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Chapter Eleven

Adam grabbed his phone, wincing as he saw Isaac’s name come up. “Good morning, Sir. How are you today?”

“Where have you been, boy?”

“I was taking a few days off.” Loving his Master. Relaxing. Laughing a lot.

“Since when can’t you answer your phone and make an appointment?” Isaac sounded pretty angry.

“I’m sorry, Sir. My phone was off. Would you like to make one now?” He had his calendar in front of him and he was booked for the month, really -- there were fewer days now that he only did four scenes in a week -- but he’d make an exception for Isaac.

“I’m supposed to be giving a private demonstration tonight, but I had to cancel because I didn’t know if I would be able to reach you in time.”

“I’m sorry, Sir.” It had only been three days. “How can I make it up to you?”

“I want you for the day tomorrow.”

He looked at his calendar. He had Marcus in the evening, but he’d just double up.

“I can be at your house in the morning, Sir.”

“Eight a.m. And I expect you to stay right up until six.”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be there.”

That gave him two hours to get cleaned and to the Hammer. Then he’d have the night to be with his Master.

“Lovely? Did I hear you make an appointment for the morning tomorrow?”

He looked over, nodded at Matt. He had to. Isaac was his biggest private client.

“You don’t work in the mornings, lovely.”

“Who the hell is that, boy?” Isaac was raging now, and Adam winced.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Sir.” He hung up the phone, rubbed the back of his neck.

Matt was frowning fiercely. “Adam? What’s going on?”

“One of my private clients is unhappy. Wants to book a full day. It’s only a one-time situation. He’s used to more access.”

“You’re already working tomorrow night, lovely. This is not a part of the rules.” Matt drew himself up. “And I didn’t hear what he said, but I didn’t like the way he said it, at all.”

“I’m sorry, Master. I just... It’s a one-time thing.” He had to make this right.

“Does he treat you better than it sounds like he does?”

“He’s never been mean to me.” Adam had never given the man reason to be.

“A one-time thing, lovely. My rules are in place for a reason.”

“Yes, Master. I swear. I’ll talk to him.” He could help Isaac understand.

“Good.” Matt opened his arms.

He went, easily, eagerly. There was something inside him, something worried, that needed comfort. Matt’s arms wrapped around him, holding him close.

“Mmm. Master.” His eyes closed and he luxuriated in the contact.

“My lovely.” Matt’s soft kisses slid over his face, warming him through.

“Yours.” He lifted his chin, offering Matt everything.

Humming, Matt took his mouth, the kiss gentle, but also thorough. That was what he needed. Matt’s touch. Love. Care. Matt’s warm eyes smiled into his own, the kiss becoming stronger, beginning to steal his breath. He cupped Matt’s cheek, thumb moving on the strong chin. Matt pressed closer, their bodies rubbing.

“Come to bed, Master. Let me love on you.” Tomorrow was a work day. Not today.

Today he was Matt’s.

And happy.

***

Matt supposed it was too early to be waiting for Adam’s phone call, but he was anyway. He hadn’t liked the Dom’s tone of voice on the phone, and part of him said that he should have simply forbidden Adam to go, but he didn’t want to be a jealous ass. He didn’t want to interfere with Adam’s work.

His phone rang and he grabbed it, “Yes?”

“Matt? Matt, it’s Marcus Goodfellow. I need you down here. Now.”

He was out the door before he even had a chance to reply. “What’s happened?”

“Your boy’s been beaten. Badly. This is... This is inappropriate, Matt. Absolutely inappropriate. He’s close to hysteria, in shock, feverish. And he came in to work here.”

“God damn it. I’m on my way. I’ll be there in ten minutes. You take care of my boy until I get there, Marcus.”

“I have him in the back, room three.”

“Ten minutes, Marcus.”

He hung up and started the car, forced himself not to break every speed law known to man. He was going to beat the animal who’d done this to his lovely. HIS Adam. He was going to beat the asshole who’d done this over and over again.

He pulled into a parking space, headed into the Hammer. He didn’t stop until he hit the door of room three.

Adam was there, naked, draped over the arms of a chair. The man was black and blue, swollen.

Marcus was at the sink, chilling rags. “That’s the best position for the least pressure.”

Oh, my God!
He managed not to say the words out loud, going straight to Adam’s side. “Lovely? It’s Matt. I’m here.”

“Master. I need you.”

“Who did this, Matt? Tell me he isn’t one of us.” Marcus sounded like he was going to kill something. Matt figured Marcus had to get in line.

“I’m right here, lovely. Right here.” He moved so Adam could see him. “Adam’s calendar is at home. The man’s name will be there.”

Marcus started putting cold cloths on Adam’s back. Adam gasped. “Just for a minute, Adam, just to help the swelling. There’s warm ones coming.”

