Pictured above is Dr. Gideon Callaway, (aka Master Gideon)

Chapter 8.5 ...Don't Often Stay Together

Payton

"Hey guys," Eddie, one of the club subs, says walking over to our table. He smiles at Ashton who gives him his usual blank look. The look he's giving my friend annoys me for some reason and I can feel the frown on my face and the furrow of my brows. I glance over at Ashton who looks back at me and I try to ask him what's up with my eyes, but he just raises his eyebrows while pressing his lips together and looks over at the dance floor.

"Hi Eddie, what's up?" Tai asks when it looks like no one is going to speak. "Do you want to sit down with us?" Chris had gone off with a Dom somewhere and Tommy was watching some scenes with Master Adam after our talk at the coffee shop.

"Um, sure I guess," the blonde twink replies as he takes the empty seat next to Tai, who is across from me while I'm in my usual seat next to Ash. Tai starts making conversation with the kid while I lean back and look around the room. I see Master Kael at the bar and he turns around and gives me a wink. I flush red and give him an awkward smile back. I've only seen him a few times at the club since the first time I met him during one of my early training sessions, well, it was actually a punishment session that day. Master Kael is really attractive with this slightly scary air about him, but it really turns me on at the same time.

I zone out for a bit while Tai and Eddie are talking and Ashton is watching the dance floor. At the far end of the room I see Lane walking with Master Matthias towards the hallway where his private playroom is. I only know it's there because Tai told me, I've never been in it. I sigh and look away. The truth is, I am envious of Lane. Not so much that he has Master Matthias, because I am truly over that little crush, but because in a flash he's not only a submissive, but a collared one in a serious relationship that from what he says, extends beyond the Dom/sub dynamic, like they're boyfriends too. I would love to be in that position with a Dom like Master Matthias. Note the use of like, because I want someone with similar qualities; strong, confident, able, powerful, commanding...someone that makes me feel safe, protected, cherished and mostly valued, so like him, but not him. I let my eyes wander around the room and wonder if that person is here.

"Payton, do you want to come dance with us?" Tai asks, bringing me out of my internal pondering and wanderings. He and Eddie stand up and Eddie looks over at Ashton hopefully. Good luck with that dude.

"Um, no thanks Tai. I'm feeling a bit tired right now, I'm just going to sit for a bit," I reply and luckily he doesn't push me.

While Tai and Eddie go to dance with some of the other guys Eddie hangs out with I wander up to the bar to get a ginger ale after asking Ashton if he wants anything, but he says he's fine. I place my order with Jacobi and lean against the thick wooden counter while he walks back to get it. I see movement out of the corner of my eye and I see four men enter from the direction of the door to the dungeon. I recognize the largest as Master Lucien Black. He's in his late 30's and the three others with him look to be in their late 20's; they are Master Garrison and Master Baird and Master Saber who are twins. Chris and Tai had pointed them out to me when they took me for a brief tour of the dungeon after I asked them who the Freaky Foursome was. They didn't know what I was talking about at first, but when I told them about what Master Rowan said that time, they were pretty sure these were the guys he was talking about. They filled me in on everything they knew about the foursome.

They share a playroom in the dungeon and like to do group play with one or two subs at a time. Yeah, like 4 on 1 or 4 on 2. You get the picture.

Apparently, Master Garrison and the two brothers used to be Master Lucien's subs when they were 18 or 19. First Master Garrison was and after being his submissive for a few years he trained to be a Dominant with Master Lucien while Master Baird and Master Saber took his place as Master Lucien's submissives, both at the same time. Again, after a few years they went on to train as Dominants and the four have been together ever since playing with willing subs. They mostly stay in the dungeon with the other sadists and masochists, but occasionally come upstairs. Tai said they like to check out the fresh meat and see who they could lure downstairs.

I stand up straight from where I was slouching against the bar and watch them with wide eyes. They have this dangerous, but sexy air about them. The four walk over to the bar and place an order with Jacobi as he heads down the bar with my ginger ale. He speaks briefly with them before heading my way and I peek over as their eyes follow him down the bar and then land on me.

"Here you go sport," Jacobi says with a smirk.

"Sport? Since when am I sport?" I ask in confusion at the new nickname.

"I was going to say squirt, but it sounded mean and sport was the next thing that popped into my head."

"Oh." It's all I could think of to say as he puts the ginger ale down in front of me and heads back to get the drinks for the four Doms. I look back to the right and all four of them are standing there staring at me...and all I feel is...holy fuck!

Master Lucien whispers into one of the twins ears, I don't know them well enough to know if its Master Baird or Master Saber. Jacobi places four bottles of beer on the bar and they each take one before Master Lucien, Master Garrison and one of the twins head back downstairs. The other twin walks over to me and I feel like a deer in the headlights as I'm unable to move while I watch him approach.

