Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Saerrael on 17-02-2011, 04:47:04</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 04:47:04</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ee/Teahouseicon.png)</div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 04:55:11</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0e/Ryansroom.jpg)</div><div class="floatright">(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv304/maerim/52a4c06d884ce9a1675f677af6d92a47-d255wwv-1.jpg)</div><br><br><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong> ~~♣~~<br>Adjoined office and bedroom with a very small bathroom on the ground-floor. Situated on the ground-floor to be easily reachable for clients.<br><br>Dark, heavy furniture can be found in both the office and the bedroom. Most of it is both practical and rich, showing hints of the person who bought them to be wealthy without having lost his eye for the practical.<br><br>At evening and throughout the night one might find chandeliers hold an abundance of lit candles to give both rooms a warm glow.<br>~~♣~~</strong></span></div><br><br><div class="floatleft">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc</div> <div align="center"><br><br><br><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><em><span style="font-family: Arial;" class="bbc_font">"Be still, be calm, be quiet now, my precious boy.<br>Don't struggle like that or I will only love you more"</span></em></span><br></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>17-02-2011, 05:19:45</strong>
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				<em>(( The following has not been written by me, but I found it too good to just keep in my Inbox and thought I'd lend Ryan's room for it. This post has been written by crystaltears and is situated a few days before the current time in the rest of the game. ))<br></em><br><br><br>Darkness hid the intimate details of the city streets throughout most of Ivore. This city proved no different, and still the oppression of the storm that had blown through could be felt even in these small hours before sunrise. The servant made haste to reach his destination, the suit required by his employers perfect in it's appearance save for the wrinkles that wearing it provided. His gloved right hand rested over the left breast pocket of his overcoat. With any luck the darkness would keep him from being seen or recognized on this particular errand. <em>'This is a courier's work.. And to a house of ill repute..'</em><br><br>He shook his head in the morning mist and approached the establishment known as the Teahouse, testing the doors. If locked the man waited until such time as they were unlocked to enter. His footsteps carry no hint of the dirt from the road in with him, for as any good butler, the man has wiped clean his shoes. The servant who greets him first exchanges a few words before asking him to wait by the entrance and accepting the expensive vellum envelope which had been carried in the butler's left breast pocket. Unable to help himself, the butler straightens his clothes as he looks into the reflective surface of a highly polished tabletop. <em>'At least it's clean..'</em><br><br><div align="center">~*~*~*~</div><br>Master Ryan's chambers are disturbed only after he has woken, for the butler has said he is instructed to await a direct response or any questions, and thus will not be leaving in a hurry or causing lost business if he is detained. When the Master is known to have been roused a polite knock sounds on his door prior to entry being granted.<br><br>The servant of the Teahouse carries in the vellum envelope, beige in color and with a seal of red wax baring a stylized 'H'. "There's a servingman in the entryway, Master. Sent by the young Master Hatch to bring you this and answer any questions you might have." The messenger waits to be dismissed before bowing their way from the room.<br><br>A subtle scent of wood - cedar and sandalwood - and perhaps the tiniest bit of lavender still clings to the paper enough to be detected even in the presence of the wax seal. Fine script across the front of the envelope forms the name <em>Lord Ryan Valentine</em>. Breaking the seal reveals equally expensive vellum bearing the elegant script of a hand schooled in penmanship from an early age.<br><br><em>Lord Valentine,<br><br>I write this with the wish to arrange a visit to the Teahouse. I have heard little but good of the services offered in your establishment and have decided I would like to entertain them myself so I might make my own opinion of the place. I have it on good authority that the name of 'Hatch' is not unknown to you, and thus will offer my identity to you as the son of the late Lord William Hatch. <br><br>I would be most appreciative if you would consent to making arrangements for my intended visit, and to that end have sent my personal butler in the deliverance of this correspondence. To him I have entrusted the details of my desires in this matter and expressed my wish that he work with you to make agreeable accommodations for your schedule and my own. He is instructed to receive your response one way or the other, Lord Valentine, though I do hope he returns to me with details regarding your favorable response to this proposition.<br><br>Warmest Regards,<br>Lord Sebastian J. Hatch</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 02:02:20</strong>
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				Previous. (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4273261#msg4273261)<br><br>A slight gesture was made to a servant girl nearby, something she picked up and she rushed away to go get what the Master had ordered her ; the whole ordeal maybe a split second and nearly telepathic in nature.<br>Ryan did adore well trained staff, and this particular girl had been serving the House for a few years now.<br>Mary, her name was. He would recall her last name, too, if it would have mattered. But it didn't. Not with more pressing matters.<br><br>He didn't take to the straight back chair behind the desk. He would do so normally, bridge his fingers before his face, elbows planted on the desk, while staring calmly at who ever he had in his office.<br>This time he kept stood, his back to his desk, then actually leaned against it and watched Atticus, studied him. For moments on end. Only stopping when the servant girl came back with fresh tea. Sugar, lemon, milk, whatever.<br><br>When she left at another slight gesture by Ryan, just before she could start poring and serving the two men, Ryan inclined his head lightly, but held his gaze on the other man. Only then he finally spoke.<br><br>"Do your scars still bother you, Louis?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 02:46:50</strong>
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				Atticus stood still and unfidgeting as Master Ryan looked at him silently. He held his tongue, and lifted his chin a little as the moments stretched, his amusement of a minute before lingering in the form of a slight smile. He was use to such scrutiny, though he didn’t think Master Ryan had looked on him so intently since their first meeting. <br><br>When the maid entered he blinked and looked towards her as she passed him on his blind side. He watched her – it was easier than looking at the tall proprietor – until she left again.<br><br>He met Master Ryan’s gaze when the question was asked, the sound of his name making his stomach flutter. He couldn’t help but smile as he shook his head slightly before saying, “No, Sir, I’m accustomed to them. I sometimes... think I see things,” He gestured&nbsp; at the left side of his face, “but the doctor says it is normal. I will try harder to not let it distract me.” <br><br>He wondered how to word his request, how to present it in such a way it would not seem ungrateful. “Master Ryan, please... please don’t think I am not thankful for all you have done for me, and whatever you think and decide, I will abide by...” He was doing it wrong already! He shifted his weight and sighed in aggravation at himself, his gaze moving over the trinkets in the room as he sought the right wording. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 02:56:50</strong>
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				He kept looking, not moving, calm, collected. Probably turning into stone right there on the spot. Or.. rooting in place.<br>This was actually quite normal for Ryan, though he didn't do it often. People felt.. uncomfortable when he stared, nearly blankly, at someone in this manner. But it was the perfect way to let his mind wander enough to randomly associate and still keep control of his rational aspects.<br><br>A slight nod at Atticus' words. He had heard of this before, and of more obscure matters, too. That didn't concern him, and what did had now been answered to. So he let it slide and stood to his feet again, now to poor the two tea as if he were but a servant himself, listening to how the other man started, but didn't finish, what ever the hell he was trying to word.<br><br>Leaning against the desk again, the tea for Atticus still on the silver platter, he stirred, then sipped and tilted his head such a small bit it was hardly noticeable.<br><br>"Try again," he said "Start over, Louis. I promise I won't bite."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 03:18:38</strong>
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				Atticus held his breath for a moment then let it go softly, seeking calm. Finding peace enough to voice his desire, his request, seemed so much harder than anything he had done in the past. <br><br>When he felt he could talk without rushing it all out, he said, “You know I have been celibate these past months, all the time since you acquired me...?” He was unsure Master Ryan was aware of it, though the man had an uncanny ability of knowing all that happened under the roof of the Teahouse. <br><br>“...But recently I have been... ah, <em>suffering</em>. And I do not believe quenching that hunger would be the chore it once was.” <br><br>He returned his gaze to Master Ryan. “I desire,” he whispered. It was so alien to him, he wasn’t sure what to do.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 03:34:52</strong>
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				Ryan had been aware of the man's celibacy. Not because he was stalking him or anything, but merely because the entire House reported to him, and, yes, also details such as these. Though this was hardly a 'detail'.<br>Ryan had thought Atticus probably just needed a break after this last occupation. It hadn't been the best of places he had gotten him from, his history clearly, literally, readable on his face.<br><br>He also knew, but not through the servants, the household, staff, random remarks by whores and clients, that Atticus had been, more or less, itching. This was not written on his face, however, but was visible in the way he moved -more graceful, deadly, catlike-, how he flirted, how he conversed.<br><br>How he wielded his sword.<br><br>So double.<br><br>"I know you do," he said, meeting the other man's eyes with his own, then locking as to not have his gaze wander along the toned, scarred, oh-so-masculine body before him.<br><br>"This is a whorehouse, if you're not aware, Louis. You're also quite.. desired. I have no doubt any of the men and women under this roof would be all too glad to invite you into their bed."<br><br>Inclining his head farther, long, raven black waves pouring down his chest, eyes still locked on his, he continued "....lets you wish not just about everyone to invite into <em>your</em> bed. Lest you have a certain person in mind?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 04:08:16</strong>
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				“I have never seen a house that allows the staff to... consort,” Atticus said softly as a way of explaining his issue. “I never want to risk being forced from here.”&nbsp; It was a very good life offered here, one that was so good that all Master Ryan needed to do to get another to fill Atticus’ position was to crook his finger. <br><br>The ex-whore’s attention was caught by the fluid tumble of long black hair, the man’s eyes holding his own, his words a deep knowing thrum, and he imagined what it would feel like to have that hair drag over his torso, feeling each strand slide over his skin as the Master loomed over him, that soul-deep gaze pinning him down more firmly than any chain could, or tickle his shoulders and back, swinging in time to each thrust, each hot breath-<br><br>Atticus blinked, his breathing quite a bit faster, his lips parted somewhat. He swallowed and shut his eye, his breath shaking slightly as he struggled to banish the thought. “In this moment, I can think of only one, Master,” he said, meeting the man’s gaze again, his voice a desperate rasp. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 04:20:04</strong>
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				There was the slightest hint of a smirk at his words. Of course the House did not <em>allow</em> to 'consort' -and what an elegant way of putting this-, but the 'House', meaning Ryan, also knew, all too well, no amount of 'not allowing' would keep the staff from doing whatever they pleased when they thought Ryan was not aware of what went on.<br>He simply didn't see the harm in it. It might even be good from the perspective that it kept the whores trained and.. on their toes.<br><br>"You're my steel, Louis," he said, pushing himself from the desk and wandering over to him, slight smile to his lips. "You have yet to disappoint me," he added, hand raising to stroke those scars on the man's cheek. Gently. Back of his fingers.<br>"I'd not send you from me."<br><br>His eyes were still on his, they had never left, never faltered. As if he tried to gaze into the other man's mind, penetrate his soul with his own.<br>He only broke this eye-lock when he leaned in, quite looming due to his height, and whispered against the man's ear.<br><br>"Say it. <em>Name</em> this person..."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 04:53:44</strong>
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				Atticus watched him come closer, mesmerised by his words, his slow motion, his steady stare. He quivered with tension at the touch, his chest working as if he were still sparring in the gardens. The promise slide through his mind like a wash of ice water, refreshing and making his skin tingle. It wasn’t that Atticus believed, but it wasn’t that he didn’t, either. <br><br>The Master’s deep, dark eyes bored into him, holding Atticus still, and though he ached to move he couldn’t at all. As the tall man leaned in and his breath traced Atticus’ ear, he blinked and drew a deeper breath, trying to calm himself. It didn’t help, when he could smell Master Ryan’s scent, faint musk, sandalwood, his morning tea masking it but not completely. The command made him moan softly, frustration and pleasure clear.<br><br>He felt a distant twist of shame at being forced to expose his desire so blatantly, but he didn’t care, when he wanted it so much. “I want Master Ryan Valentine.” He didn’t even try to put a pleading, pleasing flex on his tone, not out of practice as such but far too distracted by the man’s closeness.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 05:16:21</strong>
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				That smell..<br><br>He really, really should have had him bathe before.. this.<br><br>Though.<br>He hadn't really been able to predict this to have happen, now had he?<br><br>So polite his words were. So fitting the soft moan.<br><br>So.<br>Distracting.<br>His.<br>Scent.<br><br>Ryan was a man who liked complete and utter control, and not 'just' control over others.<br>Control, discipline.<br>Self-control.<br><br>Would it really take this little to break his self-control?<br><br>The hand on Atticus wandered, seemingly idle, from his cheek along his throat and into his neck, grabbed a full fist of his hair and tugged his head back.<br><br>He blamed, still, the man's scent. Sweat. Salt. Skin.<br>Those strong muscles. His ability to wield a sword in the manner he did.<br>He did, briefly, think back. How he had been treated. Rough. Like Ryan was doing right now.<br>He didn't care.<br><br>Pressing against him, tugging him closer with his free hand that took a firm grip somewhere on the man's back, he didn't just kiss; he devoured, leaving no room for any type of protest when he forcefully, maybe too forcefully, invaded and claimed the other man's mouth.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>18-02-2011, 06:01:53</strong>
