Helter Skelter, page 9
“Hands behind your back,” Carey instructed.
Luke glanced around the restaurant. Almost every man in the place had turned to watch. Skye stood absolutely still, clad only in the mesh thong that was issued to all the serving staff at The Underground to wear under their kilts.
“Fetch two menus, please.”
Luke watched, entranced, as Skye walked away, hips swaying. He might as well have been naked for all the coverage his underwear gave him. He had natural grace and if it weren’t for the slight tension in his shoulders, Luke might have believed he was entirely comfortable following Carey’s orders.
“You’re testing him. Why?” Luke didn’t take his eyes away from Skye as he collected two menus and returned to the table.
“Because you need to be confident that he will do as you ask, when he’d prefer to run and hide.”
“He’s attracting a lot of attention.”
“Are you surprised?”
“Not at all. He’s stunning.”
Carey’s smile turned into a smirk. “Then you can handle him from now on.”
Luke accepted the menu Skye handed him. He pointed to a spot on the carpet next to his chair. “You’ll only be serving us, Skye. Kneel here while we make our choices.”
Skye hurried to do as he was asked. He dropped to his knees next to Luke’s chair, resting his hands palms down on his thighs, his arse on his heels. Luke found it extremely difficult to concentrate on the menu selection. The printed letters kept dancing a jig in front of his eyes.
“The chef here makes fantastic risotto,” Carey offered.
“Then I’ll have that. Anything you recommend is bound to be good,” Luke said, relieved not to have to think about it any further.
“I’ll have the same,” Carey said. “Bring a selection of chef’s appetizers while we wait for the main course.”
Skye raised his eyes, looking to Luke for permission to move. Luke got his first complete view of Skye’s eyes, which were a startling, unusual color. They, combined with his silver hair and delicate features, made him beautiful.
“You may go.” Luke handed both menus back to Skye. He noticed that the young man’s hands were trembling as he took the leather-bound cartes du jour, but he was steady on his feet as he walked back to the kitchen. “He’s got courage.”
“The orders make him brave. They give him enough focus to get past his embarrassment.”
Luke nodded. “I’ll have him stay with us while we eat. Kneeling will give him some protection.”
Carey grinned but didn’t say anything.
“What?”
“He’s imprinting on you. You’re his safe place now.”
Luke shook his head. “You planned this all along, didn’t you?”
“I’m admitting to nothing.”
Smug suited Carey, much to Luke’s annoyance. He found himself scanning the restaurant, eager for Skye’s return. It was a few minutes before he emerged from the kitchen, a large plate of appetizers in his hands. When he bent to place them on the low table in front of Luke’s seat, there were several sharp intakes of breath from diners at the surrounding tables. Luke glared at their occupants.
“You may put your kilt back on, Skye.”
Not bothering to hide his relief, Skye buckled the garment around his hips. “Thank you, Sir.” He resumed his position kneeling next to Luke’s chair.
Grinning, Carey took a breaded prawn from the appetizer platter. “Eat something, Luke. I can’t manage all this food on my own. We’ll move to a proper dining table when the main course is ready.”
“Do you have any allergies, Skye?” Luke asked. Confusion shadowed Skye’s pretty face. “It’s an easy enough question,” Luke reprimanded. “I expect an answer.”
“No, Sir. I’m not allergic to anything.”
“Any strong dislikes? I’m talking about food here.”
“Nothing too spicy, Sir.”
Luke hid a smile. He selected a miniature blini, topped with a slither of smoked salmon and some cream cheese, from the plate then held it to Skye’s plump lips. Skye opened for him, accepting the treat. Luke fed him a few more appetizers before taking anything for himself. Skye’s quiet moans of satisfaction were enough to make Luke hard, something he didn’t try to hide. Every now and again he caught Carey giving him a knowing glance. Luke’s boss was enjoying every moment of the scene he had engineered.
“Find us a table for the main course, please, Skye.” Luke ordered. “I’d like a glass of white wine to go with the risotto, something light. You may ask the barman for advice on a suitable choice. Carey, would you like another drink with lunch?”
“I’ll have the same.”
“Two glasses then, please. Then you may check on progress in the kitchen. Take the wine straight to the table.”
Once Skye had risen and moved away to complete his tasks, Luke turned to Carey. “What exactly do you have planned, Carey?”
“Skye needs a Master, and you need someone to train. A Dom without a sub is an empty shell.”
“Very philosophical. And do you not think I’m capable of finding the right man myself?”
“Frankly, my friend, no.” Carey chuckled. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, you’re stuck down in Hampshire, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by men with their own partners. I don’t think Rayne or the houseboys are your type, and Tor keeps his kitchen assistants firmly chained to the stove. You have little opportunity to hunt down a good sub. You’re an excellent manager and I don’t want to lose you. Skye will keep you well occupied.”
“I never pegged you as a matchmaker, Carey. I’m appalled.”
“No, you’re not. You’re intrigued. You’re already feeling protective. Where’s the harm? Take him back to Hampshire with you tomorrow, put him to work and see where things go. Train him. He probably won’t even realize you’re doing it.”
“He’s very young.”
“He is. This is his first job after graduating. He got his other experience working part-time while he was a student. It’s all the more reason that he should find his way under the guidance of someone experienced. The Underground is a safe space, but sooner or later his curiosity is going to get him into the sort of trouble he won’t be able to handle.”
The thought of Skye venturing into the world of Dominance and submission without protection sent a cold shiver down Luke’s spine. “Perhaps it is time,” he murmured. “Fine. I’ll take him back to The Retreat. But don’t think you’ve heard the last of this, Carey. Wait till I tell Alistair about your meddling.”
“Who do you think is really behind this?” Carey chuckled. “Alistair will be delighted that his plan has worked. Be warned, the sub mafia is a powerful organization with a long reach.”
Luke sighed. “Someone needs to put that in the BDSM manual in big red letters. There are a lot of unsuspecting, innocent Doms out there ready to get hooked.”
“Indeed. How about we contemplate our vulnerability over some good food and wine?”
Deciding alcohol might be a good idea as he didn’t have to drive anywhere, Luke followed Carey to the table Skye had selected for them. He needed a distraction from silver hair and big violet eyes before he did something he might regret.
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About the Author
Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
L.M. Somerton loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.pride-publishing.com
L.M. Somerton, Helter Skelter
