Bondage (32 page)

When Tobias got to Bradford's he was seriously considering apologizing. Another long night's sleep and a quiet day had put him in better spirits, and it was really only the chance to visit that had brought him out after all.

Nikki met him at the door and took him to Bradford's gentlemen's parlor, a small and very stately room with a fireplace and lots of dark wood and burgundy leather seating. Bradford met him as he came in, offering a hand in greeting. "Welcome." He smiled. "Still drowning?"

"Above the waterline," Tobias said with a smile. "Never pay attention to me when I've just woken up, all right?"

"Ah, no. On the contrary, a man's mind is at its most uncensored when still addled by sleep. Drink?" Bradford crossed the room to his liquor cabinet.

"And by drink as well," Tobias agreed with a wink. "And yes, please. Maybe if I have one we can get me back to that state." He made a face. "Not that I want to do that."

"That wasn't part of my plan," Bradford said casually, pouring Tobias a glass and bringing it over to him. "Please, have a seat."

Tobias went to sit near the fireplace, preferring the overstuffed chairs. "If you say so. How have you been?" he asked, swirling his drink before sipping.

"I've been busy, but all in good ways. In addition to those summer workshops I told you about a few months ago, I'm working on some new endeavors for the club for the fall. Nikki and I have had some intense sessions lately, as well." Bradford sat in a chair near Tobias. "It's been good. I hired a third bartender, and two more waiters, too."

Tobias' eyes widened. "Very impressive," he said honestly. "Things are going well."

"Very well; in some respects, too well. I've had more referrals and applications for membership in the last two months than I had all last year. The dining room has become strictly reservation only and is nearly full every night. Business has been truly overwhelming." He shook his head and sipped his drink, grinning. "I'm thrilled."

Tobias laughed. "I bet you are. Running a Top-heavy club was a good idea -- there are always way more bottoms than Tops around; this is the place to come. Are you getting enough Tops? Good ones?"

"To be honest, I haven't had time to review many of the applications, I had thought to ask you for some help with them, but I see you're entirely too buried yourself." Bradford crossed his legs. "I've simply gone to a waiting list."

"Is that entirely wise?" Tobias asked, raising an eyebrow. "If they have to wait too long, they'll go elsewhere. Might lose some good players that way. Exclusivity is a fine line to dance upon."

"It certainly is," Bradford agreed. "Wise or not, I am only one person and there are only twenty-four hours in the day. I'm being forced to admit that I might need some help, if that isn't a blow to one's ego." He smiled at Tobias. "But you are not here to discuss my schedule, hm?"

"I have no idea why I'm here, honestly. For dinner, perhaps?"

Bradford laughed. "Ah yes, under the pretext of dinner."

Tobias sighed. "I'm busy. You understand. I got a little overwhelmed, but things will be fine, I'm sure." He leaned back in his chair and sipped his drink again, thinking about the club and how wonderful it was to see the place blossoming.

Bradford shook his head. "You'll end up back there again," he cautioned. "You're stretched pretty thin, don't you think?" The man scratched thoughtfully at where his beard would be if he had one, which he never had. Day or night, Bradford was always impeccably clean-shaven.

"Next spring," Tobias said lightly. "This year was bad because of the move, taking Phan on, going to Paris..."

"Tobias." Bradford interrupted. He leaned forward in his chair, holding Tobias' eyes. "Who do you think you're kidding? Talk."

Tobias stared at him for a long moment and then more or less collapsed. "I can't do this," he said softly. "I can't... be what they need. It's too much and I'm messing everything up."

"Two subs under contract is very difficult," Bradford agreed. "They'll tolerate the current situation for a while, they like each other well enough, but they're both there for you, really. They will start to feel neglected if you can't be available to them."

"I know." He did. "And there's the farm, almost forgotten -- my father must be spinning in his grave -- my practice, the stables, everything. I'm... drowning." He stared at his glass and emptied it with one swallow. "I think Dee wants me out."

