Chapter 22 #2
As we walked, I wondered if this would be the balm I needed or just another mistake in a growing list of bad decisions.
We walked toward the main clubhouse, Julian's breathing quickening as we walked.
Julian's hand pressed against the small of my back, pushing me along, his fingers digging in.
“I have been looking forward to this, my boy,” he murmured as we walked through the entrance of the building. “I cannot wait to have you.”
Just as we turned the corner, Vincent stepped in front of us, looking crisp and composed despite the late hour. “Your Lordship,” he said with a small bow. “I apologize for this inconvenience, but I'm afraid I need to speak with Theo right now.”
Julian's annoyance flared. “Now? This can't wait until tomorrow?”
“I'm afraid not, and I truly apologize.” Vincent nodded his head at someone standing behind them, and I saw Enrique, another companion, step up closer to us. “Enrique here is available at this time, if that pleases you.”
Enrique's eyes dropped to Julian's crotch and then looked up with a wicked smile that practically screamed what he was thinking.
“Ah, hello Enrique.” Julian reached out to touch his shoulder with one finger, the gesture somehow both casual and possessive. “It's been a while since you've graced my room.”
“Let me make up for lost time, your Lordship.” Enrique took Julian's hand and guided him toward the elevators, turning his head to give a quick wink to Vincent and me. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be reassuring or smug.
I exhaled, my shoulders dropping from tension I didn’t know I was holding. “What—”
Vincent chuckled, cutting me off. “C'mon over here, kid.
Let's have a little chat.” We walked toward a set of plush chairs tucked away in the corner of the lobby, far enough from prying ears.
“Look, Theo,” Vincent began, his voice soft but firm, “I wanted to talk to you about what happened just now with Julian.”
I hesitated, then nodded, picking at a loose thread on the chair. “Okay.” I knew Vincent meant well, even if the conversation made my skin crawl with embarrassment. God, was I that transparent?
Vincent leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “When I started The Ranch, I envisioned a place where people could explore their desires without judgment. And that includes our staff. It's important to me that everyone feels safe and respected, not just the clients.”
I blinked, surprised by Vincent's unexpected sincerity.
The words sank into me like a stone dropping through water, creating ripples of relief I hadn't realized I needed.
Most bosses I'd had before wouldn't have given a shit about my feelings.
I was just labor to them, a body to fill a slot on the schedule.
“I thought I was hiding it better,” I admitted, embarrassed.
“The whole thing with the Duke, it's just..
. I didn't expect it to hit me this hard.”
Vincent leaned forward, his expression serious but kind. “Theo, I've been doing this long enough to recognize when someone's in over their head. And right now, sending you off with Julius would be like throwing a wounded swimmer to the sharks.”
The image made me laugh despite myself, a small, broken sound that surprised us both.
“Early in my career,” Vincent continued, “I was in a similar situation to yours. Heartbroken and desperate for distraction. I did things I wasn't ready for, and it broke me. Like, completely shattered me for months.”
I chewed on my lower lip, absorbing Vincent's story and trying not to squirm. “Was I that obvious?”
“Maybe to someone who had a pretty good idea of how you've spent the last two weeks.” Vincent smiled warmly at me, no judgment in his eyes. “And to someone who still recognizes that haunted look in the mirror sometimes, even twenty years later.”
He leaned forward, his expression intensifying.
“Eventually, I learned to prioritize my well-being and set boundaries. I learned my worth, and I want that for you, too. This job can eat you alive if you let it. Or...” he gestured at the surrounding resort, “it can become something you build on your own terms. The choice is ultimately yours, but that choice needs to be made from a place of strength, not from desperation or heartbreak.”
“Thanks.” I shook my head, staring at the ornate carpet pattern. “I don't think I was ready for that. I just wanted… something. Anything to feel something else, you know? To not think about him for five minutes.”
“Julian is a lot to handle, especially for someone who's hurting. Take your time.” Vincent leaned back in his chair.
“The great thing about The Ranch is the variety.
There are plenty of other clients you can connect with on a deeper level, ones that won't push your limits in the same way. And one of these days,” Vincent continued with a small smile, “you might decide that Julian's kind of kink is your kind of kink, and you can explore that with each other.
I just don't want you in that situation if you're not in the right headspace. It's not fair to you or Julian.”
I considered what he said, emotions swirling within me as I thought of Ricard. The way he’d looked at me... the way it felt when he touched me. “You're right. I’m off my game right now, but I promise I’ll bounce back tomorrow.” Saying it felt like fumbling, but I needed to hold on to hope.
“That’s what I want to hear.” Vincent stood up and pulled out his phone.
A few taps later, he blacked out my wristband, the little light fading away.
“Take the evening off. You think you should stay busy, but not on the clock. Go watch a flick or hit the gym, whatever helps you unwind. And hey, I’m always here if you need someone to talk to. ”
A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. Maybe I could navigate this world without losing myself. “Thanks,” I said, feeling lighter. “For looking out for me. Not many bosses would.”
Vincent grinned, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “That's what I'm here for. Making sure everyone has a blast, staff included.”
As we parted ways, I paused to take in the evening scene around me.
The Ranch at night was a different world entirely, the careful balance of exclusivity and rustic charm more evident after dark.
From somewhere nearby came the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, from the main bar where most guests congregated before dinner.
The whole place ran like this crazy well-oiled machine, everything perfectly timed and coordinated so that even the wildest requests seemed totally normal and easy to handle.
I had to laugh a little at the weird contrast between all this perfect fantasy stuff and the super real conversation I'd just had with Vincent.
Under all the expensive crap and made-up scenarios, there were actual humans here.
People who seemed to give a damn about each other, and weirdly, about me too.
For the first time since Ricard left, I took a breath that actually filled my lungs all the way, the tight band around my chest loosening just enough that existing didn't feel like being slowly crushed.