Page 18 of Dark Seduction

When I glanced around, Cole ambled over to me, his hair appearing as if he’d raked his fingers through it more than once, and out of frustration left it that way. When I glanced over at him, in those few minutes he looked older than twenty-five. More like me, with too many problems to handle and too few days to complete them. No young man should have to worry like that, especially notmyyoung man.

I knew some of his problems and that was because he had barely two hours sleep, and to be wakened this time of the morning by your overachieving superior, was what most people dreaded, let alone a young man just starting out on a new job.

That was why I didn’t want a boss. I gave that up years ago and had opened several companies only to go bust, which appeared to be happening to me all over again.

When Cole sat at the kitchen island, I shoved a cup of black coffee and creamer in front of him, and he glanced up at me with sad eyes. I loved those eyes, and I didn’t want to see the concern and hurt in them. “What’s wrong, baby. Tell me. I want to help if I can.”

Over that one cup of coffee, and a lot of prodding, Cole told me about Charles St. John, and how Max had dumped his troubles on him, and those troubles had the name of St. John, and Max flew back to LA without telling him what he was up against.

Cole explained how he suspected St. John was on a road to ruin because of his habits, and that he was searching for someone to love him, and protect him from himself. Max obviously wasn’t in the business of protecting and taking care of one wayward youth. Perhaps he had too many to contend with as well as the empire he had built for himself, and he wasn’t going to let one of the pieces cause his entire empire to come tumbling down.

After I forced one portion of toast on him, and dumped the abused eggs into the waste disposal, I placed my finger under Cole’s chin. Talking didn’t appear to help Cole resolve his problems and come to some satisfying conclusion, so I repeated the question, “What’s bothering you, baby? If I can help, let me know.”

He sat staring at me, his mouth heaving out a hard sigh, then he half-heartedly spoke, “Max had suggested that I elicit your help. But I know you have a lot to do with your business and I was...” he bit his lip and looked up at me. “I was apprehensive about asking you to accompany me around Manhattan, and search some bondage clubs where Max suspects Charlie is holed up in. He thinks that’s where we can locate Charlie.” He waited for me to answer as if he thought I wouldn’t assist him. Well, I did ask him, and I did mean what I’d said—that I would help if I could.

I took a moment to think about what I was getting into. As much as I hated to revisit my former life, it was my chance to help Cole keep his job. I took his hand in mine, and said, “I’ll do whatever I can to support you. I think Ryan can handle my club for a few days without burning it down, or giving away the profits. Sure, I’ll help in any way I can,” I admitted.

Cole squeezed my hand. “Let me warn you. Charlie is into sexual asphyxiation—” This came as a surprise, but it wasn’t something I hadn’t encountered along the way. At various times some young men, straight and gay, had heard that this was the ultimate orgasm through chat rooms on the dark web, and had tried it. Some lived to talk about it, but many didn’t.

“There are only two clubs that will allow that kind of action in Manhattan, and those are private clubs. How would St. John know about them, unless—”

“He was born here in Manhattan, just like me and you. That’s why Max chose me to help find him, and because we’re close to the same age, and he knew you were my partner and you have had experience with these clubs. I was never into anything that severe, and that’s why he probably chose me.” I waited for the rest of the bombshell.

“The first time I got a chance to get into an adult establishment was your club, remember. I’d never been exposed to bondage before, but you were so easy with me, and I felt the bond between us, and it was strong when you took me and introduced me to that lifestyle, but I think Charlie won’t be as lucky as me,” Cole said. He didn’t have to say more. It was difficult for any one young man to navigate a lifestyle such as this, especially since he’d developed a dangerous sexual habit.

“You’re right, Cole. We have to find him, because he won’t be lucky as you were, and I was in finding you. This town isn’t like it used to be. We would get introduced by a friend and everyone knew everyone who was into a certain type of kink, they would steer us that way. I know some people who own and manage these clubs, but they only allow it under certain circumstances—”

“Money. Is money one of the circumstances?”

“I’d say it would be. We need to get dressed and go there. These are private clubs, but I’m sure someone will remember me, especially the owner.” I grabbed Cole’s hand leading him from the kitchen and into the bedroom. This time we took our shower separately.

When I’d dressed, Cole called the limo service, because it was company business, and because the drivers were decreet. The local ones where several companies used them, you didn’t know who your driver would be at any moment, or how reliable or unreliable they were.

It would take at least an hour or less to get to the first establishment, because of the traffic and because it was early in the morning. The sun hadn’t risen high enough to escape the buildings. However, it appeared that you saw more people traveling at these early hours than other times. Some men drank and played the life out of a night, and stumbled into the darkness before the sun rose, just like Dracula.

Waiting with Cole for his limo, I thought about the first stop. The first club I knew intimately. This was a good time to call Ryan. “Ryan. Wake up, and listen.”

“I’m awake, Daniel. How the fuck do you expect me to sleep when I have to get up and clean up and feed two dogs as if they are babies. I think they caught a virus and I’ve been cleaning up puke all night, and Jay has to bring them to the vet. How long will I have to go through this? I don’t have any dogs or children—”

“Yes, I know, but it will be a few more nights, and don’t forget to tell Jay to call me from the vet’s office. I have this thing I have to do because it is very important. I need to take a few days off from the club to help Cole, and I will appreciate your help.”

“You owe me, Daniel.”

“Yeah, tell me about it, but things aren’t even yet. I won’t be able to be at the bar tonight, or for a couple of days. I need you to take care of everything for me... and Ryan, please, don’t give away the booze, or let Jay near any matches.”

“What?”

“Never mind.” It was just a matter of crossing my fingers and hoping I could get back to my business before those two did any more damage than they had already.

When I ended the call, Cole said, “The car is outside.” Without words between us, we entered the elevator, and stepped outside the apartment, and into the limo.

I said to the driver, “Take me uptown.” And I gave him the address, to which he raised an eyebrow, because he’d known about the club from gossip. Everyone talked about the mansion full of secrets, but few had been inside and were sure it existed.

It existed alright. I should know.

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