Bradford studied him for a long moment. "So get out."

"And do what? Spend my days spanking the boys and looking out the window at my farm?" Tobias snorted. "Hardly likely. Or worse -- we're in town for Noah's job, I'd spend my days watching paint dry. Literally -- Phan's into acrylics now."

Bradford looked at Tobias thoughtfully, then stood and went to the door. He opened it and seemed unsurprised to find Nikki kneeling quietly. "Nikki darling, run and bring me the white folder on my desk, will you? Quickly now."

Nikki stood up and hurried off.

"How is it you define yourself, Tobias?"

"I try very hard not to," Tobias said dryly. "But as you're going to push me for an answer, I'll give you what you already know. I'm a Dom. I am a Master, if you want to use the term. I am also a veterinarian, the heir of a large fortune, and a snob. What are you?"

Bradford met his gaze evenly. "I'm a Dom and a Master and the proprietor of a very successful establishment, and I'm not nearly as defensive as you are."

"You're also not coming home to boys who're spending their nights getting each other off because you're simply not around."

"No, I'm not. Because I was fortunate enough to be able to make what I am my career, and so I am never forced to make such choices."

Nikki reappeared with an enormously overstuffed folder and handed it to Bradford before kneeling outside the door again. Bradford thanked the boy and then quite casually closed the door in his face.

He walked toward Tobias and held the folder out to him. "Being a vet has nothing to do with how you have chosen to live your life. It's a distraction and a source of stress and guilt. Take a look at these."

"I like being a veterinarian," Tobias protested. He took the file, however, and peered in. "What is it? Applications? Christ, there must sixty of the things. Are we importing people from the west coast now?"

"I like that 'we.'" Bradford grinned, taking a seat. "I couldn't tell you where they're from; I haven't had a moment to look them over. Those are the potential Doms, only. The potential subs take up three folders that size. And all are potential
members
that I am going to lose if someone doesn't take the time to meet them and evaluate them."

"Ah, so I should give up my practice and spend my days interviewing people. No thanks." Tobias put the folder down. "Lots of luck, though."

"Well, that would be one of your responsibilities, yes." Bradford finished his drink and set it aside. "What I'm trying to tell you, Tobias, and apparently too subtly, is that I need a business partner. This establishment, and the plans I want to put in place, are too big for me to manage on my own anymore. I need someone I can trust. And oddly enough, I don't trust anyone as much as I do you."

"Oddly enough?" Tobias smiled. "Thanks. I think." He looked at his glass and asked, "May I have another? I have a feeling I'll need it. And where are your cigarettes?"

Bradford pointed to a slim silver case on the table beside Tobias' chair. "I'll bring the bottle over." He made his way to the liquor cabinet again. "You haven't asked me what my plans are for the fall," he said casually.

"I'm afraid to ask," Tobias said, reaching for the cigarettes. "Tell me, Bradford, what are your plans for the fall?"

"Well, this business partner that I am desperately seeking will of course be a top-rate Dom," Bradford said with a wink, offering Tobias the bottle. "Someone who is quite capable of training other Doms -- young ones, older ones with a particular skill they'd like to learn, members who I think need to work on something, you get the idea."

Tobias chuckled. "Of course. Training could be a thing -- special workshops, weekends, all that fun stuff. Where are you planning to buy space? The club can hardly hold something like that. Especially if you have all these new members trying to book rooms."

"Funny you should ask." Bradford looked at Tobias. "The ideal candidate for this position would have access to enough open space that events like workshops and weekend intensives would be possible."

"The farm," Tobias said coolly. "And just how long have you been planning this?"

"It's never been a plan, Tobias, it's a thought." Bradford smiled. "Just an idea. Something I've been tossing around for almost a year now."

"That long?" Tobias asked, surprised. "Good thing we didn't talk then -- the place was covered in dust."