“It’s okay, lovely. We’re here to help you.” He stroked Adam’s cheek. “Right here. Marcus, what have you given him for the pain?”

“Nothing but topicals. I know he has a thing about what he puts into his body, and you were coming.”

“You’re right, he doesn’t usually use painkillers, but we’ll make an exception.” He shook his head. “Why didn’t you safeword, lovely?”

“I did.” The words landed in the room like a boulder.

He looked up and met Marcus’ eyes. “Call the cops, Marcus.”

“No. No. Please. Just take me home.” Adam sounded panicked.

“You safeworded, and he didn’t stop, lovely. That’s assault.”

“No one will believe me. I was there willingly. I was
paid
to be there.”

“That doesn’t give him the right to beat you.” He looked at Marcus again. “Marcus?”

“Adam’s right, Matt. They won’t press charges.”

He shook his head. “That’s not right.”

“No.” Marcus sighed. “That’s why I urged you to drop the private clients, sweet boy.”

“I...” Adam’s shoulders started to shake.

“Marcus.” He snapped the word out, glaring at Marcus. “This isn’t your fault, lovely.” He pressed a kiss to Adam’s lips. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Your Master’s right, Adam. I’m sorry.” Marcus headed back for the sink. “You’ve got me all stupid with your poor back. I swear to you, we’ll take care of this.”

“If you can swear that and mean it, then I won’t insist on the cops.” Matt kissed Adam again. “I’ll take you home once you’ve been doctored as much as you need. Is there a doctor, Marcus? Who can take a discreet look at his back?”

Marcus nodded. “I’ve called Manning. He’s coming.”

“Good.” He turned his attention back to Adam, looking into his lovely’s eyes.

Adam’s pupils were dark, tears staining the pale cheeks.

“I’m so sorry, lovely.” He should have followed his instincts and forbidden it -- to hell with everyone, including himself, thinking he was being a jealous ass. He hadn’t liked the tone of the man’s voice on the phone, and he should have just gone with that.

“Not your fault. He was... He’s never been. Master.”

He pressed their foreheads together. “Shh. It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re safe now. I have you. We’ll get you better.”

A sharp knock came to the door, a tall, blond man coming in. “Marcus? You called... Jesus Christ, who is responsible for this? Adam, it’s Doc Manning.”

Matt nodded. “I’m Matt -- Adam’s Master.”

“I... You did this?” Doc looked shocked.

Matt shot to his feet, growling. “I did not!”

“But...”

Marcus cleared his throat. “Doc, Adam was working with a private client. He came here to work for me and I saw his back and canceled.”

“I would never beat my sub this badly. I love him.”

“I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”

It was understandable, but it still rankled that anyone would think he could do something like this to his Adam. His lovely needed his focus now, though. “Can you do anything for him?”

“Does anything feel broken inside, Adam? I’m going to touch your back, gently.”

“Nothing’s broken, I don’t think. It hurts.”

“I bet it does. I’ll write you some pain pills and an anti-inflammatory.” He touched Adam’s lower back, wincing at Adam’s cry. “Kidneys are swollen. Lots of water, and if there is
any
blood in your urine, I want you in the ER.”

Matt nodded. “I’ll be keeping a very close eye on him.”

“I want him to take it easy -- very easy for a few days. Lots of liquids, no yoga, no scenes, no running, just relax and heal. Sleep on your back. Your skin is leaking blood and fluid, just be gentle.” Doc met Matt’s eyes. “This is going to be incredibly sore for a few days. Cool, not cold, warm, not hot. Make sure he drinks and eats.”

“I will.” He reached out and stroked Adam’s face. “I’ll make sure he sticks to your regime.”

“Good.” The big man sighed, wrote two prescriptions, then handed him some samples. “These will get you through tonight. Here’s my cell number, too.”

“Thank you. And you’re sure about the sleeping on his back thing?”

Doc groaned, rolled his eyes. “No. God. Long day. Long. On his stomach. Good catch.”

Marcus looked over. “Is your boy driving, Manning?”

Doc Manning nodded. “He’s ordered supper.”

“Thank you for coming to see him. We’ll go to the hospital if there’s any blood or if he gets worse.” Matt would see to it.

“Call me tomorrow, keep me updated.”

“I will. Thank you again.” He shook the doctor’s hand and then went back to Adam, sitting so his lover could see him.

“Can I come to your house? Please? I don’t want to be alone tonight.”

“Of course you’re coming home with me.” He slid his hand through Adam’s hair. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“I tried to come in for Marcus.”

Marcus made a soft sound.

“You should have called me, lovely. I would have come for you. Marcus would have understood.”

“I... I couldn’t think.”

“You must have been in such pain.” He figured Adam probably still was.

