The Playroom

Chapter Four

A week later, Trey and I ended up meeting downtown at a bar that hosts live music. There are a few local bands I’ve come to know, and whenever possible, I try to support them.

“Why are we here? Can’t we just go to gay club down the street and be among other gays,” Trey complaint, his voice irritated while looking around at crowd of mostly straight people.

“I told you over the phone—you owe me a birthday gift, and this is what I want,” I replied with a grin.

“Fine. What do you want to drink?”

“Ummmm, how about a Cosmopolitan. It’s been ages since I’ve had one of those.”

“You got it.”

Trey disappeared into the crowd, heading towards the bar. I really didn’t feel like going to a gay bar tonight. It’s the same bullshit every time—the same guys, the same drag queens, the same drama. Nothing ever changes. Plus, I don’t have to worry about being hit on or hearing the usual tacky pickup lines.

Hi handsome.

What’s a good looking guy like you doing all by yourself?

Top or bottom?

Maybe that’s why my dating life is almost non-existent, and honestly, I’m okay with that. No guy has ever kept my interest longer than ten minutes...well, except for Master Leo. But that was nothing—a sexy encounter between me and a blonde built man.

In a previous conversation, Trey asked me why I didn’t accept his hour session at Wonderland. I told him exactly what I said to Emily: it’s not my thing. There was no need for further explanation.

“If I could have everybody’s attention,” A man in a black shirt and jeans and baseball cap said in a microphone on stage, “we’ll be starting soon. Grab our drinks, find a table, and enjoy some great music tonight. Door fees collected from the door are one hundred percent going back to the bands, so you being here means a whole fucking lot.”

The crowd roared with cheers.

I looked back at the bar to see what was taking Trey so long with our drinks. The place was packed, as people were inching their way around making it difficult to spot him.

Knowing it would be busy, Trey and I had arrived early to snag a decent table with a good view of the stage. I’d learned my lesson the first time I came here—I arrived five minutes before the show started and ended up stuck near the front door, unable to see anything or move through the crowd.

Continuing to look through the crowd, my eyes met a few people’s, exchanging smiles and sending away others who tried to occupy Trey’s seat.

“Hi there,” a deep voice said behind me.

“This seat is taken, thanks,” I replied quickly, still looking for Trey.

“It’s Drew, right?”

Confused, I spun around to face whoever had addressed me. Thoughts raced through my mind—was this a guy I’d been on a date with, or worse, someone I hooked up with recently? But the panic faded when I recognized the soft smile. I was now inches away from the one person I thought I’d never see again.

Master Leo.

Holy fuck.

How is this even possible?

Okay, sure, it’s not like it’s impossible for us to run into each other, but still—how could it happen now?

Wonderland’s dungeon master was standing in front of me again, still sexy if not more, with his blonde hair slicked back, wearing a tight black t-shirt and jeans that hugged his body in all the right places. His piercing blue eyes you just can’t stop staring into and the familiar flirty smirk were back. He locked eyes with me, and I felt frozen, unable to respond.

“Hello?” he said, waving his hand in front of my face to draw my focus back to reality.

“Oh sorry. I’m just shocked to see you outside of Wonderland.”

“You know I’m just a normal guy like you. I do enjoy live music and a nice night out.”

“Oh, silly me.”

Oh, silly me? Who even says that? I certainly don’t talk this way. It’s all Master Leo’s fault with his sexiness and hot body, especially tonight.

“What’s your name? Or should I still call you Master Leo?” I half-joke, unsure of the rules still.

A little laugh escaped him.

“Remember, within Wonderland’s walls I’m Master Leo. Outside, I’m just Leo,” he clarified.

Leo moved in closer to me, and I caught a whiff of his scent—a mix of musk with a hint of peppermint. He smelled like sex and candy, and I couldn't help but feel my mouth water a bit.

“Isn’t Leo your dominant name?”

Leo chuckled again.

“Some doms and subs choose different names, but I never found anything that suited me better than my own name. It makes the paperwork easier—less confusing”

It actually made total sense.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but could we talk about someting other than the dungeon?” Leo asked politely.

“Oh, of course. We can talk about something else, Leo.”

It felt strangely nice not having to add “Master” every time I addressed him. It made him seem more approachable, less intimidating. Like I can separate him from Wonderland now.

“That line was fucking terrible, and it took forever to get our order in with these bartenders,” Trey grumbled, thrusting a pink drink into my hand.

