Page 4 of Power Play

“Max.” Dane switched his bag to his left hand and took the outstretched hand Max offered. Max was dressed in black pants, an open black shirt, and loafers, standard club wear. “Thank you for allowing me to join.”

“I spoke with Theo from your club in Chicago. He recommended you very highly.” Max turned to the man behind the desk. “Ralph, this is Dane Morgan. I’ve cleared him as a member.”

Ralph typed on the computer. “Got him. If you’ll sign in, Sir.” Ralph indicated the data pad on the desk.

Dane signed, and Ralph handed him a blue wrist band. “This is for…”

“To wear in the club.” Max gestured for Dane to walk down the hall. “Men’s room is here.”

Dane walked in ahead of Max. “Nicer than Chicago,” Dane said. The setup was great. Showers off to one side, toilets in another part, a large changing area with benches and lockers.

“We’re going to remodel shortly, but it works. Lockers use thumb prints. Hold your thumb on the display for three beeps, and it will open. When you close it, do the same, and two beeps will tell you it’s locked.”

“And this?” Dane held the silicon blue wristband up.

“It signifies you’re a Dom. I waived you coming to the classes where we talk about them. We use a color-coding system. It cuts down on Doms picking subs who are not at their level. White is novice. Purple and white, the sub is taken. Pink and white, a medium experienced sub. Green and white, experienced sub.”

“How does this system work for you?” It was different, but it made sense.

“Good. We switched over to silicone bands a few months ago.”

“They’re nice.” Dane slipped his on before opening his bag. “You didn’t mention a dress code, but I have an outfit like yours.”

“I figured you would. Just come inside the club proper when you’re ready. Big double doors.” Max sauntered out of the room.

Dane changed quickly, stored his bag in the locker and headed into the club. He stopped just inside the doors to familiarize himself with the layout. Unlike the Chicago club, this one was more open and had better lighting. He heard his name and saw Max standing by the bar with other men.

“Dane, this is Jordan and Damon, my partners in crime here at the club,” Max said.

They all shook hands.

Dane didn’t see any liquor, but he wasn’t surprised. The club in Chicago kept it hidden under the bar. “You serve alcohol?” Dane asked.

“We bring it in for special occasions. Otherwise, it’s off limits.”

Dane approved. Even if the club in Chicago limited their patrons to one drink, there were ways around the system, and Dane didn’t believe in mixing play with alcohol.

“Colby is about to start his demo,” Damon said.

“I thought Lara wasn’t ready to go with heavy duty flogging?” Max frowned.

“She’s not.” Damon added, “He asked Regina to be his demo sub.”

“This should be good. Excuse me while I go find Crystal,” Jordan said and walked away.

“Want to watch? You might like this demo,” Max said to Dane.

“Sounds good.” Dane followed Max and Damon over to one of the raised stage areas. While it was just nine, there were quite a few people already in the club. “Wicked Sanctuary seems to be doing very well,” Dane commented.

“Yes. One of the reasons we’re remodeling—or should I say adding on—our membership has grown in the last year.”

“I understand you’re engaged to be married?” Dane had been a little surprised, especially after Max had told him about his first marriage when he visited Chicago years ago.

“Yes. Sierra will be here in a bit. She more or less stumbled into my life.” Max’s lips turned up.

“I’m happy for you.” Dane hadn’t found anyone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with yet. The redhead from the gallery opening on Tuesday night sprang to mind, making him pause. Dane took a deep breath. It was too early to even think such thoughts. He didn’t even know her name, or if he could find her, although when he wanted something, not much stopped him from getting it.

Max led him to a row of bar-type stools. “We can sit here. I try to stay out of the way with these demos and give everyone else the best opportunity to view them.”

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