What a dive. Nate glanced around the BDSM club and his hand tightened instinctively on the leather leash. He needed his head examined. It seemed like ages ago when he’d frequented places like this. If anyone recognized him… No, he was counting on that. He had to look the part. He’d even pulled out an old pair of leather pants. Sadly, instead of getting him into the role, those pants had really driven it home that this wasn’t his life anymore. The constant horseback riding with Aiden and fencing with Trouble had made the pants fit a little looser than when he’d last worn them. Wasn’t marriage supposed to make you fat?

The loud bang of firecrackers startled him into taking an inventory of weapons. Knife in the left boot, a piece in the right. What I wouldn’t give for a sword at my hip. Of all days he had to pick the day of the Independence day celebration.
Apparently, he wasn’t the only one surprised by the loud noise because a hand tangled in the back of his shirt again and body heat warmed his right side. He didn’t turn or give any indication that he felt his sub’s distress although he certainly did. He’d had reservations about bringing the boy here, but he was a sub and anyone that saw him wouldn’t think he was out of place. No way could Nate have brought someone not in the lifestyle with him and expect to keep their cover. It was tricky, but he also needed someone with good observation skills which is why he’d had such a limited choice in who to bring. Perhaps he should’ve come alone and found someone to play with here?

He may have frequented BDSM clubs a few years back, but he was certain he’d never been in the particular club on this particular space station. Which made him feel slightly less apt to get caught. He could draw and quarter himself for this, but he had no other choice. If he located the traitor it would be worth even his in-laws’ displeasure.

Someone cried out sounding anything but pleasure filled. A faint “eep” came from behind Nate. The hand wrapped in his silk shirt now had a deathgrip.

Nate discreetly removed the hand from his shirt, tugged the leash gently and kept moving. He tried to find a suitable activity where he could keep watch and look as though he were enjoying the entertainments. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t a hell of a lot he could do without feeling guilty as hell. This was a bad idea. He should have sent someone else, but no one else would’ve been a believable Dom. Yeah, and right now you aren’t so believable either old man. How had he ever done this? It wasn’t that it no longer appealed. It did… just not with any ole random sub and most certainly not in public. Nate jiggled the leash when it got tighter to get them moving again. He had to stop worrying what Aiden would think. The sooner he found the traitor the sooner he could go home and put all this behind him.

To the left was a bar and seating area. Slaves pleasured their masters and Tops conversed talking shop. On the right was a stage where a demonstration was taking place.

Nate stopped a moment to admire the Dom’s talent with a bullwhip. The petite red headed sub was positively elegant in her submission. She was so far into subspace she was absolutely radiant.

Nate tapped the riding crop against his thigh feeling the sting even through the thick leather and kept walking. Maybe he could take a few moments to play…it might put his skittish sub at ease. He squinted toward the edges of the room where alcoves with different equipment stood. There were chairs, sofas and pallets set up in front of each one, for viewing. They passed an orgy, a woman in rope suspension and a mock stable complete with ponies and quite a few stable masters.

The hand tangled in his shirt again accompanied this time by a face pressed against his arm. Instead of freeing himself, Nate untangled the slim fingers and held them so that he had a leash and crop in one hand and a damp trembling hand in the other.

“Do you see anyone?” The quiet voice asked then softly added, “S-sir? Um, Master?”

Nate grinned at the hesitant “Master.” That was the third time tonight he’d heard it.
“No. You?”

“No, Si—Master.”

An attendant washed down a Saint Andrew’s cross to their left. No one else waited in line. Nate hurried his pace. The cross was situated to where he’d have an excellent view of the majority of the floor. “Master is fine, boy. If you like it better than sir I won’t quibble over it.”

“It feels more…safer in here, Master.”

“Mmm…” Nate answered taking in the surroundings, the nearest exits and the closest action. “To the cross, boy. Face it.”

“Yes, Master.” Taking his place at the cross, the boy’s gaze swept the club. He was looking for their mark. What a good little spy.

Nate strapped his arms in and whispered in his ear. “I want you to concentrate on me. Stop worrying about your surroundings. You’re no good to us if you look like you’re here to spy. Trust me and submit. Can you do that for me?”

The dark head bobbed once. “I trust you, Nate.”

“Good. Then forget about why we’re here for a moment.”

Again, the dark head bobbed. “Yes, sir.”

