The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight Read Free Book Online

him. There was a fleeting glimpse of what Kenneth could swear was remorse in Preston’s eyes, but then it changed to disgust. “Try to make yourself look as presentable as possible. Two of the club’s board members are here. I think they might want me to run in the upcoming elections, so I need you to be my proper slave.” He got right into Kenneth’s face. “Don’t fuck this up for me, or you will regret it.”
    “Yes, Master. I understand.”
    “I doubt it, but what choice do I have?” Preston waved at him dismissively. “Get dressed. You’re wasting time. I need you downstairs immediately to wait on our guests.”
    Without another glance in his direction, Preston left the room. Kenneth was finally able to relieve himself before searching for some clothing that might suit him for waiting on guests. His hands trembled as he sifted through the contents of the small section of the closet he was allowed to use.
    Is it possible that Master Saul is downstairs right at this moment?
    He didn’t dare to hope, yet it wasn’t all that improbable. Preston had said the visitors were board members from the club, and Master Saul was most certainly on the board. It was difficult to imagine that the man he had so much respect for would be inquiring about Preston stepping into a more official role at the club. Was Preston’s act really that good? Or was the silver-haired man of his fantasies no different from his current abuser?
    He inwardly cringed at such a thought. The mistake he’d made by so eagerly giving himself to Preston had been one borne out of the grief over losing Ronald. Had he been thinking clearly, the signs would have been there—he was certain of it. He brushed his fingers across a white silk shirt he’d worn once before when Preston had entertained some of his university friends. He’d had to pretend he was Preston’s valet—his college chums were unaware that Preston was a lover of men.
    He reached for the shirt. As he stretched, it pulled open the welts on his back. Hissing, he let his hand drop. There would be blood. He would have to find something else more concealing to wear. Sweat broke out on his brow as his nervousness increased. Preston would do something horrible to him later if he took too long. He was also desperate to find out if Saul was one of the visitors and anxious to leave a good impression if he was.
    The black silk shirt had been for a formal gathering when they’d first joined the club. It would be perfect. He could wear it tucked into a pair of woolen trousers with suspenders. It would be adequate, as he wouldn’t be leaving the house, which would have required a jacket on top.
    The spring temperatures were rising at a rapid rate. Soon, the heat would be a constant for several months. Since Kenneth typically wore little or no clothing, it wasn’t that critical if he was to stain the shirt with his blood. But at least it wouldn’t be obvious to their guests that he’d been injured in any way.
    He glanced up at the dresser mirror as he pulled his pants on over his boxers.
    Except for the very obvious bruises on my cheeks and the large cut on my bottom lip.
    He didn’t dare say anything about them. It would be left to Preston to provide whatever explanation he might be able to dredge up. Then he could smile and nod amiably as if it was perfectly fine to have the crap beaten out of him because he was no longer in love with a man whose sadism ran contrary to what Kenneth had hoped for in a lover.
    Hmm. Better not smile.
    If he did, there would be blood all over again. Sighing heavily, he let it all out before he had to face the unknown downstairs. Once he’d slapped some pomade in his hair and combed it back, he made a cursory check to verify that nothing seemed out of place. Satisfied that it was the best he could hope for under the circumstances, he made his way to the living room below.
    Before he’d even rounded the corner to the main area, he heard the strong, confident