Page 9 of Daddy Marc's Gem (Club Sensation #2)

Marc had been awake for almost an hour, lying on his side and staring at Foster. His new boy had laid his head on Marc’s chest for a while until they both eventually drew apart in their sleep. Although not completely. Foster remained snug against Marc’s side the entire night, always pressing his body back against Marc’s whenever he adjusted his position.

He let out a contented sigh. While it might still be early days, something about the connection to Foster felt right. In the past, the men he’d hoped he could feel this way about came and went. Yet here was Foster, and already the thought of ever being without him seemed impossible.

Foster’s eyes fluttered open. The slight confusion on his brow was immediately replaced with an easy smile as he stretched. “Good morning, Daddy.” Foster’s voice was still thick with sleep. His hair was tousled, sticking up in places where it had pressed against the pillow. There was something vulnerable about him in this state—unguarded and soft around the edges.

“Morning, sweetheart.” He reached out to smooth his thumb along Foster's cheekbone. “Sleep well?”

Foster hummed, leaning into the touch like a cat seeking affection. “Better than I have in... I don't know how long.” He chuckled. “You wore me out.”

“Excellent. Mission accomplished.” He gave him a chaste kiss. “I’d like to take you out for breakfast before I leave. Is there a place nearby? Then we can also touch on the basics of our initial contract.”

Foster blinked several times as if trying to absorb Marc’s words. “Yeah, that would be awesome.”

Scratching sounded on the bedroom door. “Uh-oh.” Marc lifted his head, arching his eyebrows. “Someone's feeling neglected.”

Foster chuckled. “Dolly’s not used to being shut out of the bedroom. Even though she usually sleeps in her bed out in the living room, she likes having the run of the house.” He slipped from beneath the covers, his naked form briefly silhouetted against the morning light filtering through the curtains. Marc savored the view as Foster pulled on a pair of boxers and padded to the door. “It’s more in the morning so she can nudge me with her wet nose because she wants breakfast.”

The moment Foster opened the door, Dolly rushed over with her tail wagging at top speed, then placed her paws on the side of the bed as she tried to lick Marc’s face.

“Well, hello there,” Marc laughed, whipping his head back and forth to keep from getting a complete tongue bath.

“Dolly! Get down.” Foster rushed over then pointed to the floor. “You know better. Now be a good girl and get your bowl.” Dolly spun around two times before bounding from the room. “Sorry—I mean, I apologize for that. I think you’ve officially received the seal of approval.”

“I'm honored to receive her acceptance.” Marc sat up, letting the sheet pool around his waist. “And I notice you caught yourself. Good job.”

The praise made Foster’s eyes light up, his blush deepening as he shifted from foot to foot, combing his fingers through his hair as if seeking a purpose for them. “Thank you.” He fidgeted with the waistband of his boxers. “I should probably feed her before she returns for round two.”

“Go ahead. I'll get dressed and be right out.”

Once Foster left the room, he took a moment to collect himself. This domestic morning scene felt almost surreal—waking up beside Foster, being greeted by his dog, and planning breakfast together. It was everything he’d privately yearned for but had convinced himself might never happen.

After splashing some water on his face and dressing, Marc found Foster in the kitchen, humming softly as he scooped out what looked like a concoction of rice and vegetables onto Dolly’s kibble. The dog watched with rapt attention, her tail a metronome of anticipation. There was something profoundly intimate about watching this simple morning ritual. Marc leaned against the doorframe, content to observe without interrupting.

Foster glanced up, catching Marc’s eyes. “Oh! I didn't hear you come in.” Dolly started whimpering, and Foster set her bowl down. “Here you go, impatient girl.” Dolly attacked her food like it was going to bite back. “Slow down!” Foster shook his head. “The way she acts, you’d think I never fed her.”

Marc chuckled. “My dog was like that, too. Always sniffing around between meals, searching for rogue crumbs.” He pointed to Dolly’s bowl. “What was that you put on top of her kibble?”

“I ran out of the fresh food I used to order for her.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It got a bit pricey with me not having the shop up and running like I thought I would by now. Anyway, I cook up rice, veggies, and broth for her instead. Way cheaper.”

“Great solution. Should we wait until she’s—” Marc snorted. “Never mind. She’s done.”

