Out of the Ashes (The Game 5)

We could thank two twin Sadists and their six closest friends for our community. I told Franklin a little bit about River and Reese Tenley, who’d bought the house years ago, along with the land that surrounded it—and it was huge. I didn’t know how many acres, but there had to be a few, because I knew they rented out two fields to local small-scale farmers. So we had a long private road leading up to the estate, a big carport for guests, the house itself, a football-field-sized lawn behind the house, and a small forest in the background. Trees along the sides too, providing us with all the privacy and seclusion we needed.

I scrolled to the next few photos, taken behind the estate.

“Oh wow,” Franklin murmured.

Yeah, it was impressive. Big patio and barbecue area, a swimming pool, then the slanted lawn that led to the forest. I’d run down that hill just a couple months ago with Lee chasing after me at a takedown event. It’d been our last play together. We’d actually put a huge fight on pause just to participate.

“What are those?” He pointed to the picture that showed six A-frame cabins along the side of the lawn.

“Right, so eight people started the community,” I answered. “We half jokingly refer to them as the Founders, and they have their own cabins. River and Reese share, and so do Colt and Lucas. Now, check this out.” I wanted to show him something much more interesting than cabins. I scrolled down to the bottom, where one of our members had worked his magic to give viewers a 360-degree tour of the inside of the estate, one for each floor of the house. “So here’s the club area downstairs. It has a bar and everything. Cheapest drinks you’ll ever buy.” Because the money went straight to keeping the bar fully stocked. “Lots of room for dancing, scening—kink furniture, as you can see—and demos. There’s usually something happening here every weekend, but members can come and go all hours of the day, 365 days a year.” Except for our one week a year when we closed everything down to do repairs and minor renovations. It was a week that kept Lee and all the other handymen busy. “Downstairs, you’ll also find a kitchen and changing rooms, stuff like that. Two offices, I think. And the stairs. Which brings us to the second floor.”

“It’s a bit overwhelming. There’s so much I never knew existed.”

I eyed him. “Want me to continue?”

“Oh yes.” He nodded.

I smirked to myself, wondering… Maybe I was sitting right next to our next member.

“Second floor is primarily playrooms,” I said. “Doctor’s exam room, needle studio, two shower rooms, a padded cell, the list goes on. Not all of them have themes. Sometimes you just need fifty feet of rope and a bondage bunny.”

I used to be Lee’s rope bunny…

“Why would you need an exam room in a kink palace?”

Sweet summer child.

“For medical play, hon.” I grinned slyly. “For that prostate exam you always wanted to go a tad further.” Upon seeing the embarrassment flooding his face, I couldn’t help but push. “The interrogation room is a favorite of mine. Maybe someone accuses you of being a sinful little whore, and he’ll make you confess.”

He swallowed audibly and couldn’t look away from the screen.

Franklin was definitely intrigued. He was also most definitely submissive. I couldn’t imagine him being dominant with anyone. But what did I know? He hadn’t even begun his journey.

My phone buzzed as I was about to scroll to the last tour, of the third floor, and I saw the preview of a message from Shay, a friend of mine.

“Sorry, I’m just gonna respond.” I opened the text. Shay was asking if I was up for Chinese food on Thursday. Thursday, Thursday… I usually got off work at three, but I had a faculty meeting at four. We were still making adjustments after the new semester had started. Either way, I was available for dinner, and I texted him back.

Just tell me when and where. I’m home after six.

That was good. I needed more plans with friends to distract me.

“That was Shay,” I said. “He’s River and Reese’s partner. If you join my community, you’ll meet them too.”

Franklin let out a nervous chuckle. “I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Wouldn’t it be insensitive and awkward to sign me up as a member of Kingsley’s community?”

Awkward, for sure. Insensitive—what the fuck for?

“We haven’t done anything wrong,” I replied firmly. I couldn’t stress that enough. “My relationship was already dead when you and I became friends. Emphasis on friends—we haven’t crossed any lines.”

“I know, but…” He cleared his throat and shifted his coffee cup closer, though I doubted it tasted very good anymore. “I don’t suppose you would like it if I were to talk to him? To let him know I’m not a threat?”