Chapter 9

9

T he first thing Tobias did when he got to the club was ensconce his submissives in his office, both of them quiet and calm and more or less too far into their own headspaces to be out wandering around the building. There were things he needed to do before taking them upstairs, so he asked one of the security personnel to stand guard at the door, just in case.

Then he went to find Bradford.

Nikki opened Bradford's office door. Bradford was on the phone but waved Tobias in with a smile. "Yes, that's what I'm looking for. Well, really it should be something discreet -- could be mistaken for Ivy League or a retired firefighter or something unless you know what you're looking at. Mmmhmm. Mmmhmm. Yes." Bradford gave Tobias the thumbs up sign, grinning smugly. "Perfect. I'll come take a look at what you've got in mind tomorrow. Afternoon is fine. Thank you." He hung up the phone. "Remember a while back we were discussing member lapel pins? I believe I've found someone to make them."

"Really?" Tobias laughed softly as he seated himself. "As long as we don't need a secret handshake, too. One pin for all members, or will there be a slight variation between Doms and subs?" Taken to extremes, there could be many variations, which might be over the top. Still, it would be good to know who you were talking to, in general terms.

"One for Doms and one for subs, of course, though I don't plan on creating our own version of the hanky code if that's what you're worried about." Bradford looked Tobias over critically. "Hmm. No, that's not what you're worried about. What's on your mind?"

Tobias raised an eyebrow. "My mind, I admit, is rather taken up with this afternoon's demonstration. Class? Lecture? What are we calling it, anyway?"

"It's a seminar. That way it can be as hands on -- or off as the case may be -- as you feel comfortable with. We have good attendance, and the Doms who have regular subs are bringing them. Oh, and I might not have mentioned there will be two Doms who are currently prospective members. I asked Nikki to leave their files on your desk. I assume you saw them?"

"Not if they were put there this morning. I just got here. How many people is 'good attendance'?" He trusted Bradford not to overfill the room -- what good would it do if no one could see? -- but he might have to adjust his planned teaching style if there was more than an intimate gathering.

"Fifteen Doms, not including myself."

"Jesus Christ." Tobias stared at him. "Where are we doing this, the dining room?"

"The banquet room, where we had the boys' collaring. Plenty of room there." Bradford didn't seem at all concerned about the numbers. "Too many Doms for your liking?"

"About three times more than I expected, honestly." Tobias frowned to himself as he reworked segments of his presentation for a larger crowd. "How on earth are they going to see everything?"

Bradford frowned. "I had thought they would sit in a semi circle, two deep. You hadn't mentioned an attendance restriction. Tobias, would you prefer that I split it into two sessions? We can do one this week and one next."

"I didn't even think about numbers because I'd assumed that no more than four or five of them would be able to take time off during the middle of the week on such short notice." Tobias glared at Bradford. "Don't say a word to Phan about that, either. He'll tease me until I have to thrash him."

"I think you're forgetting two things, my friend," Bradford said, running his fingers through Nikki's hair absently. "For one thing, it's your class, not some random how-to demo. And secondly, are you aware of just how large our membership is at the moment? Do you know how many active Doms we have right now?"

"About fifty regulars? More than that again on the rosters that show up once or twice a year?" Tobias guessed blindly. "And your first point is why I don't want Phantom to hear about this. I shudder to think what he'd say, in that gleeful little wiggly way of his." He did, actually, shudder. It would be horribly embarrassing.

"About seventy-five regulars, another twenty or so who show up at least once a week for dinner and to play, and another fifty or so who show up mainly at the parties and social events. And with your weekend seminars and now these weekday demonstrations being open to non-members, we're not a small organization serving a few kinky guys anymore, Tobias. We're an active, profit-making business. Fifteen attendees is a drop in the bucket."

Tobias gave him a long look. "I think I want better booze in my office. God." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, today we'll leave as is -- these men did take time off. The next one, if we do this again, we'll cap. How does that sound?"

"Fine with me. It's your show, Tobias. But if you want better booze, that will have to come out of your budget." Bradford grinned and leaned forward across his desk. "We're doing very well, my friend. Maybe we should treat ourselves to a vacation this spring. I've yet to take Nikki anywhere."

Tobias glanced at Nikki. "Cruise, maybe? Or we can rent a private property somewhere warm. Oh, Greece. Let's take them to Greece."

Nikki was sitting still as stone, but it was clear that he was listening intently. Bradford followed the boy's gaze and smiled at him. "Greece is a lovely idea. A perfectly wonderful idea. What do you think, boy?"

"I think it sounds amazing, sir." Bradford's sub was grinning widely now.

"Well, Tobias, you might be on to something. Noah will look splendid tanned and kneeling on a beach, and Phan... well, Phan probably sunburns. Better take out some stock in sunscreen."

"Phantom is a delicate little orchid who will stay in the shade and mix our drinks and make our lunch. Oh, I do think we've got our autumn planned, good for us." Tobias smiled just as widely as Nikki. "Naked Mediterranean frolics. Lovely. Now, I just need to get through today. Tell me, do we have particularly good resolution on our security cameras? We may be able to use them somehow to get good detail shots of Noah and Phan as I mark them up to varying degrees."

