A Good Servant Ch. 09

"I'm already taken," he said, taking everyone by surprise.

Dark eyes stared into his from above, and Dion pleaded without words.

"What the hell? John, you fucking jerk, why didn't you say anything?" one guy commented. "Since when are you two sworn for?" he asked suspiciously.

The dark man, whose name Dion had just learned was John, disentangled his arm from the redhead's grip, and the former servant felt sick to his stomach. Being exposed as a liar was not going to sit well with anyone. He cast his eyes down, but suddenly felt his shoulders captured by a warm, heavy hand.

"Since yesterday. My darling here is shy," he heard the man talking in a low, full, masculine voice that made him feel at ease. "Now give him his helmet back."

"Yeah, sorry," the first guy handed the helmet to John.

"Did you fuck him yet?" another asked, followed by the others' laughter.

"None of your fucking business. But yeah, and he's great in the sack, and you're having none of it," John threw over his shoulder as he was guiding Dion away from the group, while fixing the helmet on his head.

They were far from the others, when Dion spoke.

"Thank you so much. I had no idea what to do."

The man's arm was still around his shoulders.

"I think I have to go," he said, a bit embarrassed.

"And where do you think you're going?" the man asked, his voice suddenly hard and cold.

"Um, home?" Dion said.

"Then that's where we are both going, darling," the man mocked, and Dion looked suddenly frightened at him. "When you're sworn for, you go live with your partner. From what rock have you crawled here? You're coming home with me."

"But," Dion felt as if suddenly he could not breathe.

"No buts. You imposed yourself on me like an idiot, now I have to. And, don't worry," the arm slid from his shoulders, "I'm not going to beg for your ass like the assholes over there. Your lot makes me sick."

Dion stood in place, frozen. John's words hit him like a ton of bricks. But it was what he wanted, right? He didn't want to be touched.

"What are you doing, standing there like that?" the man spat, annoyed. "The princess feels affronted? Suck it, buttercup," he continued, while taking Dion's by the sleeve and dragging him to make him move.

~A Good Servant~

He had to plan well. The memories of being taken so hard by Xavier were making his insides turn and his jaw clench so hard that he almost could not breathe. The guy was an asshole, the worst kind, and Ayn wanted out as fast as possible.

He had to put on a front, too. After the episode when he'd tried to make a move on his master, Xavier had tried to be gentler. Cory hadn't burned the clothes, either. But all that didn't mean that Ayn wasn't hurt. Any ambivalent feelings he might have had for the guy, they were now turning into pure hatred. He wasn't going to sit down and take it like a stupid bitch.

"Cory," he cautiously approached the servant, "I really think I should take a hike."

The servant's bright beautiful eyes searched his. "You're not yet prepared. It's not like you can waltz out of Drena, just like that."

"Why not?" he shrugged. "It doesn't look like there's much security around," his mind traveled to how easy it had been to palm that gun from the store visited together with Cory.

"Don't you think they'll ask you? At the gates?" Cory looked troubled.

"I'll think of something," the expression in Ayn's dark eyes was determined. "We need to plan, though. I don't want you involved in this. We need to make it look like I escaped ... and you couldn't stop me, or something."

Cory seemed to ponder for a while. "Then I'll think you'll have to tie me up. And hit me," the servant said calmly, and Ayn's eyes grew wide.

"Why the fuck should I hit you?"

"I must be absolved of any guilt. Losing you while shopping, or letting you out because you just threatened me won't do. I can face execution for it," Cory continued, and Ayn frowned.

"It would not be your fault. Is this what you're facing? If I'm leaving?"

"If you incapacitate me, then they cannot hold anything against me. Playing the victim, as my part of the deal, is the only way."

"Really, Cory, I could not hit you, what the hell ..." Ayn murmured.

The servant came close to him and embraced him tightly. Ayn caressed the blond head. Cory was just too good for the world he was living in.

"How about leaving with me?" he said all of a sudden.

Blue eyes stared at him, a small glint of hope in then. Right away, they shut down. "I couldn't. Lucas ... he's here."

"Yes, of course," Ayn caressed the servant's shoulders with affection.

"I know ..." Cory hesitated for a second, but quickly continued. "I know that he will get bored one day. But I've never dreamed of living a long life, so what's the worse in making the best of what you have? He's everything I've ever dreamed of and more."

"What's with these ideas?" Ayn felt uncomfortable. "It's not like you'll die without him."

"People down there, working the factories, they don't live long."

"Why? Is it that hard?"

Cory shook his head, suddenly pensive. "No, work is hard, but manageable. People ... they just don't reach a certain age. It's like they hit a wall and die."