"Actually, that was when I got the idea to put it and you to better use, but then Noah came along and I thought better of pitching it to you."

Tobias nodded, thoughtfully. "He needed work out there," he agreed. "And he still does. So does Phan. But there's a lot of time..." He stood up and took a long drag off the cigarette in his fingers. "Let me think for a couple of minutes."

"You've got most of the summer. Think as long as you like. Mull it over, talk to your boys. Get your feet wet instructing at my summer workshops. I'm going ahead with the plans to some extent in any case, it's only a question of whether you're in, or if I have to dig up the next best thing to the perfect instructor." Bradford helped himself to a cigarette as well.

"Yes, I'll have to talk to them." He walked a few more steps, mulling it over, questions coming to him fast and furious. "Partnership?" he asked, almost absently.

"Absolutely." Bradford nodded, watching him. "It would be insulting to offer you anything less."

"So, how would that work? Would I buy in? Would the stables be part of the club?" He stopped and shook his head. "This is big, Bradford."

"Too big?" Bradford eyed him.

"I don't know yet. There's a lot to think about -- aside from me leaving my practice. Noah's job, the land around the house, what Phan would do. What exactly I'd be responsible for." He shrugged. "Maybe it's just a lot all at once."

"We can discuss how you want it to work. The stables are your private property after all, and if you don't want them to be part of the business per se, we can work something else out. We can arrange terms of use and the club could rent, you could buy in... or we could even build a separate building on your grounds and not touch your stables. This could work many different ways. It depends on what's comfortable for you."

"I see." He didn't really, the big picture was eluding him. Mostly, he was just trying to imagine himself dealing with people all day long -- or his evenings -- and what it would mean to his boys. "No more late night pages," he said to himself.

"You'd make your own schedule..."

"Be home or here..." Tobias blinked and brought himself back to the room. "Shut up," he said with a grin.

Bradford grinned back at him. "You have to admit, it's got possibilities."

"Oh, it does," Tobias agreed. He looked at the folder full of applications. "Let me talk to my boys. See what they think."

"You know, they could be included, too. Work with you and other subs -- we could definitely include them." Bradford paced back to his chair.

"Phan, maybe. Actually, probably. He's going to need something very soon. Did you know he's down to once a week with Dr. Brewer, and working toward twice a month?"

"That's excellent news." Bradford smiled. "But I knew you would be good for him."

"Well, we'd hoped," Tobias said easily. "I think it's got a lot to do with Noah, as well."

"Noah has really blossomed with you, too."

"He's... happy." Tobias stubbed out his cigarette and sat down again. "We all are, I think, over all. I just haven't been spending enough time with them."

"I'm sure they understand." Bradford was watching him again.

"They coddle me. I don't know if they'd tell me if they resented it." Tobias waved his hand. "Phan is happy to have a contract with me at all, and Noah's a mother hen. Would Nikki tell you if he wasn't getting enough of you, what with all this club business going on?"

Bradford shook his head. "Nikki never said a word when Phan was living with us and I knew I was neglecting him. I think he would probably let it go, hoping I'd fix the situation, until he couldn't take it anymore, and then we'd end up having a conversation about terminating and I would be backpedaling and apologizing in a very un-Dom-like manner."

"So... you need a partner; for many reasons. And I need to find a way to balance my life."

"Right. I think that we've been over that." Bradford smiled.

"I'll talk to them. Talk to Dee. Talk to... a few people about many things. That's the best I can do right now, old friend."

"Splendid. Hungry?"

"Rather. Let's eat." Tobias looked once more at the folder and tucked the matter firmly out of mind until he got home.

It was just after nine-thirty when Tobias got home, pressing the doorbell for the hell of it as he unlocked the door. "Hello, boys," he yelled over the sound, grinning.

"Hello, sir!" Noah sang along with the bell tones. He appeared at the top of the stairs. "Phan's been very busy tonight, you should see."