Adam nodded. “Please take me home. I need a shower.”

“Has the pain pill kicked in? Are you up to it yet?”

“I will be. Please, Master. Please. I need to be home now.”

“Okay. Marcus? Help me get him dressed.”

Marcus winced. “Can’t you pull around? We’ll put him in a robe?”

“Yeah, yeah. That would work. If there are pillows, he can lie on his belly in the back seat.”

“We’ll set it up. I’ll grab Xavier. You get the car.”

He cupped Adam’s cheeks. “I’m going to get the car. Marcus and Xavier will get you in a robe and bring you out, and then we’ll go home. Okay?”

“Okay.” Adam looked so fucking young.

“It’s going to be fine, lovely. You’re going to be fine.” Matt pressed their lips together.

“You’re not going to leave without me.”

“No, I’m not. I’m just bringing...” He stopped, shook his head. Xavier or someone else could bring the car around. Hell, someone could drive the car home while he held Adam in the back. These people were Adam’s family.

He pulled his keys out of his pocket and held them out to Marcus. “Get someone to bring the car around, someone who can drive us home. I’ll arrange for a taxi back to the club for them.”

“You got it.”

Adam’s tears broke through then. “I’m sorry, Master.”

“This isn’t your fault, lovely. Not your fault.”

“He was disappointed in me. He said... I should have paid attention.”

“That’s no reason to beat you half to death.” He growled, unable to stop himself. “Not to mention he’s not your Master. He’s only a fucking client.”

Adam shook his head. “I don’t fuck them. Ever.”

He smiled softly. “No, lovely, I know that. I was calling him an asshole, not saying you were fucking him.”

“Oh.” Adam nodded, reached for him, wincing in pain.

He pressed their foreheads together, aching for his lovely man.

“I want to go home. I want you to hold me.”

“Someone’s bringing the car around now. Can you stand?”

“Yes, Master.” Adam stood, pale and sweaty, but upright.

He went to put his arm around Adam’s waist and stopped himself. “How can I help?”

“I’m okay. Just stay with me.” Adam moved, one careful step at a time.

“I’m right here, Adam. I’m not going anywhere.” And neither was Adam. He was canceling the man’s appointments for the next month.

“Please. Thank you. I need you.”

“I know.” He kissed the side of Adam’s face. “I have you. I do.” He would kill the Dom. He would.

They headed outside, Marcus behind the wheel, waiting for them patiently. Matt slipped into the back seat and helped Adam get in, lie down on the pillows provided, his sub’s head on his lap. He winced with every soft sound of discomfort Adam made.

“Tell me where we’re going, Matt.”

“We live at 478 Archer Avenue. The new houses.”

“I’m on it.” Marcus drove carefully but quickly, getting them there in a flash.

“I usually leave the car at the top of the driveway.”

“You got it. Xavier’s behind us, he’ll take me back to the club.”

“Thank you, Marcus. For everything.” He turned his attention back to Adam. “We’re almost home, lovely.”

Adam nodded, then moaned. “Home.”

“Yes, lovely. Home.” He had salve for Adam’s back, the pills Manning had given him. Then tomorrow he’d get the prescriptions filled, get easy food for Adam, and love his sub.

It was going to be all right. Adam was going to be all right.

Chapter Twelve

Adam woke up in the middle of the night, burning alive, aching, lost. “Master...”

“Adam?” Matt was right there, hand on his cheek. “What do you need, lovely?”

“I’m hot.” Scared.

“Are you up to the shower? Some nice cool water.”

“Please. It hurts.”

Matt gave him two pills, held a glass of water to his lips. “This first.”

He took the pills, trusting Matt. “I’m so sorry, Master, for waking you.” He’d do it again, though.

“Adam! Of course you woke me. You’re in pain, and it’s my job to take care of you.”

“I need you.”

Matt helped him move, helped him into the shower. Every breath hurt. His Master turned on the shower, the flow low and cool. “It’ll probably hurt at first.”

“Stay with me?”

“I’m not going anywhere, lovely.” Matt went in first, and then gently pulled him in.

The water made him whimper, made him shake, and he pushed into Matt’s arms.

Matt held him, hands so careful on his hips. “Too cold?”

“I. I.” He shook his head, beginning to tremble.

“Okay, okay, lovely.” Matt pulled him to rest against his Master’s front, the water cooling him down. “It’ll be okay, lovely. It’ll be okay.”

“Master.” He rested, let the water fall on him. It wasn’t long before the cool began to feel cold.

“That’s enough. Let’s go out.” Matt turned the water off and helped him out of the shower.

His teeth were chattering, soft, hysterical sounds leaving him.

“Adam.” Matt pressed their lips together, the kiss forceful, demanding his attention. Everything stilled a little bit. Eased. He could breathe. Matt’s hands stroked his cheeks. “Just breathe, lovely. The pills will kick in soon.”

