Limitless E-Book

SJD Peterson

• Herausgeber: Dreamspinner Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 311

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Beschreibung

An Underground Club Tale Even within the context of the Underground BDSM Club, Joshua's desires are dark and extreme. Hopelessly addicted to pain and the high it gives him, he has no limits. Joshua would quite literally rather die than use a safeword, and he accepts that might be his fate. As much as he depends on others, he has yet to find a man who can gain his trust, and he has little hope that he ever will. For Nash, acquiring Joshua from another Dom at the club is only the first step in what will be a long and arduous road to lure the young man back from the brink of self-destruction. He must do the impossible and win Joshua's trust, and he must be the one to set limits in their exploration—something he's unaccustomed to as a Dom. But Nash knows dominance doesn't always mean pushing a submissive's boundaries. It's about establishing a bond and fulfilling another man's needs. In Joshua's case, he'll have to strike a balance between meeting the young man's expectations and drawing firm lines that will save Joshua from himself.

Leseprobe

Limitless

By SJD Peterson

An Underground Club Tale

Even within the context of the Underground BDSM Club, Joshua’s desires are dark and extreme. Hopelessly addicted to pain and the high it gives him, he has no limits. Joshua would quite literally rather die than use a safeword, and he accepts that might be his fate. As much as he depends on others, he has yet to find a man who can gain his trust, and he has little hope that he ever will.

For Nash, acquiring Joshua from another Dom at the club is only the first step in what will be a long and arduous road to lure the young man back from the brink of self-destruction. He must do the impossible and win Joshua’s trust, and he must be the one to set limits in their exploration—something he’s unaccustomed to as a Dom. But Nash knows dominance doesn’t always mean pushing a submissive’s boundaries. It’s about establishing a bond and fulfilling another man’s needs. In Joshua’s case, he’ll have to strike a balance between meeting the young man’s expectations and drawing firm lines that will save Joshua from himself.

Table of Contents

Blurb

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

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Copyright

For my friend and editor Jason Bradley. Because of you, this story had to be told.

Chapter One

NASH MEAD stood outside a nondescript door, his heart thumping rapidly and his skin tingling with anticipation. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, searching for a little calm. He was a Dom with a reputation for being stern; this place—the Underground Club—was his playground, and yet, he could control himself no better than a young, inexperienced pup. He hadn’t been this worked up or this excited in…. Fuck! It had been years. He took in one more deep breath and held it before blowing it out slowly. He sought that peaceful place within him. Typically, he could call it up with ease, but tonight he was having a great deal of difficulty. He rolled his neck and squared his shoulders, then opened the door.

The scent of leather, sweat, and male arousal hung in the air. The distant thud of a flogger, the cries of pleasure-filled pain, moans, grunts and thumping bass filled the club, and the half-dressed men in tight leather completed the smorgasbord of sensual delights. Although Nash had been indulging in the rich offering of lust the Underground Club had to offer for years, recently his needs and desires had changed. It was as if he were entering the club for the first time, full of nervous energy and eagerness.

Standing near the entrance, Nash scanned the dimly lit room, seeking out the handsome face with lean, angular features and those bright green eyes that haunted his dreams.

A twinge of disappointment settled in his gut when he couldn’t find the man he sought within the crowd. Troy always brought his boy to the club on Thursday nights. Perhaps it was too early. Nash checked his watch—nine thirty—they should have been here by now. Nash made his way to the bar, nodding to those who greeted him. He found a spot at the end and stood with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. If that wasn’t enough to keep others from approaching him, he was sure his dark, brooding attitude would do it. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. He was a fucking mess. Hell, he’d been a mess for months, all due to Joshua.

