Page 30 of For the Love of a Boy

Seth involuntarily tensed again as Nate spoke up. He’d already told Daddy he’d decided that the dancing area was all he could handle for his first visit.

“My baby girl and I are planning to take a gander.”

The doorman plucked a stamp pad and stamp off a small podium that was also behind the rope. “No alcohol then. Hold out your hands.”

Nate rolled his eyes at Daddy then he and Tina presented their hands to be stamped.

“The cover is ten dollars for the dance club only. You’ll need to pay an additional twenty for the dungeon, and unless you’re a member you can’t participate, only watch. Understood?”

Nate gave him a hearty nod. “Understood.”

Seth sensed there was something going on he didn’t understand, but he’d wait and ask once they were all inside. The doorman regarded him and Daddy, the stamp poised to ink them as well. Daddy shook his head.

“No. Dance club only tonight. Thank you.”

They all paid their covers then were allowed past the velvet rope. The moment Daddy tugged the door open, Seth was met with the sound of thumping dance beats. They all stood aside to allow Tina through, with Nate trailing after her. Daddy gestured for Seth to go ahead and he sucked in a deep breath. This was it. A whole new world was about to be revealed to him.

Seth followed Nate and Tina down a hallway that drew them ever closer to the club’s interior, but he peered over his shoulder to make sure Daddy was close behind. They locked gazes and Daddy came up behind him, wrapping his hand around Seth’s nape in a possessive grip. Already, Seth was lost in the intensity of the evening. He couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

When they reached the end of the hall, they were funneled into an enormous darkened room filled with colorful flashing lights, deafening music and a sea of moving humanity. So much was going on at once, Seth wasn’t sure where to look. His mind was on overload and he needed Daddy to anchor him.

As if he’d read Seth’s mind, Daddy slipped an arm around his waist and directed him to the left of the entrance where Nate and Tina had also headed. A long, mirrored bar outlined with pink and purple LED lights lined the entire wall on that side. In front of the bar was a lounge area filled with black tables and chairs that struck Seth as being very modern—not like any furniture he was used being around. Each table contained a large, purple pillar candle that, upon closer inspection, was actually battery powered. Seth marveled at how realistic the flickering flame appeared.

Nate pointed to an empty table and Daddy nodded. Seth couldn’t stop trying to take in the view all at once. Even though the place was noisy and crowded, it was so interesting. So many people together laughing, drinking and dancing. Everyone having fun.

“Come on, baby. Let’s grab a seat then I’ll get us something to drink.”

Seth nodded so he wouldn’t have to shout his reply. He could see why Nate hadn’t bothered asking Daddy if he wanted them to sit at the table and had gestured instead. Daddy helped Seth take off his coat while Nate did the same for Tina. Seth quickly averted his gaze as soon as Tina’s dress was revealed. The outfit she wore was cut so low and the skirt so high, he was afraid he might see something he shouldn’t.

He started at the sound of Daddy’s voice next to his ear. “If you check out what others are wearing, you’ll see that a lot of patrons—both men and women—are rather scantily clad.”

Now Seth understood why Daddy had suggested he try on the see-though shirts when they’d gone shopping. But he wasn’t about to go out in public with his nipples showing.

He regarded Daddy. “I guess it’ll take me a while to get used to it.”

Daddy held out his chair for him with a smile. “It’s that way for everyone.”

Seth sat down, with Daddy dragging his own chair close enough so they wouldn’t have to yell when they spoke to each other. Nate made a drinking motion with his hand then pointed at the bar. Daddy leaned over the table to answer Nate.

“I thought you were going to the dungeon later?”

“I’m getting us each a Red Bull.”

“Ah, gotcha. You go on ahead. I’m gonna check and see what Seth wants first.” Daddy eased back in his chair then turned to him. “Would you like to try something a bit harder tonight? Help you loosen up a bit before we hit the dance floor?”

Seth’s eyes widened. He hadn’t thought about getting a real drink. He’d assumed Daddy would get him a seltzer like usual.

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t know what to order if I did.” Then another thought occurred to him. “What if it makes me too sleepy?”

Daddy traced his fingertips along the back of Seth’s neck. He shivered from the thrill. Being touched by Daddy that way in the middle of a crowded room did something to him. Something exciting.

“Well, it’s different for everyone, but wine tends to make me drowsier than hard liquor. I’m not suggesting you go on a bender, but wondered if you’d like to give it a try since this is your first time going to a bar.”

That reminds me. Seth angled his head so he could speak right into Daddy’s ear. “How come Nate and Tina can’t drink any alcohol? Nate gave you a funny look.”

Daddy chuckled. “Oh, that’s because they’re going into the dungeon later. No one’s allowed to be under the influence of anything when playing. It could be very dangerous. And Nate was rolling his eyes since we were members here for years, have been longtime players and know the drill already. I found it comforting that the doorman was adamant about the rules. It’s good to know the club has maintained the same integrity after all this time.”

“So, anyone who’s had a drink can’t go in the dungeon?”

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