"What's your name boy?" He asks.

"Payton...Sir." I try not to sound scared or nervous, while also keeping a tone of polite deference. I take a sip of my ginger ale since my throat suddenly feels very dry.

"Payton," he repeats. "Have you ever been down in the dungeon Payton?"

"Just for a quick tour Sir, I um...I've only been a sub for a very short time."

"Ahhh, I didn't think I'd seen you before. Would you like to join my friends and I?"

"Umm...I'm not sure Sir...I...I don't think I'm quite ready yet, but maybe some time later..."

"I understand, we have another boy downstairs, why don't you come watch so you know what to expect and then if you're interested, you can come down another time."

"Umm..." I'm not sure what to do because he seems really nice and he's also really handsome. The twins are the most handsome of the four while Master Lucien looks the scariest and Master Garrison is big, but pretty much nondescript.

"You don't have to worry, I think you might like it down there, but you'll never know unless you come see. Come, I'll carry your drink." He picks up my ginger ale and I look around. Ashton isn't at the table any longer or on the dance floor, maybe he went off with a Dom, he seemed interested in Master Zion that time. Tai and Eddie are still off dancing. "Don't be scared Payton," he adds and I feel my pulse rise. I don't like to be called scared.

"Yes, Sir. I'm coming."

I follow him downstairs and through the dark hallway into a large room full of all sorts of scary implements and scarier people. We walk through this room though and down a short hallway where there are several private rooms, but the doors are all open. He notices me noticing. "We're required to keep the doors open down here, so really, you have nothing to worry about. The dungeon masters walk back and forth and keep an eye on everyone." His voice sounds so friendly and calm that I feel much more at ease. We walk into their room and I see that they do have a boy strung up. His hands are bound above his head by a chain hanging from the ceiling and his feet are spread and cuffed to chains on the floor. He's naked and has his back to me, but he looks familiar and when I'm lead to the other Doms I see that it's Chris. So this is where he's been. He has a ball-gag in his mouth, but when he looks my way I see his eyes twinkle in mirth and a smile that reaches around the gag. At least he's okay.

"Master Lucien," the Dom says, "this is Payton. Payton, this is Master Lucien, Master Garrison and Master Baird. I am Master Saber." I say hello to Master Lucien and nod hello to the others. Master Lucien nods to Master Garrison and he picks up a small whip from the table and walks to the center of the room. My whole body jumps at the sound of the whip on Chris' back and when I see the red mark I feel the blood drain from my face. Of all the things they use here, for some reason whips freak me out the most and Master Matthias and I have already talked about making it one of my hard limits. I slowly back towards the door as Master Garrison continues, but I'm stopped when I back right into a large body.

"Don't go yet," a low voice murmurs in my ear and I turn to see it's Master Baird with a smirk and a dangerous glint in his eyes. I feel his hands on my hips and they slide down until his thumbs slide just under the waist band of my leather shorts as he grinds the front of his leathers into my ass.

"Don't scare the boy," Master Saber says, rolling his eyes at his brother, but doesn't move to get me out of his grip. Master Garrison continues whipping Chris and as I watch I see his eyes blink and his body lurch with each lash, but when he opens them he has a growing look of contentment and pleasure. Each crack of the whip makes my heart race and I begin to feel overheated from the anxiety. My body jumps with each loud pop and I lose count, but after what seems like maybe 20 or 25 Master Lucien tells him enough and walks over with a container of some balm and begins rubbing it all over Chris' body, including in his ass crack. His fingers probe far into it and I look away, but I'm sure he's penetrating him deeply. Chris' eyes look totally unfocused and I'm positive he is in full subspace and he lets out unbridled moans.

I feel weird and uncomfortable watching this and my discomfort rises even further when I see Master Lucien unbuckle his pants. He says something I can't hear to Master Garrison who looks at me.

"Come here Payton and kneel in front of this boy. He's been especially good tonight and you can help us reward him." He stands aside and I see Chris is fully erect and dripping.

Okay...it's weird enough watching or about to watch one of my friends get fucked, but there's no way I'm going to blow him. I shake my head, but my mouth is completely dry and the words are caught in my throat.

"Bring him here," Garrison growls and I feel Master Baird's hands tighten. Master Saber chuckles and shakes his head as he moves to sit down in a comfortable easy chair where I guess he's going to watch. My body goes completely stiff as Master Baird starts to take steps forward and my feet stumble along. Shit. I'm in big trouble.