Nash wasn’t a rookie; he’d been a member of this club and living the lifestyle for close to a decade. He lived by a strict set of rules and demanded his submissives follow them to the letter. And yet, each time he laid eyes on Joshua, Nash wanted to run to him. He wanted to brush his fingers across the dark stubble on his jaw, taste those full lips and—codes of conduct be damned—steal him away from his Dom. There was little doubt that if he approached Troy and asked for permission to touch, to fuck and beat, the Dom would grant it. Troy often shared his submissives with others. However, Nash didn’t dare ask. He wanted so much more than a scene, a single experience. He wanted to possess Joshua and make him his own.

He didn’t understand this new obsession. It went far beyond the disrespect Nash had for Troy as a Dominant or the way he treated his boys—on the verge of abuse in Nash’s opinion—although he was sure that was part of it. But from the first moment he’d seen Joshua’s stunning green eyes, Nash had been a goner for the submissive. That night, Troy had embarrassed his boy, treated him as nothing more than a plaything to be quickly tossed aside rather than the precious gift Joshua was. It had taken every bit of control Nash could muster to keep from striking Troy and rescuing the boy.

A glimpse of a head covered in long black hair caused Nash’s pulse to kick up. Even with the two-inch soles on his heavy black boots, his five-foot-ten-inch height put him at a disadvantage. He went up on tiptoes and craned his neck to see over the crowd. A smile curled his lip when he finally spotted the man he’d been seeking. Joshua wore loose-fitting jeans with a silver-studded black belt holding the pants up on his lean hips. Strips of broad black leather stretched across his well-defined chest and around to his back in the form of a V. The harness was held together by a two silver O-rings. One over his breast bone, the second one between his shoulder blades. Joshua was skinnier than Nash, but they were the same height.

“Good evening, Master Nash. Is there anything I can get for you?”

Nash cut a quick glance at the boy who had just appeared in front of him. Denny was a little wisp of a man, yet much stronger than he appeared and quite handsome. Nash had enjoyed the sub’s company several times, but since fixating on Joshua, Nash simply hadn’t been moved to take another.

“Thank you, boy, but I don’t require anything tonight,” Nash informed him without taking his gaze from Joshua. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Nash worked his way through the crowd, finding a spot on the far side of the club where he could lean against the wall and have the perfect vantage point from which to watch Joshua. The submissive kept his head down, his long hair obscuring his face, as he went to his knees gracefully next to the chair Troy had taken. A second, smaller man with longish blond hair who Nash didn’t recognize knelt on the other side of Troy. To anyone else watching the trio, nothing would seem amiss. Troy often entered the club with two submissives. However, Nash had spent hours studying every nuance of Joshua’s movements and demeanor and could tell something wasn’t right.

Joshua’s posture was always perfect, yet relaxed. Tonight there was palpable tension in his muscles and his hands were clasped so tightly behind his back, his knuckles were white. Nash had the uncanny feeling Joshua was hanging his head in shame rather than bowing it in respect.

Several minutes passed. Joshua didn’t move, yet Nash’s unease ratcheted up with each tick of the clock. Troy continually ran his fingers through the unknown sub’s hair, occasionally bending down as if to speak to him, while completely ignoring Joshua. It took ironclad willpower on Nash’s part not to stomp over and rescue Joshua from the isolation imposed upon him. But it wasn’t Nash’s place. Troy wasn’t breaking any rules, and as much as Nash wished otherwise, Joshua wasn’t his. Plus, Joshua was allowing his Dom to treat him in such a poor manner. Why didn’t he safeword or simply get up and walk away? It was beyond Nash’s comprehension, but obviously the mistreatment must have been acceptable to Joshua since he allowed it week after week.

Suddenly and without provocation, Troy palmed Joshua’s head and pulled it back. The angry expression on Troy’s face and the fear on Joshua’s had Nash pushing off the wall before he thought better of it and heading to the table.

Upon reaching the trio, Nash overheard Troy spit, “Why the fuck can’t you make me look as good as Mark does?”

Although rage was coursing through him, Nash kept his features neutral and slid casually into the chair opposite Troy. “Evening, Troy. Mind if I join you?”