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				The light, absent caress felt like it lasted for eternity. The gentle rasp of skin-on-skin focused his attention. When the hand reached his neck, his breath left him is a shuddering rush. Pale, far-off memories of teasing nibbles and open-mouthed kisses, scratching nails and tight bruising grips whispered through his mind, but they were like morning mist and Ryan was the Sun. Fingers kept moving, curving back, twining into his hair, the grip turning from light to harsh with such speed his body pulsed with delight and desire. <br><br>Atticus grunted as the Master of the house drew him close, forcing him to take, to drown in his power and scent and taste. It was something Atticus was all too willing to do, not just giving himself over to the sensations but driving himself deeper into them. He wanted this, with every part of him, he wanted this so much it ached. That hot, invasive mouth crushing down on his, white hot lust in glorious contrast with the Master's black ice personality.&nbsp; <br><br>His gloved hands slid over the black silk of Master Ryan’s attire, forgetting to take care of the rich fabric and grasping the large man tight, as if he really were drowning, finesse forgotten in the heady rush of lust, his blood thunder in his ears and scorching under his skin, rushing to his groin and manhood throb and thicken. <br><br>Teeth and tongue and lips, he didn’t beg like the good whore he had been once, but demanded, desperate and starved of pleasure. Even as his mouth was claimed, he craved more, something deeper and darker, and he couldn’t keep his hips from jumping forwards in a urgent thrust. He knew he was better than this, but he couldn’t keep control, not with Master Ryan trying his hardest to consume him – fuck, he had never felt this rush before.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 00:43:38</strong>
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				He almost -almost- grinned at how the man reacted, how his body moved. How he heard the silk on his back give in to leather clad hands grabbing.<br>But that would have meant to break the kiss, and he was enjoying the warm, wet eager mouth way too much to allow that to happen.<br><br>What he <em>did</em> do was push, with the full of his body, until Atticus' back hit something.<br>The wall? No.. sounded like the door. It would do.<br>So he could retract the hand on the man's back, press his knee between his thighs and not spend a thought about him maybe melting to his knees.<br><br>That hand took on a life of its own it seemed, grabbing at the shirt -blouse?-, finding bone buttons at some point he got rid off, plucking them from the fabric to have them rain on the carpet under them while it travelled, stopped moments to pluck at the belt-buckle it found, then slid between skin and pants, not caring he had not all too much space and enveloped, without so much as a warning, the man's hardening member to give a teasing squeeze.<br><br>How wonderful, a man's body reacting. His own had probably, too, though he wasn't aware of this. It wasn't important at the moment, so he had not noticed, much too focussed on Atticus' demands.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 03:38:38</strong>
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				When Master Ryan pushed him back until he was stopped by the door, Atticus groaned, a brief, pleased sound, though Master Ryan had no need for such encouragement. His legs were forced apart, making him lean back against the door and weakening his position. The door behind him made evading impossible, the knee so close to such a sensitive area fighting was just as unfeasible. Atticus wanted to do neither, but having no option but to submit made him all the more eager. <br><br>He heard the patter of buttons as the roving hand slid between both their bodies, then moaned as the hand slid down into is breeches and grasped his cock, the squeeze making his hips buck against that hand twice before he could wrestle some self-control back. He was very much out of practice, acting like a teenager getting his first fumble. He wanted to explain, apologise and beg, beg for more but his mouth was far, far too busy feasting on Master Ryan’s, so he could be ashamed of himself later. For now, every moment felt too good to waste even one.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 04:05:09</strong>
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				Only then did he break the kiss, lingering against the man's lips, nipping, biting lightly. For a split second he couldn't help but wonder if there was a servant on the other side of the door he had his beautifully scarred butterfly pinned against. It would be quite entertaining to let others hear. Even if this was a brothel, the Master of the House didn't take anyone to his bed all too often, let alone Atticus who, indeed, was quite desired. The slightest hint of a smile played around his lips, invisible to the other man due to being so close.<br><br>"I'm going to fuck you, Louis," he purred against the man's lips, his hand, teasingly slow, stroking his full length, enjoying so greatly how hungry the man was for this. "I'm going to fuck you.. and I'm not going to take it easy on you," he said, then bit the man's lower lip. Hard. Hard enough to break the skin.<br><br>Then he pulled back, hand only raising a little to grab a hold at the waistband and drag the other man behind him when he walked to the door leading too his bedroom, opened the door, and raised his other hand to point at his bed.<br><br>"Undress," he said, even lower then he had before, tone of voice contradicting itself in being both detached and smouldering.<br><br>"Undress and hand me your belt."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>19-02-2011, 05:31:25</strong>
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				&nbsp;Atticus shuddered at the crude proclamation, his name making it so very personal, so very real. The soft spoken words were like fur brushing gently against his skin, their stark meaning resonating deep into his mind. His cock twitched eagerly in the man’s hand, his hands flexing in the silk that covered Mater Ryan’s back. <em>Yes</em>, he thought, "Yes," he started to whisper – but Master Ryan’s teeth sank into soft flesh, and Atticus cried out at the sudden brilliant pain, his hips driving against the large man’s hand and thigh.<br><br>When Master Ryan pulled back, Atticus growled unhappily, tensing as if he were going to try to take control, and bring his Master back to him, but the tension of his muscles dropped away the next heartbeat, Atticus’ breathing shallow and shaky, his hands releasing the Master of the House and his tongue exploring the bloody bitemarks on his lip.<br><br>His gaze moved over the bedroom he had known was here, but never seen, though his attention was focused on his employer and the next words he said, so quiet it was barely louder than their breathing. <br><br>Atticus worked off his gloves first, pinching the end of each finger to ease the tight leather off his fingers, the pulled it off and let it drop. He had no patience for the second glove and simply bit the tip of the index finger and dragged it off that way, not caring if he damaged the glove as he did so. The shirt went next, a few remaining buttons scattering in his haste to obey. His belt gave quickly to his impatient jerking, as did the narrow garter that held the sheath against his thigh, and he slid the sheath free of the belt itself so quickly the leather cracked the air.<br><br>Wordlessly, he handed it to Master Ryan, then braced one hand to the wall and he toed off his boots. Only then did it occur to him that the man might have wanted more of a show, after the playful teasing of earlier that morning, and here he was tearing off his clothes like a sailor just in port. In a way, that was what he was.<br><br>Too late to make it more titillating and in no mood to try, Atticus removed his breeches. It was absolutely impossible to be graceful getting free of such form-fitting trousers, but at least he was now undressed. He started towards the bed, glancing to Master Ryan to see his expression.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 03:35:15</strong>
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				Oh, how unlike his earlier teasing this ripping off of his clothes was. As if he wanted -no, needed- to free his body, expose it for him to view, to explore, to <em>use</em>.<br>Ryan would have laughed if he wasn't busy with doing just that. The viewing of the body being undressed in such a hastefull manner. The exploring and the abusing would come later. For now.. just looking entertained him. His guard, his steel. The man meaning to defend his very life, that of the whores and other employees of the Teahouse. Stripping as if he couldn't get rid of the cloths and leathers fast enough.<br><br><em>That hungry, Louis?</em> he but thought, eyes glinting as black ice, tongue idly licking at his lips <em>You should not starve yourself like this..</em><br><br>The simple handing over of the belt almost caught him off-guard. Not even a question. Not a hint of wondering in his eyes. What if he would decide to lash the man? Leave his own marks to that landscape of pain..? Would he protest? Would he wish for it?<br><br>Did he, himself, wish to hurt?<br><br>He actually had to think about this, almost missing the glance back at him, but meeting it with a slight smile and a nod.<br>No, he didn't wish to hurt.<br>Ryan had always been protective of this man. He'd never tell what he had done to the man that had scarred him up so badly. How much time and money he had spend on the hunt. How long the man had survived.<br>His smile grew wicked. 'Justice' was a big word. 'Revenge' wouldn't be appropriate, he hadn't really known the man all too well back then.<br>Atticus was his now, though. Now it could be seen as both. Back then? God only knew..<br><br>"Lie down," he said, following him to his bed "Just relax, let me look at you."<br><br>Long, elegant fingers that had never seen physical labour slowly unbuttoned silver buttons, a black shadow leaving shoulders, revealing, surprisingly, a white linen shirt, covered in white embroidery of the same type of dragon that he had coil around one of his legs.<br><br>Dragon. Emperor. Maybe.. a symbol. Definitely Ryan's favourite unsubtle hint towards how he viewed he Teahouse and everything and <em>everyone</em> in it.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>22-02-2011, 05:58:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus felt a tense knot in his chest ease at Master Ryan’s small smile and nod. While he kept his body fit, there was nothing he could do for the uncountable scars on his body – he had though it was not to the Master’s taste, as most of the whores were subtle-skinned and without mar for the most part. The scar on Zara’s breast flashed in his mind, but otherwise it seemed like they were porcelain dolls, perfectly sculpted. <br><br>He thought he was beyond such petty&nbsp; insecurities, but seeing that there was no distaste on Master Ryan’s face soothed him even as the smile took a malevolent twist. Seeing Master Ryan&nbsp; smile so while Atticus’ own belt was in his hands made his blood rush,&nbsp; excitement and lust a thought-searing blaze in his mind, a faint shadow of uncertainty marring the perfect twisting emotion.<br><br>He paid it no heed, willing to take whatever Master Ryan wished to give, craving the dark intimacy it brought. The order to lie down made him hesitate, though only because he was waiting for a clearer instruction. When it didn’t come, he crawled onto the bed and lay facedown, more comfortable presenting his back – or was, until his hard, full shaft rubbed the sheets under him. He hissed softly, hips twitching with the desire to hump against the mattress came over him. He turned over, removing the temptation so he might obey Master’s Ryan’s wish for him to relax.<br><br>To relax was a difficult order to obey, anyway. He had rarely felt such a deep, sullen craving that licked his bones. He wanted to touch, be touched, devour and be devoured, fuck and be fucked. He lay still, his hands flexing slightly against the sheets to stop him wrapping one around his cock. His gaze fixed on Master Ryan again as he started to undress with much more compositor than Atticus hand managed. Each button seemed to take an age to undo, pale fingers tempting each silver button through its slit with an obscene languor. When the silk finally slipped away, Atticus was trying not to squirm. Master Ryan was still dressed, and for a mad instant Atticus believed that it would always be so, that the reason why Master Ryan was so large was simply due to him wearing so many layers, and no matter how many he peeled away there would be another beneath <em>that</em>. <br><br>He really should stop drinking Absinthe. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 03:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course Ryan did what he had said he would ; look at him. As he hadn't been already. Undressing him with his gaze while Atticus was still clothed, following every hastily removed garment, watched him walk to the bed, lie on it, turn. Grasp the sheets as if he wasn't able to not keep control of his hands.<br><br>"That's good," he said, almost soft, when the man laid on his back, walking to one side of the back and laid Atticus' belt nearby. Seating down, his head inclined a bit for waves of silken night to tumble down once again and frame his face, land on his chest.<br>He took the man's wrist - the side which he had seen the man wield his sword with the most - and used the man's own belt to restrain him.<br><br>Ryan didn't have a four poster bed without good reason.<br><br>Sliding the belt around the wrist, the nearby post and back again to the buckle to secure, he grinned somewhat, eyes going back to him and standing to wander over to the other side of the bed, no haste to either his actions or his movement, he couldn't help but speak to him.<br>"What is that you desire the most, Louis?" he asked, slipping his own belt from his pants, pants that dropped less then an inch to rest on his hips, hint of red and black ink at his right side, just above the waistband, then used it to secure the man in the same manner as he had done the first wrist.<br><br>The linen shirt followed his jacket, thrown to the ground as it were not costly while the Master of the house sat, just looking at him, not uncomfortable to bare his own chest. His, however, held no scars and seemed to be made of marble or ivory. Only the slightest hint of black on it, almost as if an artist had scribbled upon his chest with a quill in blackest ink.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>23-02-2011, 05:50:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing that spill of hair happen again made a ripple of tension shudder through his body, ghost sensations of it tickling his skin playing through his mind again. He wanted to feel it, so forcefully he almost reached up to slide his fingers through the silken cascade – but then Master Ryan took hold of his wrist and bound his hand to the post. With his own bloody belt, no less. He gave his hand an almost sullen tug, his opportunity missed.<br><br>He turned his attention back from his hand, away from the demands of his flesh, and onto Master Ryan again, watching him move with a confident, casual pace to the opposite side of the bed. Atticus knew he was going to tie his other hand, leaving him vulnerable to whatever Master Ryan decided to do to him. Unease fluttered again, but more than that he felt all the sharper his excitement and lust.&nbsp; He wanted that ice-cold, diamond-sharp passion he sensed inside his Master, and he didn’t want anything, not even himself, to hinder it.<br><br><em>"What is that you desire the most, Louis?"