom doesn't make him a good person."

Tai looks back at his friend with a frown and we finally see a small crack in his normally smiling face. "I know Ash...I'll think about it while he's gone. I promise."

"Why all the long faces!" Chris shouts as he walks up, the DJ's on fire tonight, let's go dance!" I'm surprised Chris is back, last I saw he was talking to a Dom at the bar and then the next time we looked they were making out heavily. I'd assumed they'd gone off to a private room or one of the staging areas by now.

"Yeah! Let's dance!" Tai agrees, his face lights up to his usual ebullient nature as he hops up. "Come on Tommy, you too Payton. Ashton, you I won't bother asking anymore," he says with a laugh. I look over at Ashton and he rolls his eyes as he sits back against the wall with a hint of a smile.

"I'll stay her with A..."

"No! You're dancing," I object, "just for a few songs." I grab Payton's arm and pull him with us. He looks great in the new pants I made him buy after I saw them at one of the shops Tai and I went to. They're like a lightweight black cargo, but not at all baggy, accented with holes and safety pins. He gave me a hard time at first asking why he was spending $45.00, which I thought was a great deal, on pants that had holes in them. I told him he'd save on the shirt, since we mostly went shirtless at the club, so it was like buying a whole outfit for $45.00. He already had black Doc Martens so I just added a black bracelet of mine, a diamond stud in his one pierced ear and he looked hot! Dressed to slay! He'd even said on the way over that he was thinking about getting one of his nipples pierced. My unassuming Payton is coming out of his shell!

What shocked us the most is Ashton, in a pair of black booty shorts! It shouldn't shock us, it's what most of the subs wear and he has the body to rock it, but we hadn't seen him dress like that before so it was just a surprise. When I went to say something Payton gave me 'the look', so I didn't even get to tease him.

Tai is also in booty shorts, but his have cutouts all around them so they show lots of skin. He's also wearing one of those black leather harness type things around his chest. His hair is perfect as usual and he has a hint of black eyeliner on which makes his big brown eyes pop. The guy is so good looking I swear it should be illegal.

Chris has on tight black jeans which actually look a lot more modest or reserved than he usually is, Payton said he probably hadn't done laundry in a while.

I've got on a shiny, black pair of skinnies with a wide silver belt and a few long necklaces that hang low over my chest. My hair is loose, hanging in waves over my shoulders, I didn't shave so I have a little scruff which Tai said would be hot and I also have a little eyeliner.

A bunch of other subs we've gotten to know join us on the dance floor and we put Payton in the middle and dance around him, mostly so he can't sneak off. Some of the others grind up against him which makes him blush a bright red, I'm pretty sure that's why they do it. It's too easy to embarrass Pay, and too much fun.

The place is filling up and the amount of hot men is mind boggling. There are beautiful women too, which I greatly admire, but of course it's the men that are catching my eyes. Many are looking our way and we're just having a blast dancing and swaying our hips to the music, letting them see not only that we have the bodies, but we know how to move them. Even Payton has relaxed now and is getting into it, peeking up now and then at the sexy Doms.

"Tai," I shout into his ear when I notice a Dom I've never seen before watching him closely. "Don't look now, but there's a guy at the bar checking you out like you're his grade of prime beef." Tai starts to look, but I quickly pull him towards me, "You have to be discreet. Dance with me and then we'll do a turning move and you can look. He looks Asian, buff, hot as hell and is wearing black leather pants and a tight black T-shirt."

"Okay dude, take away the Asian part and you've described 95% of the Doms in this place," he laughed.

"You'll see him, don't worry, just look for the guy staring at your ass."

We wait a few minutes before we make our move and then I sidle around Tai and he turns to follow me as if it were just part of the move. He does a great job looking like he's just dancing and letting his gaze float around the room.

"Fuck me, he is hot!"

"Didn't I tell you! Do you know who he is?"

