Page 18

Story: With this Ring

For now, Damien still kept an apartment at the Den. But there had been discussion about turning the set of rooms over to Wolfe.
Gregorio’s watch vibrated, and he checked the gate.Speak of the devil. “And he’s here.” Earlier than expected, which was a point in his favor.
As they approached the Den, Wolfe braked, bringing his black SUV to a stop in front of the valet stand.
He emerged, then jogged over to join them.
“Understand you’re doing a demonstration tonight,” Damien said, shaking the man’s hand.
“Gregorio warned me he’ll be watching.” Wolfe gave a quick smile. “I have big shoes to fill.”
Gregorio all but snarled. “You won’t be filling Damien’s shoes. No one can.”
Chastened, Wolfe nodded. “No offense meant, sir,” he said to Damien.
“None taken.” He studied the apprentice. “Bring your unique approach to the evening. I’m looking forward to watching.”
The boss was far more generous than Gregorio.
Once they were all inside, Wolfe headed for the dressing room, and Gregorio watched him go.
“He’ll be okay,” Damien said. “Reminds me a little of myself at that age.”
“Wolfe is nothing like you, boss.” Then he excused himself. “I’ll make my rounds.” He started to walk away, only to be stopped by the quietness of Damien’s voice.
“Do you need some time off?”
With a furious scowl, he turned back to face his friend. “The fuck you talking about?”
“You got injured again.”
Damien knew him too well for Gregorio to attempt to deny the truth.
He’d been convinced he was disguising his limp, but obviously he was wrong. “Should see the other guy.” Not that there was anything left of him.
“It’s no hardship for me to step in. A week, a month.” Damien shrugged. “Take some time off.”
If he didn’t keep moving, soul-sucking remorse for his life choices would drop Gregorio to his knees.
“At least consider taking tonight off,” Damien suggested. “I’m here and, frankly, looking for something to do.”
“Appreciate the offer.”
Damien held up a hand. “I’ll say no more.”
As long as there was breath in his body, Gregorio would not abdicate his duties. “See you around.”
Each man went their separate ways.
Restless, Gregorio headed back to the dungeon.
If he was smart, he’d find a sub to play with later.
Or he’d bare his back for a thrashing that would take him out of his own head. On occasion, for the right Top, he’d be a bottom. With the way he lived his life, he sometimes craved release and that was one way to find it.
Another was by totally being in the moment with the right submissive.
Focusing on the job at hand, he checked the private rooms. In addition to being sparkling clean, they’d been stocked with water and sanitizing wipes.