<br><br>Fuck,</em> why did he want to talk now? Atticus licked his lip as Master Ryan freed his own belt, his gaze lingering on the unnatural colours on the narrow band of skin now bared. A tattoo? He bit his lip against a groan and tried to focus as his left wrist was also tied securely. <br><br>“I want...” His words trailed off, attention distracted again as the white shirt was discarded, scuppering his erratic imaginings of a moment ago. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from the beauty of it, the smooth, pale skin, his darker nipples, the faint hint of hair.<br><br>He knew he had been staring too long. He let out a breath, swallowed and looked away. “Ah, I desire...” <em>Lie to him,</em> a dark part of his mind whispered,&nbsp; <em>they only ask so they can deny it you!</em> He shifted slightly where he lay, then forced his gaze back to Master Ryan. <em>It’s not a client</em>, he told himself. It was difficult, anyway, saying what he craved. “...for you to touch me. To f-feel your hair on my skin. To get as close to you as skin will permit...” He wanted that last one most of all. “...Please,” he whispered. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>24-02-2011, 01:28:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Atticus talked, Ryan unlaced and removed his shoes, leaning over while seated still on the left side of him, then turned his face, coming back up slowly, that slight smile creeping back to curl his lips.<br><br>"My hair?" he said, tilting his head to allow the subject to follow lazily ; a shadow to motion, then reached to the bedside table to open a drawer but not reach into it yet, whatever was in it still quite impossible to see.<br><br>Atticus wasn't the first, and would probably not be the last, to be interested in Ryan's hair. It was well kept, long, silk, soft. Many had tried to touch. Some of those had met his fist before they even were in range.<br>It was a vain thing for Ryan ; to keep his hair as it was. It distracted and lured both men and women. Gave him something sensual, hinted of a softness that the dark eyes, pale skin and near regal posture of the man contradicted.<br><br>Still in his black silk pants, he moved and nearly crawled over the bed, over Atticus, one knee planted at each side of his waist, straddling him while his eyes never lost contact.<br>He also made very sure he'd not touch the evidence of the man's arousal in any way, seating himself just above it, smile turning wicked for moments.<br><br>He did, however, fulfil one of the things Atticus had sad he desired ; long elegant fingers ghosted along his body, but more to study the intricate lace his scars were, deliberately slow, than to evoke pleasure, brows knitting for a moment, head tilting again, before he leaned in, looming, and traced this lace with his tongue instead, pathing upward to his neck slowly, fulfilling another desire when his hair tumbled but landed not on his own chest but on Atticus'.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>25-02-2011, 00:12:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"My hair?"</em><br><br>The question and the smile that accompanied it drew a half-apologetic, half-sly grin from Atticus, quite sure his admiration of it could not be so strange, not when it was so luxuriously thick and dark as sin. He felt no shame in admitting it – though it must sound so very coy, even naïve, for a seasoned whore to crave something so simple, so two-a-penny. His grin fell away a little, and he blinked, refocusing his attention.<br><br>Master Ryan was moving, opening a draw. Atticus’ grace lost the brief battle it waged with his curiosity, and he lifted his head the few inches he could, trying to catch a glimpse of what the Master of the House would keep close at hand at night. Some oil was an obvious one, but that couldn’t be the extent of it. Perhaps there were some sort of performance aid or stimulus, or small devices. Maybe he kept more personal things close, letters, trinkets from past bedmates, or even a religious text. Atticus’ stomach clenched as he held back the urge to laugh and dropped his head back to the bed, Squeezing shut his eyes for a moment to calm himself. <br><br>He wasn’t ready when he felt the mattress roll, but he lost all desire to laugh when his eyelids snapped open, his one-eyed gaze following the man’s approach. He felt a longing for his left eye to see clearly with a pure, selfish pang, sure that would be the only way to make what he saw any more perfect. Dark silk on the palest of porcelain, and a gaze that speared him through-and-through and it was just like he had imagined only better, stronger. As Master Ryan settled over him, flesh-warmed silk mocking him with its thin barrier, Atticus forgot. Forgot there was more in the world than just the bed they were on, forgot he was more than just skin and hunger, forgot there was more to the past and future than one breath and the next. <br><br>When Master Ryan’s weight settled half-an-inch too high, Atticus couldn’t hold back a grunt of frustration, his hips twitching with a desperate demand. When fingers traced his skin, light as a breath, Atticus flinched, not in fear of pain but reacting to the tickle. He couldn’t look from Master Ryan’s gaze, and he kept losing where the man’s fingers were, some places of his skin numb. When the moved onto more sensitive flesh, he twitched again, his breath catching, hands flexing, feet shifting restlessly.<br><br>When the man lowered his head and licked, soft strands of hair falling to either side of that hotwet point, and it was not so black-and-white as the light caress had been. Some sensation was muted, almost totally in one or two places, but in others it was much more acute, the old damage sensitising. Atticus trembled and arched, offering every inch of skin he owned to the Master’s attention. <br><br>That mouth was a wonderful, terrible thing, moving, tasting, teasing. The slow drag of those dark threads was a similar torment. It was his wish granted, but he hadn’t taken into account his own sensitivity, or lack there-of, though he felt enough to fan the liquid, twisting flames in his belly. His breath rushed from his lungs in an annoyed huff, and started to reach down, planning on grasping Master Ryan’s hips and moving him lower, or even rolling them over and fucking him into the bed – but the movement was caught short, stiff leather keeping his hands still. “Pox’d!” he hissed, twisting his wrists restlessly, hips giving a strong buck and teeth flashing in a snarl before he could control himself. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>27-02-2011, 02:10:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So impatient, Louis...," he mumbled against the man's skin, finally reaching his neck. A purr escaped him. There was something about Atticus' scent, indeed. His physical strength perhaps, his health, masculinity, maybe. It wasn't that Ryan really contemplated it, but he did notice it ; the closer he got -and he was pretty damn close now- the harder it was to remain detached.<br>He could feel his blood burn.<br><br>"Such a shame you gave up your old profession..," he said while actually sitting back up, looking down at him, long black mane slowly being lifted from him "I'm sure you could still bring in a very pretty penny..."<br>Again he reached, but this time around his back, tips of his fingers stroking the back of Atticus' growing frustration from the base to the tip, pressing it into the silk of his pants while he, for seconds, just looked at him.<br>"And that growling of yours.. Very becoming.."<br><br>Licking his lips, tilting his head, his eyes wandered to the open drawer again, then back at the man beneath him.<br>"Curious..?" he purred, then leaned in enough to fish something from the drawer, something he hid in his hand, smile turning quite wicked again.<br>"I think.. you might either enjoy this or.. make you recall a past all too recent," he said, turning his hand to lay the object he had taken from the drawer unto the man's chest, only then revealing it to be a small, razor sharp knife.<br><br>"Do you trust me, Louis..?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>27-02-2011, 04:11:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus swallowed and twisted his head away, his gaze jumping over the casual luxury of Master Ryan’s bedroom as he tried to calm down and rein in his body’s crude demands. He knew such self-centric behaviour was not in line with a whore’s trade, but he wasn’t one anymore. How did normal people have sex? Did they decide beforehand who would be attended to, and who would serve? Master Ryan had said nothing of it. He didn’t comprehend how it was meant to work. <br><br>His attention was drawn back to his employer as the man sat up, the silken drag of hair making his breath catch, and almost miss Master Ryan’s comment on his discontinued career. Atticus actually snorted with amusement, Master Ryan’s characteristic love of money unaffected by their current state. He was almost sure the Master of the House was just being kind, in his way. He doubted anyone who moved in the circles of wealth and breeding The Teahouse catered to would pay for an old, used up whore like him. He still enjoyed hearing it, though.<br><br>He started to say something back when the man’s long, soft-skinned fingers caressed his shaft, pressing it against warm silk. His air rushed out, his eyes shut, thrust against the teasing touch and gasped to claim back the breath Master Ryan had stolen. He opened his eyes and met the man’s steady gaze, panting and fighting to hold himself in check. <br><br>He let out a breathless ‘<em>Ahh</em>,’ when Ryan’s gaze and fingers moved away from him, and he lost both delightful sensations. For a moment, the question confused him until he followed the movement of Master Ryan’s hand as it dipped into the open draw. He was curious, and made even more-so by Master Ryan’s dark, playful smile and cryptic comment. <br><br>When the object was placed on his chest, he looked at it – and felt his eyes widen. Fear was crushed ice in his veins, prickling underneath his skin and swirling with the fire of lust in his belly. He didn’t want it anywhere near him, that little, seductive blade. Deceptive and familiar. He twisted his hands against the belts again, fingers gripping the leather, a disquieting, deep yearning bleeding from his marrow before he could tear his gaze away from the knife to look up at Master Ryan. <br><br>Not a client. Not a client. He had paid nothing, but months of respect for Atticus’ wishes. He didn’t take security in place of trust, didn’t make whispered deals over permanent damage. He didn’t let anyone hurt those in his House. Still asked him, even though he was powerless to say no. Atticus bit his lower lip, feeling the warm, perfect ache of the bite Master Ryan had given him. The knife... it would give him that dark intimacy that he so hungered for. Still, he said nothing but looked at the man’s face, trying to read something in him that warned of true danger.<br><br>After a handful of silent moment, he nodded slightly, then swallowed again and said, “Yes. I do, Master Ryan.” He wondered for a dreadful, plunging instant if he had misread Master Ryan all these months, and if he was going to pay for such an acute failure now.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>27-02-2011, 04:56:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus' eyes widened. But, was this fear, or not?<br>Ryan made certain he kept his face emotionless until he replied to his question of trust. Only then did a smile draw itself, and it was warm, nearly soft.<br><br>"Good," was all he said, standing up, having no trouble to keep balanced on the bed in this manner, repositioning so his feet were between Atticus' thighs, then slid out of the black silk that still clung to him, exposing not but long, pale legs, his half hardened manhood, but also the tattoo -probably Chinese in origin- that coiled around the full of his left leg, tip of the tail resting on his foot, head inclined over his hipbone, mouth opened and breathing inked fire to his loins.<br><br>He only kept stood for a moment in this manner, giving the man below him some time to look as he hardly ever showed anyone his tattoo, hardly ever shed clothing like this, coils of reds, blacks and green accentuating a seemingly frigid beauty rather then disturb it.<br><br>"Like what you see?" he asked, teasingly, lowering again, now between his thighs, almost as if he deliberately distorted the view Atticus had of him.<br><br>Hands found their way between thighs, pushing them apart, gaze going back to the knife on the man's chest to see if it didn't accidentally move.<br>"Careful with your breathing, Louis..," he murmured, back of his hand stroking his balls to see how he'd respond, if he'd move too much and cut himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>27-02-2011, 06:00:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The smile Master Ryan gave eased his worries, a sort of expression Atticus had seen but rarely. Mostly when he got a letter from his banker. To be the cause of one such look... Atti felt like he should do a lot more than just tell the truth. <br><br>The bed rolled slightly as the Master stood, the knife rocking on his chest so slightly. Atticus looked at it, then up, and up... and up...&nbsp; Having Master Ryan standing over him like this was one of the few times Atticus really felt small. The man was a giant to stand next to – from this perspective he was a goliath. <br><br>Dark silk was removed, and Atti’s gaze drifted over the twisting coils of the tattoo, tilting his head and admiring it. He had never seen a high-born with such an elaborate design, not many whores decorated so, either. It was thought crass, vulgar, but... looking on Master Ryan, Atticus couldn’t see it as anything but beautiful.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>His gaze followed its curves up his shin, over his thigh to his hip, the head very well done – he wished he could move closer to admire it – and the flames drew the eye to... to...<br><br>“... Urg...” Atticus said eloquently. <br><br>He had known many, many men of vastly different statures, and was very aware how a shorter man could seem to be well endowed while a larger man seem less so even though they possessed equal luck. He had fully expected something similar with Master Ryan. He did not expect him to be well proportioned. <br><br><em>...I'm going to fuck you, Louis. I'm going to fuck you.. and I'm not going to take it easy on you...</em><br><br>“Sweet mercy,” Atticus murmured, eager excitement and apprehension bubbling through him as Master Ryan knelt between his legs. He pressed his teeth against his lip again, the flare of pain helping to anchor him to his calm. “Very... very much, Sir,” he answered, his voice rough and distracted.<br><br>At Master Ryan’s push, his legs opened. He dropped his head back to the mattress, refusing to crane his neck so, to watch what the Master of the House was doing. He’d feel it better than he saw it, anyway. He made a soft sound in response to the warning, but even knowing Master Ryan was between his legs, and just reminded of the knife balanced on his chest, he still hissed a gasp between his teeth at the light, curious caress against his balls. The muscles in his stomach clenched for an instant and his feet moved slightly, thighs closing an inch before relaxing again, accepting the intimate touch as he stared at the ceiling without really seeing it.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 02:54:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Most men and women he dwarfed, he had grow accustomed to this in his teens, when he found that the barking of smaller men had to do with fear. Fear he could deal with. Easily. His hight became an asset he used to get his wishes fulfilled many a time. Often he but had to stand next to someone to make them feel powerless. Over the years, decades, he had actually perfected a looming technique. That, and nearly make himself shrink if he wished for a more subtle approach. Most of the time, however, he loomed.<br><br>Quietly he snickered a bit. Atticus' reaction was undoubtedly charming, cute and precious.<br>It also made him wonder if the man had second thoughts now he had seen just what would be doing the fucking he had promised him. Of course he had experience, of course he probably had seen 'worse', experience-wise.