"Never seen him here before, let me go ask Denny or Dylan if they know him."

Tai wiggles his way over to the others while I step forward and grab Payton by the hips making him jump at least a foot. I start dancing with him and giggle as his ears turn red, they're always the first to go. "Stop grinding your crotch into my ass," he shouts back at me, "it's freaking creepy." I just laugh, he just makes it too easy!

A little while later Tai pulls me towards him and we do this little dance move we've perfected together. "His name is Master Ken. Apparently he doesn't come a lot, they think maybe he travels or something for work. He had a collared sub for a while, but they heard they're not together anymore."

"Oooh, now's your chance. Dump Master Nathan and reel in Master Ken!" I do the fisherman dance and Tai cracks up.

"Ha! If it were only that easy Tommy."

"If anyone could do it, it would be you Tai, make it so!" I say encouragingly, a big grin on my face.

"We'll see," he smirks.

"I'm going to sit down, I'm hot and thirsty," Payton pouts at me.

"Okay, I could use a short break too." We head back to the table and Tai and Chris soon follow as well. Denny and Dylan keep dancing, but they can dance for hours.

"So Ashton, you're officially a sub, how does it feel? What're your plans now?" I ask our subdued friend.

"I don't have any plans to be honest. I'm not going to go hunt down a Dom now that I can, or go out of my way to make a Dom come to me. That seems too forced, I don't know. Just going to see what happens," he replies with a one of his usual careless shrugs.

"How's the training going?" He asks and I can tell it's so we don't question him further.

Payton gives him a rundown on our session today while I add my perspective here and there. It's nice to see Payton so enthusiastic about it and I hope it ends up being everything he hopes for.

After a while we all decide to dance again and when Payton tries to get out of it, Chris throws him over his shoulder and carries him fireman style back to the dance floor. Payton is beet red and I look around and see some Doms chuckling over the display and some look disapprovingly at Chris, probably for causing a ruckus. It's funny because I know none of us would ever dare do something like that to Ashton, but Payton is sometimes too easy to pick on, not because he's a pushover, but more because he's just good natured and his reactions are always so funny. He also hates confrontation, not that any of our friends would push him that far. Pretty soon though, he's getting into the music again and dancing his ass off just like the rest of us.

Ashton

I sit at our table twirling the straw in my drink around slowly. The music is blasting, the wall I'm leaning against vibrating with the beat and the air is thick with sexual tension from the numerous horny people on the dance floor. I haven't even done anything, yet I can feel a bead of sweat roll down the back of my neck. I rub my hand over my face with a silent sigh before I let my eyes scan the floor, spotting all my friends dancing in a tight knit circle with Payton in the middle.

"Good to see that red bracelet off your wrist." A familiar baritone voice says making my head turn in that direction but I keep my eyes down.

"Hello Master Zion," I reply with a slight bow to my head.

"Why is it that even though you come here with your friends, you always end up sitting here alone?" He asks while taking a seat where Payton usually sits which is right next to me.

"Is that a trick question or would you like me to answer honestly Sir?" I question making him chuckle and I mentally frown, I don't find that funny because it was a serious question.

"Honestly, I'm not the type to try and trick someone. And please look up; I'd love to see your eyes," he adds so I lift my gaze to his face and he smiles which makes the corner of his dark brown eyes crinkle slightly.

"I'm not a big fan of crowded places, like the dance floor Sir. I'd prefer to sit and watch instead of getting touched by people I don't even know," I answer honestly and he nods in understanding, or at least I think its understanding.

"I could understand that," he says and I mentally smirk, I was right. "But you look a tad bit lonely over here by yourself. My friends are going to do a scene soon, would you like to join me to watch?"