After strapping the boy’s ankles in, Nate stood back and studied the slim muscular body. His partner wore only a loose pair of pale blue, nearly see through, linen pants. From the front, if one looked hard enough, they could just make out the solid silver cock ring that matched the delicate chain collar. There were already faint marks across the pale back, put there before they arrived to make their cover more convincing. The firm round buttocks and thighs were tense. No doubt the boy was still worried, but that would end soon enough. Nate was determined to put him at ease. A good session with the crop ought to do it. Then Nate could concentrate on finding the the double agent instead of his partner’s anxiety. Too bad he hadn’t brought a flogger, his preferred tool. But he’d work with what he had. He really hadn’t planned on playing, only looking the part. He only played with Aiden and in the privacy of their bedroom nowadays. He had no desire to do otherwise tonight, but if it would help his cover…

Without saying anything, Nate ran the tip of the crop down the pale back right along the spine.

Muscles rippled and the boy took a deep shuttering breath and let it out. His lower body relaxed into a more natural stance. Good.

The first stroke gained Nate a flinch and a small indrawn breath.

“Not a sound, boy.”

“Yes, Master.” The reply came loud and clear, confident.

Nate smiled. He had no idea what the master thing was all abo—his normal term of address was sir—but he suspected it had been added as part of their cover story. And it if made his sub feel safer then so be it.

“Hawk?”

Nate watched the tall lanky man approach. It took a moment, but Nate finally recognized him as a fellow Top that frequented the club on the Ares space station. Nate used to go there quite a bit on leave, when he’d first taken over command of the Lady Anna. Back before he’d found Trouble. What was his name? Lt. Phebs? Lt. Phibbs? Lt. Phillips? We he knew the man was an IN Lieutenant at least. “Lieutenant.” Nate dipped his head in greeting.

“It’s Commander now.”

“Congratulations.”

“Yes indeed, Admiral. Congrats to you too.” The commander hesitated a moment standing straight trying to decide whether to salute or not, Nate surmised.

“Don’t even think about it.”

The commander smirked and relaxed. “Well, we never used to acknowledge it, but you weren’t an Admiral then.”

Phelps! That was the name. “Yes, well as in the past, we are both off duty, Phelps. What brings you here? Are you stationed near by?”

“On Kozic.” Phelps smiled and gazed past Nate. “Oh my. Very nice. Does your husband know you have such a delectable piece? I heard that you married. A prince wasn’t it? I see it hasn’t stopped your erm…pursuits.”

“Mmm…” Nate rested a hand on his boy’s shoulder and ran it down his back.

Phelps walked around the cross, his appreciative gaze devouring Nate’s sub. “You still have exquisite tastes. What does your prince think of him?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea.” Nate ran his crop down the boy’s spine then swatted him on the arse. “And where is your sub, Phelps?”

“I’m between subs at the moment. Don’t suppose you’d share?”

“No.” Nate’s tone brooked no further inquiry.

Phelps frowned. “Pity. He really is quite beautiful. Is he as good as he looks?”

“You’re welcome to watch, Phelps.” Nate turned his attention back to his companion. He rained a series of slaps across one pale buttocks then the other. The pail globes tensed and a shiver ran up the elegant back, but he didn’t make a sound.

Damn, Nate wished he had a flogger. He continued to watch the crowd discretely and focus on his sub’s reactions.

The boy was beginning to enjoy himself now and forget about the people around them. Nate wished he could. He wished he could get over this feeling of guilt, of feeling like he was doing something wrong. It felt like betrayal or infidelity or—oh bloody hell, he didn’t know what. He just knew he should’ve come alone.

Phelps walked around the cross, his gaze settling on Nate’s boy’s face. “Imploding planets he’s beautiful, Hawk. How long have you had him?”

“A few years. Shortly after I married.” Did that sound believable? He’d been married three years now. The vision of Aiden on their wedding night stabbed into him. Nate groaned and pulled himself back into reality. He was here because of Aiden. He would do whatever it took to ensure Regelence remained as it was.

Nate watched the pretty skin pinking up with every swat and longed to strip the thin pants off and expose that firm little arse. Oh, what the hell. He dragged the linen down to mid thigh and peppered the round globes with stinging slaps. What a gorgeous arse. He used his hand the next time, feeling the heated skin under his palm. A moan escaped and he wasn’t sure whom it came from. He continued to spank the pert bottom until the boy went lax against the cross. Oh yes, he was a goner. He was moaning with every slap now. The thought gave him resolve. Phelps recognizing him could only help Nate’s cover. He needed to fit in and make it seem as though he was frequenting clubs again. He glanced out over the crowd again before turning his attention to the young submissive in front of him.