He raised his voice, looking back toward the bar, “Just because I don’t have a nice set of tits doesn’t mean I don’t exist!”

Shooting him awkwardly, my eyes shifted left and back at him signaling that we had company.

“Oh, and who is this handsome fella?”

Trey extended his hand in an exaggerated, dainty princess gesture. Without hesitation, Leo took it, kissing the top as if we were back in the powdered wig and face-paint era.

“I’m Leo. The pleasure is mine,” Leo said smoothly, “I’m a friend of Drew’s.”

“Since when? Drew has never mentioned you. How did you guys meet?” Trey pressed.

“Don’t interrogate,” I mumbled under my breath.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” Leo said, smelling, “We actually met a few weeks ago. Business.”

It wasn’t a lie. Leo and I had indeed met a few weeks ago, and it was all business—of the pleasure kind. Leo’s easy response made me wonder if he’d been in situations like this before and not at all arrogant previously.

Regardless, it was smooth, and Trey seemed to buy. I really didn’t need him knowing anything about Wonderland’s dungeon master, and I had a feeling Leo liked to keep things private and if this conversation continues, well Trey is going to ask more pertinent questions.

“Did you invite him out and just not tell me?” Trey asked.

Before I could answer, Leo jumped in.

“Actually, I saw him from across the room and decided to say hello. If I’m intruding in any sort of way...”

“Not at all,” I blurted out quickly.

There was a pause between all of us as Trey and Leo looked at me wondering about my sudden outburst. My best friend is already thinking I’m into this guy and Leo well, he probably thinks I’m a nutjob by now and this just added to it.

“You know me, I wouldn’t blindside you like that,” I added, trying to calm Trey down, “Leo, it was supposed to be us tonight, but you’re more than welcome to join.”

Leo’s face lit up with a genuine smile.

“I’d love to join, thank you. Are you sure it’s not bother?”

“Not at all,” Trey said, sucking down more of his vodka tonic, “Here, take my seat. It’s not good to sit for too long periods of time anyways. Don’t want to get chair-ass.”

Leo nodded, moving behind me to switch spots with Trey, who now stood to my left. Another wave of Leo’s cologne hit me, sending shivers down my spine. As he moved behind me, his hand accidentally grazed my thigh, sending a jolt through me, leaving me momentarily forzen.

“Delicious,” I muttered under my breath.

“I’m sorry,” Leo asked, leaning closer.

“Didn’t say anything,” I said, forcing a smile.

Out of anyone I’d bump into, it had to be Leo. If I had known this, I’d would’ve worn something better than jeans and a polo. Something Sunday brunch and more...exciting.

Fuck.

“So Leo, do you have a boyfriend?” Trey asked, with zero subtlety.

“What makes you think he’s gay?” I loudly said, turning to Leo, “I’m so sorry, my friend has no boundaries.”

“It’s alright,” Leo laughed, “I am gay, and no, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

He’s gay.

And no boyfriend?

Guys like him—gorgeous and built—are either always taken or sleeping around with at least five other guys, or even in an open relationship and again sleeping with at least five other guys.

He’s either lying, which I don’t sense, or he’s very private to the point of keeping romantic relationships on the downlow. If that’s the case, why?

“Do you want a boyfriend?” Trey flirtatiously said, swirling his straw seductively in his mouth.

“Trey!”

“What!? It’s a legit question. And you heard him, he’s gay and without a boyfriend. I’m single and without a boyfriend as well—why not?”

Leo chuckled, taking a sip of his draft beer, “Trey, I’m flattered, but I’ve got my eye on someone at the moment.”

My heart sank.

Why did it sting so much? It;s not like I was pursuing him. And even if I was, it probably wouldn’t work—he’s into BDSM, and I’m vanilla as they come.

Why do I want him so badly? I’ve never wanted someone this badly before. Hell, I masturbated to him pounding my ass that left me cumming so hard all over myself, thinking my balls were completely dry.

God...it was hot though.

“That’s a shame,” Trey muttered sarcastically, “You seem like a man who knows how fuck...deep.”

“Trey!” I said, gritting my teeth.

Leo’s eyes darkened, and he turned to Trey with a smirk, “I don’t think you could handle me,” he said smoothly, then shifted his gaze to me, his eyes smoldering as they lingered on my lips.

Why was he looking at me like that? His gaze was so heated, so deliberate, it felt as if he was imagining his lips against mine. Was he just teasing, or was there something else? Is it just me, or was he telling me he was interested in me? Who am I kidding? Guys like Leo don’t go for guys like me. That’s just how it is.

