Chapter 2
Briar
“Go for Briar.”
It was Doug.
“Let me go!”
The cries were loud enough that I heard them through my radio headset.
“Briar here.”
Doug continued, voice calm but rapid. “Room Two. Code Six.”
My security position for the night at the club was the second story railing overlooking the main floor. I couldn’t see the hall from my vantage.
I took the stairs two at a time, leaping to the floor and running. The main hall was crowded, as always on Saturday night, and I had to yell “Coming through” several times before the crowd parted.
In that more private area of the club, men were in all states of dress from G-strings to full leather. I quickly made my way through clouds of sweat and sex mixed with all-spice deodorant and lube.
Code Six was a serious breach of protocol. It meant a scene was out of control. When that happened, and men crowded in to egg it on, it could lead to injury or worse. Scenes that got really bad could shut the club down.
Everyone who paid dues knew the rules. They signed off on them.
They understood they could be banned for life if they participated in any nonconsenting act, especially ones that left marks on the skin.
We tried never to get the police involved.
That always led to chaos. But if assaults happened—and they did when you had a room full of half-drunk BDSM guys—they were treated with utmost care for the victim and security detainment for the perp until we decided what more action would be necessary.
When I got to Room Two, Doug, had the dom’s hand twisted up behind his back. The dom was fighting the grip, still straddling the smaller man. And arguing. “He consented. He likes it. He likes it.”
I grabbed the perp’s other arm and together Doug and I threw him back and up until he was on his feet. The little guy scrambled away, but the crowd was rangy. He was buck naked and didn’t look safe.
“He asked for it,” the dom said.
The men closest to us said, “He did. He wanted more.”
The little guy said, “Only a spanking. I was clear.”
A man next to him laughed and said, “Like this?” He yanked the man up and swatted his ass. The guy let out a loud squeak. The crowd laughed.
More men crowded into the room. We needed more help.
“Get your ass over here,” I snarled through gritted teeth.
Doug and I got the perp to the corner by a wooden bench. Then I called for more backup to disperse the crowd.
We were a pretty well-oiled team. Within about five minutes, we had the room secured, the victim robed and sent to an upstairs first aid room, and the perp in our interrogation room. Room Two was cleaned and re-opened for use, the men waiting in the hall looking much calmer if not bored.
I watched the video of the scene. Doug had seen it all. The perp tried to lie as they all did. I used my authority to make a decision.
“Banned for life.”
The perp nearly cried. We’d already found and cleaned out his locker. His street clothes were brought to him and our bouncer made sure he was politely escorted out of the building.
Very little muss and fuss. That was how my boss, Trent Winterbourne, liked it. I made it my sworn duty to ensure things were handled as quietly as possible, fast and discreet. Trent paid me well for it. I loved my job.
In the early morning hours as my shift ended and the club closed down, I got a call. It was Trent.
“I reviewed the scene tonight, Briar. Good work.”
“Well, we lost a member over it. A life ban.”
“I don’t care. The club has a rep for being safe. You’re part of that process.”
“Glad I can be of service.”
“I don’t think you know how grateful I am.” A pause. “So, how’re things with you?”
Trent wasn’t being fresh with me. We’d been good friends for ten years. “Okay.”
“Just okay?”
“Yeah.” He knew I hadn’t had a steady boyfriend in years. I hadn’t played daddy to a boy in far too long. And I never played where I worked. Which meant in my off time I didn’t play at all because the last place I wanted to be was back in some sweaty club where I worked looking for a kinky date.
“It’s hard to meet people, I know,” he said.
“Yeah.”
I thought Trent would be single forever. But he had his own little now, living with him full time.
“Here’s what I want you to do.” Trent’s voice took on a firmer tone.
“What?”
“I’m having a big party at my Christmas tree farm this year.
The whole deal. The house will be full, but I have room for you.
Come and stay the week of Christmas. There will be annual our tree-lighting contest, lots of food and booze and other events.
Everyone coming to stay is family if you know what I mean.
Kink family. We’ll have other parties for those who want that, too.
I’ve got the big playroom in the basement set up.
Littles are coming. Yes, some are already spoken for, but they have friends. Maybe you’ll meet someone.”
I had no plans for the holidays. But I hesitated. “I don’t know.”
“I know you, Briar. You’ll spend the holidays alone again. You don’t need to. The place is spectacular this year. There’s already a fresh snowfall. If you want to be alone in your room, that’s okay, too, but you should still come.”
Trent didn’t used to throw parties like these. He had a loner nature like me. That slowly changed after he met his little, Ozzy. Ozzy transformed him. And brought some light into his darker, secretive life.
“I’ll think about it.”
“There’s nothing to think about.” Trent used his boss voice now. “You’ll come and you’ll drink my wine and eat my food. The house opens to my rooming guests on December 19th. Many are staying through New Year’s. See you then.”
“Wait. I’ve only been there once.”
“I’ll text you the address.”
The phone went dead. Then beeped. A text came in from Trent. Address. Directions link. And the words, December 19th. Be there so I’ll have someone to go to if things get rangy.
I laughed to read that. I texted him back.
You’re not hiring me for security, are you?
Nope, it’s a vacation. I’ve got room for you to stay until New Year’s.
I hadn’t said yes. Yet. But the offer was amazing.
As I drove home through the cold morning streets and headed to my gray apartment building, I realized I’d gotten into a rut.
I loved my apartment as much as I did my job.
My rooms had everything I needed and wanted.
I didn’t answer to anyone. But I needed to get away.
Christmas was a good excuse to take a break.
If I remembered correctly, Trent’s Christmas tree estate was a veritable resort.
There would be lots to do. Cross-country skiing.
Hiking. Swimming in heated indoor pools.
And much more. And hopefully Trent might find time to hang out.
I enjoyed our discussions. We’d spent years analyzing kink whenever we talked on the phone, facetiming, and in person.
We always had a meal together whenever he was in town.
After I got into my apartment, it was past three a.m. I climbed into my bed where I would sleep until noon. But before I closed my eyes, I texted him.
Okay. December 19th. I’ll be there.
An immediate reply dinged. Of course you will. Now get some sleep.