"Oh, dear." Tobias almost shook his head, just imagining the trouble the boy had gotten into, but then he stopped. "Wait, painting? Or bubbles in the tub?"

"Painting." Noah laughed. "I hid the bubbles."

"Good boy," Tobias approved, hanging up his coat. "Now, if we can just hide the sugar..." He walked up the stairs and took a kiss from Noah when he reached the top. "Lead on, pet."

Noah lingered just a bit longer over the kiss than Tobias had intended, then took his hand and pulled him over to Phan's bedroom. He let Tobias go inside, but he waited in the doorway.

"Hello, sir," Phan said, bouncing over to claim his own kiss. He drew it out as well, and Tobias decided it was going to be a fairly physical night. "Come on in, kitten," he added as he let Tobias go.

"That's a no-no, Phan," Noah said, staying put. "Unless Sir says it's all right."

Tobias rolled his eyes. "Come in, pet. It's his space, he said it's fine." He made a mental note to refine the rules a little. Really, obedient subs were a joy -- except when they weren't. He laughed to himself and looked expectantly at Phan. "So? Show me, dear."

Phan grinned. "It's not much." He swiped at his cheek, and the little blob of blue paint there turned into a streak. "Damn."

"It's cute," Tobias assured him. "Painting?"

Phan pointed to one corner where he had a makeshift easel set up. The canvas wasn't overly large, perhaps twelve by sixteen inches, but he'd filled it well. A nude male figure was outlined in dark swirls, the paleness of his skin almost glowing in the contrast. "Is that Noah?" Tobias asked, staring. It was a gorgeous image.

"Uh-huh. He didn't pose or anything, I just kinda... did it. It's not horrible, is it?"

Tobias assumed the question was rhetorical, because the painting was lovely.

"Wait, that's me?" Noah stepped into the room, moving closer. "You didn't say that was supposed to be me." He got even closer. "Wow, Phan."

Tobias snorted. "There's no 'supposed to be' involved, pet. Look at the shoulders, the line of the hip. The cock alone should have clued you in. It's beautiful."

Phan bit his lip. "Are you mad, Noah?" he asked quietly.

"What? No!" Noah moved to Phan and put an arm around his waist. "No, hon, I'm... wow. Stunned. Flattered. It's beautiful. I mean the painting is beautiful, you made me way too hot." He grinned.

Phan smirked. "You really should look at yourself more often."

Tobias had to agree. "Can I have this when it's dry?" he asked.

He watched Phan blink. "Of course," Phan said, looking more and more startled. "If you want it."

"I want it," Tobias said, studying the painting. "And I have to figure out where to hang it. What do you think?"

"Your room?" Phan suggested. "Or the living room?"

Noah looked between them. "You want to hang a nude painting of me in the living room?"

Tobias nodded, his eyes on the painting. "Yes, I think so."

Noah shook his head. "I mean it's a beautiful painting, it really is, but... "

Tobias grinned. "You don't want our friends admiring you? After I've dragged you out in all kinds of gear, fucked you in an alley in front of most of them, and had you wear those chaps in front of Luca and Bradford? After I had you naked in front of everyone at your collaring? After all that, you don't want your beauty on display in the living room?"

Noah rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, when you put it like that, sir..."

"Indeed. Yes, I think it'll go in the living room. Well done, Phantom. It's beautiful."

Phan smiled and wiggled. "Thank you, sir."

"It really is. Even if it is me," Noah joked and kissed Phan soundly.

Tobias rolled his eyes. "You'll never be vain, will you, pet?"

"On the contrary, I know I look damn good in those chaps." Noah smiled. "How was dinner?"

Tobias laughed. "I love those chaps. Dinner was... interesting. Actually, it's given me a few things to think about. To talk to you both about."

"Uh-oh." Noah looked at Phan. "That sounds ominous."

