A Destined Christmas Miracle, page 5
I will stay calm. I will stay calm.
Sliding the key into room 326, I pushed open the door and trudged in, dropping my bag onto the nearest table. I was tired, but I inspected the room, looking for any signs of laziness or failure on the housekeeper's part. There was a queen-sized bed in the center of the room, and the linens were nicely folded.
There wasn't a speck of dust on any of the furniture, and the windows across from the bed gleamed. Stripping out of my clothes, I crawled up the bed, pulled the covers back, and sighed with contentment as my muscles relaxed. Now, this is more like it. Before I could turn over, my eyes closed, shutting out the bright sunlight.
N
It had been five hours since I had arrived in Alabama, and I was in awe of the scenery. I had been hiking at Oak Mountain State Park and enjoying being out in nature. The birds sang, the air smelled of fragrant flowers and plants, and the wind blew slightly, making it a perfect day to sightsee.
I now sat above Peavine Falls, reading about the city of Bessemer and what attractions, foods, and activities I could enjoy. Nothing made me feel more relaxed than when I was out in nature, using all five senses to take advantage of what we call Earth.
Something about this serene place drew me in, making me want to stay here and never leave. I breathed in, inhaling the aroma of blooming flowers, and I felt at peace as I heard the waterfall below. How beautiful! I knew that getting away for a few days would be just what I needed.
Hiking back down the trail proved to be quite tiring, but when I reached my car, I was overcome by a feeling of sadness. There's always tomorrow. With that thought in mind, I climbed into the yellow Chevy and headed to Bob Sykes Barbeque, which I read was one of the best places to get a good meal.
It was a family-owned restaurant, and from personal experience, the staff at these types of places always made me feel like I was coming to a place of warmth, kindness, and love… home. I already knew what I wanted, and my mouth watered thinking about the ribs I was going to devour. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed how very few vehicles sat in the lot. I exited the car and headed inside.
N
I bobbed my head as I walked to my car, the beat of “Cool for the Summer” by Demi Lovato pulsing through the open windows of Al's on 7th. Climbing into the Chevy, I sat back and glanced at my reflection in the rear-view mirror. My face was alight with excitement, my green eyes full of love.
A lot better than yesterday. I wasn't going to let anyone or anything ruin this night. I stuck my key into the ignition and peeled out of the parking lot, feeling like I was on top of the world.
I had a wonderful time at the two gay bars I visited. Great music, and oh my God, the food was superb! I can't remember how many glasses of wine I consumed, maybe three?
I had made out with a few different men and danced with others. Stopping at a red light, I turned up the volume on the radio, “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift was playing, making me tap the steering wheel. I feel great!
Once inside my room I checked the time, and seeing it was 8:30 p.m., I stripped out of my clothes and headed for the shower. I had packed a nice shirt and dress pants for the Demo Night at Flame of Fury, and though it was a club that catered to the most extreme of play, I still wanted to look nice.
Auntie always said, “First impressions are always important.”
As I lathered the washcloth with soap, I thought about my night ahead. Within minutes, I would be in a new territory which seemed to call to me every time I checked LBM.
What was it that drew me in? The promises that lay within the words? The hope that I'd find something, or someone worth remembering? My need for a distraction? Columbus held too many memories of Josaiah, and here in Alabama, there was nothing but good food, Southern hospitality, beautiful scenery, and hot men with Southern accents. This trip was long overdue.
Taking in a gulp of air, I pulled open the door to Flame of Fury. A tall man with sandy blond hair sat behind a desk, and when I approached, he looked up. His eyes were a gorgeous green, and I felt my heartbeat accelerate as I gazed into them.
“Hello. Are you here for Demo Night?” His voice was rich and deep, and he had a southern drawl that had my brain unable to function for several seconds.
“Y-yes, I am.”
“The name's Billy, and you are?” he asked, as he pulled papers from a folder and handed them to me. “Please fill this out and sign. Is this your first time here?”
