Free The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight

mutterings. “Hmm. Yes. Also, grab the executioner’s hood. I plan on using it for a demonstration tonight on that delicious new submissive who recently arrived. I’ll whip him with it tied snugly around his head as he’s bound at his feet and ankles. That will show the men there how it’s really done. My place on the board will be assured.”
    Kenneth gave a brief pause to make certain that Preston was done with his ramblings. There was a tumult of feelings coursing through him at Preston’s words. The lingering despair over being kept locked up in the attic, the relief of not being the subject of Preston’s display, the guilt from that because another poor man would suffer in his stead and his need for Saul to save him immediately.
    Saul had asked him if he wanted to leave Preston, but he had no idea when or how such a thing would happen. After he’d admitted Saul that he wanted to go, the man had squeezed his arm and told him to have hope. Then he’d left, no doubt to make sure they didn’t get caught together.
    He was stirred from his musings by the fact that Preston had not only stopped talking to him, but was strangely silent. Kenneth stopped a gasp from escaping his lips at the sight of Preston rubbing the heel of his palm against his own obvious erection. He lifted his gaze and was horrified to see a sinister gleam in Preston’s eyes as he regarded him.
    “Get the hood first. I’m going to put it on you then fuck you from behind. I’ll imagine what it would be like if I were to…” He gave Kenneth a cruel grin. It only added to the impression that Preston was truly crazed. “Then you would always be mine and I’d never have to hear you speak of another man again.”
    Kenneth couldn’t breathe. The floor seemed liquid for a moment as he fought the sensation that he might black out. He would never be safe with Preston.
    Hurry, Saul. I need you.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Where the fucking hell is Kenneth?”
    Saul had gritted it through his teeth as Aaron had forcibly dragged him into the study. “What has he done with him? Why isn’t he here tonight? I knew we should’ve have taken him with us the other day, I knew—”
    “Saul!” Aaron brought his voice back down as he shut the door behind them. “Stop. Everything is going the way we want it. Preston is here at the club, preening and posturing because he believes we think he’s the bee’s knees.”
    “I’d like to cut him off at the knees.” Saul had growled it out.
    Aaron sighed. “Wouldn’t we all. But we have to be patient. He’ll eventually bring Kenneth here again and it will be a simple matter of distracting Preston long enough to spirit the boy away.” Aaron furrowed his brow. “You’ve verified the aunt is protected?”
    Saul had only been half-listening to Aaron’s words. All he’d been focused on since they’d left Preston’s home a couple of days before was Kenneth. He could easily picture spending the remainder of his days with him at his feet.
    And in my bed.
    “Saul? For Christ sakes, are you even listening to me?”
    Saul cleared his throat. “Sorry, old sport. I know I’ve been out of sorts recently, and I do apologize.”
    Chuckling, Aaron patted him on the back. “Quite forgivable when you’re in love.”
    “I… That’s not the case at all! I’m merely… I’m…” Saul frowned.
    He didn’t know the boy. Not really. Although Saul had been instantly attracted to him, he’d recognized that for what it was. Simple lust. But witnessing small actions by Kenneth at the club had increased his respect for him. Despite how abused Saul now knew him to be, Kenneth had never been hostile or unkind to anyone. He’d overheard a couple of exchanges between Kenneth and the other submissive men. Kenneth had always been friendly and helpful to them, almost as if he was watching out for their well-being. Then there had been his bravery with Linus. He swallowed around a hard lump in his throat.
    “It’s okay, Saul.