After a few seconds of thinking 'why the hell not' I nod and he smiles. After he stands up, he holds out his hand but I stand without it. I'm a submissive, not a damsel in distress. I can certainly stand on my own. I sigh silently as he looks at me with pursed lips meaning he's not happy that I didn't take his hand. After a few minutes of him staring at me and me staring at his chiseled bare chest, he turns and I follow after him silently. My eyes lock onto Payton's and he stares at me with wide eyes. I motion for him to close his mouth and he quickly lifts his dropped jaw before giving me thumbs up.

When we get to the red door which leads to the 'members only' sections of the club the bouncer quickly scans me from head to toe. I stare back blankly, the feeling of his eyes taking in my basically naked body doesn't do anything except make my annoyance spike slightly. Yeah, look all you want but don't touch because I won't be responsible for your broken hand. Master Matthias made it very clear to us during training that a Dom cannot touch a submissive, not even grab their hand without the submissive's permission.

I've witnessed Master Matthias literally pick up a decent sized Dom trying to push an unwilling sub into play and practically throw him like a rag doll across the room. All because the Dom touched the sub's shoulder and the sub flinched; the sub had already said no twice. Master Matthias was on him within seconds. After that, the Dom hasn't shown his face around the club again and I heard that his membership has been revoked. The little sub that was being bothered was placed under Matthias' protected watch for about a week before he met a Dom of his own.

"Ashton, would you like a drink?" Master Zion asks once we reach the showroom.

"No thank you Sir," I decline making him nod as he sits on the couch and I stand in front of him.

"Sit," he orders and motions to the spot on the couch next to him.

I sink into the couch and look around the showroom slowly. There are a few different sections with a stage to each section. The biggest stage belongs to the center section in which I see Master Matthias and his group lounging and chatting. On their stage is a sub, whose name I'm sure is Jahmari, pole dancing nude. My focus goes back to the Dominant sitting next to me as he clears his throat. I look over at him with a questioning gaze and he nods towards our stage where a Dom leads a sub who is already naked.

The whole scene of the Dom using a riding crop then basically fucking the sub into subspace keeps my complete attention but I do notice how Master Zion has closed the distance between us slowly. As I watch the Dom carry the passed out submissive off the stage and out of view my eyes flick to Master Zion to find him already looking at me. He's very attractive with his dark brown eyes and black hair yet pale skin, I can go as far to say he's beautiful. It doesn't help the erection my shorts are having trouble keeping hidden.

"Would you like to join me in my playroom?" He asks and I press my lips together.

Do I want to play with him? No, not really but I'm horny and haven't really had any sexual contact with anyone in months. So I find myself nodding making him smirk. He stands up and holds out his hand. This time, I take it and he pulls me up gently before leading me out of the showroom. Feeling eyes on me I look over and see Master Matthias watching with his usual blank expression. I look away quickly and let Master Zion lead me out the room.

When we get to his playroom I wait until he unlocks the door and he motions me in first. I walk to the center of the room and slowly sink to my knees before clasping my hands behind my back like I've been trained to do. Everything is silent after, only the sounds of Master Zion's boots hitting the ground with every step. I stare at my knees silently waiting for his first move. His hand runs through my dirty blonde hair and he gently tugs it up.

"What are your safe words?" He asks curiously while running his hand over my scalp.

"Blue to slow down, Foliage to stop Sir," I state and he chuckles.

"Foliage?" He questions making me nod.

"Yes Sir, you know from The Office?" I ask while glancing up and he's looking at me with a raised brow.

"No, I don't know but it doesn't matter. Get naked," he orders and I stand up.

I kick off my boots and pull off my socks. Once my shorts are shed I hand them over to Master Zion who holds his hands out for them. My stomach starts turning as he places them onto a chair in the corner of the room. Relax you're fine, I think over and over, but the bad feeling in my stomach doesn't go away. I stare down at my bare feet, the nerves eating away at me which makes my erection slowly dwindle in slight panic. What the hell? This is what I'm trained for! Why am I freaking out now? This is what I wanted, I wanted to get laid but...but not like this. Not with someone I don't even care for.

