...“What’s your family and friends think of you being gay?”

His heart pounded in his chest. It was the first time anyone had spoken it out loud. Had challenged him with the word.

“I-I—” What could he say? I don’t even say the word to myself? I’m not gay? “How’d you know?”

Silas laughed. “You’re joking, right? Do you think Joe didn’t know? Or wouldn’t tell me? Or make me wonder why you’re here tonight?”

The car swerved to the left and then came to a stop.

“We’re here. You remember your safe words?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“And you haven’t had anything to drink? No pill? No drugs?”

“No. Nothing.” But, damn, he sure wish he had because he was beginning to think this was going to be damn hard to do without some sort of help.

“All right then. I had to ask before we go inside.”

Luke heard a car door open and close and then felt a breeze as the passenger door was opened. A firm hand reached out to help him up and led him along a sidewalk.

“Step up,” Silas said. And then Luke found himself inside.

The coat was removed and he could only hope to hell they were in a private dwelling and he wasn’t going to be totally exposed in a public place. Silas then led him down some steps and he heard the creak of a door. Then Silas led him forward.

“Kneel down,” he said.

Luke’s drop to his knees was about as inelegant as it possibly could be, but finally he made it without falling on his face. Silas removed the blindfold and Luke blinked rapidly for a minute and then tried to adjust his sight after the darkness of the blindfold.

He looked around and was shocked by what he saw and started to get a little concerned. But he had the safe words; he could always use them if it got too heavy.

“This is my playroom, where I bring all my…clients. Lots of toys to play with here.” He walked in front of Luke, across the room and set down Luke’s bag and lay his clothing over what looked like a horse used in athletics class back in high school. Across from that was something like a cross, and there were rings embedded into the walls at various levels around the room. He gazed down at the floor and found there were rings embedded there as well.

Turning to the left he saw an array of whips and ropes displayed. He had no idea what he’d find if he looked behind him. And he wasn’t exactly certain he wanted to know.

Silas drew up a backless, wooden stool in front of him and sat down. His eyes bored into Luke as he leaned forward, coming almost nose to nose with him.

“You aren’t telling me the truth. You think I can’t see it, but I can. And I don’t think you’re telling yourself the truth. And I think that’s why you’re here. Now I’m going to ask you some questions, and you aren’t going to lie—not anymore.”

He rose up and looked down at Luke. He reached out to stroke the side of his face. “You’re a pretty boy, that’s for sure.” His thick fingers brushed across Luke’s lips. “Real fine mouth. I wouldn’t mind having you suck my cock. I bet you know how to do that real fine. Have you sucked cock before, or are you the type who only gets head and doesn’t give it?”

Luke felt the flush of embarrassment rise up his neck.

Silas smiled. “Red’s a fine color on you, but I’m thinking I’d like to see it somewhere more interesting.” His boots clicked against the floor as he walked over to the wall displaying the whips and other implements for punishment. He seemed to study the display for a long time. As Luke watched, he reached up and pulled down a thick paddle. Then he turned back to Luke.

“Discipline, boy, that’s what you’re here for. You didn’t answer my question in the car, but you will answer it now. Unless you’re a pussy and plan to hide for the rest of your life.”