"There you are Payton," I hear from the doorway. "I told you not to go far boy! Now I'm going to have to punish you." All eyes turn and there is Master Kael standing tall and confident. When he sees Master Lucien he rolls his eyes in an exaggerated gesture. "Sorry Lucien, Matthias assigned this welp to me and he wandered off when I wasn't looking. I have half the club upstairs looking for him, I'll bring him back up and let Matthias know to call off the search."

Master Lucien looks at me closely before looking back at Master Kael. "He's under Matthias' protection? What is he? A virgin or something?" He scoffs and I feel my face turn completely red.

"You make your own assumptions Lucy, all I know is if I don't get him back upstairs soon, you're going to have one angry head Dom barreling down here."

"Release him," Master Lucien barks and Master Baird's hands come off me and I almost lose my balance since he'd been holding so tightly. I'm not sure what to do until Master Baird gives me a little push with his index finger.

"Go on boy," he hisses and I quickly walk toward Master Kael who immediately takes my arm and pulls me out of the room, down the hallway, through the main dungeon and back up the stairs before I dare say anything.

"Are they really looking for me...Sir?" I ask, because I was pretty sure Master Matthias had let me loose.

"Of course not, Payton," he laughs, "I saw you go down with Saber and I was pretty sure you were in over your head. An innocent boy like you shouldn't be wandering off to the dungeons."

"I'm not innocent," I grumble and feel his hand tighten around my arm.

"Not the time to lie boy, just be grateful I was bored and went down to get you."

"Yes Sir, thank you Sir." When we reach the main level he continues to lead me through the main room and down towards where some of the private rooms are. "I am grateful Sir," I add. I'm pulled into what I assume is his private room and he plops me down on the bed so I'm sitting on the edge. I look around at all of the equipment since I haven't been in a private room yet and am amazed at how many things he has in a relatively small room. Well, much larger than me and Tommy's dorm room, but small in comparison to the showroom outside. I begin to wonder why I'm here when he brings over a cold bottle of water and a wet washcloth that he must have gotten from the ensuite which I just noticed.

"Here," he says, handing me the water. "You're so red and hot I'm afraid you're going to pass out." He begins to wipe me down with the cool cloth starting with my face, down my neck and over my chest and back. It actually feels really good. "Drink," he commands so I open the bottle and start drinking and it tastes better then anything I've ever tasted, probably just because its cold and wet and I was pretty sure I had sweated out every drop of moisture in my body in the last 20 minutes.

"You really are a beautiful boy," Master Kael says, "when you're a little less innocent I want you to come back and see me." He lets out a soft chuckle and I smile because, well...because even though I don't like being called beautiful, I kind of like that he thinks it.

"I can't become less innocent without a little help," I say and my eyes go wide at the words that I've blurted out without thinking first. He laughs out loud then drops the wash cloth on the floor. The next thing I know his hand is gripping the back of my head and I'm pulled into him as he presses his mouth against mine in a forceful kiss. A strong, confident, powerful kiss and I become putty in his arms as he leans me back on the bed and presses his huge body over me. Not all of me becomes putty as I feel a tingling sensation in my balls and shaft that's starting to push up against the huge man.

I let out a small moan when I felt his mouth move off mine and he bites into my neck. My hips automatically move against him and confusion fills me as the next second I am lying there, cool air flowing over me. I hear him chuckle from where he's now standing above me. "Pup, you want that kind of first time, not the kind I would give you."

I sit up in disappointment because it felt really good and I was totally getting into it, not to mention that he's hotter than hell. "I...I..how do you know?" I utter, trying to hide the shame of rejection that I begin to feel.

He kneels down in front of me and picks up my chin with his finger. "Trust me, I know. Why don't you go find some nice college boy from your school to give you the first time you need and then think real hard about what you want here...and stop with the puppy dog eyes, I don't fall for that shit. I've reached my limit of nice guy tonight, so just tell me 'ok sir' and then I'll get you back out to your friends."

"Okay Sir," I say.

"Get rid of the long face or I'll keep my promise and see how red I can get that ass."

How can I tell him I'd actually might like that.

"No," he says as if reading my mind. "Not tonight, I've already lined up a seasoned sub who I'm going to fuck into next week...and don't give me the rejected look, the shocked look or the hurt look. You'll have to get used to the way things work around here if you're going to become a part of it, so toughen up."

Master Kael stands up and reaches a hand down. I take it and let him pull me up. He doesn't let go and instead leads me out the door while I clutch the water bottle to my chest like it's a sacred talisman. Once we're at the entrance to the main room he lets go of my hand and pats my ass like a mother sending her child off to their first day of school. "Be careful out there Payton," he says quietly, "you're a good kid, I don't want to see you get hurt."

"Yes, Sir," I reply looking back. "Thank you." I walk back to the table where Ashton is now once again seated alone. Tai is on the dancefloor still, or maybe again...and this odd feeling washes over me and it's as if none of the last half hour or so actually happened because everything is back as I left it. I sit down numb next to Ashton and he looks over at me at lifts an eyebrow.