Troy snapped his head up, his angry expression morphing into one of surprise, but he recovered quickly and smiled. He released his hold on Joshua’s head and patted it as he said, “Considering you’ve already taken a seat, be my guest.”

“Sorry for being so bold, but I couldn’t help but notice your boy and wanted to compliment you on such masculine perfection. You must be very proud of him.”

Troy’s smile grew, his cocky attitude firmly in place when he laid his hand on his other boy’s shoulder. “Why yes I am. He is quite lovely, isn’t he?”

“Oh, he’s beautiful,” Nash agreed. He nodded toward Joshua. “But I meant him.”

“What?”

The look on Troy’s face was priceless. For the second time, Nash had surprised the arrogant bastard, and he couldn’t help but grin. “He caught my eye the moment you entered the club. His posture is exemplary and the way he so gracefully went to his knees….” Nash cocked his head and stared at Joshua as if he were considering his words, but it was all for dramatic effect. He already knew what he was going to say. He looked up and met Troy’s stunned gaze. “You wouldn’t by chance be willing to share him with me tonight, would you? I have an itch I do believe he may be able to scratch.”

Troy’s brow furrowed, a disbelieving expression on his face as he looked back and forth between Nash and Joshua. How could the bastard not see how handsome Joshua was?

Troy’s gaze settled on Nash, and his arrogant demeanor returned. He leaned back in his chair and waved his hand dismissively at Joshua. “Take him. Do what you want. I have no use for him tonight.”

The anger flared again, and Nash put his hands beneath the table and clenched them into fists to control the urge to slap the asshole upside his idiot skull. Wasn’t Troy going to set rules or boundaries? It didn’t matter that Nash had an excellent reputation within the club. It was Troy’s responsibility always to think of his submissive’s safety first. There was so much he wanted to say and do, but instead he went to his feet and gritted out, “Thank you, I appreciate your generosity.”

“You’re welcome.” Troy turned to Joshua. “Go with Master Nash and do as he tells you. If I get a less-than-favorable report, you will pay considerably for your disrespect. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Sir,” Joshua responded quietly. He went to his feet, keeping his head low.

Nash made his way to the bar, Joshua silently walking to heel. On the way, Nash took the opportunity to calm himself. He was beyond pissed at Troy, but now that he had finally gotten the chance to spend time with Joshua, Nash refused to let his ire drive him.

“Good evening. What can I get for you, Master Nash?” Conrad, the bartender, asked.

“Evening, boy. Could you retrieve me a key as well as two bottles of water?”

“Yes, sir. The King’s Suite is currently the only room we have available. But if you’d like to wait, I believe the Whipping Room will be available shortly.”

“The suite is fine.”

Nash thrummed his fingers against the polished wood surface as he discreetly studied Joshua in the mirror behind the bar. The irritation swirling through Nash was not Joshua’s fault, and it would be unfair to take it out on him. He took the opportunity to let Joshua’s nearness drain the ill temperament from him. By the time Conrad handed him the key and water bottles, he’d been able to rein in his anger and allow his excitement at getting Joshua to flow through him.

Once again, Joshua followed him. Nash didn’t have to look behind him to see the boy; he could feel his presence close to his back. Nash unlocked the door and swung it open. “After you.”

Hands clasped behind his back, Joshua did as he was told, going to the center of the room. He adjusted his stance, pushed out his chest, and waited for instructions.

Nash closed and locked the door, then set the key on the small table near the entryway. “Have a seat and relax.”

“Sir?” Joshua sounded confused.

“Which didn’t you understand? The have-a-seat part or the relaxing part?”

“Both, Sir,” Joshua admitted. “Where would you like me to sit?”

Nash studied the room. There was a large four-poster king-size bed covered in luxurious dark burgundy silk and an ornate armoire Nash knew was stocked with supplies as well as numerous dildos and plugs. The room also contained a small sitting area comprised of two leather wingback chairs separated by a beautifully carved wooden table. The whole room from the furniture to the fine art on the walls was a bit over-the-top for Nash’s taste. He’d been in the room only a few times when, like tonight, it was the only one available. He briefly considered having Joshua sit on the bed, then just as quickly dismissed the idea. Joshua plus the bed was too much of a temptation.