“I was... I was so scared.”

Matt nodded. “It must have been terrible.”

“He was angry at me.” No one had ever hit him in anger before.

“Then he shouldn’t have continued the scene.”

“No. No, he shouldn’t have. I safeworded.” It was not supposed to be like this.

“Why didn’t he listen to you? Why was he so angry?”

“Because... because I’d turned my phone off. Because I’d ignored him.”

Matt growled a little. “He’s not your Master.”

“No. No.” And maybe that was it. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to have a master. Maybe he couldn’t do this. Maybe...

“There’s something wrong with him, Adam, that he would do something like this to you.”

“Or something wrong with me. He thinks I betrayed him.”

“No, Adam. He was only a client. He was never your Master. You’re allowed to have your own life. And besides, even if you did do something wrong, that doesn’t give him the right to beat you almost to death.”

“I only have one Master. I
never
called another man Master.”

“I know. Lovely, I know. And that makes me so happy.” Matt pressed more kisses on his face.

“I need to lie down. Please.”

“Of course, come on.”

Matt led him back to bed, helping him get in, a pillow beneath his hips. Then Matt climbed in next to him, staying right there. He may have cried a little, but he wasn’t sure. He wasn’t sure of much. Except that his Master was there, talking to him quietly, touching his face, his arms.

“Love.” The drug took him over, and he fell asleep, murmuring Matt’s name.

***

Matt left Adam long enough to make whole wheat pancakes, knowing they were his lovely’s favorite. He poured out a glass of orange juice and brought it and Adam’s pills back to the bedroom. Adam was awake, staring out the bedroom window, eyes shadowed.

“I have your pills, lovely.”

“Again? Oh, God. Good. I hurt.”

Tomorrow would be the worst, then the healing would begin. “I know, lovely.” He gave Adam the pills, the juice, watching carefully to make sure Adam wasn’t having problems taking them.

“Are you okay? Did you get any sleep?”

“I’m fine, lovely. Pissed off at Isaac, but fine.” He’d taken a few minutes away from making pancakes to call Marcus with the name of the man who’d done this to Adam. He’s also started calling to cancel Adam’s appointments.

“I don’t want to see him again.”

“You won’t. He’d better not even call you.”

“I don’t know where my phone is.”

“It’s in the kitchen. I’ve canceled your appointments for the rest of the week. Later I’ll cancel the rest of this month’s for you.”

He saw the worry in Adam’s eyes, but Adam didn’t argue. “The Hammer Tops will understand.”

“So will the others, lovely. The ones who are decent human beings.”

Adam’s eyes closed, his lovely one taking a deep breath.

“You didn’t deserve this.”

“No. No, I didn’t. I should have been smarter maybe, or more informational or something.”

“More informational?” What the heck was Adam talking about?

“Like I shouldn’t have made him think I was ignoring him.”

“Adam, this isn’t your fault. Nothing you did or did not do ‘earned’ you this. He was a client, nothing more. He was not your Master. He doesn’t own you.”

“I know. I know. I just... I should have been more careful.”

“You shouldn’t have made an exception for him. We had our rules, we should have insisted on them being followed and made him wait.” It might not have helped, but surely the man would have understood his place then.

Adam’s eyes fell. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you were doing what you thought was best. You didn’t know he was crazy.”

“No. I didn’t know he was so mad at me.”

“Because he had no right to be, no reason.”

Adam nodded, arms around his belly.

“This isn’t your fault.” He pressed kissed to Adam’s face. “It isn’t.”

“It feels like my fault.”

“That’s what he wanted you to feel. That doesn’t mean it’s true.” Matt was seriously going to find this man and beat him as badly as he’d beaten Adam. Maybe worse.

There were going to be tears, maybe. Or maybe not. Adam was so centered, so strong. His sub needed to know that he was here, that he was standing strong by his lover. That if the tears came, Matt could handle them, that he wouldn’t think less of Adam. As if he would, no matter what happened.

“I tried.”

“I know, lovely. You’re a good man. You did right by him.”

“I tried.” Adam repeated, eyes closing.

“You did all you could do. This is down to him. It’s his fault, lovely.”

“He yelled at me. I don’t like that.”

“You never have to see him again.” In fact, Matt was going to forbid it.

“Okay. He...” Adam took a deep breath. “I thought he was my friend.”

“I’m sorry. lovely. I really am.”

“I’m going to sleep some more, I think.”

Matt nodded, stroked his cheek. “Your body needs to heal.”

“Uh-huh.” Adam sank back into sleep, and it wasn’t until Matt stood up that he realized Adam hadn’t eaten a bite.

He shook his head at himself. He’d have to make sure the man did eat the next time he woke up.