Milo had started bartending for Obsidian about a year ago. He’d been looking for a better-paying second job, and when he’d seen the listing, he’d jumped at the opportunity to work at the well-known, upscale nightclub. He’d had bartending experience at a fairly popular bar near the college campus, and so he’d walked into Obsidian with a resume in his hands and hope in his heart. He had gotten the job.

For part-time work, the money was really good, but Milo would admit that it hadn’t been the only thing that had drawn him to Obsidian. Someone who may have been curious but timid about BDSM—Milo—would find the club as the area’s top internet search result on the subject. Red Obsidian wasn’t a secret, but it was exclusive.

While pouring shots and mixing drinks, Milo had kept an eye on the red and black door diligently guarded by a bouncer. He’d wanted to ask his boss, the club owner, about it, but he’d never worked up the courage. One night, after having worked at Obsidian for two months, someone had caught him looking at the door, with too much yearning on his face.

It was Danny. Milo hadn’t known him that well yet, but he did know that Danny was the owner’s husband and co-ran the club. Danny didn’t like the title, but he was technically Milo’s boss too.

Danny had eyed Milo while he gazed at the door he’d wanted to go through so badly. And when Milo noticed he’d been caught, he nearly yelped. He’d hurriedly turned to a customer, but he hadn’t missed Danny’s widening grin.

After closing and during clean-up, Danny had approached Milo.

“I’m sorry for getting distracted, Mr. Winters. It won’t happen again,” Milo had said, wiping down the bar top.

“Mr. Winters is my husband. I prefer to go by Danny.”

“Danny,” Milo had repeated softly, keeping his head down as he’d continued cleaning.

“So,” Danny had said, taking a seat at the bar and leaning toward Milo, “Are you interested in what’s behind the door?”

Milo had frozen, then he’d slowly met Danny’s gaze. Milo’s eyes had burned with a sincerity and desire he could no longer suppress, and he’d said, “Yes.”

From there, Milo was introduced to the BDSM community. It had taken a couple of months to get through the classes with Danny, who was in charge of teaching new subs. Milo hadn’t had much free time, so it had taken him a bit longer than usual to become an official member and sub of Red Obsidian.

And his bosses, Gabriel and Danny Winters, had been incredibly generous. They had waived the steep membership fees for Milo, calling it an employee discount.

What Milo had discovered about being a part of the BDSM community was something he’d desperately needed. Friendship, acceptance, and freedom in submission.

Now, Milo walked up to the large building that was Obsidian, nestled in the heart of the city’s trendy nightlife scene. It would be an hour before the lights turned on and the music started pulsing, but a line had already started forming at the entrance.

Obsidian was open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., five nights a week. The staff arrived an hour early for prep. Milo entered through the employee entrance out back, typing in the code to unlock the heavy metal door.

There was always an odd dormant feeling walking through Obsidian before opening, a quiet calm that didn’t suit. But as more employees gradually arrived, the place began to awaken with sound checks, lighting tests, and the clinking of glasses.

In the staff room, Milo went to his locker to get ready. He said hello to several of his co-workers, and they greeted him in turn. Some of them, like Milo, were members of Red Obsidian. The camaraderie felt more genuine here than at Clem’s Donuts. Milo felt like he fit in, like he belonged.

He pulled out his uniform, cleaned and pressed. Milo was grateful the club provided it because there was no way he could have afforded it on his own. He dressed in the black trousers, crisp white button-up shirt, and black vest. He looked good in it, as the outfit was made to fit him perfectly.

Milo picked out his tie last. A red one and a black one hung in his locker. He took the black tie. Employees who worked at Red Obsidian wore the red tie. Milo typically bartended for the public nightclub. It was always busier, and he made more money there with the extra tips. Occasionally, he would work underground at Red when they needed him. But there was a strictly imposed drink limit for members, to ensure all play remained safe, and Milo couldn’t earn as much in tips.

He flipped the collar of his shirt up and started doing his tie. From the little mirror hanging in his locker, Milo saw the door opening with Danny walking in.

Danny smiled through the mirror, and it was as bright and golden as his hair. The usual good-humored mischief twinkled in his sea-glass green eyes. Danny was gorgeous. Tall, lean, and charismatic, he’d catch the eye of anyone in his vicinity.