"I...um...hi," I say and give him a small smile. He nods and looks back across the room.

"Do you have a ride home?" He asks a few minutes later.

"Yeah, I'm going to wait for Tommy."

"Okay, I'm heading out of here."

"You okay?" I ask.

"Yeah. It's late and I have stuff to do tomorrow."

"Okay man, I'll catch up with you next week. Tommy's lending me his car so I can go visit my grandfather tomorrow morning, he lives a few hours from here on the lake and we're going for a last sail before we put the boats up on the hard for the winter."

"Have fun, I'll talk to you later," Ashton replies before he heads to the locker room to get changed.

Tommy

"Can I go to my friends now," I say to Master Adam once he's made me drink some juice and eat some crackers. He's only made small talk so I'm grateful that he didn't seem to notice any connection between me and Casey...umm...Master Casey. Wow...I'm still reeling over that.

"I'm sorry about what happened," he replies, "I'm sure you're quite shaken up about it. I can assure you that an accident like that is not common in this club. Master Matthias makes sure all of the Doms here are thoroughly trained to the highest standards. I know Master Casey well, he's one of the most skilled Doms around, I don't quite know what happened, but it will be investigated and that boy will get the best medical care. I don't want you to worry about it."

He doesn't want me to worry about it. I almost laugh at the thought. Of course I'm worried about it. I can't help but feel like it's my fault. If I hadn't surprised Casey...fuck, Master Casey, he wouldn't have been shocked into dropping the candle. That boy was hurt because of me. It's completely my fault. I try not to think about where certain parts of Casey were when he dropped the candle.

A few minutes later I hear a knock on the door and Master Adam goes to open it. I hear whispered voices then Master Matthias walks in. My heart leaps up into my mouth because I know for sure he's going to be mad at me for distracting Master Casey. I might even get kicked out.

"Tommy, I just wanted to come in and make sure you're okay. That probably wasn't very reassuring to see as a new sub. I just want to assure you that Glen is being checked out by Master Richard. I just came from the room he was taken to and he's going to be fine. It's a superficial burn, he's being treated and we'll be keeping an eye on him for the rest of the evening and then he'll be taken home and Master Richard will check on him for the next few days until he's completely healed.

Glen. Master Casey's sub's name is Glen. Oh. I'm so glad I know this now. I roll my eyes internally and then curse myself for being such a bitch. Sigh.

"I'm fine Sir. Thank you for letting me know. I was worried about him. I was just telling Master Adam that I'd like to go see my friends now." Master Matthias watches me closely for a few seconds and I feel like he can see right in my eyes and into my soul and is finding out every hidden secret and bad thing I've ever done.

"Okay," he finally says. "Maybe its best for you to go be with your friends now. I'll have Lane come check on you later too and you can always come talk to me next week if you need to. Something like this can be very upsetting once it sinks in." Master Matthias turns to go back out the door.

"Um, Sir? Master Matthias," I call out.

"Yes Tommy?"

"Well...ahh, what will happen with the Dom? Is he in trouble, it looked like...I think it was just an accident."

"Now that I've made sure Glen is okay I'll be speaking with him. I'll find out exactly what happened and depending on this conversation I'll determine the proper punishment. Don't you worry about it Tommy. A good Dom takes his punishment just like a good sub does. He knows the repercussions and even if it was an accident, he injured a submissive, a boy who put his trust in him. That will never go unpunished in my club. But that's nothing for you to worry about. Go see your friends, you look a bit shaken up. Have Payton drive you home." Before he leaves the room completely he speaks quietly with Master Adam who comes over to my side once we're alone.

"If you're sure you're feeling up to it, I'll take you to your friends Tommy, but you're more than welcome to stay here as long as you need to." His voice was different than earlier and I realized he sounded like a Dom before, but now he sounded kind and reassuring.

"Thank you Master Adam, I'm really okay, I just want to find them and have Payton take me home." Actually, I want to have Payton take me home and then I want to cry on his shoulder until daybreak, but I leave that part out.

Master Adam leads me out and as we enter the main area I hesitate and look around the room. Honestly, I'm making sure Master Casey isn't around. I don't know how I'm going to face him. I'm humiliated at the way he found me, I feel guilty for what I caused, I feel jealous that he has a sub, I feel stupid for having a crush on him to begin with, but mostly I feel really really sickeningly sad. Like deep down, heavy hearted sadness.

He isn't in the room and I spot Payton over at our table reading a book on his phone. He's dressed back in his street clothes and sitting cross legged on the chair. I smile because he looks so damn cute and it brings back a little normalcy to the night. Life can go batshit crazy, but Payton is Payton...and for some reason, watching him sitting there reading a book from that website he's addicted to, makes me feel better.