<br>This, also, was not contemplated too long. He'd either cope or not. Atticus was not here to earn his bread, if he wished Ryan to stop, he would.<br><br>Not that the Master of the House worded anything of this trail of thought.<br><br>"How sweet of you to say so...," he murmured, flicking his gaze up to look along the man's body, noticing him staring blankly at the ceiling, a slight smirk being evoked by this.<br><br>He crawled into this direction, slowly, planting his hands at either side of Atticus' body, own skin like silk stroking that scarred, muscular frame under him lightly, before snatching the knife from his chest, laying it aside and pressing into him, laying on top of him, pinning him down with but his weight, mouth next to his ear, calm, warm breath against it, then murmured.<br><br>"What is it, boy..? Think it might be too much for you to take..? Think you might need some or the other to ease the pain of entry...?"<br><br>The tone of his voice, however, was completely neutral, only starting to melt into more passion at his last words. Even Ryan had his limits, which already had been proven during their kiss. He was reaching it, clearly. Still, his tone of voice, nor his words, really gave hint of what his answer would be if Atticus responded with any type of 'yes'.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 04:01:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus blinked as Master Ryan moved back up his body with predatory grace, smooth, unblemished skin sliding over his scar-ridden flesh. It felt unbelievably good, and he couldn’t help but rise a little, pressing himself more firmly to Master Ryan’s body for an instant before falling back. But that was all right, because then the man was moving the knife away and settling over him, trapping his cock between their bellies, and speaking soothing words right against his ear. <br><br>Being called ‘boy’ made Atticus smile briefly, then he shut his eyes, his cock twitching at the calm murmur asking him such wicked, delightful questions. He stifled a moan and said in a rasping voice, “Just some oil... I want to feel you.” He didn’t know if the use of opium was something Master Ryan permitted, nothing in the house smelled like it, but it was one aid Atticus had been glad to leave behind, the sweet smoke making it too easy not to notice or care how far a client went. He swallowed and opened his eyes, lifting his head and rubbing his cheek against Master Ryan’s. “I want to know how much I’m going to ache.” He caught the Master’s soft lobe with his lips and bit into it, not breaking skin but slightly harder than was playful.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 05:26:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He but laid and listened, hand raising to take a firm grip of Atticus' chin the moment he bit and turned his face from his own, following the ear that also drew away, smirking a bit.<br>"Maybe I should gag you too, hm? But then I'd not be able to hear the noises you'll make.."<br><br>Retracting his thumb to let it wander his lips, he planted his elbow just next to his head to perch his head on his hand and look at him.<br>"Oil, hm?" He said low, smirk still on his lips. So there had been some fear. And Ryan knew too well what Atticus had been through to not bend a little to this.<br>"Very well.."<br><br>With that he let go of the man's chin and raised enough to be able to take a vial from the same drawer the knife had come from, clear liquid in clear crystal, to hold it in his hand to actually warm it while he settled back, slight smile to his lips.<br><br>"If you were any other, Louis, you had been, probably, screaming bloody murder..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>28-02-2011, 06:11:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ex-whore took the threat of being gagged with a slight smile, a soft sound escaping him when Master Ryan’s thumb passed over the aching bite on his lip, gaze not leaving the man’s dark eyes. He didn’t understand the smirk, was the Master mocking him for asking for a little oil? Atticus didn’t like to imagine how raw going without would have left him.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"If you were any other, Louis, you had been, probably, screaming bloody murder..."</em><br><br>Atticus had followed the movement of Master Ryan’s hand, more curious than suspicious, but the statement drew his gaze back to those dark, deep eyes. Atticus grinned slowly. “I don’t doubt it, though I thought you liked me able to do my job... without, I’d not move for a week and the least,” he exaggerated teasingly. Even as he spoke, he wondered if Master Ryan wouldn't find another way to draw him to scream, and his eye moved without intention towards where the knife lay. If Master Ryan had been a client, half a year ago, Atticus would have urged him to use it on him. Did he trust Master Ryan less than people who paid to hurt him? <br><br>"You could..." he started, still looking at the blade. He trailed off, unsure. There were stages, which shouldn't be blurred. Pain before the sex, not during, not after. During, it was too easy to get hurt beyond fixing. After... after, they had no reason to want to keep you alive. He looked back up at the pale, powerful man, still wanting, not wanting, to make the offer. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>01-03-2011, 03:59:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His laughter rang through his bedroom. Quite uncommon to hear laughter here, but.. Atticus did amuse him. And.. excited him. Lured him to places he didn't go all too often.<br><br>"Yes, I do enjoy you being able to do your job proper, Louis," he said, popping the vial and casually pouring some of the oil in the palm of his left hand "But that's not the reason why I'm granting you this."<br>This hand holding oil travelled downwards until Atticus could no longer see it, applied it to his member royally, it responding to his own touch eagerly, but still not hardening out completely.<br><br>Ryan knew what he still needed. He'd get it, too...<br><br>Fingers, still oiled, traced along the other man's erection, downwards, leaving some here and there, tips pressing gently against his entrance, circling once to leave oil where it might be needed, too.<br><br>"What I could or could not do, Louis.. is up to me," he murmured, closing the vial to flick it aside, getting oil on that too before he slid it into Atticus' hair to grab a fist full of it and pull his head to the side, tongue following his neck from the collarbone to his ear slowly.<br><br>"Unless you wish to stop me.. I'd advice you to now shut the fuck up.."<br><br>His free hand grabbed the knife, twirled it once, catching the light to spark up on the blade, and, in one fluent motion, let it bite Atticus' neck for about half the path he had just trailed with his tongue.<br>Of course he was careful to not cut too deep, but he did cut to his own satisfaction ; the blood running freely while he flicked the knife away, it embedding itself neatly and over an inch deep in the nearly wall before closing his mouth over the wound and sucking at it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>01-03-2011, 05:25:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus tried not to squirm as Master Ryan let oily fingers glide over his shaft, his hips twitching up only a little, before they moved down to trace the ring of muscle, soon to be breached. It was far from thorough, but Atti didn’t complain, too eager for the act now to care about something so trivial. <br><br><em>"What I could or could not do, Louis.. is up to me."</em><br><br>Those words made his blood rush. When the oiled hand fisted in his hair and forced his neck to bend just so, Atticus moaned, a desperate demand, the soft wet tongue tracking a stripe up his exposed neck.<br><br><em>"Unless you wish to stop me.. I'd advice you to now shut the fuck up.."</em><br><br>He caught his breath when Master Ryan cursed again, the sound of it making him throb. He didn’t even have time for a ‘Yes, sir,” when he caught the flash of metal as the Master toyed with his blade. His heart gave a sickly lurch and he felt the leather straps bite his wrists for a half-second before the blade descended, slicing shallowly into his neck. The knife was very sharp, he barely felt it for a heartbeat or so. He was dizzy with terror that his throat had been cut, his body rigid until he felt the blood dribbling around his neck. It didn’t spurt, like Master Bradoon had said a fatal cut would. <br><br>The realisation came a moment before Master Ryan set his mouth on the wound. Atticus hissed savagely as the pressure of the suckling made pain bloom bright and vivid. Even through the pain, he relaxed, basking in the hurt. He was not one of the blessed-cured souls who naturally felt pleasure when given pain, but years of conditioning had made him need it just as much as soft caresses. His hips lifted in another blind, urgent thrust, and he moaned for a second time, deep and urging.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>02-03-2011, 03:12:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taste of blood.<br>Filled his senses.<br>His mind.<br><br>His body.<br><br>Ryan had this secret, and he held it well hidden. Blood did something for him.<br>In a more normal relationships - hell, probably in any kind of relationship - he'd probably be advised to get someone to exorcise from him this inner demon.<br>If the man he was in said relationship with hadn't already fled in terror from him, of course.<br><br>The blood took from him an inhibition, tore down this last wall of self-control.<br>And, also, fully hardened him in an instance.<br><br>He actually growled when he tightened his hold on Atticus' hair, free arm reaching down to, quite simply, take hold of his own erection, guide it against his entrance and press against it, then hooked under a knee and mercilessly entered, not taking any resistance, not waiting, but not in any hurry, either.<br><br>It wasn't until he was at least halfway in, he let go of the man's hair, other arm reaching down too, hooking under the other knee too, let go of his neck and pushed his knees up to his chest, groaning when this made him sink into Atticus completely, eyes closing for moments, just holding to savour, blood stained lips slightly parted.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>02-03-2011, 04:47:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he felt Master Ryan’s grip tighten, the blunt, smooth head of his sex press against his ring, that low animal sound, Atticus’ mind went blank, no thoughts or memories intruding on the sensations or the blur of emotion. Anticipation, lust, need, all shaded with a under-shadow of fear, bringing them to brilliance. <br><br>Then – the Master pressed, driving forwards and in with a bright and sudden ache that made Atticus jerk with the intensity, a tense groan dragging from his chest. Master Ryan slid deeper without pause while Atticus gasped and clenched his teeth, trying to relax so the man might enter him smoothly, but after such a long period without any lover or even self-given pleasure, it was agony. He struggled briefly, hands twisting against the leather, head twisting against the hand in his hair, caught leg kicking out, making his hiss and freeze as the movement made Master Ryan move inside him.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>When the hand slid from his hair to catch his other knee and the invasion paused, Atticus drew breath, grateful for the moment’s reprieve – and taken quite by surprise when the man pressed his legs up and slid his remaining length in all at once. Atticus cried out, his whole body tensing and making it worse. He had never felt so stretched, or so deeply impaled before. He twisted his head back and forth and drew another breath, only to have it tugged out of him again by another sound of pain.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>03-03-2011, 02:08:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dark eyes opened, a slice of black staring down, lashes catching any light that might have fallen into them to colour and liven them up.<br>"I did warn you," was all he said, something remotely resembling a smirk flickering on sharp features.<br>His tongue trailed along his lips, still holding still, but that wouldn't last for too long. The taste of him was divine. His gaze dropped to the cut he had made, but there was no need for more.<br><br>If Atticus desired to talk, debate, beg or whatever, he'd get no responds. Not anymore. It was questionable if there was still an ability to form coherent thoughts in the pale giant. Ryan certainly didn't attempt to form thoughts after those four small words.<br>A man had turned into a beast. No thoughts on his mind, only need rushing through his body ; leading him to only one goal.<br><br>With a new growl -so much more feral now- he started to work towards this goal, leaning almost completely on Atticus, moving only his hips at first, long, slow pulls out and deep, quick thrusts into him. Though his eyes were open -be it halfway- he didn't appear to really see.<br>Parted lips dropped slight groans on every push, gave room for quick inhales of air at every pull, corners lightly curled into a wicked little smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>03-03-2011, 03:40:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His mouth hung open, his eyes narrowed, his hands fisted so hard his nails dug crescents into the stiff leather in his grip. At Master Ryan’s words, Atticus snarled, twisting his head towards the man over him. <em>Bastard. Unholy, mother’s spurned pox-ridden bastard, it hurt, it hurt! Unnatural spawn of a horse-&nbsp; </em><br><br>Then he started to move again, and there was no room between the pain and anger and dizzily staggering pleasure to think of what Master Ryan was, only of what he was doing. The pull back lasted forever, and he gasped and whimpered in relief – but when he was driving in again, all power and rush. Atticus’ breath shuddered and jerked, desperately gulping air only to be unable to keep it in, half-formed curses and raw, strained noises he couldn’t hold back.<br><br>With each thrust, his own cock gave an eager twitch, drips of precome sliding down onto his belly. Each moment that passed, his body yielded a little more to Master Ryan, easing some of the bright, tearing agony and letting pleasure take its place. His mind was still overwhelmed with sensation, his cries still more from pain, but it was starting to feel his kind of perfect, dark and intimate and wanted. <em>Wanted</em>.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>03-03-2011, 04:03:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				So...<br>...tight.<br><br>Surrendering.<br><br>To me.<br><br>Mine...<br><br>Mine.<br><br>Eyes closed. Automatically.<br>Lust. Power. Hunger. Pleasure.<br>Need more.<br><br>Hands planted at each side of Atticus' head, pushing his knees even further.<br>Black hair dangling, touching, stroking.<br>Panting. Irregular. Irrelevant.<br><br>More speed.<br><br>Hands repositioned, placing, feeling, gripping the back of Atticus' thighs.<br>Leaning back, more room.<br>Diving back.<br>God..<br><br>Nails scratching, breaking skin.<br><br>Blood.. burning.<br><br>Pearls of sweat beading, flowing, dripping.<br><br>"Aaah...," he mumbled, breath hitching in his chest now and then as he moved, only slightly faster, but still faster then before.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>03-03-2011, 05:44:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				So different. Not at all the icy control he knew, had expected. Master Ryan was molten inside. Feral. <br><br>He couldn’t care less. He only wanted the Master, his Master, to keep moving. It was so good, why had he waited so long, he had missed this. Only, he’s never had this mindlessness. This pure indulgence. This selfish fuck. Not worrying his partner’s pleasure but drowning in his own.