Page 12 of Gentleman Sadist

“It’s true.” He chuckled.

Dinner turned into a colorful feast for the eyes once the server brought out their meal. Between their plates on a small butcher block were small spoons filled with oddly colored balls of what first appeared to be ice cream, but in all reality were cryogenically made whipped potatoes. The flavor exploded on Will’s tongue and he groaned. There were hints of garlic and cheddar cheese along with chive and something else adding to the delightfulness of the concoction. Another bowl had frozen green balls on them. He stabbed one with the skewers they were given and popped it into his mouth. The sweetness of honeydew burst on his taste buds but was followed up by the crispness of cucumbers and a hint of ginger.

“This stuff should be illegal,” he groaned tasting one of the orange balls.

“Yes,” Kat agreed. “So good.”

“I’m coming back with Ian,” Angie added. “He’ll get a kick out of this.”

By the time they walked out, Will was stuffed. Even with the small portions, and the lightness of the food, it’d been as if he’d eaten a large meal. When he slid into Angie’s SUV, a new spark of energy filled the space. Anticipation coiled with excitement in his gut. He glanced at the two women with him and they too must have felt it. Their eyes sparkled. Their conversation grew more animated by the second as they drove back to the hotel so they could change.

For the first time in months, he looked forward to letting loose and dancing. He knew if he said it out loud, he'd sound like a broken record, but he needed this. The escape washed away all the stress. He'd have to get something for Kristen to express his gratitude later. Of all their friends, she understood him better than all of them. Once he stepped into his room, he removed his shirt and shoes then went to his bag. He pulled one of his favorite mesh tops out along with the leather gladiator harness he'd fallen in love with when he thought he could potentially find himself with a Dom. Then he grabbed a pair of low slung leather pants, another holdover from his time at the club.

When he was dressed, he grabbed the small makeup pouch out of his bag. He didn’t ‘wear,’ makeup per se. He used eyeliner and a bit of concealer when he was tired, but tonight he’d only go for a bit of eyeliner. The charcoal color enhanced his amber eyes as he slid the pencil along his lower lid. Tonight he was going for something a little more mysterious, like everyone continued to remind him, he was supposed to be having a good time. Will looked at himself in the mirror when he’d finished and grinned. There was a spark of his old self there. The glimmer he’d been missing since Tristan left him high and dry.

He slid his fingers through his hair, pushing it from his forehead, and grinned. Yes. This was more like it. On his way to the door, he stepped into his moto boots, because he could never be too prepared, grabbed his jacket in case he needed it, and proceeded to the elevator. As he stepped out into the lobby, he was greeted by catcalls and whistles from the girls. Heat filled his cheeks as he did a little twirl for them.

“I’m sorry,” Angie said, stepping forward, “but, who are you and what have you done with our friend Will?”

“You’re hot, Will,” Kat added.

“You clean up good,” Roxanne acknowledged.

“Don’t go giving him a big head,” Kristen joked. “Though, he’s a damn fine man when he wants to be.”

Will laughed, sure his face was the color of a ripe tomato. “If we’re done ogling me.”

“This” —Angie flicked her finger up and down— “can’t be wasted.”

“Thank you for the ego boost, ladies.” Will grinned. “It’s much appreciated. You all look stunning as well.”

“Nowhere near you though,” Angie mumbled. “Damn.”

“Maybe you should have Ian dress up like this some time,” Will kidded. “I’m sure you’ll both enjoy it more together.”

Angie laughed and gave him a playful little nudge. "Not even close. I'd probably end up in that getup and he'd be ogling me."

“Sounds like you’d have fun then.” He wiggled his brows.

She paused for a second and a thoughtful expression passed over her features. “You know, you’re right. Thanks for the idea.”

“My pleasure,” Will replied as they exited the hotel once more.

Kristen stood beside him and took his hand in hers, squeezing it. "Have fun tonight, okay?"

He nodded. “You too, sweetheart.”

Benjamin’s bachelorparty was going to kill Robert. They’d been better off spending the night at Pleasure Dome than out at some hipster night club. The lights were too bright. The music too loud. He couldn’t think let alone enjoy himself. Yet, there he stood, at one of the many bars located around the spacious establishment, waiting for a round of drinks for him and the guys. He scrubbed his face and sighed. Next time, he’d say no. He was officially too old for this shit.

“Hey!” A woman approached him on his right, taking his gaze off his buddies for a moment. Her skin was slick from perspiration, most likely from dancing too much. Her eyes were a bit glassy and unfocused. She didn’t need another drink, in his estimation. She was probably going to suffer tomorrow as it was. He glanced down at the sash she wore and frowned. Even worse.

“Hey yourself,” he replied.

She giggled. “Would you like to dance? My friends and I are celebrating.”

If only she were his type. No, his type worked for a museum, had been impeccably dressed, and had the most gorgeous amber eyes he'd ever seen. "Sorry, waiting on drinks."

She frowned. “How about after.”

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