He looks up as I cross the room and his face goes from a smile to a frown. "What's wrong," he says when I reach the table.

"I'm fine," I try, but he gives me a cross look.

"Don't lie to me T, are you okay? Did he do something weird to you?"

"No, god no," I almost laugh. Though, when I tell him what I did to Master Adam, he'll probably choke on his tongue. "It was a weird night, I'll tell you about it on the way home. Are you okay to drive? I'm just a little tired."

"Yeah, of course." Payton follows me into the locker room and we're quiet while I get dressed.

"Tommy, are you okay?" I turn around just as I finish up and Lane is at the door. He runs over and gives me a hug.

"Wait, what happened?" Payton blurts out, "you said nothing happened, what's going on?"

"I'll tell you in the car, I just really want to go home, I don't want to talk about it here." I look at Lane, "I'm fine Lane, thanks. I mean, I'm not the one that got hurt, why am I getting all this attention."

"Oh, Glen's getting a ton of attention, but Master said that you were pretty shaken up so I just wanted to make sure. But if you're okay and everyone's okay, I'm going to drag my Master back to the playroom and ride him like the big ass bull he is, because..."

"You're fucking horny as hell," Payton deadpans. Lane gives him a big grin, gives us both a big slurpy smooch on the lips and prances back out of the locker room.

"Come on Tommy," Payton grumbles, taking the car keys out of my hand. "It's getting late and you have a lot of 'splaining to do Lucy'."

On the way home I tell Payton about the whole evening from the moment I left him after our visit to the coffee shop until I walked back to the table right before we left. I'm pretty good at keeping my emotions at bay and just telling the story with little emotion. It isn't until we walk into our dorm room and the door is closed that I feel myself fall apart and the tears start flowing. I cry about everything, all of the multitude of feelings going through my head as we sit on my bed against the headboard. I'm half sitting half lying down with my head on Payton's chest as he rubs circles on my back and it reminds me of past times that he'd done the same through break ups and other hard situations he helped me through since we became friends.

When I was all cried out he helped me to the bathroom to brush my teeth and then tucked me into bed where I fell asleep practically before my head hit the pillow.

"Oh my god!" I wake up with a start. The sun is shining and I look to see Payton who's already dressed and packing a few things in his larger, travelling backpack. I suddenly realize why he's up so early when I glance at the clock and see it's only 7:00am, he hardly ever wakes up this early on a Saturday. This is the weekend he's going to see his grandfather and I told him he could use my car, which is perfectly fine since I have no plans and now I barely want to even leave the dorm room.

"What Tommy? Are you okay?" He asks.

"I just realized I have an appointment at the gym, with one of the other personal trainers because I didn't think Casey would be back until next week, but what if I see him there, I can't go."

"Call and cancel then and come with me to see Gramps."

"You guys are going racing and although I love to go sailing with you on a nice calm day, you scare the shit out of me when you're racing. Even when you guys strap me in, just watching you all over the foredeck I swear takes years off my life. I know you're master of the universe on a sailboat, but I just can't watch, not to mention that I spend the whole time afraid the sailboat is going to tip over. What about that time the thingies went in the water..."

"When we broached," he corrected. "The thingies being the shrouds. That was awesome! One of the best races ever, sailed on our ear the whole downwind leg." I laughed as Payton gets this starry eyed look thinking about a good sail. "Anyway, you don't have to come sailing, you can stay at Gramps house and relax with Ellen. She can make tea and you can have some good girl time, she loves when you visit. She'll bake your favorite scones."

Ellen was Payton's grandfather's wife. Payton's grandparents were divorced and his grandmother lived with her 2nd husband in Montreal. I'd only met them a few times, but I'd spent a lot of time with Payton's grandfather and Ellen at their home in Muskegon, Michigan and since neither Ellen or I were quite the sailors Payton and his grandpa were, we often did other things together and we got along really well.

"Are you sure they won't mind. Maybe it would be good to get away for the weekend, get some perspective and space and think about it all."

"Of course they wouldn't mind, you have an open invitation. I think it would be good for you."

"You don't think it's running away?"

"No, it's taking a step back and deciding what the best way to proceed is for you. Call the gym now, it's early and only a few of the staff will be there, you can just have them leave a message for your trainer and we'll be on our way."

"Okay," I said, getting out of bed. I found my phone while Payton pulled a bag out of our closet for me to pack in. Luckily a staff member I didn't really know answered and just took the information, telling me she would cancel my appointment. I hopped in a quick shower, packed a few things and we were soon on our way. I checked my phone periodically, not sure if I'd be getting any more texts from Casey, but I still had to check.