<br><br>When Master Ryan braced his hands by his head, Atticus opened his eyes, seeing through one the man’s contorted features. Master Ryan was fucking him like it had been he who had been abstinent, not Atticus. He still didn’t care. Silk strands brushed over him and he shuddered and jumped, the sensation of each heavy, dark hair felt like they were brushed against his manhood instead of his cheek and shoulders. <br><br>Hands gripped his legs, putting pressure on them so he bent into a more acute position – he yelped as Master Ryan drove in again, nails biting, scoring, as he thrusts quickened pace. He was raw, burning, throbbing, pleasure pulsing alongside the ache. His balls tightened, drawing closer to his body, so close to his climax. And yet he couldn’t.<br><br>He need... “M-Mas-<em>sss</em>-ster,” he groaned, pleading, desperate.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 02:08:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Somewhere, somehow, his mind registered.<br>Something.<br>He was close?<br><br>Eyes flicked open, gaze trailing downwards, slight smirk evoked.<br>Hazy little thought emerging the man under him should get fucked a lot more often.<br><br>"Not..."<br><br>One hand.<br>He had hands, yes...<br>Downwards.<br>Following the gaze.<br>Fingers curling around Atticus' base tightly.<br><br>"...yet"<br><br>Two words.<br>One motion aside the rhythm of his hips.<br><br>Breath burned in his lungs. He just couldn't get enough air in.<br>Ryan was close himself, but... <br><br>Just a little longer...<br><br>Ever since.<br>Six months ago.<br><br>Eyes closed again, a slight whimper coming from him, hold on the man's base tightening while he picked up.<br><br>Just a little longer.<br><br>Seconds.<br><br>Maybe...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 03:12:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The denial clenched his mind, tight and controlling as the hand now closed around his cock, physically refusing his plea, underlining his words, his position of power. A part of Atticus liked it, the powerlessness, the forced obedience, the pleasurepain of holding back that pulsed in time with the raw burn and flares of bliss that was Master Ryan fucking him.<br><br>Another part got pissed off. He glared up at his Master, hating him for not giving him what he wanted. When the grip tightened, the glare crumpled and his eyes crushed shut, his cry louder than the last, his hands jerking against the belts as he instinctively tried to evade. Instead of settling after a moment like he had before, his struggles only intensified when he couldn’t free his hands. <br><br>He twisted and thrashed, fighting the binds, fighting Master Ryan above him, though his only free limb was one leg and his movements made the large shaft impaling him moved, flooding him with more pain, more pleasure. He yelled, his foot bracing against the bedding, his head tilting up in surrender.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 03:33:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hnn..<br><br>Atticus moved under him, around him, like a caged animal. All shocks, jerks and fiery fight.<br>Not that he minded. He had more then enough control. Atticus wasn't going anywhere he'd not want him to go.<br><br>Minded.. <br>What mind?<br><br>Electric fire crept,<br>a panther, growling, stalking,<br>a snake, a dragon,<br>coiling along his spine.<br><br>It wanted free.<br><br>His seconds were up.<br><br>There was nothing detached, cool, controlled or dignified about this explosion that simply ripped through him.<br>A deep, loud groan forced itself free from his chest.<br>It wasn't elegant fireworks.<br>It was a beast breaking free, tearing through its own cage and taking a sprint when it tasted freedom.<br><br>Fire shot along his spine, upwards, all the way, exploding his mind, leaving it blank for moments on end while his body took over, thrusting deep, hard,<br>once,<br>twice,<br>three times<br>as his head snapped back and his grip on Atticus, briefly, tensed, then broke, both hands planting themselves into the bed while he rode out his orgasm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 04:08:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden, wilder thrusts drew grunts of pain from Atticus’ throat, the tight squeeze that felt close to crushing making him jerk and yelp – but then it released him, and he felt the deep rush of heat inside, telling him Master Ryan had found his own climax.<br><br>Nothing in Atticus could hold him back from doing the same. <br><br>It was a cascade of gold and fire, a great terrible rush that dragged him under, drowned him, killed him. Heaven was nothing but a roaring blur of bliss and pain and heat and it was perfect. All perfect.<br><br>Time passed and the sensations receded. He was gasping for breath, his throat was raw – had he been shouting as he came? – and there was a slickness on his belly. He felt so very, very good. “Mmm,” he said.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 04:37:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When now his eyes opened, he saw. And he looked at him with eyes that were.. soft. Something had happened, and not just him taking Atticus.<br>Slowly, gently, he withdrew and guided his bodyguard's legs to a more relaxed position ; to lay on the bed.<br>Though his body demanded rest, however short, he didn't take it before he was at the man's right side and trailed his fingers through the mess Atticus had made, lightly chuckling.<br><br>He didn't reach for the two belts, though.<br><br>"Something tells me you should have done this more, Louis. You have hardly any stamina," he said when he had caught his breath again, sticky fingers raising to his own lips, head tilting while he watched him.<br>"Of course I'd be happy to aid you in this matter...," he added, then licked his fingers, one after the other.<br><br>"Did I hurt you?"<br><br>Dark eyes now locked on him, head perched on a hand, elbow firmly planted into the mattress. A perfectly normal picture of a man laying on his side. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>04-03-2011, 05:12:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He held his breath as the man pulled out, then eased him into a more natural position, sharp twinges reminding him of the hard ridding he’d had. He relaxed once he stopped moving, turning his head to look at the chuckling man.&nbsp; <br><br>He couldn’t help but smile at Master Ryan’s comments. “It really couldn’t be called ‘abstinence’ if I had been up someone’s skirt every other day,” he said his voice rasping. He swallowed and cleared his throat, which helped a little. “You are right. Shamefully unfit.” His hands moved a little against the belts, not much. “I have no doubt that under your... expert care... that I could regain some of my former condition.” <br><br>He watched Master Ryan lick his fingers clean of Atticus’ spent seed, and he groaned softly. The question made his blink then bite his damaged lower lip for a moment before saying in a voice so low it rumbled, “Oh yes, quite a bit.” He sounded very pleased about it.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 02:36:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hm," was what he said, rubbing his fingers along his lower lip, slight frown to his features, lost in contemplation for moments, then turned over and opened another drawer, stood and pulled a white, thick towel with him to dry his own skin.<br>The frown stayed, his gaze on the floorboard for quite a long time before he flicked the towel over Atticus' torso and looked at him again.<br><br>"I swore you'd never be hurt again," he said low, even if his voice was void of any type of emotion, then reached to the bell cord next to the bed and pulled it.<br>"You need a bath.. and food," he said, and turned, still not untying him, but dressing casually and picking up a comb to comb through his raven locks. Plenty of time for a knock on the bedroom door to come to pass.<br><br>A slight, mischievous smile and he wandered to the door, as if he would open it completely, but only opened it enough to make eye-contact with the servant who had answered his call.<br>"Hm.. lunch, I take it? And a bath prepared in my bathroom," he said, then closed the door again, letting the servant get the food before tending to the bath.<br><br>Only then he wandered back to the bed, untying each belt at his leisure, gaze going over Atticus slowly.<br><br>"I wonder why I recall us meeting right about now," he said, matter-of-fact, but didn't elaborate his trail of thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 03:55:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus watched Master Ryan, staying quiet as the man thought. He couldn’t help but follow the towel’s path as he wiped it over his body. The body Atticus had guarded all these months. Not that there were many times he had been needed in that aspect. Still, he wished he were untied, so he could clean Master Ryan off. See that tattoo a little more. It really was beautiful artistry, and seemed very much at home planted in Master Ryan’s skin.<br><br>The brisk, soft rub of the towel against him brought him out of his slight daze and he met the man’s dark, piercing gaze with his own. <br><br><em>"I swore you'd never be hurt again."</em><br><br>He blinked, then took a breath as if to speak, but hesitated. ‘<em>I don’t mind,’ ‘I enjoyed it,’ ‘It isn’t the same,</em>’ they didn’t seem right, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to start lying to the Master of the House now. He wasn’t sure if any of those things were true. He did mind, because it wasn’t that he enjoyed it but because he had needed it, that hurt, that pain, to feel close to the Master. And that made it exactly the same to all his past patrons. <br><br>He let out the breath with a small sigh. <br><br>He couldn’t help but smile at the man’s next words, though. Food and a bath. Master Ryan was <em>mothering </em>him. He knew the man was protective of his own, but he hadn’t expected this. But maybe it wasn’t for Atticus that Master Ryan was ordering these things up. He could very well be sent out. <br><br>He maintained his silence as he took to watching the Master again, the comb dragging through that sinful hair for a few long moments. He could almost feel it drag against his skin again. <br><br>The knock ruined it. He shot an annoyed look at the door and let his head drop back, wondering when Master Ryan was going to let him up. He looked at his left hand, and tried to commit the look of his wrist bound by Master Ryan’s belt to memory. <br><br>He lifted his gaze when Master Ryan approached and started untying him. He kept his freed wrist in place until both hands were released, then he brought them together before his face, rubbing the places the belts had bit his flash the hardest. There were going to be bruises, but only small ones, he was quite sure.<br><br><em>"I wonder why I recall us meeting right about now."</em><br><br>Atti looked up at Master Ryan again. “Our first meeting?” He had mistaken Master Ryan for a client. He had been... rather coarse and aggressive, even after he understood his contract had changed hands. Slowly, Atticus sat up, his muscles ripping as pain washed up through his body. “Mmngh...” he grunted. “Did I ever apologise for calling you... all those things?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 04:08:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laying the comb aside, picture of calm detachment, fingers only lingering a heartbeat too long, he nodded, lightly.<br>"Our first meeting, yes," he said, then turned and leaned against the cabinet, folding his arms before his chest, head tilting while he studied the other man.<br><br>Of course Ryan had seen the man before they actually had met, most often at the arm of a certain gentleman in a brothel he'd not bother to recall the name of. He had asked around to inquire the whore had been for sale or not. He contemplated a man like him would make a nice addition to the Teahouse, back then.<br>That thought had never changed, only the role Ryan had in mind.<br><br>If it was up to him -and it was, now wasn't it?- Atticus would never have to sell his body again.<br><br>"No, you never," he said, a slight smile curling his lips "Do you want to?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 04:44:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;Atti tilted his head as he considered, letting his gaze drift as he thought. “No,” he murmured, with a flash of a grin. “I don’t.” This was freedom, being able to speak and act without worrying about catering to anyone else’s desires. Only his own. His gaze returned to Master Ryan.<br><br>&nbsp;He had been on his way to becoming a courtesan before he had been damaged, and even after being so badly harmed, his contract would not have been cheap. There was still a few years on it. He knew the law would back Master Ryan if he decided Atticus would whore for him again, and what freedom he had was given to him by Master Ryan. It could be taken away, just as easily. But he didn't fear it. Didn't believe it would ever happen.<br><br>“Can I thank you, instead?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 04:50:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ryan inclined his head at his responds, his lashes shading his eyes, and kept stood that way, gaze dropping to the floor.<br>He was not able to recall the last time anyone had thanked him for.. anything, really. Not that he was a cheerful, loving person. He was, indeed, quite cool, hard to reach.<br>It took some time, but then he shrugged, lightly, only one shoulder.<br><br>"If you wish, Louis,"<br>He still didn't move, nor had he raised his gaze, a slight frown again forming on his forehead.<br><br>Why on Earth was it important to have Atticus speak any such words, anyway?<br>Was he not above and far beyond such petty emotions?<br><br>And where was that servant..? It should not take this long to bring lunch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>08-03-2011, 05:22:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus wasn’t sure why Master Ryan had moved himself so far away, or had stopped looking at him all together. Maybe it was his way of unwinding after sex so he could re-discover his calm. Maybe it was something he, Atticus, had done. <br><br>He swung his legs off the bed, then stood up, his eyes narrowing a little and his jaw clenching at the fresh, raw ache pounded. It wasn’t too much, but he had grown out of practice with handling such intimate hurts. He bit his lip and walked to the cabinet where Master Ryan was leaning, his steps shorter than usual, but he kept his eye on Master Ryan, his goal, trying to read some signal in his body that told him to back off. <br><br>He moved so that the man was forced to look at him. If Master Ryan wanted him to fuck off, he would, but only after he had been listened to. He lifts his hand and tugged his eye patch, dragging it off his head. He knew the tangle of scars were ugly, but the eye looked health. He could see with it, but only in smears of colour and light and shadow. It made him feel dizzy and made it impossible to fight, but he was making a point. <br><br>“Thank you, Master Ryan. Thank you for giving me what I needed, though I was too proud to ask it, and giving me what I wanted when I was finally brave enough to voice it.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 02:21:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He heard him move and his gaze did raise, just enough to see him approach, dark eyes looking from just under the brow.<br>There was nothing calm about those eyes, no coldness, no detachment. One could say they were quite on fire.<br>Ryan had not reclaimed his cool so far and would, probably, not do so soon, either.<br><br>Then Atticus took off the eye patch and a short but painfully sharp stab reminded him he had a heart.<br><br>A sigh dropped from his lips, a hand raised to comb through his hair.<br>His breathing has hastened. Something that hardly ever happened.<br><br>"You're welcome, Louis," he said, so low it was nearly not audible, then turned that raised hand to the man's scarred cheek, fingertips trailing him gently while leaning over him.<br><br>"I..," he started, but just couldn't follow through, cursing himself quietly at the lack of conviction.<br>Drawing the hand back he frowned again and breathed in deeply, slowly, then released his breath in a sigh.<br><br>"Lunch will be here soon," he said instead, then shifted from between the other man and the cabinet, turning to the door.