"I'm sorry Sir but I've changed my mind," I say seriously while looking up as he walks over and he freezes mid-step while staring at me.

"Did I do something to make you uncomfortable?" He asks curiously while he regains his footing and continues walking towards me.

"No Sir, I have a right to change my mind though. I thought this was what I wanted, but it doesn't feel right to engage in play with someone I don't know or have even slight feelings for," I answer honestly and he sighs while placing his hand in my hair before giving me a crooked smile.

"I understand Ashton, don't worry," he says before turning to get my clothes, "we can get to know each other though."

"Maybe," I say while quickly getting dressed after he hands me my shorts.

"Hopefully. I'd really enjoy getting to know you Ashton as I don't think there are many people in the world like you, so young yet so mature. Take my number so we can meet up and maybe have lunch," he says as he walks back over with a business card.

I take it and look down, Zion Banks, CFO of Montrey Inc. I've heard of Montrey, they're a big tech company. So he's the CFO huh? Interesting. Maybe I should just set up a lunch date thing now since I'm already here. Just as I go to do so, He flashes across my mind. His intense gaze, his naked chest and strong physique. Master Gideon. Ever since that first sighting I haven't seen him again. It irritates me that he can repeatedly cross my mind at the most random times only after one brief stare down.

"Yes Sir," I agree before nodding and rushing out of the room yet, his business card falls into the first trashcan I spot on my way back into the main club.

When I get back to the main room Payton catches my eye and raises an eyebrow. I just shake my head and he nods in understanding as I make my way back to my chair, against the wall.

Payton

The week had been going surprisingly well. I aced my exam on Monday, and that evening I worked for 3 hours at the club inputting receipts and then showing Master Matthias more about his new software program. It felt good to teach him something, since...well, since he's Master Matthias and it would probably be the only thing I ever would be better than him at. He's really smart though and is picking it up really quickly. Tai told me he used to be a CEO of successful company, which doesn't surprise me, he'd be the master of whatever domain he was in.

Today Tommy and I were training with Giovanni and Jacobi, a married Dom/sub couple and Tommy was really excited to meet them and see how they interact. Tommy had to work at the Boys & Girls Club today so he was meeting me here since he would be on the other side of town and it didn't make sense for him to come back to campus to pick me up, which was fine because a girl in our Anatomy & Physiology class was coming downtown so I got a ride with her and then walked to the club from where she dropped me off. I was half an hour early, but it was no big deal. I'd rather be early than late!

I decide to go see if Master Matthias needs any computer help so after I check in with Ivy, who was covering for a sick Cindy, I make my way down the hall to his office. Luckily I see that the door is open because if it was closed, I'd be afraid to disturb him and wouldn't dare knock.

I can hear voices as I get closer.

"You're so full of shit Matthias," a loud voice booms, "I saw the way he looked at you on Monday with those big puppy dog eyes, that boy is crushing on you hard," he's laughing to the point he can barely speak, "tell me you don't want to make his cute little butt yours. You'll have to tell me too, if his pubes as red as his hair...."

"Rowan, stop being such an ass, Payton's one of my trainees, he's just a kid, I have no interest in him, hell, he's scared of his own shadow, you think he could handle a scene with me?"

"Well if he's up for grabs, as soon as he loses the bracelet maybe I'll give him a run."

"Stay away from him Rowan, he's like a babe in the woods, no experience, I'll find him a more suitable Dom who can start him off slowly."

"Are you saying he's a virgin? Don't let the Freaky Foursome know, deflowering virgins is their favorite team sport."

It didn't take long to realize they were talking about me as I lean quietly against the wall outside Master Matthias' office. I feel...I don't know what I feel. Numb. I close my eyes and tune them out while I decide what to do. I can't leave, I'm a wimp, but I'm not a coward, yet I don't want Master Matthias to find out I overheard them.

