The Playroom

Chapter Fourteen

I stepped out of the sleek black car, my brand new polished shoes hitting the cobblestone driveway with a soft, satisfying click. The cool night air carried the faint scent of jasmine, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly watered plants.

Adjusting my bow tie in the car window’s reflection, I stole another glance at my suit. Tailored to perfection, the deep navy suit hugged my frame just right, its subtle sheen catching the glow of the driveway lights. Sharp. Confident. Maybe even daring, with the way it emphasized my broad shoulders. But no matter how good I looked, my attention inevitably wandered to Leo.

He was already at my side, smoothing an invisible wrinkle from his tuxedo jacket. The crisp black suit, classic but undeniably modern, complemented his athletic build. Beneath it, his white shirt gleamed against his tanned skin, drawing even more attention to his blue eyes. A few unruly strands of blonde hair fell across his forehead, softening the sharp edges of his chiseled face and adding a roguish charm.

Leo leaned in, his hand finding its place at the small of my back, a gesture so natural it made my heart flutter. “Good choice, Drew,” he murmured. “That suit...I might have to keep you close all night, just to make sure no one steals you away.”

I grinned, feeling a rush of warmth at his words, “I was about to say the same thing. You’re making it really hard to focus on anything else.”

His laughter was soft, intimate, “Maybe that’s the point. Who says we need to focus on anything but each other?”

I leaned into him, brushing my lips lightly against his cheek, savoring the quiet, perfect moment he created. If he keeps up with the romantic stuff, I might shove him back inside the car and go down on him.

“You make a compelling argument,” I say.

Leo’s fingers tightened slightly against my back.

“Shall we?”

We made our way up the stone path toward the entrance, where a tall man with shoulders like a linebacker stood to one side, with a slender woman at the podium pretending to scan her list with exaggerated importance. The faint hum of conversation and the distant clink of champagne glasses drifted from inside, but all I could think about was how lucky I am to have Leo by my side.

“Name?” the woman asked curtly.

“Leo Steele.”

Her pen skated aggressively across the page as she crossed off his name with more force than necessary. Handing us programs, she gestured toward the double doors behind them like a game show host revealing the prize behind Door #1.

“Table nine. Enjoy your evening.”

Sometimes I wonder why so many people who land these types of jobs place so much seriousness around it—nothing against catering personnel, hell, that’s how I got through most of my college semesters. I just never took any seriousness to the position as much as this woman does.

Inside, the scent of polished wood and leather mixed with the faint aroma of gourmet food, while crystal chandeliers scattered soft, sparkling light over the lavish furnishings. Circular tables were spaced through the room, their pristine white linens marked with small gilded numbers. Servers flipped between guests carrying trays of champagne and elaborate hors d’oeuvres.

All of it seemed luxuriously overwhelming, causing me to find Leo’s hand and squeeze for comfort.

Leo’s hand squeezed lightly back, “You?” he asked.

“Yeah, it’s..."

And just before I could responde, someone called out to Leo. We turned in unison, faced by a man with a severe handlebar mustache and a striking platinum blonde woman in a red dress attached to his arm. They looked like characters who just stepped out of a Victorian-theme comic convention.

“It’s been far too long,” the man exclaimed, his grin wide.

“Too long, Frederick?” Leo replied, “how have you been?”

“Been doing well,” Frederick’s voice was old-fashioned, oddly theatrical, and his mustache twitched with every word, “And who is this?”

Leo placed a reassuring hand on my arm, “This is Drew, my date. Drew, this is Frederick, an old friend from high school.”

Frederick and I extended our hands, meeting into a hand shake.

“A pleasure to meet you. Let me introduce my lovely wife, Victoria.”

As I extended my hand for a shake, she tilted her head with a subtle icy smile, pointedly avoiding any sort of human contact, “The pleasure is all mine,” she said smoothly.

“So, what do you do for work?” Federick asked.

“I’m actually in the publishing business. I’m an editor and publicist at Indigo.”

“Ah, literature. one can never read too many books,” Frederick commented.

Was he always like this, especially in high school? Or did he just decide one day waking up that he was going to talk with such pomp and manners—he must have a copy of Emily Post treating it like a bible.

“I guess you can say that,” I said, “By the way, I didn’t see it in the program, but where did all the pieces come from?”

“A private collector,” Victoria mentions, “Every year, we get an invite from some unknown person inviting all of us and we bid on—the auction always attracts the best collectors. All of the funds raised are donated to charity.”

