Lance shrugged, running a hand through his hair. “Getting choked out or slapped around isn't my favorite scene. But Julian likes people who challenge him and give it back. It isn't so bad if you play his game. In the end, we all want to fulfill the client's fantasy.” He paused, tracing a faint scar on his wrist that I hadn't noticed before. “Also, Julian's pretty decent when it comes to aftercare and always checks up later on the men he fucks. I don't think he wants to get on the Master's bad side.”
As the hours crawled by in the quiet pool area, I shared laughs and stories with Lance and some other companions. By sunset, my mood lifted with the vibrant colors painting the sky. I felt somewhat ready to take on any clients who might stop by.
As darkness descended, the tiki torches lit up, casting a warm glow. I leaned against the railing, attempting to drink it all in, trying not to fixate on Ricard. I’d get through tonight somehow.
Then tomorrow.
Then the next day.
“Hello, little one.”
I whipped around, startled to find the Baron standing behind me, his tight swim trunks leaving very little to the imagination. My stomach did a nervous flip, Lance's warnings flashing through my head like warning lights. “Good evening, Sir.”
“Mind if I join you?” Julian's voice cut through the air, sultry and confident. He towered over me, his muscular frame casting a shadow across the pool, making me feel smaller than I already was.
“Of course not.” My voice wavered under the weight of Julian's presence. I couldn't help but feel intimidated by the man, knowingfull well what he liked behind closed doors. I gripped the railing a little tighter.
“Listen, I know you're going through some... difficulties at present.” Julian said, leaning in closer, his breath hot against my ear, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “But I believe I can offer a most effective distraction from whatever troubles you. Something mutually beneficial, perhaps.”
I hesitated, my heart hammering against my ribs like it was trying to escape. I knew exactly what Julian was suggesting, and part of me was tempted, like maybe if someone pushed me hard enough physically, I could forget the emotional train wreck for a few hours.
But another part of me, a small voice in the back of my mind, warned against it. Was I ready for this? Could I handle what he might do?
I had to be ready. This was my job. Casey needed the money. I needed to be professional. “Alright.” I turned to Julian and nodded, putting a smile on my face despite the anxiety bubbling up inside me. “Let’s go.”
A wicked grin spread across Julian's face as he grabbed my hand, his grip firm and possessive, leading me away from the pool area. My pulse raced, anticipation and fear mingling in my veins.
As we walked, I wondered if this would be the balm I needed or just another mistake in a growing list of bad decisions.
We walked toward the main clubhouse, Julian's breathing quickening as we walked. Julian's hand pressed against the small of my back, pushing me along, his fingers digging in. “I have been looking forward to this, my boy,” he murmured as we walked through the entrance of the building. “I cannot wait to have you.”
Just as we turned the corner, Vincent stepped in front of us, looking crisp and composed despite the late hour. “Your Lordship,” he saidwith a small bow. “I apologize for this inconvenience, but I'm afraid I need to speak with Theo right now.”
Julian's annoyance flared. “Now? This can't wait until tomorrow?”
“I'm afraid not, and I truly apologize.” Vincent nodded his head at someone standing behind them, and I saw Enrique, another companion, step up closer to us. “Enrique here is available at this time, if that pleases you.”
Enrique's eyes dropped to Julian's crotch and then looked up with a wicked smile that practically screamed what he was thinking.
“Ah, hello Enrique.” Julian reached out to touch his shoulder with one finger, the gesture somehow both casual and possessive. “It's been a while since you've graced my room.”
“Let me make up for lost time, your Lordship.” Enrique took Julian's hand and guided him toward the elevators, turning his head to give a quick wink to Vincent and me. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be reassuring or smug.
I exhaled, my shoulders dropping from tension I didn’t know I was holding. “What—”
Vincent chuckled, cutting me off. “C'mon over here, kid. Let's have a little chat.” We walked toward a set of plush chairs tucked away in the corner of the lobby, far enough from prying ears. “Look, Theo,” Vincent began, his voice soft but firm, “I wanted to talk to you about what happened just now with Julian.”
I hesitated, then nodded, picking at a loose thread on the chair. “Okay.” I knew Vincent meant well, even if the conversation made my skin crawl with embarrassment. God, was I that transparent?
Vincent leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “When I started The Ranch, I envisioned a place where people could explore their desires without judgment. And that includes our staff.It's important to me that everyone feels safe and respected, not just the clients.”
I blinked, surprised by Vincent's unexpected sincerity. The words sank into me like a stone dropping through water, creating ripples of relief I hadn't realized I needed. Most bosses I'd had before wouldn't have given a shit about my feelings. I was just labor to them, a body to fill a slot on the schedule. “I thought I was hiding it better,” I admitted, embarrassed. “The whole thing with the Duke, it's just... I didn't expect it to hit me this hard.”
Vincent leaned forward, his expression serious but kind. “Theo, I've been doing this long enough to recognize when someone's in over their head. And right now, sending you off with Julius would be like throwing a wounded swimmer to the sharks.”
The image made me laugh despite myself, a small, broken sound that surprised us both.
“Early in my career,” Vincent continued, “I was in a similar situation to yours. Heartbroken and desperate for distraction. I did things I wasn't ready for, and it broke me. Like, completely shattered me for months.”
