The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight Read Free Book Online Page A

tone of Master Saul. His heart accelerated at the knowledge that he would be in the same room with the silver-haired man in mere seconds. As Kenneth entered from the hall, their eyes locked briefly before Kenneth lowered his gaze in respect.
    It was a struggle for Kenneth to control his rapid breathing, his nervousness. Had Preston seen the look they’d shared? In that brief moment, Kenneth had been reassured that Saul was nothing like Preston. The Master’s expression had been one of shock tinged with sadness. No matter what Preston said regarding Kenneth’s bruises, he knew Master Saul wouldn’t believe him. Just as he’d felt all along, Master Saul was a man who cared about others.
    If only he cared for me the way I do for him.
     

Chapter Four
     
     
     
    It took all of Saul’s inner strength and willpower not to outwardly react to the beaten visage of Kenneth. Not only was his gut churning, but tears burned at the backs of his eyes. Saul never cried, but he could’ve wept for Kenneth.
    “At last my boy is here.”
    Preston had been regaling them with tales of all the men he’d dominated when he’d traveled to Berlin, how the Masters there had pleaded with him to share his tips with them on effective punishments for bad boys. Saul didn’t believe a word of Preston’s bravado. But in order to lull their prey along, both he and Aaron had nodded and feigned great interest in Preston’s jabbering.
    “I have the finest gin in town, gentlemen. Kenneth makes an outstanding Gin Rickey with the fresh limes we have growing in the yard. Shall I have him pour us a round?”
    “That sounds splendid. Aaron?”
    Saul raised his eyebrows at his cohort. They were desperate to stay in the house as long as possible. They’d had no idea what they’d face at Preston’s residence when they’d come up with their ruse, but they needed to figure out a way to get Kenneth alone, if even for a moment. The longer they had a reason to stay, the better their chances would be.
    “The best, you say? Then I would love to try one.”
    “Kenneth. Go fetch some limes, as well as the special gin for our honored guests.”
    “Yes, Master.”
    Kenneth’s voice seemed unusually soft for a man of his size and Saul noted how nervous he was. He darted his eyes about the room and his fingers were never still even as he held his hands at his sides. His gaze landed on Saul for a couple of seconds before he tore it away. A blush stained Kenneth’s cheeks and Saul wondered at the source of his embarrassment.
    “Go!”
    Kenneth jumped as if he’d been smacked then scurried from the room.
    As I’m sure he has.
    Saul took in a deep breath. He had to remain focused.
    “I was wondering, Preston.”
    Saul kept his expression schooled at Aaron’s words. If they were to have any success with their little plan, Aaron would have to be the one to lead Preston on so that Saul could get to Kenneth.
    “Yes?” Already suspicion shone from Preston’s eyes. No doubt he lived in a state of constant mistrust borne of his own devious behavior.
    “I heard from one of the other Dominants that you have an incredible collection of authentic torture devices from medieval times. Is that correct?”
    A self-satisfied smile curled the corners of Preston’s mouth. “Why, yes. I’ve been collecting for years. If it’s not too boastful of me to say, I daresay it’s the finest collection of its kind.”
    Aaron gasped. “Truly?” He regarded Saul. “This is what I was telling you. We need someone with Master Cornwall’s obvious expertise to serve on the board.” Aaron turned back to Preston. “I hope this isn’t too presumptuous of us, but we’ve been searching for some new blood…” Aaron chuckled. “Forgive my pun, but we really do need someone of your ilk at the club to serve on the board. We’ve both been very impressed with your techniques since you’ve joined us.”
    Saul breathed in deeply though his nose. Rather than compliment the horse’s