Page 13 of Daddy Marc's Gem

Marc pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s not. We had dinner, and I kept my promise not to bring up anything about the lifestyle. He seemed to enjoy himself, but...” He trailed off, unable to articulate the ache that had settled in his chest.

“But you're sitting alone in your office on a Wednesday night instead of doing something about it,” Zane finished for him.

“I'm giving him space,” Marc defended, though the words sounded hollow even to his own ears.

“Space.” Zane’s tone was dry. “And how's that working out for both of you?”

Marc ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. That’s the problem. I don’t want to push him into something he’s not ready for.”

“Fair enough. But there’s a difference between pushing and reaching out. You’re overthinking this, my friend.”

Zane was right. He’d spent the last several days replaying every moment of their dinner together, analyzing Foster’s expressions, his hesitations, the way his eyes lit up when they discussed antiques. The way he’d apologized for talking too much about his passion, as if Marc hadn’t been completely captivated.

“Come to the club,” said Zane. “Get out of your head tonight. I’ll order Thai food from that place you’re always raving about. After that, there’s a bonus. Landon’s bringing his boy in for a figging demonstration.”

Marc chuckled. “My butthole clenches at the very thought.”

“Are we still talking about Thai food?”

They both broke into laughter, and it was a wonderful sensation. He was way too tightly wound. A trip to the club would help him clear his thoughts.

“Okay, man.” Marc wiped a finger under one eye. “You’ve talked me into it. I’ll finish up then head on over. Should I head to the office?”

Zach grunted. “Yes. You’re not the only one finishing up paperwork. After that nightmare with Callum, I’ve developed a major paranoia whenever I look at a Dom’s membership application.”

Marc winced. Even though Callum hadn’t spent much time at Club Sensation, the mere thought that a serial killer had ever been allowed inside weighed heavily on his friend’s mind.

“How’s Tate doing?” The unsuspecting boy had only discovered his Daddy was a vicious killer when Callum was shot dead in a police shootout.

“Much better. It’s not my place to give details yet, but he’s found someone who might work out for him as a Daddy.”

“Are the cops finally leaving him alone?”

The poor kid was being harassed by detectives who thought he was somehow involved. It had broken Marc’s heart. Many of his clients struggled with the misconceptions of BDSM, and how those who had evil intentions cast a shadow over anyone who lived an alternative lifestyle.

“I think so. For now, at least.”

.Marc smiled. “That’s great to hear. I’m so glad you’ve been there for him.”

“Me too.” Zane sighed. “Okay, let’s move on to lighter topics. Thai food is needed as soon as possible. I only had a protein bar for lunch.”

“Uh-oh. Don’t make me tell on you. Your boys won’t be pleased.”

Zane snorted. “No kidding. I’ll have to pull out the standard ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ I doubt that will go over too well with Ryan.”

Marc chuckled. “Me neither.” He didn’t know Zane’s newer boy all that well, but Ryan was on the feisty side. “Well, we can’t have you starving, so I’ll be there in a bit.”

They said their goodbyes and Marc closed down his computer. He might not be able to get Foster out of his thoughts, but he could at least be a good friend to Zane.

Chapter Six

The moment Foster reached Club Sensation, his ever-present doubts and fears enveloped him. He stood outside on the sidewalk, staring at the steps leading to the front doors, trying to decide whether he dared to go inside. His desire to take a peek inside the club had seemed like a solid plan in his living room. On the streets of downtown Boston, not so much.

Prior to finding a parking space in a nearby garage, he’d noticed the restaurant attached to the club. Maybe if he went there instead, his nerves would be better equipped to handle a genuine club visit in the future. The major problem with that plan was he hated eating in restaurants by himself. Marc had no idea how exciting going to a nice place to eat on their date had been for him.

He smoothed down his red silk shirt that his ex had given him last Christmas in an effort to turn him into dance club guy. Edward’s effort had been a big fail. Foster had tried to become nightlife guy for Edward, but as usual, his boyfriend had become frustrated with him. Okay, so maybe he wasn’t the greatest dancer in the world, but mocking his ability had been completely unnecessary.

His black dress slacks and patent leather Oxfords he’d worn to a friend’s wedding back in California completed his ensemble. When he’d checked the dress code on Sensation’s website, his outfit was permissable. The red bracelet available at the door was what had finally given him the confidence to go inside. Supposedly, no one could bother him if he wore one.

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