The lights dimmed, and the crowd shuffled and settled into their seats. Spotlights illuminated the first band, Man Case. They weren’t bad—a mix of pop and bluegrass—and had a couple of decent songs.

The crowd started up a mild roar while some sang-a-long.

Leo tapped my shoulder, trying to get my attention. He said something, but the music was so loud I couldn’t make out the words.

“What?” I asked, shrugging and gesturing at my ear to indicate I couldn’t understand him.

In a swift move, Leo grabbed the bottom of my chair and pulled it closer to him. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear as he repeated his question.

“Do you like this band?”

Leo just made himself ten times hotter.

The way he effortlessly took control—it was intoxicating. My body reacted instinctively. His dominance wasn’t just in the dungeon; it seemed to seep into everything he did. Is he aware of what he does to people when he pulls a stunt like that? Or is this just how he is? Either way, I was completely caught in his orbit, and I couldn’t but crave more.

Does someone stop being dominant outside the dungeon, or does it come through when it feels right? There are so many rules and dynamics in BDSM, and it can all be mentally exhausting thinking about it.

And this is why I’m vanilla.

A little kissing, stick it in, pump, and hope it’s not awkward after.

Amidst the deafening music and chatter of the bar, I gave him a thumbs-up to indicate the band was just okay.

Trey tapped my shoulder, giving me a disgusted look before pointing at this phone. He’d sent me a text. I quickly checked what the messages said.

“I love you, but this music is where I draw the line. Find me at the gay bar when you’re done...bring your boo-thang with you ;)”

“Boo-thang, Really? He’s just a friend and you want to leave?” I replied.

“Yes I want to leave. But, enjoy yourself with Leo. Seems like you two are getting rather comfortable around each other!”

I met Trey’s eyes, and he winked. Hen then tapped Leo on the arm, waved goodbye, and disappeared into the crowd before the next chorus.

And just like that, Leo and I were alone.

We bopped along to the band’s set, teasing each other and signing off-eky. I was really looking forward to the next band, The West Nightingale. They were the whole reason I came out tonight. Too bad Trey couldn’t appreciate music like this—he was all about the traditional gay mothers of pop, Mariah Carey and Britney Spears.

I could feel Leo’s gaze on me, the intensity of it making the butterflies within come alive. A warmth spread through my body, and for once, I didn’t mind the attention. Why was he looking at me like that? It was almost possessive, like he was staking a claim. There isn’t much I know about him—does he look at everyone like this?

Part of me wanted to ask about the guy he said he had his eye on, to make sure he wasn’t playing with me. But another part of me wanted to believe, to give in to this moment, to the way his gaze made me feel seen, desired, and completely undone.

The band wrapped up their set, and the bar returned to its usual buzz as people headed back to the bar for refills. This meant more conversation with Leo.

What else could we talk about?

I had so many questions about Wonderland and about him—like who was the first person he ever dominated? Was he ever a sub? What were his preferences? It felt strange to want to talk about this lifestyle that I never associated or fathomed about.

But, Leo didn’t want to talk about that.

“What do you like to do for fun?”

Leo turned to face me, his blue eyes locking on mine with intensity, giving me his undivided attention.

“I love to cook. It’s one of my favorite things to do,” he said.

“What things do you like to cook?”

“If you must know, Mr. Nosey...” Leo smirked, but before he could answer, the emcee returned to the stage.

“Can I have your attention please.”

We both drew our attention instantly to the main stage again where the same man who introduced the first band.

“It has been brought to my attention—much to our disappointment—that The West Nightingale will not be performing tonight. Our apologies. There are many other amazing bands that will be playing.”

A collective groan rippled through the crowd. My heart sank. This was the whole reason I’d come out on a weeknight. I guess Trey wasn’t missing anything after all. Still, tonight hadn’t been a waste. Spending time with Leo, getting to know him outside of Wonderland and surprising me with a one-eighty personality, made it worthwhile.

“I hate to do this, but with The West Nightingale not playing, I think I’m going to head home,” I told leo.

“What? You’re not going to stay for the rest of the bands?” he asked.

“I’ve heard them all before, and they don’t do it like Nightingale. They’re just not really my thing.”

"Well, I’d love to know what is your thing.”