Foster laughed. “Yeah, it’s usually three minutes tops. But we can leave whenever you want. Unless you want to have coffee here first?”

Marc glanced at the digital clock on the stove. “Actually, I only have an hour or two before I need to head home to get ready for work.

“Okay. There’s a diner about two blocks from here. Nothing fancy, but they make these ridiculously good blueberry pancakes.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Marc crossed the room, unable to resist placing his arms around Foster’s waist. He kissed his forehead, inhaling the lingering scent of their encounter and something uniquely him. Foster draped his arms around Marc’s neck, his lips stretched in a wide smile.

“I’m so happy you’re here. Feels like a dream.”

Marc gave him a quick kiss. “The best dream ever. I’m grateful it’s real.”

They stared into each other’s eyes for a few beats before Marc reluctantly released him. He patted Foster’s butt.

“Get dressed I’m excited to talk to you about the contract.”

“Me too.” Foster’s grin hadn’t lessened. “Do I have time for a quick rinse?”

“Of course.” He glanced at Dolly. “Should I let her out? She’s staring at the back door.”

Foster smacked his forehead with the heel of his palm. “Yes, thank you. I don’t know where my head is at.”

Marc chuckled as he released Dolly into the backyard. “I have an inkling.” Foster ducked his head. It might take his shy boy a while to adjust to his new world, but Marc was confident that it could be the best thing that ever happened to Foster. “Should I let her back in?”

Foster lifted his gaze, the remnants of his blush fading. “No, it’s supposed to be nice out today. If she gets tired of the yard, she’ll jump on the padded lounge chair on the patio.” He shrugged. “She claimed it the minute we moved in.”

“As well she should.”

Marc sent a prayer of thanks to the universe for Dolly being there for Foster. It made his heart hurt to think of him as being all alone after Edward left. Marc recognized the inherent need in Foster for love and affection. He gritted his teeth.

And I’m going to be the one to give it to him.

Foster waited in nervous anticipation for Marc’s arrival. He was supposed to pick him up at seven, which was still ten minutes away. Marc was taking him to the restaurant that was a part of Club Sensation, after which he planned to introduce him to Master Zane properly. Now that he’d be on Marc’s arm, he was looking forward to checking it out. After the amazing night with Marc, he found himself more curious than ever what this lifestyle was all about.

Foster scratched Dolly behind the ears. She’d been sitting next to the side chair in the living room instead of lying in her bed or at his feet. It was like she sensed his nervousness and was watching over him.

His gaze darted to the mantel clock. Eight more minutes. He was wound tighter than a drum. His thoughts kept drifting to everything Marc had discussed with him over breakfast. They’d had to keep their voices low to keep from upsetting the pearl-clutchers. Foster snorted. More than once he’d wished for his own pearls to clutch. In between that and his insta-boners while chatting, he couldn’t fathom how he made it out of the diner without dying of embarrassment.

A knock at the door sounded, and Foster almost fell out of the chair. Dolly broke into a chorus of raucous barking, racing to the door to let the person on the other side know she meant business.

“It’s okay, Dolly.” Foster’s heart hammered as he approached the door. “It’s just Marc.”

Even as he said it, a flutter of anticipation coursed through him. Just Marc . As if there was anything ‘just’ about the man who had completely upended his world in the best possible way.

Foster opened the door to find Marc standing on the porch, dressed in black slacks with a slight sheen and a burgundy button-down that hugged his broad shoulders. His beard was neatly trimmed, and his eyes lit up the moment they landed on Foster.

“Hey there, beautiful.” Marc smiled, his voice a deep rumble that made Foster’s stomach flip.

“Hi, Daddy.” The word was still new on his tongue but felt increasingly right each time he said it.

Marc leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Foster’s lips. “Ready for tonight?”

Dolly nudged her way between them, tail wagging as she looked up at Marc expectantly.

“I see you, girl.” Marc ruffled her fur then petted her head while she tried to lick his hand. “I promise I'll bring him back safe and sound.”

Warmth filled Foster from the gentle way Marc addressed Dolly. It was such a simple thing, but spoke volumes about the man.

“Let me grab my jacket,” Foster said, retrieving the blazer from the coat rack. He bent down to Dolly’s level, giving her a quick scratch behind the ears. “Be good while we’re gone, okay? No counter surfing.”