Payton helped keep my mind off everything and soon I wasn't thinking about it as much as I had been and instead enjoyed the scenery. Once we were there, Ellen told me that this store I really like there was having a sale so after a quick lunch, Payton and his grandfather headed to the boat and Ellen and I headed to town to shop 'til we drop.

Payton and Grampa Henry's boat won the regatta and Ellen and I had a great afternoon. My problems seemed very far away as I helped Ellen make dinner. Later that night I surprised Payton with a present I had gotten for him when we were shopping.

"You didn't have to get me anything you dork," he complains as I hand him the bag.

"It's just a little something to say thank you for taking me away this weekend and being such a great friend." I hide the smirk that's threatening to expose my seemingly sweet gesture.

Payton takes the bag and pulls out the T-shirt which is folded up. As he begins to unfold it his face goes from a pleasant smile to consternation to a downright scowl. "Tommy," he growls and I flop down on the queen size bed we share in the guestroom laughing. Laughing so hard I'm clutching my stomach.

"Put it on, please put it on, please, please, please, please, please," I whine.

Payton drops his shoulders and I see the hint of a smile as he pulls off the shirt he's wearing and puts on the new T-Shirt I got him. He walks to the mirror and looks at his reflection. "I'm never putting on this hideous shirt again," he mutters.

"Aw, come on Pay. Who wouldn't love a Tuna T-Shirt, Tuna's the cutest dog there is, he doesn't melt your heart?" Payton pulls the shirt off and whips it at my head. It's a running joke we have because I follow this Instagram called TunaMeltsMyHeart about a dog that's a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix. Payton says he's the ugliest creature on the face of the earth, but I love him. I'm constantly texting him pictures of little Tuna and he always pretends to be aggravated, but I know he secretly loves Tuna.

By the time we were heading back Sunday night I felt much better. I knew I still had a lot to deal with. I would have to face Casey sooner or later, I couldn't hide from this. Payton convinced me I had to go back and hold my head up high. I had nothing to be ashamed of. I was a submissive and there's nothing wrong with it. Obviously Casey couldn't look down on me because he was part of the lifestyle.

I'd made a few decisions. I was going to...okay, I was probably going to sign up with a new trainer. It would just be too awkward with Casey now. At the club I was just going to ignore Casey and Glen and go ahead and meet and find my own Dom. Maybe Master Adam, maybe someone else. There were a lot of them to choose from and I was in no hurry.

I hadn't gotten a text the whole weekend from him and that spoke volumes to me. I hadn't felt the need to send him one either. Our friendship was probably over and I decided I could live with that.

Lying in bed late Sunday night I told myself that tomorrow is a fresh new day, a new week. Thanksgiving was right around the corner, then exams and then the Christmas holidays, so it would be easy to keep busy and not think about it all.

Ashton

I lay in bed, contemplating my own death as my alarm blares a few feet away. Why, why did I forget to turn it off last night? I have no classes today yet I'm up at 6 in the morning for no reason. I force myself to sit up and get out of bed before turning the alarm off. Trying to get back to sleep is pointless, once I'm awake I'm awake and I can't get back to sleep. I stretch, a silent yawn escaping me as my back cracks and my neck pops making a pleasured sigh follow the yawn out of my mouth.

Grabbing my small shower bag and towel, I leave my room and head to the showers. There are a few guys here already but I'm sure it's because they have class and not because their dumb ass forgot to turn off their alarm so they could sleep in. I claim the first empty shower I find after brushing my teeth and quickly duck inside before pulling the curtain closed behind me. Dropping my briefs, I shove them into the bag before tugging on the shower and letting the cold water drenching me turn hot slowly.

After I finish washing my hair and body and then rinse up, I turn off the shower and wrap my towel around my waist. Grabbing my bag, I leave the shower and nod in passing at some guy whose name in pretty sure is Greg since he's in my class. When I get back to my dorm I lock the door behind me before putting my shower bag back onto the hook in my closet. I take the boxer briefs out and stuff them into my hamper and make a mental note, I need to do laundry soon.

I walk over to the small window near my bed and pull the blinds back. The sun is shining in the early morning and I sigh to myself at the empty courtyard. What the hell am I going to do at 6:30 in the morning? I know Payton and Tommy have classes today but I don't know at what time so it's best not to try them because they're probably sleeping, getting ready for class or on their way to class. I know Chris would kill me if I called him this early and I don't really feel like calling Tai.

It looks nice out so I pull on a t-shirt after tugging on some underwear and jeans. I step into my combat boots after tugging on some socks and look in the mirror. My hair is still damp which makes it easy to fix. After a few swipes of my hands through my wet strands, it's perfectly pushed back. Grabbing my phone and keys, I head out of the dorm room while grabbing my leather jacket from the back of the door. When I get outside I sigh in relief at the warm weather. Not too hot though which is good, but warm for late Fall.

