A Master For Michael (A Hampton Road Novella)

Chapter One

"Michael? Master Archie will need to avail himself of the master suite on the third floor this evening. Police Chief O'Brien will be with him as usual, but he'll also be using several of the unattached submissives and they'll need the larger bed. So, if someone new comes to the club who needs to be photographed for our files, then we'll be utilizing the demonstration room for that instead."

Michael glanced up from where he'd been taking his midday meal at the long oak table in the kitchen of the Hampton Road Club. "Yes, Sir." His belly tightened at the sight of the tall and regal Javier, the sadomasochism club's manager. Javier oversaw every detail as it pertained to the operation of the private gentlemen's club in the tony San Marino town of Los Angeles.

Michael was the establishment's host and he adored his job. As staff members, he and Javier lived on the premises of the three-story Tudor Revival mansion as part of their remuneration. Even if the nineteen-twenties was much freer than any other generation before, they still needed to be discreet. As such, Javier's job was incredibly important to the safety and wellbeing of everyone who belonged to or worked for the club. The men who pursued the particular acts of perversion that they all enjoyed could still be arrested if caught in flagrante.

How fortunate we are to have Chief O'Brien as a member.

Hampton Road had become a safe haven for those who wished to seek out the company of a compliant man for the evening, or, to bring his own submissive boy to demonstrate, show-off, share or play with in one of the many creatively appointed rooms in the elegant mansion.

Michael wiped his mouth then placed the linen napkin on the plate that had held his meal. He rose from the bench, gathering it up along with his empty glass. As he walked briskly to the sink, he darted his eyes to Javier who leaned against the pantry, his arms crossed as he regarded Michael.

"Was that all, Sir?"

He swallowed hard. It was immediately apparent to him that he shouldn't have questioned Javier. The expression he radiated back at Michael was one of displeasure. Michael still had so much to learn and Javier had been a strict teacher.

So good.

"Michael?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Who is in charge of what goes on at Hampton Road?"

"You are, Sir."

Javier stepped closer and Michael flinched. "Don't be frightened, boy. Have I ever hurt you in a manner that you didn't desire, didn't beg for by your actions or words?"

"No, Sir." Michael inhaled on a stuttering breath. "You haven't."

"Then you need to learn a lesson. I want you in my room ten minutes from now, naked, on your knees and with your head bowed. Be ready for me the way you know I like, and I wouldn't be a second late, understand?"

Michael held back a whimper as his breathing accelerated more. "Yes, Sir. I'll be completely ready for you in every way."

Javier closed the distance between them, then held Michael's chin with his thumb and forefinger. He gazed at Michael from his deep brown, heavily lashed eyes. "See that you are. You already have one punishment waiting as it is and I won't be going easy on you."

Sweat beaded on Michael's brow, his upper lip. Using his free hand, Javier held up the ornate brass key that unlocked his room then dropped it into the pocket of Michael's jacket. He released his hold on Michael.

"I suggest you get moving."

"Yes, Sir!"

Michael rushed from the kitchen, remaining as dignified in manner as he could, then scurried up the stairs to Javier's bedroom on the third floor. Only the staff and submissive men were allowed on the top floor of the mansion. There were separate rooms for the men who'd already been claimed or collared by a Master and another for those who remained available. Modifications had been made to one side of the third floor of the club in order to facilitate what was needed. Both the claimed and the unclaimed submissives' rooms had been enlarged. Each group had what had once been three guest bedrooms turned into one large area for them to lounge in. The master suite on that same side was where Javier's quarters were located. The remaining staff, including Michael, had their own regular-sized rooms on the opposite end of the floor.