“You may take one of the chairs,” Nash told him.

“Yes, Sir.” Joshua did as instructed. It took him a moment to find the correct position, finally settling on entwining his fingers and resting his hands on his lap. He followed only part of Nash’s order. Joshua was far from relaxed, but Nash supposed it couldn’t be helped. He doubted anyone had ever given the submissive such a command.

Nash sat in the empty chair and set the water bottles on the table. “Does your master often share you without setting guidelines?”

Joshua visibly stiffened. Even though his head was bowed, his long hair hiding his features from Nash, the panic in the boy was palpable. “I… I’m sorry, Sir. I’m not sure how to answer that.”

“Honestly. Before you answer, tuck your hair behind your ears. I wish to see your face.”

“Yes, sir.” Joshua did as he was instructed. Nash was now able to see the worry and confusion etched on Joshua’s face. “I don’t know what guidelines you speak of, Sir. I don’t make the rules. I only follow them.”

“Yes, but you would know if he has done this before. Has he given you to another Dom without asking that Dom what his intentions were or setting clear boundaries?”

Joshua swallowed, then pursed his lips. “I don’t question him, Sir.”

Nash blew out a heavy breath. “Are you comfortable with the arrangement?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Nash knew Joshua was lying. The way he had hesitated before answering was telling. “So you do not care about your safety?”

“Master Troy knows what’s right for me.”

“Bullshit!” Nash jumped to his feet and began pacing. “Don’t you realize he’s putting you in danger? He didn’t even bother to ask me what I planned on doing with you. You think that’s caring about your fucking safety?”

“I… I….” Joshua began to tremble and seemed to shrink into himself. “Please don’t ask me to speak poorly of Master Troy. I… I can’t, Sir.”

Nash stopped and stared at the devastated-looking Joshua. The man was wringing his hands and shaking. The anger instantly drained from Nash. What the hell am I doing? He was going about this all wrong. Questioning a submissive about his Dominant was crossing a line. He had no proof Troy was abusing Joshua, only a suspicion. He should be demanding these answers from Troy, not tormenting his submissive.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you such things.”

Joshua was well trained. He didn’t respond since Nash hadn’t asked him a direct question. No way had this been Troy’s doing. He’d only been bringing the boy into the club for the past couple of months. Nash was damn sure going to find out who had trained Joshua and how he had come to belong to Troy. Nash’s first instinct was to grab Joshua, wrap him in a hug, and ease the tension from his body. Instead, he returned to his chair and took a bottle of water, twisting off the cap and downing a good amount. He needed to figure out how to get the answers he wanted without distressing Joshua further. But how?

“Would you like some water?” Nash offered.

“No thank you, Sir.”

Nash studied Joshua for a moment. He seemed to have settled a bit now that Nash was no longer grilling him with questions about his master. He was far from done, though. He planned to get to the bottom of what the hell Joshua was doing with an asshole like Troy, but he’d find out in another place and time, and then it wouldn’t be Joshua who would be withstanding Nash’s interrogation. Instead, he set those need-to-know questions aside and asked Joshua some easier, more generic questions.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-five, Sir.”

“Are you h—” Nash started to ask him if he was happy but snapped his mouth shut. That was another unfair question. He ran his fingers through his hair and blew out a frustrated breath. Fuck! How much was this truly about Joshua rather than Nash’s crazy obsession with the man?

“Your accent says you’re from the south.”

After a long silence, Nash realized he hadn’t asked Joshua a question. Man, he was rattled. He needed to get his shit together. “Where are you from?”

“Tennessee, Sir.”

Nash smiled. He liked the lilt of Joshua’s voice when he wasn’t so panicked. It was dark, whiskey smooth, and like a kiss against Nash’s skin. “Beautiful country in Tennessee. Why on earth would you want to move to Flint, Michigan?”