After heading back to my dorm room, I swap out keys and start the walk to the shop. It's only about two blocks from campus which is good and soon I'm walking into the car shop owned by Saxon, the son of my father's friend. I wouldn't say we grew up together because we didn't. He's 10 years older than me so he wasn't really interested in being friends and I was totally fine with that. The bell rings above the door announcing my arrival and soon Saxon himself is walking out of the back room, grease all over his hands and white tank top which allows his tattoo sleeves to be seen.

"Ash, how did I know you'd be showing up soon?" He chuckles making me shrug.

"I just came to pick up my bike," I say and he sighs.

"Still the chatter box I see." He smirks before motioning for me to follow him through the back. "It's all ready for you. Newly detailed and everything."

"Thanks, how much?" I ask while taking my wallet out.

"Put your fucking wallet away because I'm not taking your money," he scoffs making me press my lips together.

"Of course not," I mumble and swing my leg over my motorcycle before sighing. "I've missed you baby," I whisper while caressing the bike slowly.

"Alright, well you know what time we close. So whenever you finish your ride, just come drop it off or if you're keeping it you know which parking is for your car out back," he says making me nod.

"Thanks again Saxon," I reply and he smiles making his dimples appear.

"No problem Ash," he states before heading towards the garage section of the shop where he fixes the cars.

My baby is a Yamaha YZF R-1; came out this year. It was a birthday gift from my dad because he knew how much I wanted this bike and I've treasured her ever since. Turning the key in my pocket on, I shift the transmission into neutral and push the start switch making the bike roar to life. The machine slightly shakes under me making me smile as I put up the kick stand and walk the it out of the shop. Once I'm out, I lift my feet and slowly ride around the building towards the street exit.

Once a break in the light traffic comes, I pull the throttle back and quickly enter the street with my bike roaring its return. I feel free riding my R-1, the cool wind in my face helps me relax as I start driving towards the highway. It's the best place to ride a motorcycle in my opinion, besides in the country but I don't have time to drive to the countryside today so the highway will have to do. Driving in between two cars that are driving too slowly, I cut one off and get onto the entrance to the highway easily.

Since it's really early, the traffic isn't too bad and the highway is clear give or take a few cars. Leaning forward, I crank the throttle back making the first wheel pop off the ground. It lands back on the ground smoothly and I take off down the highway with a grin. The wind blasts in my face but it doesn't bother me as I zoom down the open road more than a bit over the speed limit. I make sure to keep my eyes out for any wet spots left from the rain last night to avoid them at all costs. Just as I'm passing an exit, a car speeds onto the highway and cuts me off making me swerve quickly.

My back wheel hits a wet spot and I let out a curse as the back end of my bike goes skidding side to side. The handles shake and the next thing I know, my bike crashes. I'm thrown off with a shout and I hit the ground. Hard. My head bangs against the asphalt as I go rolling across the highway, horns blaring and tires skidding around me. When I finally stop rolling I'm left on my back gasping in pain. I stare up at the sky, my head and torso throbbing and my chest burning. I grit my teeth and try to sit up but hands gently push me down.

"Stay still, I called an ambulance," an older man says while staring down at me worriedly.

"I'm fine," I grumble and go to sit up but let out a yelp as pain shoots through my side.

"Obviously you're not! Just stay down, here rest your head on this," he says before taking off his jacket and placing it under my head as I lie down.

"Thanks," I mumble and gently clutch at my ribs with a groan.

"Where does it hurt besides your side?" He asks as people start crowding around making me groan again.

"I'm fine," I mutter as the sounds of sirens are heard in the distance.

"Don't try to lie, that was quite the spill you took. That driver completely cut you off and didn't even stop. Don't worry though, I got the plate number," he says before paramedics kneel next to me.

"Hey there, can you tell me where is hurts?" One asks and I tell them my side is bothering me along with my head. They immediately put one of those big ass collars around my neck so I can't move my head. Fuck. This isn't the way I thought I'd first be collared.

I get loaded onto the stretcher even though I said I can walk. As they wheel me towards the waiting ambulance I see my motorcycle, trashed. Muttered curses escape me as I glare. What a fucking joy! The first day I get to ride my bike and some asshole makes me crash and total it. The whole ride to the hospital is annoying, they check and thankfully I don't have broken ribs, just bruised. Thankfully, they lift the stretcher so I'm slightly sitting as I get wheeled into the hospital and into a room quickly, but not before my eyes lock onto him, Master Gideon, who is staring back at me with a frown.

"What do we have here?" A doctor asks after I'm switched from the stretcher to the bed.

