Page 31 of Just Business
Eli must have read him like a book. “Sam’s my boss and my friend, but that was a little much, even from him.” He stepped up to the counter and ordered a steak and egg sub.
Justin followed, opting for the cheesesteak and fries. The whistle had been harsh. Still, it had kept Justin from doing something very wrong. He glanced sideways at Eli. Or very right.Fuck.
Eli paid the cashier. Justin took his slip, checked the time, and counted the hours until Kelly would pick him up for that party. Better to find someone else to flog or fuck his brains out. He didn’t need attachments. Far too close to entrapment, and given the way he reacted to Eli, he might do anything for him.
He would not walk downthatroad again.
Chapter Six
The house was older, very large, and secluded. Kelly eased her Honda up the long drive and parked next to a BMW in the expansive driveway. “Lyle only holds a party every couple of months, so it can get crowded depending on who accepts.”
“Crowded is fine,” Justin said. Better to find someone to help him get the image of Eli’s commanding face from his mind. Strip the sound of Eli’s voice from his ears.
“The usual paperwork. No alcohol. Sex is fine with protection.”
Made sense. This far out from the main road and surrounded by lots of nothing, not like the neighbors would complain. They climbed out of her car. The path to the house was well lit, and the night warm for October. Good, since the blue silk shirt he’d chosen to wear was thin, but it clung to his body and was easy to peel off, if needed.
They were greeted at the front door by a tall man who defined the termsilver fox. Dark hair, with just a hint of gray. Dark suit, too, over a white shirt. Classic and masculine. “Kelly, so good to see you again, and you’ve brought a guest.”
Kelly’s smile was large and relaxed. “Master Lyle, this is Justin. An old friend from California. He’s new to the Pittsburgh Scene.”
“But not to the Scene,” Justin added. Lyle held out his hand and Justin took it. A firm shake before Lyle let go.
Master Lyle made Justin’s breath catch in the way all Doms did, but did nothing for his dick. Handsome, yes, but there wasn’t that spark, that fire. There needed to be if he was going to get Eli out of his head.
Lyle gestured down the hall to a table with forms. “The necessary evils.”
And legal protection, if something happened. He’d been to parties with waivers before, and to those without. He read over the text then signed. Nothing unexpected; nothing Kelly hadn’t told him about.
When done, they both fell in step behind Lyle. “New in town?”
“Been here about two years, but I’m in grad school.”
“Ah,” Lyle said. “Yes, that will eat your time.” They stepped into the biggest room Justin had ever seen. “I’m glad you’ve had a chance to join us.”
“Me too.” A small stairway led down into the main space. The room swirled with mingling people. Some couples, some more. Dressed to the nines—or not at all. “This is what I need, I think.”
Lyle chucked. “If you’re looking for anything in particular, don’t hesitate to ask. I know everyone here. He stepped back and gave Justin an appraising look. “Men rather than women?”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps Master Carmichael or Master Theo.” Lyle rubbed his chin. “Master E is here tonight, as well.”
The floor became far less solid under Justin’s feet and the air thin. No way in hell.
“Master E?” Kelly rose up on her toes and peered into the main area. “He’s incredible to watch. Intense. You’d love him, Justin.”
“Perhaps I should introduce you?”
“I...” Justin scanned the room. “I don’t...” His breath caught when he spotted the dark curls, the long line of his torso, and the cane. Eli laughed at something said by the man next to him and flicked a glance up.
That glance became a stare followed by one of Eli’s cock-hardening smiles. Justin’s heart nearly beat its way out of his chest. “Shit.”
“I see you’ve already met,” Lyle said.
Oh God.
“Just?” Kelly’s voice was higher than normal. “YouknowMaster E?”