"Maybe. Maybe not." Phan instantly looked worried and Tobias pulled him closer by instinct, petting him before kissing his nose. "Are you two settled for the night? Chores done?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Noah answered. "Oh, except that I need a shower, and I haven't unloaded the dishwasher yet. I got distracted by Phan's work."

"Understandable," Tobias grinned. "Go unload the dishes and put the kettle on, then. We'll all curl up on my bed and have a chat."

Phan made a noise and Tobias kissed his nose again. "Shh, boy. It's about making it better, meeting needs. It'll be fine, I promise."

"Okay," Phan said softly. "I'll help Noah, then. Hurry us along."

Noah grinned and headed for the stairs. "Come on then, slowpoke," he teased. The pair sounded like a herd of elephants on the hardwood staircase.

Tobias looked at the painting for a long moment and finally nodded to himself. It was time to make some changes, only part of which would concern his working life. With a last look at what Phan had created, he headed down to his room, planning how he would approach the various topics. Most important, he decided, was to reassure them both of his commitment to them.

He found his room in its usual tidy state, the bed made up with fresh linens and the boys' chains neatly coiled on the floor. He looked around the room, thinking about how many nights he'd not been there lately, and settled himself on the bed, sitting up against the headboard but in the middle so he could have a boy on each side.

Before long, Noah appeared, carrying two mugs, Phan close at his heels with his own. "You look comfortable, sir," Noah said, handing Tobias his tea. He kicked off his shoes and joined him on the bed.

"Better now," Tobias said with a smile, holding Phan's mug while he joined them. He tangled all their legs together, the three of them shifting and tugging at pillows until they were comfortable. "We have to talk. Honestly and freely, all right?" He waited until each of the boys nodded and then went on, "I've missed you. Missed you both, very much, and I'm sorry I've been so absent."

Noah sighed and looked at his tea. "You've been busy with work. You warned us. But I've missed you, too. It's... Phan and I have had fun, but it hasn't been the same lately, you know?"

"But we've been okay," Phan said quickly. "We missed you, but we haven't been... no, we've missed you." He sighed and leaned in. "We've needed you, but not 'cause we're in a bad way. Just because we need you."

Tobias nodded, understanding what he was trying to say. "I know. This has been a hard few months, with a lot of changes, and I haven't been able to be what I promised I would be. I regret that because, while I am a vet and have been for a long time, at heart I'm your Master. I've been a poor one lately, stretched too thin by other obligations. Important ones, but not as important as you both."

"I've missed you," Noah said. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, but this hasn't been an easy couple of weeks for me with work and Carol, and... well, I'm glad that you brought this up because I've been trying to find the right time to mention it. I just want to hear things are going to get back to normal soon."

Tobias nodded, his eyes on his mug. "I know. And I didn't have a clue how to do it, honestly. I called Bradford yesterday because I knew I was drowning -- it's not just work, it's the farm, too. I have too many things going on, and I'm in a state of constant exhaustion right now. It makes it hard to see solutions." He smiled wryly. "But that's what Bradford is for, apparently. He's made an interesting proposal which I said I'd talk with you both about."

Phan said nothing, but he moved a little closer, his fingers gripping his mug a little tighter.

"A proposal?" Noah asked seriously.

"He told me to retire and offered me a partnership in the club."

Noah turned and looked right at Tobias. "You're kidding?"

"Not in the least. He's expanding. Rapidly, in fact. Things have gotten away from him and he needs a Dom to handle screening and training. We tossed around the idea of incorporating the farm as well."

"Jesus," Phan said, turning to stare as well. "Training? Doms or subs? Never mind, it would have to be Tops, and if you did it at the farm you could do some really intense stuff and long workshops -- Christ, you'll make a fortune. Another one."

Noah stared at Tobias. "Okay, it's a good opportunity; a really good one for you. I don't mean to sound cynical but Bradford is busy. How does this partnership make things better for us?"