“How do you know this, if you’ve never met the person?”

Victoria’s demeanor stayed the same, but caught a small brow furrowed telling she was irritated with my questions. Leo seemed oblivious to her behavior, or so I thought, but he chuckled lightly, attempting to diffuse the moment.

“Drew is one of a kind,” Leo said, his voice filled with genuine pride as he gave my arm a reassuring squeeze, “The curiosity of his is simply extraordinary.”

Victoria’s lips curled into a thin smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes, “Curiosity is a virtue in the right circumstances.”

Frederick laughed, a sound that was oddly old-fashioned matching his eccentric appearance, “Oh, Abi, don’t be so hard on the man. Questions are the lifeblood of conversation, after all.”

Before pressing further, Leo spoke again, “Well, it’s great seeing you two here. How about we catch up over some lunch sometime soon?”

Fredericks’s face lit up, “Splendid idea! I’ll text you later to get something on the books. Lovely meeting you Drew.”

“Great meeting you both.”

Victoria merely nodded, shifting her eyes somewhere else in the room, basically saying she was done here and moving on to the next thing that was going to come her way.

“Champagne?” Leo suggested.

I nodded with a grin.

“Go find our table and claim our seats. I'll come find you.”

I let my gaze wander over the sea of tables including the other guests who arrived before us and those pouring through the doors. To my left, a couple in their fifties, philanthropists, chatted easily with a man, who looked every bit the seasoned art collector, looking rather determined to leave here tonight with a prize.

A young woman, with an amazing updo hairstyle and wearing a designer gown, floated by, her laughter like a bell, drawing the attention of a group of men. Near the stage, the auctioneer, a charismatic figure in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, went through what appeared to be the list of items soon to be known.

Table nine wasn’t as far back as I’d hoped—it was almost near the front, just shy of the podium. Though it did offer a decent view of what was to come. Leo and I were the first to claim our seats—I chose the chairs facing the stage; the last thing I wanted was to spend the evening craning my neck to see what was happening.

Within minutes, the building was packed to capacity. It was astonishing to witness such a massive turnout, especially for an auction—an event typically dominated by those with deep pockets.

Our table filled up quickly, and it wasn’t long before I got a good idea of who we’d be bidding against—not that I’d be raising my little placard paddle-thing in the air anytime soon.

Across from us sat an older gentleman with a sense of polish, his tailored charcoal suit exuding quiet authority. From small talk with other people passing by, I’ve come to know that he holds a space in a political office, though which one, he never clarified, preferring instead to pepper his sentences with vague reference to “important initiatives” while sipping his scotch neat.

Beside him was a striking man in a deep plum suit so sharply cut it could double as a weapon. His presence was magnetic, and every time he spoke, his silver cufflinks caught the light, glinting like tiny stars, “I simply must have the antique lorgnette,” he declared with flair, as if the entire evening hinged on his success.

Among the couples at our table, two were instantly memorable. First a power lesbian duo who turned heads the moment they walked in. One had a sleek bob and high cheekbones, her black velvet blazer draped casually over her shoulders. Her partner, statuesque and effortlessly elegant, wore a tailored white suit with a plunging neckline, her confidence radiating like a forcefield. They shared whispered comments and subtle glances, clearly strategizing their bids while sipping their champagne.

Then there was a younger couple, perhaps in their early thirties, dressed to impress yet teetering on the edge of trying too hard. The man’s burgundy jacket shimmered faintly and his gold pocket square screamed, “I’m rich, and I need you to know it.” His girlfriend, wrapped in a figure-hugging emerald dress, laughed too loudly at every joke.

Lastly, an older married couple sat closer to the center of the table, their hands intertwined in a display of quiet unity. The husband wore a navy suit with subtle pinstripes, while his wife dazzled in a flowing silk gown that gleamed like liquid gold. It was understandable that they came from old money and didn’t need to make it known.

“Can I have everybody’s attention?” the auctioneer said.

“Are you excited?” Leo asks, leaning closer to me, placing a hand on my thigh and lightly squeezing.

”Excited to see people spend large amounts of money? Absolutely! I can finally understand why people go to see cage fights,” I say, sarcastically.

Leo giggled, planting a kiss on my lips.

I never expected in a million I’d be in a relationship like this one, attending a very odd, yet exciting auction benefit meeting very strange individuals.

Ding.

My phone goes off. Pulling it out of my jacket pocket, I quickly glance at the screen and see a text message from Em.