“I came here with my Dom, Sir.”

“And your Dom gave you to Master Troy?”

Joshua’s shoulders slumped and the sadness radiating off him was unmistakable. “No, Sir. I…. If you don’t… I mean….” He blew out a heavy breath. “Sorry, Sir.”

Nash’s gut twisted. He’d thought he was doing the right thing by rescuing Joshua from the way Troy was treating him in the club and here he was tormenting the poor man.

“Dammit, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pried into your personal life.” He patted his shirt pocket, searching for a smoke—a habit he’d given up nearly a year ago, but Christ would he love to have one at the moment. Joshua wasn’t the only one who was nervous. Nash picked at the label on the water bottle instead while he contemplated what to say next. This was completely new territory for him. He’d never been affected so deeply by a stranger and had never been so out of sorts. It was both exciting and maddening in equal measures.

A long silence followed. Finally, Nash said, “I’m fucking this up, aren’t I?”

“Sir?”

“I can’t take all the credit for my irrational behavior tonight. Some of the blame falls on your shoulders, you know?”

“Sir?” Joshua repeated, his voice rising in apparent alarm.

“If you weren’t so fucking stunning, I might be able to focus a bit more. It’s hard to think when the blood my brain so obviously needs has pooled in my groin.”

He’d never seen Joshua look as happy as he did upon hearing Nash’s compliment. The curl of lip hit Nash directly in the center of his chest. He could only imagine what effect a full-on smile would have on him.

“I’m quite serious, you know?” Nash added. “You are by far one of the most handsome men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

“Thank you, Sir, but I’m just me.”

“Hmm and modest too. I like that. So what kind of tale shall we come up with to relay to your master? I would hate for you to be punished on my account.”

Joshua tilted his head. Nash could see he was trying to sneak a look at him, but his training didn’t allow him to lift his face or look Nash directly in the eye. “Tale, Sir?”

“I brought you back here on a whim. I shouldn’t have intervened between you and your master. I understand that now. But I have no use for your body tonight.”

Once again Joshua’s shoulders slumped, and the happy expression was instantly gone.

“Not that I wouldn’t love to,” Nash amended quickly. God, how he wanted to, but not like this. The Dom/sub relationship was based on mutual needs and pleasures. And yet, strange as it seemed, Nash felt as if he’d be using Joshua. “I brought you back here under false pretenses and for that, I do apologize.”

“No apology needed, Sir. I only wish to please you, Sir.”

Nash considered Joshua’s offer for a moment. “There is one thing you can do for me. Stand and display in the center of the room.”

Joshua stood and strolled to the center of the room. Nash gave him a moment to get into position before he pushed to his feet and moved close to Joshua, getting his first up close and personal look. Nash swallowed down a gasp when he found several white scars that covered Joshua’s back, including numerous discolored keloids covering the lumbar area as well as both shoulders. Nash moved to stand in front of Joshua, the remnants of old wounds continuing across the man’s chest and down both arms. Nash didn’t know whether to rage or cry at the roadmap of abuse to such beautiful skin.

Nash ran the tip of his index finger over a recently healed mark below Joshua’s navel. “Who did this to you?” His voice cracked with a swell of conflicting emotions.

“I made a mistake and was properly disciplined, Sir.”

Jesus fuck, this roadmap of torture across Joshua’s body wasn’t proper anything.It was so beyond okay. Nash was having a difficult time processing what he was seeing. He also had no idea what to say. So instead, he said nothing, not trusting himself to say something that wouldn’t upset Joshua further than he already had. He would be looking into this; it was far from over, but not now, not at this moment. “You will please me by giving me a kiss.”

“A kiss, Sir?”

“You do know what a kiss is, don’t you?”

“Yes, Sir, it’s just….” Joshua shifted slightly, no doubt a nervous habit, but he caught himself quickly and straightened his spine and stilled. “No one has ever asked for me to kiss them.”

