Page 21 of Now and Forever

The sounds from the main portion of the club had diminished to a dull roar by the time they reached the doorman.

“Stamp, please.”

Malcolm almost had to pry himself free of Seth’s hold in order to show the bouncer his mark. He also noted how much Seth’s hand shook as he showed his own. Perhaps they’d be leaving in haste after all. Either way, Malcolm was ready to cater to Seth, to be available however Seth needed him.

The doorman moved to the side and pulled open the red door by a long brass handle. He gestured for them to go ahead.

“Gentlemen. You’ll be greeted at reception where they’ll ask you to read over the rules and sign an acknowledgement form.”

Malcolm gave him a nod. “Thank you.”

He’d let his membership lapse over fifteen years ago and couldn’t honestly say how much things had changed. Nate had shared some minor gossip revolving around club members with him over the years, but he couldn’t remember anything significant regarding the dungeon itself.

As they entered the foyer of the dungeon, Malcolm was immediately struck by how much the interior had changed. They’d clearly renovated. Instead of the true medieval dungeon flair that had always been a hallmark of the establishment, the décor was more akin to a Victorian brothel.

No. Not Victorian. Pirates of the Caribbean?

As they waited their turn to check in, Malcolm gazed around the room, trying to decide how he felt about the change. He was surprised Nate had never mentioned it.Maybe he thought I didn’t give a shit. Malcolm chuckled to himself. He supposed he didn’t, overall. But he wasn’t sure how he felt about the wallpaper with the red fleur-de-lis red flocking, crystal chandeliers and brass wall sconces, or the thick deep red, plush carpet. His gaze landed on an incredibly ornate gilded table with a giant porcelain urn with plumes of garish pink feathers flowing out of the top. He wrinkled his nose.

Guess it’s a good thing I’m not interested in coming here anymore.

“Oh, Daddy. It’s sobeautiful.” Seth turned to him, his jaw hanging open in wonder. “How come you never told me it was magical like this? I thought it would be, well, like a real dungeon. Scary.”

“Uh…” He scratched his head. “Actually, it didn’t used to like this. I have no idea when they changed everything around.”

“About four years ago.”

A pretty brunette hostess who appeared too young to be working at the club smiled up at them, and Malcolm realized he hadn’t noticed that the couple ahead of them had moved on.

“Ah, interesting.”Sort of. He cleared his throat. “New ownership?”

She shook her head. “No. Just time to change things up. We took a member poll, gave five different style options and the pirate brothel theme won out.”

Malcolm held in a snort. “It certainly did.”

“I love it.” Seth grinned. “It’s so fancy. But fun, you know?”

She grinned back at Seth. “Right? That’s totally what I thought, too.”

God, I’m old.

The hostess returned her attention to Malcolm. “I take it you’ve been here before then?”

“Yes. My membership lapsed quite a while ago, though.”

“That’s fine.” She handed him a clipboard and pen. “Not a lot has changed in terms of rules, but if you’re not a member, you need to read through this and sign each time you come in. And of course, non-members can’t participate in demonstrations or access private rooms.” She glanced at Seth before turning back to him. “However, if you have a sub you’re working with on a regular basis, or your own boy, you might want to consider re-upping your membership. I can explain the different levels we have available, if you’d like.”

Seth’s interest in the flamboyant surroundings seemed to fade at her suggestion they join Team Pirate. Malcolm couldn’t quite read him. Was he interested or terrified?

“We’ll keep that in mind. Right now, we’re only interested in taking in the sights anyway.”

“No problem. My name is Daya. Here’s my card in case you change your mind and have any questions about the process.”

“Sounds great, Daya. Thanks.”

While he appreciated the rules, and that protocol was still being upheld, he wasn’t so sure about the membership push. He felt as though he was about to tour the local gym and that Daya was the sales rep working on commission.She probably is. Everyone needed to make a living, but to him, the lifestyle was too personal and intimate to pressure people into. Maybe he really was too old school.

Seth asked Malcolm a few questions regarding some terminology used in the rules. So, Malcolm walked him through various definitions as they related to the club such as ball/gag, Dungeon Master/Mistress and sub. He’d never bothered to go into a lot of detail with Seth about BDSM protocol and terms. Their life together as Daddy and boy was all that had mattered to him. But this was Seth’s night to satisfy his curiosity, and Malcolm would help him however he could.

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