<br>"I'll be in my office.."<br><br>With that he marched out, not even awaiting a reaction, opening and closing the door quietly, paced for a few seconds, then slammed his fist into the nearby wall and froze on the spot, eyes gazing into nothingness.<br><br>Feelings were not for him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 03:32:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dark, eternal depths of those eyes, the wild heat of them made Atticus’ stomach twist with desire, even after the thorough seeing-to Master Ryan had just given him. His body couldn’t respond to it, though, too soon after climax. <br><br>The soft brush of fingertips, the edges of the scars catching Master Ryan’s skin and tugging them, just a little. None but the doctor and himself had touched those scars before. He wondered how the Master saw them. What made his voice so quiet, so hesitant.<br><br><em>Ugly,</em> hissed a dark thought in the back of his mind. He didn’t listen to it. <br><br>Or he tried not to. He was not insecure, nor vain. He looked how he looked and couldn’t change it. But when Master Ryan withdrew his hand and moved away, Atticus felt a lurch inside him. He wanted to grab Master Ryan’s wrist, pull him back, ask – demand – what he had been about to say.<br><br>He clenched his teeth. He was not a child. He must have embarrassed the Master. He should have put it in writing, or dressed first at least… something to have made it more bearable. What was the decorum for such a situation? He hadn’t been schooled in being honestly grateful. “May I have another, please sir, thank-you, sir,” he snarled at himself when the door was shut between him and Ryan.<br><br>He put the eye patch back on, then went to the pile of clothes forgotten on the floor. Slowly, he pulled them on again, bending stiffly. He stroked the threads on his shirt where the buttons belonged, and he stooped again, picking up the couple he saw, then retrieved his belt from the bed, threading it through his sword sheath before putting that on, too. He had tucked in his shirt so it didn’t gape and flap, though a long V of skin showed from throat to the dark stripe of hair that started just bellow his bellybutton and led the eyes down.<br><br>He had used the towel Master Ryan had wiped over them both with again, but knew the sooner he could bathe, the better, the slow trickle of Master Ryan’s seed an odd counterpoint of how withdrawn he was acting now. <br><br>He went to the door and stared at it a moment. Things weren’t going to change now, were they?<br><br>Were they?<br><br><em>Stop thinking</em>, he told himself. <em>You’re no good at it</em>. He opened the door and walked in, gaze down at his gloves, tugging at one a little as if he’d twisted it wrong while putting them on. A coward’s trick. <br><br>“Do you need me all day, sir?” Atticus asked after a moment, still not looking up, trying to give Master Ryan a little more of the distance he seemed to want. “Zara wanted me for an hour or so, should either of us not be busy.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 03:56:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Why couldn't he just..</em><br>But, then again...<br><em>Say it, fuck sake...</em><br>He wasn't a child. There was nothing wrong with his mind.<br>Was life only about responsibilities? Image? Society?<br><br>Three words.<br>What would be the worst that could happen if he uttered them? Really? Think logically, Ryan.<br>Or.. maybe not, because <em>that</em> was what was keeping the lid on his emotions, hm?<br><br>He scoffed. At himself. Eyes still on something so distant none but he could see it.<br><br>He heard Atticus move into the room. Again, he didn't move. Stood there as some pile of bricks..<br><br><em>“Do you need me all day, sir?”</em><br><br>God, yes.. And tomorrow and the day after that.. and..<br><br><em>“Zara wanted me for an hour or so, should either of us not be busy.” </em><br><br>Finally he turned his attention to the other man and nodded, lightly.<br>Of course.. always with the responsibilities...<br><br>"I might have need of you later when Lord Aldrich comes to pay for his visit to Anel," he said, falling back, hopefully, to the normal going-ons in the brothel.<br>Perhaps he should go for a walk in the garden.. cool down.. <br><br>At least some distance between him and the man he had killed, no.. <em>tortured</em> a man to death for...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 04:27:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus nodded once his understanding. “I’ll be there, Sir.” He lifted his gaze finally, and suddenly knew something that might make Master Ryan feel better. What pleased him more than money? <br><br>“How is his auction going? Will it come to a head soon?” He didn’t ask in the interest of gossip, but to help distract Master Ryan from whatever he was thinking so hard about, and to better help Anel himself. This morning’s teasing might be how the boy acted towards patrons, but directed at Atticus, it smacked more like frustration. <br><br>There was a knock at the office door. Atticus went to open it, looking at the floor to see if his remaining buttons were there, but they were gone, picked up by the servant most likely. Hoping it wasn’t a client come to write a cheque, he opened the door – a servant, with a tray. Atticus stepped back then looked down at his open shirt. Not appropriate attire for this hour. “Mary, when you’re done, would you fetch for me another shirt?” Even if this was a brothel, he was not a whore, but staff. The clients would not appreciate this scars, he was sure.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 04:43:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The auction. Ah, yes...<br>Ryan's head tilted, flow of black hair following his movement lazily.<br>Something such a tradition in the Teahouse, to sell a whore's virginity, if he or she still possessed it of course, to the highest bidder.<br><br>"Oh.. well..," he said, then grinned a bit "There are only two bidders left right about now."<br>Wandering over to his desk to flick through some papers, he let Atticus get the door and gestured with his free hand to have the platter somewhere where there was room.<br>"That would be for you, Louis," he interrupted himself, meaning the lunch that had been brought.<br><br>Finding what he was looking for, he held up a paper of quite the quality, bearing a crest or weapon ; the clerk down the street wasn't just about anyone...<br>"Lord Aldrich and one other. But.. the 'one other' who will remain anonymous, is of the type who bids on <em>all</em> virgins."<br>His gaze dropped a bit, not caring all too much for this type of person. It was money, yes, but...<br>"I'm quite certain Lord Aldrich will be able to outbid him continuesly until he folds..." <em>...though he has never before fold.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>09-03-2011, 06:01:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus relaxed as Master Ryan grinned a little. Yes, he was right. Remind the man of money and all was well again. Atti had thought he’d been money-lusting, but Master Ryan was far beyond even that. He wondered how much the man had parted with to buy his incomplete contract from the Briars, but let it slide back down into him mind. He didn’t care to know, really. <br><br>He blinked when Master Ryan said his name, and realised he meant the meal. Surprised, he was quiet a moment, then murmured a thank-you. He usually went to the kitchens for his meals, when he had a moment spare. He didn’t often send for things, as the whores did, but for his baths. <br><br>He crossed to the desk and sat with much more delicacy than had been his per usual in the recent months, and picked up the knife and fork, starting into the mutton cutlets with restrained eagerness. He had missed breakfast, due to the unexpected arrival of clients, and after the fucking Master Ryan had given him... <br><br>Atticus swallowed before commenting. “Have you thought about capping it at some point?” There was a danger with auctions that when two parties started to struggle against one another, they lost sight of what it was they were fighting for. The price would rise steeply until one folded, leaving the winning party to foot a large bill and doing all they could to find some fault with the object so they could weasel out of paying. And marring a virgin was very, very easy. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 02:04:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It gnawed at him still, even while his usual calm came back over him, covering him like a cloak, protecting him like armour would have.<br>What gnawed at him, however, could not be shut outside, as it was inside already. His calm was no armour to something inside..<br><br><em>Interesting.. He's trying to distract me. I see some of his old ways have not faded. Then again, I'm certain it's hard to unlearn things you've picked up from whoring. Or.. wanted.</em><br><br>His eyes went over him. Again. He couldn't get enough. Oddly enough, even more so after having sex with him.<br>It made him feel somewhat annoyed Atticus had asked Mary to get him a new shirt, though he would be quite the distraction if he kept this one on.<br><br>She must have gone get that right away.. Tss.. meant she choose to abide Atticus over him, as he had ordered a bath in his bathroom prior...<br><br><em>“Have you thought about capping it at some point?”</em><br><br>He but smirked at that. He knew the risks of not having any cap on a bidding war, but he did trust the Teahouse name to be well respected, its reputation unblemished.<br>"Now where would I set such a cap, Louis..?" he said, laying the paper back on the desk "And what's to stop clients from bidding the cap at first bid..?"<br>He smiled a slight smile at him, mind wandering again as he looked at something so mundane as a man eating his lunch.<br><br>Would he ever be able to live a relatively normal life?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 03:18:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He cut up the meat, knowing by its superior quality that the cook had thought the meal was for Master Ryan. None of the food at the Teahouse was substandard, but there was defiantly more effort put into this than anyone else in the brothel. It made eating it slowly a rather exquisite torture. <br><br>His gaze lifted again, and tilted his head slightly, an almost shy smile twitching his lips. “Oh. My father use to cap horse bids at five times the animal’s worth. Bids rarely got so high, but it stopped the animals being returned with a limp and a judge’s warning. But whores are not horses, and I was merely curious,” he said, his voice low and warm, a tone he hadn’t had cause to use under the Teahouse’s roof. He regretted having to tell the velvet lie, the truth about his father masking his real drive for asking. “I’ve only observed these sorts of actions from afar, I don’t understand them as well as I maybe should.” He’d never gotten one himself, and he’d not been more than a witness in the ones that had been going on in the Houses he’d worked before the Briars. And there were no virgins in that hellpit, though there had been other things auctioned there. <br><br>Atticus lowered his gaze to the sliced up meat and speared a piece and toyed with the fork’s shaft for a moment as he settled his thoughts. He understood that his position had not changed, that Master Ryan was still that; the master. Atticus was still staff. He had no right to try and tamper with brothel business, not even to offer advice. Not that Master Ryan needed any, especially not from him.<br><br>He lifted the fork and ate the morsel, his eyes shutting a moment in pleasure at the succulent, spiced taste. It was truly perfection. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 03:29:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pulling a chair to take a seat, Ryan grinned inwardly to himself. No, whores and horses were not alike. For one, a whore didn't really have a certain maximum value to him. They were people, unique individuals. To set a maximum value would mean to set a maximum in their development, as well.<br>As Atticus ate, he planted his elbows on his desk, bridging his hands before his face, looking over the tips of his long, elegant fingers at him.<br>So alike how he'd look at clients that wandered into his office.<br><br>"Tell me something, Louis, I'm curious," he said, tone of voice calm and nearly emotionless, quite close to what it normally was.<br>"Why attempt distract me from my thoughts...? You know I enjoy money, yes. There <em>are</em> other things in life, though.."<br><br>This was, of course, quite a dangerous path for Ryan to take. So close to emotions, so close to this gnawing inside of him. But he couldn't quite help it. He just had to poke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 04:02:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was Master Ryan’s pose that made Atticus freeze for an instant, his gaze snapping up to meet the master’s, trying to work out for a long moment how he might have mis-stepped. He didn’t seem angry at picking up his ploy, but it was so difficult to read him.<br><br>He put down the knife and fork gently and leaned back a little. He wanted to stand up and move physically away but knew that could aggravate the situation. He didn’t want Master Ryan angry at him. Instead of doing what he wanted, he relaxed, letting his shoulders drop and keeping his hands loose. He lowered his gaze for a heartbeat and kept his breathing rhythmic and slow. Small signs of submission. “I attempted to distract you because you seemed in need of it. Forgive my assumption, Master.” His tone was the same carefully calm and level one he had used a moment before, not hinting at the sudden stress he felt.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 04:17:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Only a hint of a smile curled his lips, lowering his hands to lean on them, still watching the other man quite intently.<br><br>"You pick up stress in others quite well, Louis..."<br>As he, himself, did as well.<br>A hand lowered to rummage through the papers on the desk, gaze dropping too. Though it was neatly kept, Ryan did keep a few documents to simply lay there and make the desk seem slightly cluttered. It was his believe client felt more at ease if a desk wasn't too tidy.<br><br>"I wasn't in need of your distraction though..," he said, lower.<br><em>Though I'm not certain what I <strong>am</strong> in need of.</em><br>"Thank you for your attempt," he said instead, gaze flicking back to Atticus, smile hesitantly growing, actually showing something of his state of being.. what? Torn? Yes.. that could be it.<br><br>A polite knock on the door saved him and he stood in one fluent motion to answer it.<br>Mary, with that bloody shirt.<br>"Don't forget to start that bath for Atticus," he said with a grin, Mary answering with a short laugh and a polite nod before wandering in and laying the shirt on the desk that was getting quite crowded by now.<br>A slight frown to her forehead and she turned to Ryan.<br><br>"You're not eating, Lord Valentine..?" she asked, almost accusing.<br>"I don't feel hungry, Mary," he replied, matter-of-fact.<br>She sighed and nodded, once and quite polite.<br><br>The interaction was so close to one between two people of the same stature it was almost odd. But Ryan didn't seem to mind and Mary certainly didn't shy away.<br><br>"Ah, well, I better get that bath started, then," she said, all smiles, beams of sunlight and sweetness before she almost bounced off to Ryan's bathroom, the running water even hearable in the office not too long after.<br><br>Ryan but grinned and shook his head, attention returning to Atticus once again.<br>"She hides so well she'd have choice words to say if I weren't her employer..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 05:09:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus felt the tension close to his bones relax as Master Ryan turned his attention away from him. It wasn’t that Atti was uneasy about such close examinations, but the businesslike consideration he’d seen had been eerie. Like Master Ryan had been considering putting him back on the books. <br><br>Had it all been a test?