“Do you have a problem with my request?”

“No, Sir. Not at all. I would very much like to please you with a kiss.”

Nash had to bend his knees to press his lips to Joshua’s since his head was bowed. The instant their mouths met, an electrical jolt shot down Nash’s spine, nearly stopping his breath. With the tips of his fingers, he lifted Joshua’s chin so he could deepen the kiss. Joshua’s lips parted, and Nash dove in, tasting and exploring with relish. Nash thread his fingers through Joshua’s silky hair, holding him close.

The urge to take it further, to lay Joshua down on the bed and take what he desired, what he needed, was overwhelming, and Nash ended the kiss before he gave in to it. He took a step back, getting a glimpse of Joshua’s bright green eyes before he lowered them.

Once again, Nash was hit with the urge to strip Joshua, cover his body with his own, look into those beautiful eyes, and bring them both to a new level of pleasure. You are a fool. He spun on his heels and retrieved the water bottles, tossing them in the trash before moving to the door. He picked up his keys and unlocked the door.

“I’m sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. Come along, I’ll take you back to your master.”

Nash opened the door, aware of Joshua behind him. Nash struggled with keeping his feet moving. He hated the fact that he had to return Joshua to his asshole Dom. Hopefully, if everything worked to his advantage, this would be the last time.

“Done already?” Troy asked as Nash approached the table. “I take it you didn’t find him as pleasing as you thought.”

The disdain in Troy’s voice caused Nash to want to commit murder, but he stubbornly pushed the urge down and kept his voice neutral and his expression even. “He brought me immense pleasure with his mouth.” Nash waited until Joshua was once again kneeling at his master’s side before Nash moved around to the other end of the table. He leaned down and whispered in Troy’s ear. “If you put one more scar on his flesh, it will be you I will take my pleasure from.”

Troy pushed to his feet, his chest puffed out and a sneer curling his lip. “Who the hell do you think you are to tell me what I can and cannot do with my boy?”

Troy had a few inches on Nash, as well as a good twenty pounds, but Nash wasn’t intimidated nor would he back down. He curled his hand into a fist, his nails digging into his palm with the effort it took not to throw a punch. He couldn’t be this close to Troy and not succumb to violence. “Abuse him and see what happens.”

With that, Nash walked away. Everything in him screamed for him to take Joshua with him, but he couldn’t. He would soon, but he couldn’t go into this blindly. He needed to find out what he could about Joshua. Knowledge was power, and Nash was all about power.

Chapter Two

DAMN, HE needed a drink. A stiff one.Better yet, two stiff ones. Nash ran his fingers through his damp brown hair, the longer strands of his fauxhawk sticking to his forehead. He did his best to put himself together, but whether he succeeded, he didn’t have a clue. Inside he was a mess; he could only hope his inner turmoil didn’t show in his features. He headed to the bar, surprised to see his old friend and the owner of the Underground, Malcolm Hodges. At forty-one, Malcolm was nearly ten years Nash’s senior but one wouldn’t know it to look at him. Malcolm’s thick salt-and-pepper hair was cut in a modern pompadour, and other than a few laugh lines around his blue eyes, his olive skin was smooth and flawless. He also kept up with the latest fashion trends, but when Malcolm was at the club, he wore his signature tailored black suit, ever the stylish-looking gentleman. Nash slid onto the stool next to him. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” he said by way of greeting as he patted Malcolm on the back. “You look well.”

“Yes, well, looks can be deceiving. Ten days with my family has made me completely crazy.”

“You come by it naturally,” Nash teased. “How are they doing?”

Malcolm sighed dramatically. “Mother refused to go to rehab because she’d miss senior citizen’s day at the casino. I told her if she could get up and walk to the car, I’d allow her to go.”

“And?”

Malcolm gave Nash an aggrieved look. “Crazy woman had a double knee replacement and tried to leave the hospital. Luckily Aunt Ester had hidden Mom’s clothes. Ester, by the way, informed me she has been praying each Sunday for my damned soul.”

