Free The Rules of Love by Morticia Knight Page B

his arms in front of him, a look of displeasure on his face. Saul though he might have found another ally.
    “Otis? You appear to have something on your mind.”
    “This is rather disturbing.”
    Saul felt his shoulders relax. He hadn’t realized how much tension he’d been holding in them. “I heartily agree. Do you have any thoughts on how we should proceed?”
    “I think you misunderstand me. I find it disturbing that we might be asked to temper our appetites, to shackle us when we should be the ones doing the shackling!”
    A few of the men near Otis mumbled words of assent, nodding their heads. Saul resisted the urge to lash out at everyone. It was only fair that everyone get their chance to express how they felt.
    “I certainly don’t advocate anything that extreme. I simply wanted to bring the matter up for discussion when we have two very distressed men. One is so upset he no longer wants to come here.”
    Barry, one of Otis’ friends interjected. “That’s not so unusual. There’ve been plenty of men over the years who have passed through the club. They were curious, then after a few experiences, discovered that our lifestyle wasn’t for them. This boy who claimed rape was probably not a true submissive. He misunderstood what was happening to him.”
    Heat rose up Saul’s neck and he sucked in a breath. He knew that spouting off wouldn’t do anyone any good, but he was having a difficult time controlling himself. Aaron rescued him.
    “I’m afraid that wasn’t the case. I also spoke with this young man and I know him to be one who enjoys complete surrender. But he was mistreated, held against his will, and that is the crux of this entire discussion. Consent. Nothing else. No one is proposing anyone curb anything. Whatever two, or three, or however many men agree to do with or to one another isn’t anyone’s business. But if someone is being forced or held prisoner—that’s something else.”
    “Prisoner?”
    Otis’ voice was incredulous and some of the men stood or sat straighter, as if they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
    Shit. He shouldn’t have gone so far.
    Saul glanced Aaron’s way in time to catch him rubbing his forehead. He obviously realized he’d gotten too carried away. They had to be careful not to alert Preston that anything was amiss. He understood though. Linus’ story had been upsetting. He turned toward Thomas and noted the grim line of his mouth. When they’d shared what had happened to Linus, they’d practically had to hold him back from going after Preston. Thomas had interacted with the young man on a few occasions and seemed to have a fondness for him.
    The chatter around them had grown in intensity and volume and Saul spoke up loudly to get everyone’s attention. “Gentlemen! I think it would be to our advantage if Aaron and I finished sharing the facts we know. Then we can all get a chance to express our opinions on the matter before coming to a vote on whether or not we should proceed with laying out some rules for the club.” Saul straightened his ascot. “Need I remind everyone that we should keep all of this to ourselves until it’s completely resolved. Then we can assemble all the members of the club, if need be.”
    For the next hour the discussion went back and forth, many times heating up to the point where Saul feared an actual physical altercation might break out. After a while, Saul concluded they’d gone as far as they could—that everyone had already reached their own personal conclusions and wouldn’t likely be swayed differently. Thomas was wrapping up his final comments on the matter.
    “I’ll admit I was just as concerned regarding censure as some of you are, for my own personal reasons. However, upon reflection, I have no choice but to agree that guaranteeing the individual safety of members is the only real issue.” Thomas seemed to be taking a moment as if to compose himself. “If anyone is that vehemently against any