"That's fucking strange," Ayn mumbled. "No exceptions?"

"Not many. Guys in their 40s are a rarity. And, strangely enough, they are the ones in management positions. The rest ... it's like they are expendables."

Ayn felt a cold chill running down his spine. "This is a fucking strange place. Now that I come to think of it, there are no old people inside the city, either."

"You're right," Cory admitted. "Yet, death does not seem to be a presence here. I should ask Lucas about it."

"Or not," Ayn said, more fiercely than he intended. "Don't forget, Cory. He's practically one of them. He may be kind to you, but can you really tell what he would do if you get too curious?"

Cory shook his head. Ayn had a point, but Lucas? He could not hide anything from him, and he was quite certain Lucas would not lie to him, either. Their encounters were usually torrid ones, and they spoke little to one another. How much he really knew the man?

~A Good Servant~

Dion had to admit that he liked what he saw. John's place looked tidy and clean. Apparently, the man had his own small barracks, even if it did not stand out that much from the rest.

"This is the kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom," the man presented him the layout. "The hall at the entrance serves as a living room, too."

"You have a nice house. I didn't know the barracks could have so many rooms," Dion expressed his admiration.

"They don't. I built the interior walls," the man said curtly, and Dion stared at him, nothing short of amazement in his hazel eyes.

John didn't spare him a glance.

"Help yourself to the fridge. There is plenty of food. I'm going to take a shower," he spoke quickly, efficiently and disappeared in the bathroom.

Dion took a look in the refrigerator. There were enough ingredients for at least a generous omelet so he decided for the quick dish. Later on, he would have to create a menu, but right now there were pressing matters like rambling stomachs to tend to. He could bet John was hungry, too.

He had the table laid out by the time the man came out of the shower. He looked a bit younger, out of his factory clothes, and dressed in some soft flannel outfit. He was still massive, making the small kitchen look even smaller, as he sat at the table.

"I didn't ask you to cook for me," he commented sourly, although Dion could tell he was eyeing the loaded plate.

"We started on the wrong foot. This is the least I can do," Dion spoke.

"Wrong foot, eh?" John seemed amused, but he dug into his plate without a word and Dion joined him.

They ate in silence. Dion rose and picked up the dishes.

"You don't have to play servant here. I'm not your master," the man spoke on a lower tone.

Dion looked into the dark eyes. A rebellious strand of black hair was almost glued to the tall forehead. It made John look at bit more ... without thinking, the redhead rose his hand and pushed the strand to the side.

The man flinched from the touch. "What kind of game do you think you're playing?" he rose angrily.

"I'm not playing anything," Dion breathed out. It looked like he was walking on eggshells, no matter what he was doing.

"Yes, you are. You just got here and you're playing house."

Dion cast his eyes down. "I apologize. It's everything I know."

"Oh, really? You don't know anything else?" the man's voice sounded dangerous, as he approached Dion, invading his private space.

"Like what?"

"I don't know," John got even closer. "You Drena whores only know how to wrap men around your fingers, don't you?"

Dion blushed and suddenly felt angered. "I am not a whore," he said through his teeth, as he pushed John aside.

He needed air. His arm was caught and John pulled him back.

"Is this your act to make me beg to have you? It won't work, princess," he said menacingly.

"It's no act. I would not dream of having the likes of you touch me," Dion spat, and regretted his words right away.

John released his arm, as if he'd been burned.

"Alright, then. Make yourself at home," he said mockingly. "Just stay out of my way, as much as possible. You can take the bedroom, I'll have the couch."

Dion could not stop the feeling of dread washing over him, as John slammed the door to head to the so called living room. He really had no idea how to handle the man.

~A Good Servant~

"There seems to be a lot of things on your mind lately," Lucas kissed Cory's shoulder gently, making the young man shudder and lean into the other male.

"It's nothing. Just a bit tired, I think," the servant said right away.

Lucas did not believe a thing. But it was too tempting to just bury himself in Cory's body, as he let all the weariness of the day wash away and only enjoy the feeling of having the one he adored so much in his arms, pliant under his touch.

~A Good Servant~

"Damn, that hurt," Cory commented, working his jaw.

"You fucking asked for it," Ayn said exasperatedly. "I think you'll have a nice bruise, though," he grinned.

"Jerk," Cory stuck out his tongue, but let himself tied to the chair with the improvised ropes Ayn had made from some clothes.

"Do you think you can play the fool?" Ayn asked, concern visible in his eyes.