Nate was fairly certain his boy was hard as a rock, Nate damned sure was. He positioned himself where he could see and sure enough the pretty ring encased cock was hard and red. Nate could command him to come and he would. “Don’t you dare come, boy.”

“No, sir, not without permission, Master, sir.” The voice was soft, not quite grounded in reality.

Adjusting his cock, Nate applied the crop again.

“Lovely, absolutely lovely. Doesn’t take much to send him flying does it?” Phelps asked. “I’ll see you later, Hawk. I’m going to go find a playmate.” Phelps walked away.

Brought out of his concentration, Nate blinked. He’d gotten as caught up as his sub. Guilt swamped him again. He tucked the crop into his waistband and ran a hand down his boys back, slowly bringing him back to reality. Running his knuckles down the side of his face, Nate encountered stubble. Not something he was used to, but sexy.
“Fuck me, sir? Please?”

It was like being splashed with a bucket of cold water. Nate pulled the thin linen pants over the weeping prick and started unbuckling the straps. This was way too intimate. It felt wrong to be in this place. They had to get out of here. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He caught the slim body against him then swooped the boy into his arms. Glancing around the room, he ascertained no one was watching and headed toward the exit. He’d lost his mind. And he hadn’t seen a damned thing suspicious. He was going to have to come back another time or two…alone.

By the time Nate made it out of the club and through the space station to the transport elevator, he had a mouth pressed against his neck and a hand rubbing his jaw. Guilt apparently didn’t douse arousal because Nate was hard as a rock. “Stop it.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Damn it. “No, not at all. It’s me. I’m sorry. That never should’ve happened. I shouldn’t have brought you and—”

“If you’re afraid of your prince finding out you don’t have to worry.” The voice was threaded with amusement and heavy with lust. “I won’t tell anyone…if you fuck me.”

Nate groaned and set the boy on his feet. “Blackmail?” They were alone in the transport elevator and it’d take several minutes to get to the Lady Anna. He closed his eyes and dropped his head back against the wall.

A firm grip settled on his cock, then his pants were being opened. “Please, Master?”

“Boy, no one gave you permission to touc— Blood hell.” A warm went mouth closed over the head of his cock. His balls pulled tight, totally ignoring his distress. The clever tongue flick his cock piercing.

Even knowing he shouldn’t, Nate thrust into the expert little mouth and lost it. Everything but the pleasure left his mind. Grabbing a hand full of hair, Nate tilted his boy’s head back and fucked his mouth. It a matter of seconds he came, shoving hard into the tight throat and spilling.

As the slim fingers put him back in his pants, giving a little tug on the Prince Albert and buttoned him up, Nate stared up at the ceiling. He was still in the fucking elevator. At least, it was the captain’s private transport and there was no video.

“Thank you, Master.”

“We’re out of the club. You can stop.”

“No, thank you, Sir. I’m not ready to stop.”

The door dinged open.

Fuck me. Nate grabbed the his partner’s wrist and hurried them to his cabin. Once there he locked the door and got naked. Pointing to the bed, he commanded, “Strip and lay down, boy.”

His sub hurried to comply.

“So you won’t tell, huh?” he teased.

The dark head shook back and forth and a grin eased over his lips. “No, Master.”

Digging, the lube out of the nightstand Nate slicked up the pretty prick and took off the silver cock ring. Within seconds he was straddling the slim hips and sinking down on the hard shaft. “Oh fuck.” It had been awhile. It felt wonderful though.

A small whimper sounded below him. “Hands over your head, boy. Don’t move.” He pinched one erect little nipple and was rewarded with a whine. “Don’t come until I give you permission.”

“No, sir. Not without permission.”

Nate started moving then. He wasn’t hard any longer thanks to the blowjob in the elevator, but it still felt good. He continued to ride the boy, watching the pleasure play across his face.

“Please, Master.”

The sadistic streak in Nate bled out into a chuckle. “Please, what?”

“Can I come, sir?”

“No.” Nate hurried his pace, fucking himself on his boy’s cock and pinched both his nipples.

The moans became whimpers and his hands clenched and unclenched, but he didn’t move them from where he’d been told to put them. Such an obedient little sub, even it he was a bit mouthy. When his head started thrashing back and forth, Nate decided to have mercy on him. “Come.”