“Are you at an auction?”

How the fuck does she know where I am? I haven’t spoken to her in a few weeks since our tension filled conversation in my office where she decided to stick her nose where it wasn’t wanted.

“Yes.”

“At table nine?”

My eyes narrow at my phone.

“You okay?” Leo asks, noticing my expression.

Turning to him, “Yes handsome, I think...I think my good friend, Em, is here.”

“Really?”

I look at my phone and reply, “It sounds like you’re here as well then.”

Three bubbles appear followed by a response.

“I am. Look right behind you, near the back.”

Here I am turning around, something I wanted to avoid, I see Em standing up in her seat waving her arm at me making it easier to find her.

“I see you.”

“You’re all the way up in the front. Must be nice,” she texted.

“I’ll let you know if it’s worth it next time.”

“Great idea! Let’s grab a drink when we get to the intermission.”

“There’s an intermission!” I said loudly.

Leo comments, “Yes. I don’t think people can sit through all the items without more food or an empty glass. Once it starts, nobody gets up.”

Interesting.

“It's to make sure the auctioneer can focus on who is bidding. Think of him like a court stenographer, except he has to speak.”

My face lights up with a smile.

“Plus, Em is here. You can introduce us,” Leo said.

Biting my bottom lip, I wasn’t expecting Em to be here and now that Leo’s knows, he’s going to expect it. Hopefully, she ends up bailing on the event without any sort of interaction.

I’m not ready for these two to meet yet.

The lights flicker twice, “You all know what that means,” the auctioneer says.

I turn off my phone completely and shove it back in my pocket with a deep inhale.

Seven items had already been auctioned off and it’s only been an hour. Some from our table managed to acquire a painting, a small sculpture, and a Chinese plate that fetched over seventy-five thousand dollars.

These people weren’t joking when they said they came to hunt.

Leo leaned in close, whispering, “Quite the event, huh? I never thought the items would go so quickly.”

Feeling the weight of his words over me, I could only nod in response. The evening’s sheer poshness was both thrilling and quiet intimidation. The auctioneer’s rapid-fire cadence is hypnotic, his commanding energy gripping the room and propelling the action forward. Bids volleyed back and forth like a relentless tennis match, each one punctuated by gasps, murmurs, and the occasional sharp clap of applause.

My date’s hand was still on my thigh, a comforting presence amidst the lavish chaos.

The next item was announced, a stunning abstract painting by a renowned artist. Staring at it more, I swore this painting looks oddly familiar, but from where? And then it hit me, the paintings all in Leo’s place. They are all done by what I presume is the same artist.

”Hey, don’t you have paintings like this?” I murmured, quizzically.

“Was wondering how long it would take you before you noticed,” he replied.

I was right.

“How come you’re not bidding on it?”

“Why? When I put it up for auction.”

Him saying that makes me wonder what else he placed for bidding? I watched him, seeing his eyes go back and forth and sometimes to a different location in the room when a new person raised their hand in the air, and it got me thinking. Not once has he bid on an item, not saying any of the items presented came remotely close to his style, but still.

The painting was finally sold for an eye-watering sum, and the room buzzed with excitement as the winning bidder, a sharp-dressed older woman dripping in diamonds, accepted her victory with a gracious nod.

I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder, searching for Em. She was still there, engaged in conversation with someone at her table. My stomach tightened slightly at the thought of her and Leo meeting. It wasn’t that I was ashamed or nervous, it was more that I wasn’t sure how the dynamic would shift.

“Let’s take a short intermission,” the auctioneer announced, people rising from their seats, stretching and chatting animatedly about the pieces so far.

Leo stood up, offering his hand, which I gladly took.

“Another round of champagne?”

As we made our way through the crowd, we gathered ourselves at the bar where he called out for another round. I spotted Em again, who was already heading our way, her eyes locking onto mine with a happy glint.

I felt a sudden jolt of anxiety, but pushed it down reminding myself that this was inevitable and was going to happen sooner or later.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she teased, giving a playful nudge before turning her attention to Leo.

Em was wearing a slim aquamarine dress that shimmered with every turn. Her hair was done up and pinned to perfection. The girl knows how to get dressed up, as I’ve only seen her in lounge wear around her apartment, or business attire.

“You look amazing,” I tell her.

“And look at you, looking like a million dollars,” Em comments, placing her hand on my shoulder.

”That's the idea,” Leo interjects.

Em turned to Leo, her expression shifting from playful to intrigued, “I’m Emily,” extending her hand.