“My name's Colin, and yes, it is.” I lowered my eyes and attempted to read the words on the waiver, but with the man's presence in front of me I found it hard to breathe.
Turning away from the receptionist, I read through the waiver carefully and thoroughly. It was a well-written piece stating that they won't be held liable for anything that happens at their club and that if anything feels off, tell a staff member. I signed my name at the bottom of the page and returned the papers to Billy’s outstretched hand.
“Hope you enjoy your time here.” His deep voice filled my ears as I stood, and I licked my lips. Keep talking, and I might have to… I shook my head as I crossed the room toward the door.
“Thank you.” Was all I could manage as I walked away from him.
The doors slid open, and I took a few steps inside. The place was packed! Dark, black panels covered the walls and I wondered why. Lights bounced off the dance floor where a few patrons shook their asses and snapped their fingers. A bar, tables, and chairs were set off to the left. People milled about, talking and laughing. Seems like a normal club. Behind me, I heard a throat clearing.
“Hey, buddy. Are you going to go in or just stare all night?”
I smiled and walked toward the bar, feeling foolish for gawking at the scenery like a nerd. I waited for the bartender and looked around at the people. Tall glasses sat with different liquors inside, and I wondered what my drink of choice would be.
“How may I help you?”
“A rum and Coke, please.” I smiled at the bartender.
“Want anything to eat?”
“No, thank you. I've eaten quite a lot today.”
It was true. I had leftovers from earlier: ribs, fries, macaroni and cheese, and bread from earlier. At the two gay bars, I had gorged on nachos, fries, and mozzarella sticks. If I ate any more, I would burst.
A tall glass was set before me, and I nodded as he went back to serving customers. The first sip was a little harsh but tasted divine. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned my head.
“Hey, man. I'm sorry that I barked at you like that earlier. Let's start over. Hi,” he said, extending his hand. “I'm Luke, nice to meet you.”
“It's okay, really.” I shook his hand and grinned at him. That southern drawl was having an effect on me, and I shifted in my chair as my pants became uncomfortable. “I was the one blocking the doorway. So, what can you tell me about this place?”
The man pulled out a stool next to me and sat. He had warm brown eyes and braided black hair, and his skin was smooth and light. He wore a chain around his neck and a ring piercing in his lip. I shuddered at the sight, and he chuckled.
“It was not that painful, man. I like it, and I love jewelry, so this fits right in. So, the club.” He regarded me with a calm stare. “It's been here for four years. The owners, Milo and Ray, are very proud of how well the place has done. There's a Demo Night every Sunday, and afterward everyone is encouraged to explore the club and test out their newly acquired skills.”
“Oh,” I gasped, taken aback by the man's revelation. I hoped there would be more to it than that, like maybe volunteering to try while a crowd is watching. This definitely was a different atmosphere. “What about dungeon monitors?”
“What's that?”
“You know, someone who monitors the play spaces to make sure things are going smoothly?” I took a few more sips of my drink.
“Um, we don't have those,” Luke said. “We have bouncers and trained staff in case of emergencies. But no monitors. No one's watching our every move. Now, tell me about yourself. I can tell that you're not from here by your accent.”
No dungeon monitors? I recalled The Ranger had DMs, and my online research told me that most BDSM clubs have them. So, why didn't this one? Aren't they supposed to be protecting us from any danger that could arise?
Clearly, Flame of Fury was a different type of BDSM club and, this was a another state, so maybe they had different regulations here. I wrapped a hand around the glass, sipping the liquor while studying the man. He had his arms folded on the bar, his eyes watching my face. He was waiting on me to answer. Remember, you're here to enjoy yourself. Stop worrying!
“I'm not from here. My home is in Columbus, Ohio.”
“Oh, the Buckeye State! Do you like it up there?” I nodded, and he continued. “I'm from Hoover, Alabama. It's not far from here. So how long are you in town, and where are you staying?”