“That was big of her.”

“I thought so,” Malcolm replied with a shrug. “What are you drinking?”

“Whiskey.”

Malcolm arched a brow at him. “That bad?”

“You have no idea.”

“I can’t wait to hear this.” Malcolm waved a hand at Conrad. “Boy, bring me a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.”

“Two?” Nash inquired.

“Yes, I figure if you need it, then I’m going to need it by the time you tell me your reasoning. Save the poor boy a trip.”

“I’m not even sure of my fucking reasoning,” Nash grumbled.

“Considering the angry vibes coming from you after you spent time with Troy’s boy, I’d say it was something important.”

“The man just rubs me the wrong way is all,” Nash hedged.

“Hold that thought.”

Conrad set two glasses and a bottle of Irish whiskey in front of them. “Would you like me to pour them for you, Sir?”

“No, thank you. Run along, boy, private conversation here.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Malcolm filled each glass with a good measure and threw his drink back before refilling it. He slid the other glass toward Nash. “Now you may continue.”

Nash swirled the light amber liquid in his glass before taking a sip. The fruity flavor transitioned to something more earthy and salty. It was very smooth and warmed Nash all the way to his gut. “This is wonderful.” Nash took another sip.

“Yes, yes, I’ll have a bottle sent to you. Now back to the conversation at hand. You know how I despise not being in the know.”

Nash set his glass down and looked over at Malcolm pointedly. “What do you know about Troy’s new submissive, Joshua?”

“Not a lot.”

Nash regarded Malcolm for a moment and then downed the rest of his drink. “I think Troy may be abusing him.”

Malcolm appeared to be stunned. “Did Joshua tell you that?”

Nash poured himself another healthy shot and took it with him when he sat back in his chair. “No, he didn’t say anything against his Dom. Call it a gut instinct.”

“You know I trust you and your gut, but I have to ask, are you sure your opinion isn’t….” Malcolm waved his hand around. “You know, due to your dislike of Troy?”

Nash swirled his whiskey, staring at the movement of the liquid as he considered Malcolm’s question. It was true he had never been a fan of Troy’s. Upon meeting the man, Nash had walked away with a lingering distaste. Troy was arrogant, rude, and a complete asshole, often looking down his nose at others. This was no doubt partly due to his upbringing, being a trust-fund baby. The fucker didn’t know what it meant to put in an honest day’s work. Nash also didn’t approve of the way Troy treated his submissives, but who was he to judge what two consenting adults did together? Humiliation wasn’t something he was into, neither personally nor as something he would ever subject a submissive to. His distaste for the practice didn’t make it wrong. Be that as it may, he was envious of Troy. Nash could easily admit that he was smitten with Joshua. He supposed it was possible that he was allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment. But the scars on Joshua’s flesh spoke otherwise. Nash couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that Joshua was, in fact, being abused.

“I don’t know, I guess that could be part of it,” Nash finally admitted.

“And yet, your suspicion lingers.”

Nash nodded. “I have no proof, but I intend to look into the matter further.”

“What can I do to help?”

Nash looked up and met Malcolm’s gaze. “You honor me, old friend.”

“I’ve known you for many years, and you aren’t one to make frivolous accusations. If you say something is going on, I believe you. Besides, you know I won’t stand for anyone being abused within this club, nor could I idly sit by and allow it outside of these walls if I can help it.”

“You’re a good man, Malcolm. I hope I’m wrong about this, but I don’t think so.” Nash took a sip of his whiskey. “If you could see what you can find out about Joshua, I’d much appreciate it. I know he came to Michigan from Tennessee with his old Dom. I need to know who that was and how he ended up with Troy. Also, who he’s played with, his likes, dislikes.”

“I’ll see what I can discover.”