Milo turned to greet his best friend, still holding the ends of his black tie.

“So, how did it go with Roger last night?” Danny asked. He sat down on a bench close to Milo.

“His knot-tying skills could still use some work, but his aftercare was excellent, as usual,” Milo said, keeping as nonchalant as he could. He knew what Danny was really asking about.

Danny nodded knowingly, then his smile fell away, and his expression turned serious. “I knew he’d be a good one for you, after what happened. I’m just checking in with you, Milo.”

The room was mostly empty by now. Danny had kept his voice low.

Milo fiddled with his tie, then pulled it off completely. He’d have to start from scratch. Sitting next to Danny, Milo let out a long breath. “There was a moment… but I used the safeword. Roger stopped right away. And after a few minutes, I was able to continue. I’m good.”

Danny looked relieved. “Okay. And you know you can come to me or Gabe anytime. I trust you not to push yourself.”

Milo smiled gratefully. He knew that Danny and Gabriel were there to look after him, as they would for any of Red’s members. But they had a soft spot for Milo, and it put a warmth in his chest.

A little while back, a newer dom at the club had approached Milo for a night together. As usual, they first reviewed each other’s checklists, clarifying their limits. Milo did not enjoy impact play. The dom had ignored that limit, then he’d ignored the safeword when Milo used it. Milo had never been so glad that, per club policy, all private rooms were monitored to ensure members’ safety. It hadn’t taken long for security to arrive and drag the dom out of there. His membership had been immediately terminated. Milo could have pressed charges, but he’d decided not to. It was enough that the dom would never be allowed back.

Last night with Roger was the first time since the incident, and went as Milo had told Danny. Milo had been so relieved—the dom hadn’t taken this away from him.

Danny took the black tie that Milo had wrinkled in his grasp. “If you’re sure you’re alright, Gabe has something to ask you. He’s in his office.”

Surprised and curious, Milo stood and held out his hand for the black tie.

“I think you should go with the red one,” Danny said, tilting his head and blinking up at Milo too innocently.

“Okay,” Milo said, suspicion drawing out the word. He went to his locker and pulled out the red one. It was a dark red, like garnet, matching the club’s sleek and sensual aura.

Leaving the black one on the bench, Danny came over, took hold of the red tie, and tied it for Milo with quick and expert efficiency—Danny was quite skillful at knot work. “Don’t keep the boss waiting,” he said with a wink.

Milo shook his head as Danny hurried him out of the staff room. Then he flitted off somewhere else, leaving Milo alone in his bewilderment. He’d worked at Red Obsidian’s bar before; why had Danny been so odd about it? Gabriel’s office was just a little ways down the hall, so Milo didn’t have to wonder for long.

He knocked on the door.

“Come in,” his boss called.

Milo opened the door, and Gabriel greeted him with a warm smile, which might have looked out of place if you didn’t know him. Gabriel was a huge man, tall and muscular. He had auburn hair and deep brown eyes, which usually looked stern and serious. Unlike Roger, Gabriel was all dom, all the time, naturally exuding his authority that even people outside the scene wanted to listen to him.

He also had a huge heart, and a tendency to gather those in need and help them.

“Good evening, Mr. Winters,” Milo said, sitting in the chair Gabriel gestured toward. It was situated in front of his desk. Unlike the rest of the club’s dark and indulgent atmosphere, Gabriel’s office was light and simple in design, as if offering a neutral space apart from all the decadence.

“How are you tonight, Milo?”

“I’m good, sir,” Milo replied, trying not to sound nervous.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Gabriel said, the relief in his tone similar to Danny’s. “I asked you here because my regular bartender for the Red VIP lounge called in sick tonight. Would you consider filling in?”

Milo wasn’t sure what to say for a moment, and Gabriel didn’t press him to respond immediately. Milo had never been inside the VIP lounge. Usually, only the most experienced and skilled bartenders worked there. Gabriel believed he was good enough to fill in? Milo wasn’t as sure, but he’d heard the rumors among the bartenders claiming how obscene the tips could get. He couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

Milo straightened in his chair. Mustering all his confidence, he answered, “Yes, sir. I can do it.”