Dolly tilted her head, the picture of innocence, though Foster knew better. Marc held out his arm, and Foster eagerly accepted, his heart light as they made their way down the stone path to the driveway. Marc opened the passenger door of his luxury sedan and guided him inside. He couldn’t get over how Marc treated him like royalty.

The drive to Club Sensation was filled with comfortable conversation, Marc’s hand occasionally landing on Foster’s thigh as they talked. Foster found himself relaxing despite his nerves about meeting Master Zane officially as Marc’s boy.

“Just breathe,” Marc said, squeezing his knee gently as they pulled into the private parking lot for VIP members. “Zane might seem intimidating at first, but he’s actually a teddy bear once you get to know him.”

“A six-foot-four teddy bear with muscles on his muscles?” Foster laughed shakily. “Thank heavens he wasn’t coming for me that night.”

“He would never approach a boy the way he does a misbehaving Dom. And anyway, you're under my protection now.” Marc’s voice held a note of pride that made Foster's chest swell. “Trust me, sweetheart. This is going to be a wonderful night.”

The restaurant portion of Club Sensation was surprisingly elegant—white tablecloths, soft lighting from wall sconces, and discreet booths that offered privacy without seeming isolated. Foster noticed a few other couples seated throughout the space, some with obvious power dynamics, others appearing more conventional.

He tore his gaze from a large, bear-like man holding a much younger man on his lap. Foster pretended as though he hadn’t been staring at them. Nope. He didn’t just see a guy feeding another guy something from a baby food jar.

“This way, sweetheart.”

Marc guided him with a gentle hand at the small of his back, and Foster leaned into the touch instinctively. A host approached, his smile warming when he recognized Marc.

“Sir, wonderful to see you again. Master Zane mentioned you’d be joining us tonight with a guest." His eyes flicked to Foster with polite curiosity.

“Thank you, Reg. This is Foster.”

Foster offered a small smile, suddenly aware of how much this moment meant. It wasn’t only Master Zane who would know he was Marc’s boy. Eventually, everyone who ran in Marc’s circle would. An unexpected thread of possessiveness weaved through him. Foster narrowed his eyes as he took in the curious gazes of others in the immediate vicinity.

That’s right. He’s mine.

Reg led them through the restaurant to a secluded corner booth where Master Zane already waited. Even seated, his presence commanded attention—broad-shouldered and imposing, with salt-and-pepper hair cropped close to his scalp. When he spotted Marc, a smile transformed his stern features.

“Ah, there you are.” Zane stood, embracing Marc with a firm clap on the back. His gaze shifted to Foster, who fought the urge to shrink behind Marc. “And this must be the young man who’s captured your attention.”

“Zane, this is Foster Olsen.” Marc’s hand settled on Foster’s lower back. “Foster, this is Master Zane.”

Foster extended his hand, surprised by the gentleness of Zane’s grip. “It's nice to meet you officially, Sir.”

“The pleasure is mine, Foster.” Zane’s voice was less scary than Foster remembered from their brief encounter. “Marc hasn’t stopped talking about you.”

“Oh. Really?”

He’d almost blurted that such a thing was ridiculous, yet a miracle occurred, and he managed to keep his big mouth shut.

Marc guided Foster into the booth before sliding in beside him. A momentary flash of anxiety hit him as he found himself sandwiched between two Doms, but Marc’s hand settling on his thigh under the table instantly grounded him.

“We've signed a three-month contract this morning,” Marc announced with a grin. “I wanted you to be the first to know.”

Zane’s eyebrows rose, and a slow smile spread across his face. “That’s wonderful news! Congratulations.” His gaze shifted to Foster. “Congratulations to you, too.”

Foster wiggled in the seat. He’d been given basic protocols at breakfast, but the wiring in his brain was shorting out. Marc squeezed his thigh, and he whispered in Foster’s ear.

“This is a casual setting. Other than using Zane’s honorific, feel free to interact how you would with anyone.”

Foster cleared his throat. “Uh, thank you, Master Zane. I’m looking forward to Marc’s guidance and learning about his lifestyle.”

Zane nodded. “Hopefully, your lifestyle as well.”