<br><br>He wasn‘t doing himself any favours thinking this sort of thing. Master Ryan wouldn’t do that... though what had he been thinking so deeply about? It might not have anything to do with him. Master Ryan had mentioned their first meeting before he’d started to close off. He could have been reminiscing about the Teahouse at that time. Or it could have been anything, anything at all. <br><br>The small smile Master Ryan showed him was unexpectedly vulnerable, and allowed Atticus to let go of the last of his stress. Whatever it was, he trusted the Master of the House. He treated his staff and his stock well, with a firm hand but with respect. <br><br>Atticus had rarely felt such annoyance at a simple door knock as he felt just then, but he trained his gaze back on the plate and took up eating again, flashing Mary an amused look as she prodded Master Ryan before she was sent to draw the Master’s bath. Atticus swallowed quickly and laughed. <br><br>“Am I so dishevelled you can’t bear to have me walk to my own rooms to tidy up?” He flashed a grin to show he wasn’t really protesting at it – indeed, he was grateful at not having to climb the stairs just yet, then put down the cutlery again, having finished off the meal. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 05:24:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>“Am I so dishevelled you can’t bear to have me walk to my own rooms to tidy up?”</em><br><br><em>No, it's because I want to keep looking at you, reminding how you felt, how you sounded, when you fought me, surrendered to me and orgasmed under me.</em><br><br>He smirked and nodded "Yeeees, that would be it.. It's not like I want to keep you longer, maybe even watch you while you bathe, hm?"<br>A quiet laughter rang from him and even he relaxed, leaning back in the chair, hands drawing back, one of them lingering on the armrest, fingers trailing the carvings in the wood.<br><br>"You really should not be afraid of me sending you away, Louis," he said, calmer again, listening intently at Mary's going-ons, so she wouldn't walk in at the wrong moment. "It makes me wonder, though, if you'd not leave on your own account. ...that is, if you have somewhere to go, of course."<br><br>The water was still running and he could Mary sing, bless her heart. She'd felt something, maybe noticed something, and would act invisible and drown out anything she heard to give Atticus and Ryan this resemblance of privacy while doing her work.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>10-03-2011, 05:56:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Yeeees, that would be it.. It's not like I want to keep you longer, maybe even watch you while you bathe, hm?"</em><br><br>He grinned, a fresh roll of heat twisting low in his abdomen, his eyes half-lidded as his imagination embroidered on Master Ryan’s teasing words. Hot water and slow caresses, and drops of water to chase with lips and tongue. “Ahh,” he sighed, shifting his feet ever so slightly as he felt his body stir again. Did they have time for more? His mouth was suddenly quite dry. <br><br><em>"You really should not be afraid of me sending you away, Louis. It makes me wonder, though, if you'd not leave on your own account. ...that is, if you have somewhere to go, of course." </em><br><br>Master Ryan’s words drew his mind from his short fantasy with an almost painful abruptness. He swallowed a little, then shook his head. “... I did say I would view the gardens with Zara later today,” he murmured, misunderstanding on purpose. He had no desire to speak with seriousness right now. He wished fervently that the Teahouse was all there was of the world, a selfish dream.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 02:17:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smirked at his words, shaking his head a bit, and wandered around the desk until he was stood behind the chair Atticus was seated in.<br>Seemed he needed to keep things 'light', hm? Pff... One thing that attracted Ryan was how strong he was.. It made it that much more fun to take him.<br><br>"Hmmhmm..."<br>Leaning over him -happy with the sheer fact this chair wasn't as high-backed as the other one was- he but laid his hands on his shoulders and trailed his lips along the outer edge of his ear.<br>"I think you misunderstand, Louis..," he murmured, one hand leaving a shoulder to abuse the ruined shirt for all its worth, almost idly slipping between the fabric and his skin to have fingertips ghosts along his chest.<br>"I'm not going to send you away from the Teahouse, from my services..," he added, tongue following the tail he had just stroked his lips along.<br>"I'm also not going to <em>allow</em> you to leave.." His fingertips had found a nipple by now and teasingly played lightly with it, pinching and stroking it.<br>"You see, I am under the impression you're <em>mine</em>, Louis..." A short, sharp bite to his ear, followed by gentle nibbles.<br>"If you ever dare leave me, Louis..," he said, voice dropped into something a bit more dangerous "I'll have to hunt you down and bring you back.."<br><br>As if nothing had happened, he retracted, stepped one step back and folded his arms before his chest once more, eyes on the back of Atticus' head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 03:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus kept Master Ryan in view for as long as he could, straitening a little as the man walked behind him. It was difficult to not twist around so he could keep looking at the Master, but to do so would look ridiculous, and spoil whatever game was being played. He didn't flinch when he felt Master Ryan looming over him, or at the touch of hands or lips, though the latter did make his breath catch with surprise. <br><br>When one hand slid down to his chest, light fingers brushing his skin, holding his breath for a long instant until the Master's words, his tongue, made him gasp. His eyes crushed shut, focusing on the words, the beautiful, terrible promises, the painpleasure tease of Master Ryan's long, wicked fingers. He wished suddenly he hadn't removed the silver bar that had once pieced him there. At the '<em>Mine</em>,' his eyes flashed open, the bite making him grunt softly. Joy and anger savaging each other under his skin, tearing him to pieces as he didn't know what to feel. He wanted, oh, he wanted to believe. All of it. None of it.<br><br>The soft-as-fur threat in Master Ryan's voice made his lust surge again, making it all the more confusing. The hand, the mouth, the man, pulled away. Atticus slumped forwards, pressing his palm against his good eye, his nails biting into his scalp as he tried to take what Master Ryan said as truth or lie, but he couldn't find faith enough to make those words one or the other. His voice sounded honest but how many times had he been lied to? How many times had Master Ryan lied to him - none at all. But he was... was wooing, wasn't he? Was he? <br><br>He stood up, too fast, his shoulders tensing against the shock of pain, then he was moving, pacing, frustration in every line of him. The placating whore act of a few moments ago was gone, and he glared at Master Ryan, annoyed at the hope and the instinctive distrust he'd given along with the words. Why did he have to say such things? If he wanted to fuck him, he didn't have to... to... his teeth ached he was clenching them so hard.<br><br><em>Calm down</em>, he told himself, his inner voice sounding like his Sword-master. He dragged his gaze off Master Ryan, and let out the air in his chest with a short, tense sigh. They were just words. Lovely, cruel words. Let him say them. It doesn't matter. The lie was bile in his mind, but he drove his thoughts away from the destructive, aggressive circles they had become ensnared by. Ignoring the joy and anger, the hope and distrust, left lust. That was fine by him. <br><br>His tone was tight with lingering anger and still coiling lust. "I truly hope no one needs you for a while, because I do. I do." He lifted his gaze back to Master Ryan, and moved towards him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 04:06:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All the while, Ryan but looked, observed and took notice of all these emotions drawing over the man's face, in his motions ; he could almost hear him think. But not quite. And it was bothering him.<br>It seemed to him he was not the only one having trouble with this path their relationship had started. He wanted it, though, and what he wanted, he got. But this.. this was different. There was nothing here he could buy or take by brute force -mind or body-, it had to be earned.<br><br>His face did not change from his near emotionless mask when Atticus glared at him. He let him, allowed him to debate, to pace, to ponder, for as long as he wished.<br>But all the while he wondered what went on in that head of his...<br><br>Then he spoke, and his words were heaven, but his intonation was that of a teenage boy in lust. Oh, the man craved, he could tell, but did he also know the meaning of the words he had spoken if they had been uttered from the heart and not from his underbelly?<br>Was he actually a good choice to desire, all of him, not but his body?<br>Not that Ryan had any choice any longer. It had been made for him the first moment he had caught sight of him. It seemed decades ago, but couldn't be more then a year in the past.<br><br>He did welcome him when he moved towards him ; one hand curved around the scarred cheek and a warm smile formed on his lips.<br>When Ryan spoke his voice matched this smile, seeming almost unnaturally warm to come from this man.<br><br>"Say those words again, Louis, when not aching. I'd like to hear those words come from the <em>heart</em>..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>11-03-2011, 05:02:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The touch, the smile, it wasn't what Atticus wanted. It wasn't rough or hard or painful. He wanted those things, wanted them to make the words murmured to him easier to ignore, take them as lovers lies, harmless, teasing falsehoods. The softness, the warmth... was Master Ryan telling the truth?<br><br><em>"Say those words again, Louis, when not aching. I'd like to hear those words come from the</em> heart<em>..."</em><br><br>He blinked. Had he mis-stepped again? He was in a maze of fire and he was blind. Master Ryan didn't sound annoyed, but Atticus had still said, done, the wrong thing. <em>Say those words when not aching... from the heart... </em>Not now. He shut his eyes and caught Master Ryan's hand with his own, turning his head and pressing his lips to the man's palm, a voiceless apology for his confusion, his lust, and that he understood, at least, the Master Ryan wanted to be wanted, too. Not just for sex. <br><br>He opened his eyes, and twisted his head straight so he wasn't muffled as he said in a still tense but darkly amused tone, "You're a fucking tease." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 05:46:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The slightest sigh dropped from his lip at the kiss to the palm of his hand. So it was true, Atticus was hurting and he was to blame.<br>He should not care. Afterall, what was Atticus to him anyway?<br>But he did. And he was all he wanted.<br>Had he not saved him from his past himself? Had he not done what he had done to the man who had scarred him up like this?<br><br>Then why could he not, not even in the privacy of his own mind, form the words this man probably needed to hear..?<br><br>Atticus' words pulled a short chuckle from him.<br>"Of course I am..," he said, leaning into brush his lips along his, not sparing the one he'd wounded.<br>"Mary's probably drenched by the steam of your bath by now, Louis...," he murmured, then licked at that small injury, recalling the one he made in his neck.<br>"You really should take that bath before I decide to take you on this here desk..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>13-03-2011, 07:22:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His lips moved against Master Ryan's, welcoming, urging, wanting to catch them and deepen the chaste kiss to something more. He moaned softly at the lick over his bitten lip, making the ache sing sweetly. The deep, close purr made his skin feel overheated and he wanted to press close against the man, urge him to do just that. "Surprisingly, that seems to lessen my motivation to go," he replied, the last of the anger draining away, though frustration was eager to take its place.&nbsp; <br><br>He pulled back, however, stepping away from Master Ryan. It made him ache to do so. He wondered if Master Ryan felt it also, just for a moment before he dismissed the fantasy and walked to the desk. He stroked its edge and repressed a sigh, then picked up his shirt, folding it over his arm and going to the door into Master Ryan's bedroom. He hesitate, wondering whether he should say something. Apologise, or invite Master Ryan to come and watch him, like he teased he would. But he wasn't sure which would be the most welcomed, if either of them would be. So he said nothing. His glance back at the Master of the House was a mute question he didn't wait to hear an answer to, walking into the bedroom and leaving the man behind.<br><br>The bathroom was just as richly luxurious as the bedroom it was attached to. "Thank-you, Mary," Atticus said to the singing woman, his hands tugging his shirt out from his breeches. The maid bobbed in a curtsy, and he swore she had a smirk. She left a moment later and he shook his head, stripping slower than he had at Master Ryan's order. <br><br>Had it been a mistake? No, he refused to believe it. They had bother wanted it, rough and savage as it was. His hand lifted to the shallow cut, already healing. It wouldn't scar, which was a pity. His scars meant little to him, he couldn't recall what had caused the host of them, but one from Master Ryan... that, he would cherish. The man had given him more than any one else, but Ellen. <br><br>He felt a pang of guilt and stepped into the hot water, hissing as another pang reminded him of the less than gentle means he had been taken. He sank into the water, groaning at the heat. Ah, but it was good. The lingering soreness of his muscles from the morning, the aches Master Ryan had given him, they all eased, melting in the hot water. The one ache that didn't came from his half hard cock. He wondered if he'd ever be able to be in Master Ryan's presence ever again without his blood rushing south. The idea made him smirk. <br><br>He picked up Master Ryan's sponge, wondering if he would mind it being used, and lathered it with soap, rubbing the sweat from his skin with languid motions.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>14-03-2011, 02:19:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus words pulled a slight smirk from Ryan. If he had his way, Atticus wouldn't be standing all day, but.. life in the Teahouse wouldn't stop for anything, not even this. Not even for the Master of the House.<br>He followed him with his eyes alone, fighting the urge to follow him with everything else, as well. He couldn't help but chuckle quietly when the other man stroked his desk with what seemed pity that he'd not stand by his thread. At least, not now..<br><br>It was so hard to not answer that glance with more then a lowering of his gaze. There was no time at the moment for all the things he wanted to do.<br><br>Mary didn't break his daydreams, his thoughts, but waited, patiently, until he'd snap out of it so she would be able to ask if she should clean up Ryan's bedroom.<br><br>Three short knocks on the door and a familiar voice brought him back to the here and now, eyes flicking up to Mary first, knowing what she wanted to ask him.<br>"Leave it," he mumbled to her "I want his scent in my bed..."<br><br><em>"Master Ryan, this is Rubee Mariana, I wanted to speak with you about some financial matters. I do not think it can wait considering the gravity of the situation."</em><br><br>"Yes, come in, Rubee," he said, raising his voice a bit, slight gesture to Mary to have her on her way again. He could hear Atticus in his bathroom and he sighed through his nose.<br>He'd rather join then discuss finances. Apparently there was a first for everything..