"Well, no more pages, and nights away. My focus won't be so scattered. I'll be home all the time, or at the club, and I'll need you both for demonstrations. It will mean more scenes, more time with me, and my being immersed in the lifestyle." Tobias sipped his tea. "I'll be able to make my own time -- if we use the farm I can either arrange it so we have our weekends as usual for us, or I can do workshops, depending on your needs. My time at the farm wouldn't have interruptions about the land, because I'd likely sell most of it off."

Noah nodded slowly, and bit his lip looking thoughtful. "Sounds ideal, I guess. I mean it sounds pretty good. I will be happy to personally shred your pager." He grinned.

"Can't shred plastic, kitten. Mallet."

Tobias looked at Phan and grinned. "Seriously, though, there are things to talk about. Retiring is a big deal. Deciding if we should use the farm or not. What to do about the land -- it's been in my family for a long time, and I don't know what to do. Sell the horses? What about this place? We'll still be based in town, of course, but what about you, Phan? You must be getting bored silly sitting around here; Bradford suggested that you work at the club too, in some form."

Phan squeaked. "Doing what?"

"I have no idea yet -- this is only about three hours old for me, too."

"Don't sell the horses." Noah interrupted. He seemed pretty insistent about it. "I'd miss them. Even the bitch."

Tobias laughed. "Yes, me, too."

"Crispin would never forgive you," Phan said pointedly.

"Fine, the horses stay. But what about the rest? What do you think, honestly?"

"Honestly? What enjoyment do you get out of most of the land? I mean apart from being able to ride it? You could work out something with the new owners where you're still allowed to ride the land, right?"

"The land is a huge money sucking responsibility I've wanted to shed since about five years after my parents died," Tobias said promptly. "But it keeps Peter working, and Mrs. Miller was attached to it."

"Um, sir?" Phan said gently. "How old is Peter? Sixty? Older? Let the man retire, too. Hell, give him a few acres of his choice as a retirement present, or the option to buy it up."

Noah nodded. "Unless there's something you're not telling us, it's not like you have anyone to pass the land on to, right? This is the end of the line for it anyway."

Tobias stared at him. "Jesus. What a horrible thought." He'd honestly never thought about it.

Noah laughed softly. "Don't get all sentimental now, I'm not raising children."

Phan wiggled. "I am a child."

"True." Tobias grinned at him. "All right then, sell the land, keep the horses. Retire or not?"

"I'm not answering that one for you," Noah said.

"Thanks so much. Don't answer, just tell me what you think. Do you think it would help us?"

"Well, all right." Noah sighed. "As much as I respect your dedication to your work, I think not being paged for a sick dog or a raccoon in the henhouse or a cow in labor at three a.m. or in the middle of dinner would be a great improvement."

"Phan?"

The boy shrugged. "You don't need the money, you have things to do, and you want more time to yourself. You said yourself that you're our Master first, a vet second. Come home to us."

Tobias nodded. "Okay."

"You're sure? You're not going to regret it in a year?" Noah sipped his tea.

Tobias shook his head. "I don't think I will. And if I do, I'll still have my license. I could always start again. But honestly, these past few months have proven that I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't Top you both, mentally or physically, and keep up the pace of even our small practice. I just can't."

Noah nodded. "Then I'm with Phan."

Tobias drained his mug and leaned all the way over Noah to put it on the nightstand. "Done then. I'll talk to Dee tomorrow. This thing with Bradford has a lot of details to work out, though."

Phan curled right around him, his own mug suddenly gone. "So sort it out. Tomorrow."

"Again, I'm with Phan." Noah smiled, and tugged Tobias right down on top of him.

"Oh, really?" Tobias asked with a grin. "And what are you and Phan going to do?"

"Everything," Noah purred and wrapped his legs around Tobias' waist.

"Oh, that's a lot," Tobias said. It was the last thing he said for a while, other than names and assorted praises. All in all, it was a good way to end the night.