“That reminds me,” Marc interjected. “I brought a copy of our contract for you as a reference. I’ve also given Foster your card so he can contact you if he feels it’s necessary.”

“I’m sure I won’t.” Foster clamped his lips together. He hadn’t even lasted ten minutes after meeting Zane. “Sorry.” Oof. He was batting a thousand.

“Hey. Master. I know I’m late. Ty was called in early for his shift.”

A young man about his age with model good looks plopped onto the booth and cozied up to Zane.

Zane draped an arm around the man’s shoulders. “Ryan, say hello to Marc, and this is his new boy, Foster.”

Ryan slapped a hand to his mouth. “My apologies, Sir. I’m all flustered from being late.” He regarded Foster with a smile. “And nice to meet you. We should definitely hang out.”

A friend? That would be a new one. “Sure. Sounds good.”

Marc rubbed his leg, which seemed like silent approval.

Zane regarded Foster, folding his hands on the table. Ryan is one of my boys, Ty is the other.” Zane turned to Ryan. “Is the hotel still having issues with the new sous chef?”

Ryan shrugged. “Sounds like it. He was flipping out about something. I was more anxious about making it here on time, so it’s possible I wasn’t paying attention.”

When Marc told him about Zane having two boys that morning, for some reason, he’d assumed it must be a casual thing, like dating but not in a relationship. This didn’t sound casual. He was dying to get Marc alone so he could get all the details.

“Hmm, I see,” Zane said. “And you locked up the house before leaving?”

Ryan tilted his head and scrunched his brow. “It must’ve been Ty, because he handed me the keys after we got in the car.”

Zane’s adoring expression made Foster’s heart melt. He never stopped giving Ryan light touches - a brush of fingers on his cheek or softly swiping back his shoulder-length blond hair. No way was this anything other than two people in love. Possibly three .

“Very good.” Zane smiled. “The next time you’re worried you’ll be late, give me a call so I don’t worry. Then I can also tell you that it’s okay, so it doesn’t add to your anxiety.”

Ryan winced. “Yeah… I sort of realized that halfway here. But then I wasn’t sure whether I should pull over and call then or just keep going.” His shoulders slumped. “I couldn’t make up my mind.”

Wow . It was like watching himself but in someone else’s body. Someone who hadn’t been through the agony of being paralyzed by what most would view as a simple decision couldn’t possibly understand. Yet, both Marc and Zane seemed able to grasp how difficult an issue it was to live with.

“Relax, sweetheart.” Zane gave Ryan a gentle squeeze. “We'll talk about it later. I'm not upset.”

Ryan visibly settled at Zane's words, the tension melting from his shoulders. There was something remarkable about seeing the dynamic from the outside—the natural way Zane provided structure, and Ryan responded. Foster glanced at Marc, finding his Daddy already watching him with a knowing smile.

“So, Foster,” Zane said, turning his attention back to them. “Marc tells me you're interested in opening an antique shop?”

“Yes, Sir.” Foster straightened slightly. “It's what I did in California before moving here.”

They continued chatting and getting to know each other over a gourmet meal, and the personal stories that Marc and Zane shared from their long association.

While they waited for the espresso and tiramisu to be served, Ryan and Zane fell into a discussion over whether Ryan should wait at the club until Ty’s shift was over or go back home and wait there.

“Hey,” Marc whispered next to his ear. “This will be your first decision-making challenge. There are no wrong answers. This is about you stating what you want. Ready?”

Foster groaned, twisting his fingers in his lap. Marc stilled them with his hand.

“This will be the only decision you need to make this week. I’ll make all the rest for you if that’s what you need.”

Foster turned to him. “Really? No matter what the decision is?”

“No matter what.”

Such a bargain was too fantastic to resist. “Deal.” He blew out a breath, wondering what he was getting himself into. “What’s the decision?”

Marc rubbed his nose against the side of Foster’s neck, right under his ear. “Go enjoy the club after we finish up here, or back to your place so I can introduce you to some more ass play. I bought you a present today, and I’d like to…” He nipped Foster’s ear lobe. “Give it to you.”

“Holy…” Foster’s voice cracked. In a stunning development, this was probably the easiest decision he’d ever had to make. “Well, we can always come to the club another night.”

Marc let out a throaty chuckle. “Good answer.”