Page 5

Ryker

“I think we should add an extra soundproofing layer between these sections,” Steel suggests to the contractor overseeing the construction of Eclipse. “This area back here is our Blue Room. It’s where Doms take their Subs for aftercare when things get overwhelming. It needs to be as quiet and calm as possible.”

“It’s already soundproofed from your end, right?” the contractor asks. Steel nods his answer. “Alright, adding an additional layer wouldn’t hurt. It’ll provide extra insulation against noise from the adjacent areas. According to the blueprint, this section will house one of the restrooms. With the hand dryers and toilets, we might also want to reinforce this part of the wall with soundproofing. That will help reduce noise bleeding into your side. Does that work for you, Mr. Cross?”

“Absolutely,” I reply. “And once the walls are up and the soundproofing is installed, I’d like to test the music volume levels before we move forward. It’ll be loud, and I want to ensure it doesn’t disrupt Oasis.”

“We can make that happen,” the contractor assures me.

“When can you start?” Steel asks. “Also, on the nights my club is open, I’d prefer no work past seven in the evening.”

“We can start in about a week,” the contractor says. “I need to wait for some supplies to arrive. As for the hours, that’s no problem. My team will start early and wrap up by six. Does that work?”

“That’s perfect,” I reply. “I’ll see you then.”

The contractor gives a firm nod before heading out. Once he’s gone, I turn to Blaze and Steel.

“Put ‘er there, partner,” Blaze says with a grin, holding out his hand.

Laughing, I shake his hand. Technically, we’re not business partners in the traditional sense. We don’t share profits between Oasis and Eclipse. But since both clubs will operate in the same building, with the same security system and overlapping clientele, we’re partners in every other way that matters.

“Partners,” I say, smirking.

“We’ve been away long enough,” Steel says, checking his watch. “Taylor hates when we leave him in charge. You coming, Ryker? It’s been a while since you’ve come to play.”

“I never played,” I remind them. “I only watched. Some of your Doms are idiots. They could use proper training.”

“Yeah, we’re working on it,” Blaze sighs. “So, are you coming?”

“Yes,” I chuckle. “I find myself eager to attend tonight. I might hang out in the Littles’ room, though.”

“Eager to find a Little to call your own?” Blaze teases, walking backwards.

“No,” I reply with a sly smile. “I’m eager to find a Baby.”

“I fucking knew it,” Steel mutters. Then, suddenly, Blaze stops in his tracks. His grin fades, and his demeanor turns serious.

“You interested in Ollie?” he asks, his finger landing firmly on my chest. “He’s delicate, Ryker. Find someone else.”

I hold his gaze, my voice calm but firm. “I’m only going to ask you once to remove your hand.” I wait until he complies, then continue. “As for Ollie, you’re going to have to trust me. If he agrees to give me a chance, that Baby will be so fucking loved, so safe, that he’ll never want to be Big again. I know he’s been hurt, but you both know me. Do you honestly think I’d ever hurt him?”

Steel’s jaw tightens, and Blaze glances between us, the tension thick in the air. For a moment, no one speaks.

“Fine,” Steel finally mutters, though his eyes remain sharp. “But one tear, Ryker, just one, and I’ll break your fucking face.”