Page 29 of Need Him
He took the drinks, gave one to Ben, and threaded their fingers together once more. Glancing around the room, he could see a couple of booths free and led the way, keeping Ben close to him. They weaved through the crowd and slid into the seats to the side of the room, a perfect vantage point for Ben. Victor slid in beside Ben and Preston beside Gareth. Victor began explaining some things to Ben, pointing out areas of the club and what they could see. Gareth rested back and glanced at Preston.
“How are you really?”
Preston blew out a breath. “Pissed off, emotional, pissed off, etc.”
“Any more developments?”
“No. Still treating me the same.”
“Asshole,” Gareth said. “Have you thought any more about leaving the job?”
Preston shook his head. “I just don’t know if I can take it anymore. Seeing him every day and not being able to touch him had been hard enough when I knew I could in the evenings, but now…”
“We need to grab him and lock him up,” Victor said. “Set him on the St Andrew’s cross, and you can torture him until he gives you information.”
Gareth chuckled, but he saw the flare in Preston’s eyes. “It might be worthwhile, but you’d have to be sure he wouldn’t have you arrested afterwards.”
****
Chapter 12
Ben
“Arrested?” Ben said, his heart raced at the implications. “Why would he be arrested?”
Gareth placed a hand on Ben’s arm. “I’m joking, Ben. A little.”
That didn’t help him settle.
“What he means is that locking someone into the cross without their express permission is frowned upon, unfortunately,” Victor said. “I’m sure we can make him want it, though.” He winked at Preston, who chuckled.
Ben relaxed now he realised they wouldn’t be arrested for just being here. Stupid thought though it was, it was something he’d never thought about before. The club was nicer than he’d imagined. He hadn’t had much to go on, but he was impressed. His gaze stopped on a stage towards the back of the room. It held the St Andrew’s Cross they’d been talking about, and Ben tried to imagine himself on it. He’d never been tied up before, and he wasn’t sure if it was something he’d like.
“Look, there’s a Daddy and little.” Victor nudged his arm, and Ben refocused on the couple Victor pointed out.
They were both of a similar age from what Ben could tell—although he was rubbish with guessing ages, so he could be completely wrong—and if Victor hadn’t pointed them out, there was no way he would’ve guessed. At least until one of them…softened before Ben’s eyes. He couldn’t explain it any better. The man leant his head on the other man’s shoulder and closed his eyes, his body relaxing into the hold. The other man began swaying gently from side to side while continuing his conversation with their companions. After a minute, the Daddy lifted the little into his arms and carried him to a corner where Ben could see some large beanbags, plastic boxes and small tables. He set the little into a beanbag, covered him with a blanket and settled beside him, crossing his ankles.
“I bet some of the other littles will join them in a minute,” Victor said. “Once a Daddy starts reading, all the littles congregate for storytime. It’s adorable.”
“You’re just as adorable,” Preston said. “I’m surprised you’re not over there already.”
Victor rolled his eyes. “I’m teaching.”
Ben raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t know you were a little. You can join them if you want to. I’m okay here.”
Victor waved him away. “I’m good. It would probably do me some good to have a break from the monotony of trying to find a Daddy. It’s soul-crushing some days.”
“Why is it hard?” Ben asked.
“Why is it difficult to find a relationship in the first place?” Preston said. “There’s nothing different here, and people still need to have something in common besides the kink to make the relationship stick.”
Preston’s eyes clouded over, and he sat back and downed his drink. Ben glanced at Gareth, who gave a small smile, though he seemed sad. Ben squeezed Gareth’s hand.
“I think I need a refill. Anyone else?” Preston asked.
Ben raised his hand. “Could I have a whiskey, please?”
“Are you sure?” Gareth asked.