“I leave in two days, and I'm staying at Fairfield Inn and Suites on Academy Court.” I looked up and noticed a wall with a glowing black panel. “Hey, what are those panels for on the walls? Why are they lighting up?”
“They are doors,” he answered, and my mouth fell open. “If you walk near them, they slide back, allowing you access into the rest of the club. Wanna go explore, um, what's your name?”
“Colin,” I replied, my heartbeat accelerating. I held onto the glass as I downed the rest of my beverage, and after slamming it on the bar, I turned toward my new companion. “Yes! Let's go!” I heard a beep, and Luke reached into his pocket.
“Oh, hold on.”
I watched as he unlocked the phone. A message appeared in the window.
The party's starting in a few, where are you?
A party? Luke typed a quick reply, and I looked down. What type of party? I liked Luke, he seemed amiable and fun, not to mention ruggedly cute, and I wanted to see where the night led. I now had someone I could talk to and question about the ins and outs of this place. Maybe if everything went well, I could go to the party with him.
“Ready to go?” His warm brown eyes looked into mine as I nodded, and I followed behind him watching his ass as he walked ahead.
Chapter Seven
Stephen
I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, all I could do was think. A migraine was coming, but my mind just wouldn't rest. I had woken up at 4:00 a.m. and showered, checked over our itinerary, rechecked my packed bag, and paced the floor until Dennis showed up at 5:15 a.m. to pick me up. He had commented on my appearance, but I ignored him.
The normal proceedings before boarding went by smoothly, the flight was uneventful, and now, we were landing in Birmingham, Alabama. As the plane moved slowly along the runway, my heartbeat sped up knowing that I was now in the same state as Colin. Now, all I have to do is find him.
Dennis had rented us a white Honda Civic. As I settled into the upholstered seat, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I couldn't allow the lack of sleep to deter me from finding Colin. The door swung open, and Dennis climbed in.
“You okay, man?” I could hear the concern in his voice, but I put up a hand to stop the words I knew were about to fall from his lips.
“No, don't you dare. We came here to find Colin, and that's exactly what we will do. Let's hit the gay bars downtown first.”
“Stephen, nothing's open right now. Most bars don't even open until 4 p.m. I'm sorry, man.” The car started, and I sighed as I dropped my head into my hands.
“Fuck!” I groaned. I just need to know he's safe. “What are we going to do until then?”
“You need to eat and sleep. That's exactly what I'm going to do.” I bit my lower lip, the angry words tumbling out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“Of course you can say that, you're not pulling your hair out worrying about a submissive who might be in danger. I can't even think straight! I don't want to sleep or eat. I need to find…”
“Stephen, please.” I could hear the frustration in his tone, and I closed my mouth. “You are going to go to the hotel, get a bite to eat, sleep for a couple of hours, and then we will comb the streets looking for your boy. Trust me, you'll feel better after these two necessities are taken care of.”
I knew that my friend was right. As anxious and worried as I was, my body told me that other things needed to be taken care of first. I sagged against the seat, dropping my hands to my lap and my head against the headrest.
“Okay.”
N
It was now 7:00 p.m., and we had already been to three gay bars looking for Colin. No one recognized him from the picture that Dennis had sketched, and I was getting increasingly worried. We had been in and out of Hoover, and now walked the streets of Birmingham.
The serenity of the silence surrounding Alabama's cities was relaxing. It gave me a chance to let my mind wander. Maybe he just needed some time away from it all: his ex, the heartbreak, his thoughts. Could that be why he showed up here? But what about Flame of Fury?
We entered Al's on 7th and headed straight for the bar. Dennis waited for the bartender to acknowledge us, and he showed him the sketch of Colin.
“Have you seen this man? He might be in trouble, so time is of the essence.” Silence followed, and my stomach turned. Please, tell us that you've seen him.
“I saw him.” I let out a breath, my muscles relaxing. “He was in here yesterday. He seemed to be enjoying himself, talking to some of the patrons and smiling. Nothing seemed wrong.”