"I think I'm pretty good at it," Cory said proudly, although an unsettling thought was nagging him, reminding him how Lucas was poking him for info he did not care sharing.

"Alright, then, all set," Ayn added, admiring his handiwork. He pulled a bit at Cory's clothes, until he ripped the fabric.

Cory giggled. "You fucking look too good like that," Ayn commented playfully.

They laughed, but, like on cue, they both stopped and shared a long, meaningful look.

"I guess this is goodbye or something," Ayn said embarrassed.

"Yes," Cory admitted.

"We may not see each other again," Ayn added.

"I think so," Cory nodded.

Ayn closed the distance and embraced the young servant awkwardly.

"You should go," Cory whispered, not wanting to show how much Ayn's departure meant to him. It had been bad enough to learn about Dion being sent to the factories outside the city gates. Now he was losing another friend.

~A Good Servant~

He had no reason to go home at that hour, but Xavier thought the break was going to do him good, even if he was just going to spend half an hour with Ayn and Cory. The slave was still mad at him, for the incident from that day, so he had to tread lightly around him. He was quite certain he was going to win Ayn over again, despite that unfortunate mishap.

As he entered the house, he frowned. It was unusual for his penthouse to be so quiet. Cory should have been at the door right away.

"Cory," he called and stopped dead in his tracks as he saw Ayn standing right in front of him, dressed like that day.

There was something odd about his slave. Xavier's eyes traveled to the brunet's right hand and froze. Blood ran to his feet.

Ayn raised the weapon casually. "TRK-106," he commented with dark glee in his voice, startling Xavier.

In a second, he was all over the master of the house, with the barrel of the gun resting right under the man's chin.

"I doubt I should explain to you what it can do," Ayn whispered.

"Who are you?" Xavier managed to talk.

"Do you really have to ask, Master?" Ayn mocked. "I am Ayn, your personal, dear slave."

"Did you kill Cory?"

Ayn chuckled. "He'll live. I guess. Now, onto more pressing matters. I heard you ride a fucking awesome car. I really want to see that. Move."

"What do you think you can do? The moment we are out this door ..." Xavier spoke, as Ayn turned him unceremoniously and pushed the gun onto his side.

"... we will walk right to your car, we'll get inside, and you will drive me out of this shithole. If anyone's asking, we're out for a bit of a stroll."

"You won't get away with this," Xavier spoke.

"Just watch me. Care for a trip to the wild side, Xavier?"

For a brief moment, Ayn's hot breath touched Xavier's cheek. He only had to touch his right hand with the left and search for the panic button on his silver bracelet. But as quickly as the thought came, it flew away.

Xavier opened the door, and let Ayn guide him outside. For the first time in his life, something totally unpredictable was about to happen.

In the dark, helpless witness to the angry conversation in the hallways, Cory felt his insides turn. What are you doing, Ayn?

Author's Note: So, dear readers, I hope I managed to surprise you once more. There is more to come for all the boys, and I hope you are enjoying the trip as much as I do. Will Cory be able to hide the truth from Lucas? Where is Ayn taking Xavier? How is Dion going to adjust to his new life? Don't think I have all the answers. Despite the outline I have in front of me, the guys just tend to jump off the page and whisper crazy things into my ear.

Now, for the good people who cared about leaving reviews. Cannd, your comments on Xavier's intentions in regards to letting Cory go to Lucas were spot on; the way things will progress between Ayn and Xavier is still on the deciding route. Will they fall in love? I certainly do hope so. :) Nanobot, I am so glad to have found a reader so shrewd to understand what a writer goes through. For gayTopher, those words just made me blush ...

For the Anon speaking about punishment and forgiveness, I truly believe in the association of the two, as well. But getting there has to be fun right? I am glad that another reader finds my story hot, even if not for the sex.

Some crazy kinky ideas were shared by another anonymous reviewer ... yet, I have a hunch I still manage to come off the left field, and throw the story into turmoil again. That thing with Antoine ... haven't thought about it, but yeah, Antoine has to be taught some manners too. What to do ...

And finally for Chris from Italy, since my email bounced back for some reason, just a few words - I know how things between Cory and Lucas look at this point, but this is the beginning of new love, and, as with any relationship, things may tend to look perfect during the first encounters, as the participants do not have the time - or the inclination - to notice the other's flaws. In a world dominated by perversions and sex as currency - slaves are used and in exchange they receive comfort and security from their masters - wouldn't a 'normal' relationship seem out of the norm? Things are not - yet - set in stone for the two. There will be progression involving other characters that will shake them, as well. I hope you will see what I mean as the story continues.

Thanks everyone and tons of hugs!