"I'll do you one better. I have a video camera we can set up and perhaps place a few monitors around the room. Let me just make a call..." Bradford picked up the phone. "Shiloh? Hello. Can you arrange for a video feed in the banquet room for our gathering this afternoon? Yes, monitors, and we might as well record it for the library. Perfect. Thank you." He glanced at Tobias. "Done. Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of." Tobias stood up. "Lunch? My boys are in my office; Phan's anticipating and Noah's so deep into his headspace that I think the waves of calm are what's got Phan quiet. It's fascinating, really."

"Sounds it. I'm continually fascinated by all three of you." Bradford grinned. "I'm up for some lunch, sure," he added, standing. "Come, Nikki, darling."

"Do you mind if we eat in my office instead of taking them into the dining room?" Tobias opened Bradford's door and headed down the hall toward his own. "Something light ought to do it."

"Not at all. I never get to actually eat when I sit in the dining room anyway; someone always has questions for me. Shall I have Nikki get us some salads?"

"Perfect." Tobias nodded his thanks and then took a moment to thank the security guard, Andrew. "They were good?"

"Of course, Master Tobias." Andrew smiled. "Not a sound." He inclined his head and left, presumably going back to his regular duties.

Tobias opened the door and left it open for Bradford, who was quietly instructing Nikki. In one corner, Phan was kneeling and waiting, just as he'd been when Tobias left him there. In the middle of the room, Noah knelt on a cushion. They were both wearing casual clothes, mostly so they'd be warm, but the shirts were low enough that their silver collars were on display. "Well done," Tobias said softly. "Are either of you hungry?"

Noah took a second to answer, as if being pulled back to reality by Tobias' words. "No, thank you, sir," he said, not moving a muscle.

"Phan?"

"Cheeseburger?"

Tobias snorted. "You're first up, pretty boy. Just remember that. When I'm done with Noah, I want to scoop him right up and do all the aftercare, no pausing. You're going to be marked all to shit, and I'll be having Nikki clean you. Do you still want a cheeseburger?"

Phan's head tilted to the side as he considered. Then his stomach rumbled, loudly. "Yes, please."

Smiling, Tobias went back to the door. "And a cheeseburger, please."

Nikki nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Get something for yourself, Nikki," Bradford added. "Eat well. We may not have time for a sit-down dinner tonight."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

"Run along."

Nikki disappeared quickly.

"Noah must be deep if he's not eating," Bradford suggested, stepping past Tobias and looking the boy over.

"Deep, and about to try something new, facing a barrier. I'll make sure that he has a wonderful supper later on." Tobias sat down and pointed to Phan's usual spot. He'd take some time to love on Noah after the rest of them had eaten, before they went to the banquet room.

As they ate, Tobias and Bradford went over the last few details for the afternoon, and Tobias kept a close eye on both of his submissives. Phantom seemed cheerful and cooperative. Noah seemed to be safely aware of what was going on but very calm and centered, which was exactly what Tobias needed. If Noah went so far into his headspace that he grew lax and unresponsive, too calm, Tobias would need to bring him up a little. With a new tool, and one as serious as a scalpel, Tobias needed to know that Noah's reactions were going to be quick and clear so Tobias could react with Noah to make the experience both safe and powerful.

When the meal was cleared away, Bradford and Nikki took their leave. Tobias assumed that Bradford was going to greet the guests; Tobias hardly had time to do it, after all, and playing the charming host was one of Bradford's special talents. With a few quiet words, he had Phan get changed into a simple linen garment that was barely more than a loin cloth. For Noah, he had loose cotton pants, closed with a drawstring. He wouldn't be using Noah's legs and saw no reason to tempt himself with that much unmarked skin.

"Are we ready?" he asked quietly, looking down at them as they knelt together.

Noah nodded slowly, not giving Tobias any outward sign that he was feeling anxious. "Ready, sir."

"Yes, sir." Phan smiled and reached out to take Noah's hand. "Me first, kitten. Then Sir can love on you a lot after it's all done."

Tobias saw Noah give Phan's hand a squeeze. "I'm fine. Sir will take care of me. And I know you'll be amazing as always."

"Of course he will be -- he has to be, this is his kink of all kinks." Tobias grinned and straightened his tie. "Phan loves to show off."

Phan shrugged and somehow managed to look modest. "I do. It's true."

"This should be a very successful day for you, then, sir," Noah replied. Tobias had a feeling that if Noah'd had permission, he would've given Tobias a wink and a nudge to go with his remarks.

"I'm counting on it." Tobias nodded and turned on his heel. "Come, boys. Let's go and teach a lesson." He started walking, pleased when both subs fell into step right at his heel before he even got close to the office door.

The three of them took up the entire width of the hallway as they walked to the banquet room; it was a very good thing that no one was coming toward them, because Tobias wasn't going to shift from his path for anyone or for any reason. He was as deeply into his headspace as Noah was, just as he was supposed to be.

Smiling about that, he walked through the door and led his boys right to the middle of room, not looking around and not hesitating. "Good afternoon."

