The Rules of Love Read Online Free

pay even dearer.
    They reached the door of Preston’s usual room to tryst in and after opening it, he pushed him inside. Finally freed from Preston’s painful grasp, he stumbled then caught himself. He gazed around the dim room. Preston’s most recent favorite toy lay prostrate on the floor with his nose in the plush Oriental carpet. Kenneth stood completely still, waiting for instructions. He knew better than to say even one word.
    “Ah, Linus. You are quite the lovely one.” Preston made sure to direct his remarks to Kenneth. “Young. Exquisitely fair. Lean and delicate. So unlike…others.”
    It was a ritual they went through. It was the one time when Preston demanded that Kenneth look him in the eyes. The whole interaction was a way for Preston to set the scene where he could fuck who he truly desired and could humiliate Kenneth with his hurtful words at the same time. It was difficult to discern which act gave Preston the most pleasure. He suspected it was a combination of both. He knew that Kenneth no longer cared if he took other men, but Preston could still wound him in other ways.
    “Fix us a drink, Kenneth. I want my delightful companion for the evening to enjoy himself to the fullest.” The warm smile that had briefly crossed his face changed into a scowl. “And for heaven’s sakes, do put on some clothing. I don’t want my view of Linus to be spoiled and there’s certainly no other reason for you to be nude right now. I brought up your underthings when I claimed the room. I don’t want any blood on your regular garments.”
    Without hesitation, Kenneth did Preston’s bidding. It was true that Preston controlled all of his actions, made all of his decisions. Under completely different circumstances, Kenneth would have gladly given his submission. It was what he’d enjoyed with Ronald. Without love, it was agonizing.
    But in his mind , Kenneth could live whatever life he chose. In his fantasies, he was cherished and loved. He gave of himself freely, allowed his body to be used however his lover wanted because he knew he would be fulfilled. As Kenneth poured the brandy for Preston and Linus, he found himself completely absorbed in his thoughts to the point where he could almost feel real happiness.
    He wasn’t sure when the imaginary relationship had begun to star the same man he wished was his Dominant. As always, his partner was a striking, silver-haired gentleman who was about fifteen to twenty years older than him. He was tall, broad-shouldered with a trim waist and flat belly. The deep blue eyes set in his handsome face were filled with mirth. Kenneth had seen those same eyes radiating a severity that made Kenneth’s knees weak.
    It wasn’t wise for Kenneth to fixate on that one image, to wish for someone like that.
    No. Not like that. Like him .
    The Master Kenneth wished for wasn’t one he’d made up. He was very real. The one Kenneth dreamed of was right there at the Hampton Road club. He was Master Saul.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    “Another drink, old sport?”
    Aaron nodded and held up his snifter. “Thank you, Saul.” After his glass was filled halfway, Aaron took a healthy swallow before setting his brandy down on the cherry wood side table. “You know, I do believe we need to bring in the other board members on this.”
    “Agreed, but we’d better do it fast. Elections will be coming up soon and it’s obvious in the way that Preston has been courting favor with the new members that he intends to throw his hat in.”
    “Hmm. This is troubling, at best.”
    A light knock sounded at the door. Saul shrugged his shoulders then moved to answer it.
    “Thomas, do come in. Were you expecting us, or were you hoping for more interesting company?”
    “I promise I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I heard you mention to Aaron that you wanted to have a smoke. I know you well enough since relocating here that smoking for you is another way of saying that you have something serious on your