Page 40 of A Daddy to Love

“Daddy, you look good all in leather.”

“Thank you.” I reached to the table beside the door, grabbed the mask and put it on. “What about this?”

He took a step back, cheeks hollowing, brow tightening. “Um. Uh.”

“You can be honest.” But I already knew his opinion.

“It’s kinda scary, Daddy.”

I pulled the mask off, chuckling. “All right. First things first. Always tell me the truth.” I tossed the mask back on the table. “This will stay behind.”

Kairo’s eyes lit up when he saw my full face again. He reached up and stroked my hair back into place. “There,” he said.

Now we could be on our way.

I took his hand and closed the front door behind us.

Saturday nights were the busiest for Kings and Queens. This was our first night out in public, other than an occasional meal, since we got together. I was used to attention in crowds. Kairo wasn’t.

As we approached the entrance, I put my arm around his shoulders and pulled him to my side. “Stay close.”

“It’s busy.” Kairo’s eyes were round.

“A popular place.”

Though the front was dark, the double doors were outlined in flashing blue lights. There was no line but people were coming and going and we had to wait as the doorman checked phones for payment receipts or sent people with credit cards to an inside window. I’d handled everything beforehand and he let us right through.

We walked through a short tunnel with dim track lights and emerged in the main bar and dance hall. Like just about every club in the city, gay or straight, the thunder of music with a heavy base hit like a wall. The air was scented and spicy in an attempt to combat the heavy sweat and leather. Circulation systems were good here and it wasn’t too overwhelming. What was, if you were a newbie, were the patrons. So much leather. So many thick, tattooed arms. It was bear paradise here, although littles and subs ran through the room and dance floor in lighter contrast. While the attire was mostly dark leather, there were queens who wore multi-colored wigs, white leather bras, bikini briefs and thongs. This place was everything you could imagine. And more. There was a reason it was so popular not just with this city; people came on weekends from the surrounding cities, as well.

I’d been coming here for over ten years but not for the past couple months. It was like a homecoming as heads turned. I recognized every other face I saw. They recognized me.

And then it started.

“Truce. Truce. Truce.”

Kairo’s fist grabbed the hem of my vest as he skirted halfway behind me.

“You fine with this?” I asked under my breath.

“Yep, Daddy.” He spoke into my back.

Old friends quickly came up to me, some hugging, others patting my shoulders and chest.

“Who’s this?” Rico asked.

Derek wasn’t as polite. “Is he the new one?”

Others echoed the questions, moving around me to better see Kairo.

“This is Kairo.” I smiled. “He’s with me.” I hugged him hard. “No fighting about it.”

Everyone laughed.

Kairo leaned his head back finally showing his face. I began the introductions. Rico. Derek. Jaz. Kumo. Davie. Jerry. Kirk. Klo. Carsten. As I kept going, his eyes went blank. I guess I knew just about everyone and there was no way he would remember them all, or even one of them by name.

My friends came in all shapes, sizes, colors and demeanor. Some wore barely anything while others were covered in leather head to toe. It was a lot to take in if you’d never been around it before.

Kairo smiled, his voice a bit scratchy. “Hi.” He gave a royal wave.