Bradford was standing across the room, speaking casually with one of the Doms, and he quickly excused himself and met Tobias in the center of the room. Everyone settled into seats, some with subs at their feet.

"Gentlemen, you all know Tobias Vincent, so I'll skip the introductions and just say that this is the first of what we hope to be a series of seminars that Tobias will offer. Please be ready to give us some constructive feedback when we're through today. Also, out of respect for Tobias and for his subs, who will be part of his demonstration, please hold all comments and conversation until Tobias opens the floor to questions. The rest I'll leave to the Master." Bradford touched Tobias on the shoulder as he left the floor and took a seat where Nikki was kneeling beside an empty chair.

Tobias grasped Noah's wrist gently. "Go and sit with Master Bradford until I call you, pet. You can watch Phan, if you wish, but you don't have to. Be calm."

Noah nodded and whispered, "Yes, sir." He went and knelt beside Nikki, and Bradford acknowledged him by giving his shoulder a light squeeze before turning his full attention back to Tobias.

Tobias gestured to the low table they'd had made up as a bed, and Phan sat on the edge. "This is Phantom," Tobias said as he looked around at the assembled men. "Most of you know him, I believe, and some of you have known him for years. He's mine."

There was a soft round of laughter as Tobias stated the obvious.

"Phan's got a lot of experience with sharps." Tobias moved around to stand behind Phan, making sure everyone could see Phan's chest. "He's scarred in several ways from years of being whipped with... well, with just about everything, honestly. He's been caned so hard he's got scar tissue on his upper thighs from it, and he's got bull whip marks. But if you look closely, you can tell which fine lines are from knives and quills." Tobias allowed himself to smile. "And if you're very close to me, or to Phan, you'll be able to figure out which marks are mine -- aside from the obvious, of course. The rather large 'T' on his hip is a bit blatant."

Everyone laughed again, and there were a few comments. One man tilted his head as if reading the 'T' for himself. Tobias heard Bradford snort and looked over to find him grinning, but Tobias followed his own rules and said nothing out loud.

"So, today I'm going to use Phantom as a bit of a canvas. He's used to sharps, we've done this before, and he's got lovely, lovely skin. I'm going to scratch him, write on him, and even draw on him, working with a variety of tools as I go." He urged Phantom to lie back and launched into the safety issues of working with sharps, right from the first aid kit to sterilizing scalpels to how much blood was too much.

Phantom blessed them all with an extremely obvious erection and a broad grin.

While he talked, Tobias looked around the room, meeting the eyes of various Doms, some of whom he knew well, a few of whom he'd met once or twice, and the two prospective Doms Bradford had told him about but whom he'd yet to meet. Everyone seemed interested and attentive, and why shouldn't they be, really, with Phan putting on such a lovely display.

Even Bradford listened closely. The fact that Nikki was with him meant that they'd had their talk and Nikki either decided he was interested, or at the very least decided he wanted to learn more. One way or the other, they were in the right place.

Noah knelt still as stone with his eyes on Phan. It was hard to guess what that meant; either he was calm enough that he felt he could participate somewhat, or he was anxious enough that he felt he needed to see what would go on for himself.

"One of things I've been doing with Phantom is using knife play as a reward." Tobias held up his scalpel, letting the light flash on its blade. "It works for us that way, as it takes Phan very deep into subspace, almost as deep as pain. It may not work that way in your relationship, of course. However, I'm not here to lecture anyone on their relationships and what they should use a given technique for -- I'm here to demonstrate the technique itself. Phan, roll over."

Phan flipped himself over, taking a moment to ruefully adjust his cock.

Tobias pointed to Phan's shoulder blade. "Once upon a time, Phan had an identity crisis. I scratched his name into his skin with a toothpick. Every night for a month I wrote his name on his shoulder, over and over. It's there now, scarred into him, and I didn't once draw blood."

Tobias set the scalpel down on Phan's spine and ignored the very, very quiet sound Phan made. "A toothpick can be just as effective as a knife." He pointed to a small table by Phan's head. "Feathers, pins, needles, sticks, knives and razor blades. If it's sharp enough to cut you by accident, and if you can make it clean, you can use it to mark your sub."

Phan nodded and Tobias watched the scalpel on his back rise and fall as Phan's breathing picked up. "Okay, boy. Let's show them how you do." He reached down and picked up the scalpel. "Who are you?"

"Phantom, sir."

"Phantom, who?"

"Phantom Shaw, sir." Phan's hands were squeezing the cloth underneath him rhythmically.

"And what are you?"

"I'm your sub, sir. I live to serve you and make your life full and happy."

Tobias smiled, unable not to. "Yes, boy. You do that. Roll over, please, I'm going to write all over you."

"Thank you, sir!" Phan rolled once more and his erection pushed the fabric covering him away.

"Thank me later. Don't come until I say so."

To his credit, Phan didn't snort at the instruction. Maybe it was because of the audience, or maybe he just thought he'd best not risk Tobias taking even the hope of orgasm away. "Yes, sir!"

Tobias made sure the cameras could pick up what he was doing, and then he began to draw.