That was all it took. The pretty eyes widened and a harsh groan echoed through the room as wet heat filled Nate’s arse. He was a bastard. A sorry lousy, no good… He shouldn’t have left Regelence. Flopping onto his back on the bed, he decided to let it go. What was done was done. He’d find another way to catch the traitor.

Nate slowly became aware of movement. It was as if the bed were rocking softly back and forth. Listening carefully, he made out a soft humming and indeed the bed was moving ever so slightly and it was not because he was on the Lady Anna. Patting the bed next to him turned up an empty spot. His big toe however touched skin. It took only a moment for him to process the situation. He groaned and reached for the nightstand on which his pocket watch lay. Cracking his eyes open was nearly impossible. They were gritted and heavy with sleep. It was way too bright in the room. Someone had turned on the lamp. And it didn’t take a genius to figure out who. Nate groaned. No way could he have been asleep for long. “Baby, you’re killing me.”

“Hmm…” Came the noncommittal reply.

Nate pushed the button on his watch to open it and squinted his eyes just enough to read it. “We’ve only been in bed for an hour. Be a good little sub and go to sleep.” When no answer was forthcoming he nudged with his toe. “Sleep…”

The nudge gained him a grunt and a swat on the leg.

I knew there was another reason not to bring him on this mission besides his saftey. “Boy…”

“Minute. I’m almost done.” His calf was given and affectionate half hearted pat.
“What happen to, ‘oh yes master… Whatever pleases you master… Can I serve you master?’” Nate pulled the pillow over his head. “Someone needs a spanking.”

A grunt was the only reply.

Nate smiled despite himself. Where the hell had his adoring, attentive, and obedient slave boy gone? And how come he was the only one tired? Not two hours ago his boy was on his knees begging to be fucked and now… “Aiden, I love you. You know that right?”

“Hmm…”

“But, you have five seconds before I bind your arse to the bed and gag you. And it won’t be for your pleasure.”

That did it. There was a gasp and the bed bounced. When nothing else happened Nate peeked out from beneath the pillow.

There his boy sat crossed legged in front of him in nothing but his collar, holding up a sketch screen with one elegant ebony brow raised in challenge. Nate glanced at the screen. It was a sketched of the two of them as they’d been earlier in the club. Nate held a crop in his hand mid swing. Aiden was strapped to the Saint Andrews cross, his face turned toward the viewer. Nate gasped and sat up in awe. Aiden captured the exact blissed out subspace look Nate had seem him make thousands of times. It was beautiful, and even now Nate’s heart swelled. His cock even threatened to harden. “How did you manage that look?” He’d never seen himself. He couldn’t possibly have witnessed that look even if there were mirrors, his eyes were glazed over, unfocused. Nate knew when he got that way he didn’t see anything, everything boiled down to feel.

Aiden shrugged. “I drew what you make me feel.”

Words just wouldn’t come. And really what was there left to say anyway? Nate could’ve sworn his boy had long ago said and done everything he possibly could to surprise him, but he was wrong. He took the screen from his consort’s hand and laid it on the nightstand, then turned off the light. I want a copy of that.” Turning on his side, he pulled Aiden’s back to his chest, holding him tight. Not even he would try to convince anyone the tears in his eyes was due to fatigue.

“I drew it for you. I know you didn’t like taking me there, but I’m glad you did.”

“What if someone had recognized you?”

Aiden shrugged. “They didn’t. And I don’t care if they did, as long as I was with you.”
A growl left Nate’s throat and he tightened his arms around his consort. “You better not be in a place like that without me.”

“Like I’d even want to.” Aiden snorted. “I just hate that we didn’t catch the slimy bastard.”

“I’ll find another way. I don’t want you in places like that.”

A hand moved over Nate’s cheek, playing with his beard. “I think we both know I enjoyed it.”

Nate grinned and moved so he could kiss the questing fingers. “Only after I beat your arse, boy.”

Aiden shrugged. “Whatever works, sir.”

Chuckling, Nate stifled a yawn. “Behave, brat.”

“That’s it, I’m telling your prince.” Aiden snuggled his arse into the cradle of Nate’s hips.

“Then I guess I’ll have to gag you and chain you to my bed. I can’t have my prince getting mad and leaving me.”

“Never. I love you, Nate.”

“Not nearly as much as I love you.”

©Copyright February 2010 by J.L. Langley

May not be copied in whole or part without permission from author.