“Thank you so much for your time,” I chirped as Dennis's elbow grazed the back of my hand. “You've been very helpful.”
“My pleasure.”
I closed the passenger's side door as Dennis climbed in. I buckled my seatbelt and turned my face toward my friend.
“So, what now?”
“There's one more bar we haven’t hit yet. After that, there’s only one other option.”
The car started, and I squeezed my eyes shut. God, please let me find him here. Please. Thoughts tumbled through my brain, making it hard to stay calm. I wouldn't rest until he was safe with Dennis and me.
Wherever he was, I would find him. I had to. I knew that he wasn't my submissive, but something pulled me toward Colin. When I could be sure he was okay and safe, I would try to find out what that ‘thing’ was. He's going to be fine.
“We're here.”
N
At Our Place, the last gay bar on our list, a few patrons recognized Colin from the previous night. They said the same thing the other bartender had: Colin seemed in good spirits, and nothing seemed wrong. So now we stood inside Flame of Fury, the thumping beat of a rap song pulsing through the club. The bartender talked with Dennis while I waited, feeling utterly hopeless and lost.
“He has seen him!” The sound of Dennis's shrill tone had my heart racing. “He says he left the bar with someone. Who the…? I'll be right back. Some dude is watching us.”
“Dennis, we don't have time…” I clamped my mouth shut, deciding to let it be. Dennis could handle himself, and besides, I had bigger things on my mind. Then suddenly, Dennis's hand was in mine, holding onto it tightly as he dragged me. “Where are we going?”
“This guy knows where Colin is. He's a piece of work, though.” We stopped, and I heard a sigh escape a man's throat. “Okay, dude. Talk. Where did you last see him?”
“If this isn’t some police investigation, you have no right…”
My hands were around the man's throat as I lunged for him. We both fell to the floor, and I leaned over him, digging my fingernails into his neck.
“Stephen!”
“Where the fuck is Colin?” I gritted out, bringing my face close to his. “Start talking, and if Colin is hurt, I will make sure you pay.”
“Okay, okay.” The man's strangled words infuriated me further, and I brought my knee to rest on his stomach. “He came… back with me last night to… our dungeon. We had a couple of drinks, ate, played, and I took him back to… the hotel. That's it, I swear.”
“You better be telling the truth, fucker!” I snarled and felt a glob of saliva leave my mouth. I hoped it landed on his shirt as I held him down. “Which hotel did you take him to?”
“I think… I've said too much alrea—”
“Which! Fucking! Hotel?” I yelled, shaking the man by his shoulders.
“Ow! Fair… Fairfield Inn and something. He's fine, I promise.” If this idiot was telling the truth, we had just traveled all over Alabama for nothing. That was where Dennis and I were staying. I let go of the man and stood, dusting off my hands and pants.
“He better be, or else!”
As we walked toward the door, the man's voice had me turning my head.
“He had a wonderful time last night with us. Yeah, his mouth and his hole are perfect. Don't…”
I attempted to break free of Dennis's hold on my hand, but his grip was firm as he pulled me toward the exit. He yanked open the passenger's side door, and I clambered inside as he slammed his.
“What the fuck were you thinking!” he bellowed as he shifted gears. “You know that your behavior was uncalled for, right? Don't say another word until we get back to the hotel. God, you act like the boy is yours.”
He was right, of course. My judgment was clouded by my emotions and feelings for Colin, but I needed to know. That idiot was an arrogant son of a bitch, and his words buzzed around in my head as we sped through the streets of Alabama. Colin wouldn't have sex with anyone, would he? I barely knew the boy, but I was questioning his decisions. I sighed and dropped my head into my hands. For the first time in a long time, I wanted to cry. I felt helpless and if I didn't find him, I wouldn't know what to do. I felt the car slow, and I reached for the seatbelt.
“Don't move.” Dennis's harsh tone echoed around the car's interior as he exited, slamming the door.
What the fuck? I hated being told what to do and I knew my friend was mad at me, but damn! Then my door flung open.
“Let's go.”