“Leo,” he said, placing his hand into hers.

“I know who you are, Wonderland dungeon owner.”

Fucking Em. Why did she have to go and say some shit like that-I knew she couldn’t play stupid and just keep to herself what was told to her.

“My reputation precedes me,” Leo casually says.

“Em and I work together back at the publishing house. She’s the friend I told you about,” I added.

Leo chuckled, releasing her hand and slipping his arm around my waist, “Is that so, well Drew’s spoken very highly of you.”

Em raised an eyebrow, glancing at me , “Oh has he? I’m flattered. But I must admit, I’m curious to hear what exactly he’s been saying.”

“Only good things, I promise. It’s clear how much he values the friendship you two have.”

“Well, that’s good to hear—he’s a pretty special guy.”

Em looked between us, and for a moment, I felt like she was assessing the dynamic, trying to understand the connection we shared.

“Are you here with anyone, Em?” I asked.

“I was supposed to be someone’s date. Told me to meet here as I would be on the list, and never showed. Figured, why waste a good evening?”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I tell her.

“Leo!”

All three of us turn to the direction the voice came from and notice a beautiful woman in an elegant mermaid gown waving at him to come over.

“My apologies, it looks like I’m being summoned. It was amazing meeting you Em. We’ll all have to get together with Trey and do something.”

“Yes, we should. And it was lovely meeting you,” Em replied, her voice sweet.

He turned away, walking towards the woman who beckoned him, leaving Em and me alone. She didn’t say a word, but she didn’t need to. The tightness in her jaw and the way her eyes refused to meet mine said it all—she was upset that I’d told Leo what she’d confided in me.

“Leo knows about me?” she said, turning to face away from me.

“Why did you have to go and say some shit like that?” I said in an irritated tone.

There was no way she was going to ask me that kind of question and expect what she said was okay. If anything, she could have started off with an apology for even sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

Em still said nothing.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. The last thing I wanted was to cause a scene at this event, especially with Leo nearby. But Em’s words or lack thereof, had a way of cutting deeper than I expected.

“Em,” I began, my voice quieter now, more measured, “Leo and I—we’re serious. And in order for our relationship to blossom, especially this kind of one, honesty and trust needs to be built.”

“That conversation back at the office was private, between just you and I,” she said, still taking a sip of the champagne just handed to her by the bartender.

“And so is what happens between Leo and myself.”

She huffed, finally turning back to me, her eyes softened slightly.

“I get it, Drew. I do. I’m just trying to protect you—I’m not one to sugarcoat things. The whole wonderland situation...it completely caught me off guard, and I guess I didn’t handle it well. This world—everything I’ve learned about it—has a way of leaving its mark, and not always in a good way. You’re girl here has first hand experience.”

I gently placed my hand over her hand, “I’m sorry you had a rough start when introduced, really I am. So far, my Leo has been extremely patient and more than understanding. Don’t worry about me, if things get out of control I know when to walk away.” I told her in an endearing tone.

She sighed, taking another sip of her drink, clearly processing everything, “I just want to make sure you’re not getting in over your head.”

I smiled at her, appreciating our conversation despite everything, “I know. Leo’s different...different from any guy I’ve ever met or even gotten close with. He makes me feel authentic. You’re still one of my closest friends, and I need your support and approval of this.”

She gave me a half-smile, reluctant but sincere, “Alright, alright. I’ll behave and be more supportive. I’m keeping an eye on him though.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” I chuckled, squeezing her hand.

“I’m gonna head back to my table, it’s going to start soon.”

“Then I guess a quick trip to the restroom is needed,” I said in a chuckle.

I left Em and slipped through the crowd, weaving between clusters of people as a hum of conversation and laughter filled the auction hall. The buzz of the evening was electric, but it only made me feel more on edge. I moved quickly toward the restroom, glancing at my watch—I didn’t want to miss the next round of bidding.

Inside, the restroom was brightly lit, the harsh fluorescent lights bouncing off the polished mirrors and tiled walls. I hurried to a stall, doing what I needed to, then stepped out to wash my hands. The cold water rushed over my fingers as I glanced at my reflection, trying to shake the uneasy feeling I couldn’t quite explain.

Hair? Fine. Teeth? Fine. Nothing out of place.

“Well, well. Wasn’t expecting to see the likes of you at a function like this.”

My eyes snapped to the mirror, and there he was.

Kyle.