Here he goes again, stuck on the word “thing” again. I gave him a shy smile. Was he flirting with me? Looking back on everything, it felt like he’d been doing this the entire time. His glances, the touch, even the way he leaned in close enough that I could feel his breath—all it made me feel like I was the only person in the room. There was tension between us, thick and undeniable, and I couldn't help but wonder if he felt it too. Did he want me as much as I was beginning to want him?

“You’re cute, but I should head out,” I said.

“Do you mind if I walk you home?”

My heart skipped a beat. As far as I knew, whatever this is, was just innocent flirting. And now he wanted to walk me home? My thoughts spun in circles, trying to untangle what his intentions were.

“Aren’t you staying for the rest of the show?”

“I could always come back, but I’d like to walk you home and talk more if that’s alright?” Leo said, his gaze piercing into me.

Spending more time with Leo sounded nice. Did I really want him knowing where I lived, though? Oddly, There was something about him that made me feel at ease now that I’ve gotten to know him a bit better. My gut, which usually screamed at me in situations like this, was silent.

“Sure. Why not?”

We gathered out things and made our way through the crowd to the exit. During the walk, Leo told me a little about himself, learning he has an older sister named Carrie, and how he majored in psychology—though he admitted it was purposeful because he wanted to understand the chemistry between people.

It made so much sense, especially considering his interest in BDSM. The way he spoke about connection, about understanding others on a deeper level—it all aligned perfectly with his role as a Dom. It wasn’t just about control for Leo; it was about unlocking something intimate, something raw, between two people. I began to understand better the fascination with human behavior and the bonds people form.

I had another question.

“What about love?” I asked, “Can doms experience this during interactions?”

“Of course. Love is just scratching the surface between the two. There’s so much more,” he explained.

As Leo spoke, his eyes seemed to deepen with every word, his voice growing softer, more intense. I could see the way he thought about relationships—not just as connections, but as intricate, meaningful bonds that needed to be cultivated and nurtured.

The way he described it, it was about unlocking the unspoken link between two people, something that went far beyond the physical. And for Leo, it seemed, this was how he found his truth.

Here I’d thought Leo just got off on overpowering people.

“This is me,” I said, pointing at my building.

Leo’s eyes scanned the architecture, taking in the neighborhood with a curious expression.

“Is something wrong?” I said, curious about his thoughts.

“No, not at all,” he said quickly, “It’s a nice neighborhood. Very quiet.”

“It’s not an oceanfront view, but it’s home.”

He chuckled softly.

“I should head in. I had fun tonight,” I said, smiling.

“Can I come up?”

I stared at him, stunned.

“Such a bold move, especially when you said you had your someone. I’m not that kind of guy.”

Leo chuckled again, but his eyes softened, the usual confident edge giving way to something gentler. His gaze held mine, as if searching for a sign, a permission to go further.

“Thanks for the walk, but this is where we part ways.”

I turned to head up the steps when...

“You really don’t see it?”

I came to a halt, twisting back around to face him. His eyes held a gentleness I hadn’t seen before that tugged something inside me.

“See what?”

“How much I like you. You’re the one I’ve been interested in. Since that day at Wonderland, you’ve been on my mind. Your presences, your energy—it drew me in And tonight, spending time with you, I know there’s something special here. If I’m wrong, tell me now.”

I was speechless. My mind was reeling, heart now pounding, and I could feel a warmth rising to my cheeks. No guys had ever said anything like that to me before—never with such raw vulnerability. I could see the honesty in his eyes, the way he was laying himself bare for me, and it made me feel something I hadn’t expected—something that left me breathless and aching for more.

On a sidenote.

It. Was. Fucking. Hot.

An invisible force seemed to guide me. I descended the stairs, never breaking eye contact, and grabbed a fist full of his shirt, pulling him in as I pressed my lips against his.

Our bodies melded together, the heat between us building like an inferno, melting away any hesitation. Leo’s lips moved with a fervent hunger, claiming mine as if he couldn’t get enough. His chest pressed against mine, the rapid thumping of his heart syncing with my own while his hands gripped my hips with possessive urgency slowly trailing to my lower back, pressing firmling, making me arch into him.

Every second made it harder to think, hard to hold back, and I found myself completely giving into this moment.

Leo pulled away, breaking the kiss and resting his forehead against mine as our breaths mingled, panting for air.

“So, now I know how you feel about me,” he said, his voice husky.

I chuckled.

“Can I get an answer to my first question?”

“What was it again?” I said, still slightly dazed.

Leo brushed his lips against mine, “Can I come up?”