"A motorcycle accident, he was cut off and went rolling gaining bruised ribs, possibly whiplash, sprained wrist, scratches and bruises along his arms," a female paramedic rattles off as I sigh.

"You'll need stitches to this cut on your head. Let's get your jacket off first of all? I'd like to make sure nothing serious is hiding under it," The ER doctor says making me nod.

With their assistance, I slowly and achingly take off my jacket, revealing only small scratches. My ribs get wrapped and my wrist is just sore but not sprained or broken thankfully. The collar is removed and the doctor inspects my neck. I look out of the room and see Master Gideon is standing at the counter, signing papers attached to a clipboard. A white doctor's coat covers his green scrubs which I know covers a nicely toned body and in the light I can see him better. He's tall, tan skin with dark brown hair but I still can't see his eyes since he's not looking at me. A burning sensation makes me curse and his head snaps over seconds before I look away. A nurse presses an alcohol pad to my head and it keeps back blood making me frown.

"Excuse me," a deep voice says and I look up to see him standing just outside the curtained off room before looking back down.

"Ah, Gideon what can I do for you?" The doctor asks curiously as I look at him from under my lashes, he's taller up close.

"What was it that happened here?" he asks, his voice sending shivers down my spine as I look down, silently groaning at the semi wanting to go full out. Not now, fuck.

"A car cut him off, his motorcycle didn't take it well and he went flying," the doctor says making me glare at him.

"He is right here you know," I grumble making him look at me with a chuckle as Master Gideon frowns again at me.

"You have to be careful, motorcycles are dangerous things," Master Gideon says and I scoff.

"I would have been fine if that asshole didn't cut me off. The only reason I crashed is because I had to swerve and my wheel hit a wet spot." I state as he walks into the room.

"This is going to hurt a bit, just try not to move," the ER doctor says and Master Gideon holds his hand out.

"What?" I ask confused after glancing at his large hand.

"Grab my hand, if it hurts just squeeze," he instructs and even though I'm sure I can deal with it since it's not the first time I've gotten stitches, I grab his hand.

"Thanks," I mutter and tense slightly as I feel the needle piercing my forehead.

"You should get a car, motorcycles are dangerous and like you've experienced don't protect you much if you get into an accident," Master Gideon states while giving me a look of disapproval over my vehicle choice. My baby is perfect, not dangerous at all. It was the stupid car's fault that I crashed. Now I'm going to have to get my bike fixed and who knows how long it'll take before I can ride it again. Fucking bullshit.

"You're a doctor, all doctors basically loathe motorcycles. Your opinion is biased based on your profession," I reply after realizing I didn't say anything yet and he glares at me but I just stare back.

We're not at the club now so he's just a doctor and I'm not even his patient. He's really fucking handsome, Jesus it shouldn't be legal to be so sexy. Just as he opens his mouth to reply a nurse comes and says he's needed in another room. He nods at her and she leaves. I squeeze his hand slightly making his head snap back down to me. The doctor finishes up and tells me to take it easy for a couple weeks while cleaning up. Gideon and I are locked in a stare down before I blink and quickly pull my hand from his. Grabbing my jacket I try to put it on quickly but hiss and clutch at my side with a groan.

"Are you okay?" Both Gideon and the doctor ask but I just nod while climbing off the bed.

"Yeah, I'm good. I've had worse," I mumble while shrugging my jacket on slowly, minding my throbbing ribs.

"Maybe that's a sign you shouldn't continue riding that death trap," Gideon says with distaste making me glare at him.

"Don't you have a patient waiting for you?" I ask sarcastically and his hazel eyes flare in annoyance but I see lust pass through them as well.

"You'll have to call someone to pick you up," the doctor says as I slowly walk out of the curtained off room a few minutes after Gideon disappears.

"Yeah, I have someone who can pick me up," I say, then notice Gideon watching me from across the emergency room while he talks to a nurse and I dial a number I know by memory.

"Hello?" A sleepy and annoyed voice answers.

"Sean, I need you to pick me up," I mutter into the phone while leaning against the wall with a small groan.

"Ashy, what happened?" He asks worriedly making me sigh.

"Can you just pick me up? I'm in the hospital," I say while glancing over but Master Gideon isn't in sight.

"Yeah, I'm on my way now. Which hospital are you at?" He asks as I hear movement over the line.

After I tell him which one, we hang up and I sigh. My eyes slowly scan the room but I don't see Master Gideon anywhere making me frown. He's a doctor though so at least I know what he does and why he's not at the club a lot. Doctors are always on call and really busy. I lick my lips slowly, my stomach growling since I haven't even had breakfast yet. With a small and cautious sigh, I look at my phone to check the time. All this damn drama and it's not even 8 in the morning.