He stood behind me, leaning against the wall by the door. His suit was handsome, expensive, but the casual smirk on his face was sharp enough to cut glass.

“Hello Kyle.” I said flatly, tossing the paper towels in the trash.

“Where’s your boyfriend,” he asked, his tone dripping with mockery, “or did you finally ditch him, like you ditched me?”

The sight of Kyle standing there, his presence as unwelcome as the sneer on his face, left an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

My mind started to race.

I squared my shoulders, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he rattled me.

“I haven’t ditched anything,” I said, keeping my voice steady, “Leo is waiting for me back at our table.”

His smirk widened and his eyes narrowing with an edge of malice, “Well, isn’t that sweet. I have to wonder...how long before you get tired of him, like you do with everyone else?”

Clenching my jaw, refusing to rise to his bait.

“Have a good evening, Kyle.”

I tried to move past him, but he stepped into my path, grabbing my arm with an iron-tight grip, just enough to make me stop and pushed me up against the wall hard and him now pressing up against me. Kyle was a bit stronger than I was making it hard for me to break free from his hold.

“What the hell are you doing,” I snapped, panic spiking into my chest. I tried to pull away, but he was stronger.

He leaned in closer, his lips against my ear, “What does he have that I don’t. I’ve got money and power. What does he have?”

Kyle’s breath was hot against my ear, the scent of whiskey mingling with the overpowering cologne he always wore. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel the adrenaline surging through me.

“Let go of me, Kyle,” I demanded, my voice low but firm.

He snickered darkly, his grip on my arm and his body on me tightening. He then, with his other hand, cupped my dick and balls in his grasp.

“I can make you come like you’ve never had before.”

A cold sweat formed at the nape of my neck. This wasn’t just some petty attempt to rattle me; Kyle was crossing a line that should never be crossed—my breath hitched, a mixture of fear bubbling up inside me.

“Get. Off. Me.” I growled through gritted teeth, despite the panic clawing at my chest.

His grin widened, a sick amusement in his eyes as if he enjoyed seeing me squirm.

“Kiss me,” Kyle demanded.

“Fuck off!” I yelled.

“I like ’em feisty,” he said, inching himself towards my lips.

“He said get off!”

The roar of Leo's voice tore through like a lightning strike.

In an instant, Kyle was yanked away from me, his grip ripped free as Leo shoved him back with so much force that Kyle nearly fell. I staggered, catching myself against the sink, my breath coming in ragged gasps

Leo stood between us, his body tense, his first clenched so tight his knuckles were white. Kyle straightened himself, smoothing out his jacket as if trying to regain his composure.

“Why don’t you be a good boy and let Drew and I finish our conversation before you get hurt,” Kyle sneered.

Leo didn’t budget. His eyes were locked on Kyle.

“You’re not going to lay another hand on him,” Leo said, his voice lethal.

If Leo didn't show up just now, who knows what Kyle was going to do to me. The thought of him doing so, churned inside me.

“What’s it going to be?” Leo said, his hands deeply tightened into fists ready.

Kyle hesitated, his eyes flickering between Leo and me before getting up and storming out of the restroom, slamming the door against the wall leaving an unsettling silence in his wake.

Leo’s expression softened as he dropped to my level pulling me into his arms, “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay, just...shaken. I didn’t expert to see him here, let alone...that.”

His jaw tightened, him holding me firmly, “I’m so sorry, Drew. I should’ve been with you. He’s lucky I didn’t do worse.”

A couple security guards came rushing in looking around, “Is everything okay, we were told there was a commotion here.”

“Drew was attacked. Please call the police.”

One of the security guards whipped out their cell phone doing as instructed. Leo helped me to my feet, keeping close. As we left the restroom, a small group of people formed in the hallway—small whispers could be heard, but nothing that could be made out.

Among the group, Em forced her way through until she was by my side, “Are you okay, what happened?”

“Kyle,” Leo commented.

“What?”

“I’m taking you back to my place just in case he decides to pull another stunt like he did,” Leo tells Em.

“Good idea! I’ll call you later, Drew.”

He kept a protective arm around me as we made our way to the front door, stepping out into the cool night air, the silence a stark contrast to the chaos inside. The valet quickly brought Leo’s car around, and without a word, he helped me into the passenger seat. The door closed with a soft click, and I let out a long breath, trying to process everything that had just happened.

Handing the valet a twenty, he slid into the driver’s seat, reaching over to take my hand into a gentle but firm grip before driving me back to Wonderland.