“Oh, stop being so coy.” Nash patted Malcolm’s arm and chuckled. “You’re like a bloodhound when you want information. I have no doubt you’ll find it all out. You’ll probably be able to tell me what size his dick is.”

“Six and a half inches.”

It was Nash’s turn to be stunned. “And you know this how? You said you barely knew anything about the man.”

Malcolm waved his hand flippantly. “The boy wears very tight pants from time to time. I have eyes. I also regard myself as a cock connoisseur.”

“A cock connoisseur? Are you serious?” Nash laughed.

“Quite serious,” Malcolm remarked with a sly grin.

Nash shook his head, then raised his glass. Malcolm clinked his against it, his smile growing. Nash took another drink, slower this time. It would do him no good to get sloshed. He wasn’t a very pleasant drunk, and with the irritation churning in his gut, the whiskey would be fuel for a very unpleasant eruption.

“Oh, I just remembered,” Malcolm said suddenly. “I’ve heard rumors that Joshua hooked up with Kirk when he first arrived in Flint. Now, I don’t know if they are true. You know how this lot loves to gossip. But it wouldn’t hurt to ask him. He’s at the other end of the bar.” He nodded in that direction.

“Kirk?” Nash asked, astonished. Kirk Gaines was one of the kinkiest sons of bitches Nash had ever met. His likes bordered on truly perverse. He was also into dishing out some hardcore pain. The bullwhip was one of Kirk’s favorite implements. “What in the hell would Joshua be doing with the likes of him?”

“The love of pain?” Malcolm suggested. “But as I said, it’s merely a rumor.”

Nash drained his glass and stood up. “Only one way to find out if it’s true.” He adjusted his clothes, poured himself another drink, and headed to the end of the bar.

“Good evening, Kirk.” Nash took the seat next to him.

“Hey, Nash. How are you doing tonight? Finding any action that suits you?”

“Not looking for action, only answers.”

Kirk eyed Nash’s drink and then met his gaze. “I never trust the answers I find in booze.”

“Nor do I. Rumor has it you’ve played with Joshua before?”

“Troy’s new boy?” Kirk asked.

Nash nodded and sipped his drink.

“Yeah, I played with him once and that was enough for me.” Kirk looked unnerved as he ran his fingers through his long grayish beard, suddenly looking every bit of his forty-five years. “Trust me, that’s a hornet’s nest you do not want to get tangled up in. That boy is a complete and utter fucking mess.”

Damn, Nash hadn’t expected that type of reaction to the mention of Joshua’s name. Still, he wasn’t deterred, his interest in the submissive all the more piqued. “What do you mean by mess?”

“He has no limits. Like zero fucking limits.”

“That’s impossible. Everyone has their limits.”

“Not Joshua. He’s as bad as a heroin junkie, only his drug of choice is pain. He’s constantly looking for the bigger and better high. He’ll let you kill him before he’ll safeword.”

Nash propped his elbow on the bar and ran his goatee through his thumb and index finger as he considered Kirk’s words. If Joshua were a pain junkie, it could be a whole lot worse than a nest of swarming bugs. A submissive who required that much work wasn’t what Nash was looking to get into. He hadn’t had a full-time sub for many years and wasn’t sure he wanted one. To push a submissive to his limits was one thing, but to try and teach them limits when they had none was a whole other kind of hardship. Did he want to take on such a responsibility? He cut a glance toward Joshua, who was still kneeling at Troy’s feet and still being ignored. Fuck! The way his chest tightened when he looked at the man, Nash already knew the answer. He would do everything in his power to see that Joshua wasn’t abused and that he didn’t suffer one more mark of a Dom gone too far.

Nash picked up his glass and raised it as he stood. “Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. Seriously, Nash, think about what I said long and hard before you consider playing with that boy. He may not have limits, but I assure you, he will push you to yours.”

“I’ve taken it to heart.” Nash nodded. “Have a pleasant evening.”

“Same to you.”

It was worse than Nash had thought. A pain slut addicted to the high with no limits? Jesus!