I open my eyes to head back out to the waiting area, but before I can get two steps away I crash into a large form, letting out an audible grunt.

"I'm...sorry, Sir," I say to the big Dom I recognize as Master Giovanni."

"Were you looking for the training room?" He asks sternly, knowing that the training room is in the other direction. I don't know what to say, but before I can say anything I hear a deep voice behind me.

"Payton, what are you doing out here?"

I turn around and an angry looking Master Matthias and a smirking Master Rowan are standing in the doorway.

"I...I..."

"Just get in here Payton," Master Matthias booms. I look around, but there's no escape so I hang my head and shuffle past the two Doms into the office. Master Matthias speaks quietly with Master Giovanni and Master Rowan before I hear the heavy door to his office close.

"What was that about Payton and how long were you listening outside my office?" The large Dom growls at me.

"I..I.."

"Spit it out boy!"

"I just...I got here early and I was coming to see if you needed any help or had any more invoices for me to input...and..."

"Payton look up at me when you're speaking to me," he says sounding deeply frustrated as he walks over to his desk and sits down. I'm standing in front of him now and I feel more nervous than I ever did the few times I was ever called down to the Principal's office. I lift up my heated face and look into his stern green eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sir."

"Were you eavesdropping?"

"I didn't mean to, when I realized you were with someone, I...I was just going to go back to the lounge and wait."

"How much did you hear?"

My face flushes even more and I look down in shame.

"Tell the truth Payton."

"I heard you and Rowan talking about me," I whisper.

"How did it make you feel?" Master Matthias voice is softer now and I feel the tension in my shoulders release a bit.

"Not so good," I say honestly.

"I'm sorry you heard that. Obviously, it wasn't meant for your ears."

"Sir...I don't...I don't have a crush on you...I just...I admire you and I guess I look up to you, but...that's all."

"I understand that Payton. You told me when we first spoke, that you didn't trust your parents, was your father not someone you could look up to?"

"Not really, he...wasn't very reliable. He had a lot of issues and the only time he seemed to be there for me was when he was telling me to be more like my older brother. I never felt like he was really interested in me, what I was interested in or anything about me."

"I can understand that Payton, more than you can imagine. So neither of us needs to be a psychologist to understand..."

"Transference," I interrupt. "Since I didn't have a strong male figure in my life to look up to, I'm transferring those feelings on the first person I found who meets that criteria."

"Yes. You're pretty smart Payton."

"I read a lot Sir, and I took a psych class senior year. I...I'm sorry I was eavesdropping...and...I really don't have a crush on you, I just...when you told me you were proud of me that time, it felt really good. Not many people have said that to me...and it meant a lot. I just want to do a good job, since, I mean, you're taking the time to train me, I want to show you that it means a lot."

"I understand Payton. I'm sorry if anything we said hurt your feelings."

"It's okay...um..."

"Yes?"

"Ah...who are the freaky foursome?"

His face turns stern again as he sits upright. "Never mind who they are Payton, not anyone you're ready for. Payton, I take an interest in all the subs I train, I need to make sure they adjust well into the lifestyle and don't get hurt. I will be keeping an eye on you and who you interact with. The 'freaky foursome' as Master Rowan calls them are four Doms that you won't be having any interaction with for a long time, so for now just stick to your training. We'll take things one step at a time."

"Yes, Sir."

"And Payton, as a trainee, you're still expected to follow rules. If you break those rules, I will punish you. Don't let me find you eavesdropping again, even if you didn't intend to. Now head over to the training room, Giovanni and Jacobi are probably waiting for you."

"Yes, Sir...and...thank you."

Master Matthias nods before looking down at some files on his desk so I quickly turn and walk out of his office. As soon as I'm in the hallway I let out a sigh of relief. When I see Tommy in the lobby I go over and gave him a hug.

"You okay Pay?" he asks.

"Yeah."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really. Just got some things cleared up, so I'm much better. We better get into the training room though, before we're late."