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>14-03-2011, 15:27:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The solitude, however brief he had thought it might be, was enough to allow his mind to circle on what had happened, what had been done and said. It was still so strange to think back to the morning. Master Ryan's cool comments didn't hint to underlying desires. Nothing in his manner had all these months. Had it?<br><br>Perhaps it was just the desire for the rare, the forbidden. It would not just be his celibacy that had fuelled it, but Anel's own wanton virginity too. Master Ryan could not take his prize attraction's most valuable asset... was the reason why he had done this the moment he had heard the willingness in Atti's own words what had sparked it? Perhaps he was the type to desire to be the first to take something. Someone. <br><br>Perhaps he had placed the anonymous bid on Anel himself.<br><br>He couldn't help but smirk. What an introduction to the art <em>that </em>would be to the youth... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>16-03-2011, 00:04:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rubee had expected there to be a bit of silence once she asked if whether or not she could talk to Master Ryan. The man did have his moment of thought and pondering to which Rubee had grown accustomed towards during her stay here in the Teahouse. However, she had not expected Master Ryan and Atticus to boldly have their way with one another with what was going on today. Perhaps the stress of finding out how much Anel's virginity was going to go for prompted the two to burn off a little bit of steam, so to speak; however, it was none of Rubee's business. Had she even asked Master Ryan what was the status between Atticus and him, she bet he would classically tell her to stay out of his business and to stick to what she knew best, which was her job. <em>I seem to already know what scowling look I would get from him</em>, Rubee thought to herself as she took the time in waiting to look and listen to her surroundings. Not enough time was given as she heard Master Ryan:<br><br><em>"Yes, come in, Rubee," </em><br><br>The door opened for Rubee to see plenty things. One, Mary was blushing as if she was either embarrassed or something of the lustful sort and considering the way Master Ryan appeared, Rubee bet it was lust. Was Mary in lust for Master Ryan? Rubee had to say when she came to the Teahouse, she did like Master Ryan but more out of gratitude than anything carnal but he was her Boss and he was not one to break such rules. Then again, he also seemed to enjoy the company of other men so Mary was out of luck if she wanted to have one night of passion with Master Ryan. She had a better shot with some of the whores who worked their trade outside of the Teahouse than in here; nothing was free in this place and if it was, it came with a hefty price. <br><br>"Thank you, Master Ryan," she started, entering through the doorway and waiting for Mary to leave the room to give her the privacy needed to speak about the accounts. Rubee had no clue who could be siphoning money and it was better to keep the numbers close to the vest as much as she could before revealing the truth to Master Ryan and Atticus. Where was Atticus by the way? She kept her gaze at her folders before flicking it towards Master Ryan and then over his shoulder. Was Atticus cleaning himself up? Even now, Rubee could smell the hint of sex on the air but tried her best to keep her composure. Again, it was none of her business but there were times Master Ryan needed a good sit down talk or even for someone to yell in his face but she rather keep her job than piss the man off. Instead, it was usually the whores and clients who were given her advice whether they wanted it or not. <br><br>Once Mary made her leave and closed the door behind her, Rubee felt safe enough to hold out the paper work towards Master Ryan. "I went over the accounts today as I do every day before the accountant comes in and I noticed there were a few things off with the numbers. I thought someone wrote down a number wrong or money was merely in another account. When I started to do the numbers, it was more than a few bits of change missing from the account but enough to warrant concern. I calculated, recalculated and did the equations all over again in case I was adding or subtracting something wrong but each time it came out to money missing." Rubee took a breath and managed to inhale even more smell of two individuals fucking the life out of one another. Plus the ruffled clothes of Master Ryan gave fact that it must have been thought clearing enough not to warrant a change of clothes. <br><br><em>The sex must have been fucking great. When was the last time I had someone</em>, Rubee thought only to slam the door closed on the last time. Santiago. The last time she had been intimate with anyone had been Santiago. How was she to know their night together would be their last? That the next night, he would be dead and she would be out on the run? No use in thinking such things considering she had made out and fondled people but never really fucked them. To her, she wanted someone who engaged her beyond lustful tactics. Turn on her mind and she would definitely give the best blow job for it. "As you can see, it is certain times of the hour and day that money is being moved out slowly. A few here, more over there, it is almost as if someone is trying to siphon it away for a rainy day. What do you say, Master Ryan?," she asked in order to break her thoughts and get on with the why of being in this room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>16-03-2011, 03:11:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Only a slight nod was given. Maybe to Rubee or the leaving Mary. Maybe even to both.<br>A grin soon formed, curling his lips as he watched her watch him. Again, he had the feeling he could almost read another's thoughts. Was she not wondering what had went on here? Why his clothes were not in order as perfectly as it would be at any other time?<br><br>"Careful now," he said low, the grin reaching his voice and colouring it "If you start sniffing, I might mistake you for a hound and may deem it needed to add you to the others to guard the House."<br><br>His grin faded, however, melting from his face and getting quickly replaced by a frown and pressed together lips as she spoke. When she gave him the paperwork, he nearly snatched it from her hands, walked around the desk and seated himself, gaze flicking from it to her while one brow rose slowly.<br><br>"Well, you do not hold this position because I do not trust you with numbers, Rubee. Let me take a look, though.."<br><br>The frown deepened, and he took up his age old position at his desk ; fingers bridged before his face while his eyes went over the numbers, now and then turning a page.<br><br>"Who or what do you think is responsible for this, Rubee? Any thoughts?" he asked, voice turned ice cold, but gaze not lifting from the papers.<br>He could see quite clearly what she meant. It also helped he had gone through last years numbers this morning ; the money missing was very clear to him, the pattern was off. And it wasn't a small change, either.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>16-03-2011, 19:12:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus let his head drop against the lip of the unusually large bath, gaze going to the ajar door. He didn’t hear any movement, just the dull buzz of voices. He must be talking to Mary. Maybe finding out what had happened while he had been distracted. New guests, new letters, new problems. There was never any respite from it. Atti sighed, knowing he should finish quickly, get out, be useful. <br><br>Be irreplaceable.<br><br>…<em>I'm not going to send you away from the Teahouse, from my services</em>…<br><br>His hand tightened on the sponge, sending a cascade of warm water and suds down his chest. It was a seduction. He knew it was. Master Ryan knew his fear. It was a cruel thing for him to play on it.<br><br>…<em>I'm also not going to <strong>allow </strong>you to leave</em>…<br><br>He let his breath out in a sigh, rubbing his collarbones and shoulders, the fresh cut on his throat stinging as he dragged and caught it. He pressed the sponge against it, shutting his eyes, remembering the Master’s mouth there. Taking from him. Giving him his mark. <br><br>Just a little scratch, cleanly healed, fast fading. It was like… getting a flower. Something brief to be treasured while it lasted. A reminder of who had given it. <br><br>Fuck, he knew better than seeing romantic gestures in a fucking <em>cut</em>. It was only some fun, a pass time. Scratching a mutual itch. It wasn’t anything.<br><br>…<em>You see, I am under the impression you're <strong>mine</strong>, Louis</em>...<br><br>Atticus tore off his eyepatch and tossed it across the room to the pile of his clothes, opening his eyes once more, the water sloshing with his agitated, sudden movement. Of <em>course </em>he was Master Ryan’s, he held the contract. That was all he was saying. That was all it meant. That was all. That was all.<br><br>“<em>Fuck</em>,” he mouthed, only the barest hiss escaping him. Absinthe. He needed to have some, or never touch it again. His mind was the playground of the green fairy. <br><br>Master Ryan had only been playing. Like with the knife. Seeing what broke the skin, what drew blood. What he could feel. <br><br>…<em>If you ever dare leave me, Louis…I'll have to hunt you down and bring you back</em>…<br><br>&nbsp;He swirled the sponge in the water then rubbed languidly at his belly, his skin tingling and his cock giving a throb from the memory of the tone he had used, a blade wrapped in the sheerest of silk. Pressing to his most vulnerable spot. Did he know how weak Atticus really was? <br><br>He might.<br><br>His eyes drifted shut again, feeling again that bite to his ear, the nibbles, the silk-steel words. The drag of that hair – perhaps he’d be able to feel it better on tender skin? – mmm, flogging, that would do it. His skin always was so sensitive after a slow, steady lashing. He would be able to feel every single stand, every drop of sweat…<br><br><em>‘I warned you, Louis. You knew what would happen. Now, are you sorry?’</em><br><br>His hand pressed the sponge lower, his breath catching as he closed its softness around his shaft. “Yes…” he murmured, then bit his lip, imagining Master Ryan doing it again, hard, and he tasted blood, the pain of it jolting through him. <br><br><em>‘Not with words.’</em><br><br>His free hand trailed up his chest, to his nipple – pox, he’d taken out that bar… he’d have to put it back. Maybe he could get Master Ryan to do it…<br><br>…give him a lasting mark…<br><br>…<strong><em>Mine</em></strong>…<br><br>“Master,” he moaned softly, his hand leaving his empty nipple to the cut, stroking it in time to the slow rubs of the sponge.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>17-03-2011, 04:26:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not my fault there is a delicious overpowering scent in this room. Do I smell potpourri?," she asked, all the while smiling knowing that he would see her lie through it but went for the change of subject routine. Besides, Rubee already knew by now the smell wafting along in the air and to her nose was definitely the smell of two bodies fucking one another and leaving behind the scent of completion. God, she really needed to find someone around here and preferably who did not have a pension for sleeping with scores of individuals on a daily basis. What she needed was someone who was not going to get her killed because of their profession or end up extremely jealous because of the paying clients. Yet, Rubee knew that fate was never going to listen to her words considering her own brush at love. <br><br>Now, she was having to brush away some blood on her fingers from the paper cut Master Ryan gave her as he snatched the papers from her hands. Any faster and he might have ripped the sheets in two from her fingers. "I know I am only the assistant to the accountant but I like to double check in case the accountant is out for the day and wants me to do some light paperwork. Well, I did some light paperwork but then I noticed a few files were missing and went searching for them. When I found the files, that is when I noticed the lack of sufficient funds for various weeks." Bit by bit, money was disappearing and it worried Rubee about where the money was going and for what purposes. She knew places around here wanted to squelch Teahouse but Rubee never paid any rumors to it. She worked here for a while now without too much incident but this worried her that something fishy went on without her knowing about it. <br><br>"I had a theory about a client swindling a whore but then you always make sure they pay their rates. Another was one of the whores sneaking into your office to snatch the money but no one is stupid enough to try and get caught in your room. The only theory I have is somehow who has access to the money is siphoning money before it heads to the bank or even someone who works at the bank. However, the banks cannot change the paperwork here at the office since it is usually locked away in the accountant's office and you two have the key to it," she examined, somehow, coming to the horrible assumption that the person who was stealing money had to be the accountant. The paperwork was filled out here and nowhere else unless someone were to take the papers elsewhere to finish it. Rubee looked up towards Master Ryan and wondered if he assumed the same about the accountant. She did not want to think it considering she worked with him the man and could easily finger her as the culprit but Rubee had no reason to steal money from a man who had given her something valuable to hold onto.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>17-03-2011, 04:42:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He couldn't help but laugh at the potpourri comment. Ryan liked this woman. Of all things, a woman, yes. He liked her as a person, though. He'd not even consider bedding her.<br>Afterall. She <em>was</em> a woman.<br>The way she changed the subject was sublime, and it earned her yet another mental note of the Master of the House. He'd see her in the position of his current accountant.<br><br>Something that became a more pleasing idea when she let her mind go through this ordeal and shared these thoughts with him.<br><br>"Well, as you were the one to bring this to my attention, it can not be you. I'm certain you're aware of my passion for the financial and would probably not be so dumb to expose yourself in this manner if you had been the one responsible," he said, his gaze going back up at her while his hands lowered to rest on the papers.<br>"I know I've not done this. The Teahouse is precious to me. It's my home. If I <em>were</em> to steal, money would be coming <em>into</em> the House, not out of it."<br>He leaned back, brow furrowing, nodding slightly.<br>"You're correct. Only one person could have done this," he added, somewhat absent-mindedly.<br>"I'm not certain he'd cough up what he has done, but I have ways to get him to talk that might scare him. I do know a few strings I can pull around him. For one ; he does not only work for us.."<br><br>It didn't seem to bother him one bit he had cut Rubee. A papercut was nothing at all.<br>Nor did he care, at all, about bringing a man down in all the ways he could think of.<br>Someone <em>dared</em> to siphon. Someone <em>dared</em> to touch his Teahouse.<br>It was as if he himself had been defiled.<br><br>Still absent-mindedly he stroked the papers, thinking to himself what he would do, how he would do this, then returned his attention to Rubee, eyes having grown cold and holding a dangerous glint to them.<br>"Tell me, if you had a free hand in this.. How would you go about setting this straight, Rubee?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>19-03-2011, 01:20:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hand rubbing the cut didn’t linger there long, but instead trailed down his body, following a winding path of scars as Master Ryan’s own fingers and mouth had trailed, hot and inquisitive and, dare he dream, possessive. He hadn’t tried to take any of his old scars, like several clients had, hadn’t overlaid them with fresh hurts or tried to sooth them with gentle kisses. It was just a confident,<em> yes, you hurt here once; surrender it to me. </em><br><br><em>…Do you trust me, Louis…</em><br>&nbsp;<br>That blade, that wicked little knife, glinting and Master Ryan held it, moved it here and there, the cool edge prickling his skin. <em>He could have done anything… anything… and I would have let him</em>. It was disturbing, even frightening, knowing that. Remembering how eager he had been to surrender to the man. He would do it again. That rush…<br><br>He whimpered and crushed his lower lip between his teeth. Would he be able to leave that bite alone long enough to heal?<br><br>What would it feel like to give head with that constant pang of a reminder? What would it feel like to give Master Ryan head with it still burning? Deep throat would be a challenge and a half. His breath shook as he imagined it. Taking his time, tasting and teasing every inch with lips and tongue and the lightest brush of teeth, cupping his balls and holding his base steady so he could take the tip in. Rasp the flat of his tongue against the smooth head, working the salty slit until long fingered hands carded through his hair, grasping hard. <br><br><em>‘Swallow me. Take me to the hilt and I’ll give you what you wish, Louis…’&nbsp; </em><br><br>His cock gave a hard, demanding twitch and he couldn’t contain another moan, his hips jumping up into the sponge, his free hand moved around behind him, caressing his sore hole. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>19-03-2011, 03:56:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rubee smiled to hear Master Ryan laugh for he looked handsome and much younger than he usually held himself up to be in front of everyone. Sometimes, she forgot that he was young in body but then again, his mind made up for the wet behind the ears physique. If he enjoyed the company of other women, was not an owner of a brothel and generally had a less scalding personality than her own, perhaps he might have been someone to let court her into a relationship. Nonetheless, Rubee knew better than to enjoy herself with anyone in this establishment. She would most likely end up another notch on the scratching post and have to pay for it, literally. <em>Still, I can admire the Master Ryan but I better keep such thoughts to myself. He already thinks I am a hound for sniffing around in his business, best not give him anymore warrant to throw another verbal barb my way</em>, Rubee thought to herself as she waited to hear Master Ryan add his own assumptions.<br><br>"If I was the culprit I would not try the whole, 'I am innocent because I brought it you first' bit, which is child's play compared to what the person thinks he can get away with this in the Teahouse and behind your back. I noticed a pattern and whoever he is," Rubee now knew who it was as well as seeing the realization on Master Ryan's face about the culprit, "the individuals plans to remove money sometime after we are done with the last client for the night. I looked at the booking schedule and it might be after Anel is given over to the highest bidder or one of the other whores who has their late John or Jane before we close the books for the night." Rubee needed to check in on the bidding war and see how Anel was feeling considering his virginity was about to be given away to whoever paid the highest to pop his anal maidenhead. Last she saw, the bid was about to please Master Ryan four times over. <br><br>For now, she thought about what Master Ryan might do to Frederick and his scheming ways. The man was a louse to try and steal from someone who could easily have someone slice your throat or so she heard when she came into the Teahouse to work a while back. <em>Tell me, if you had a free hand in this.. How would you go about setting this straight, Rubee?</em>. His statement brought her head back up and for some reason, a smile played on her lips. An old habit of hers to be asked how to exact punishment with her time with Santiago. How that man used to tell her tales of how punishment was handed out to those who went against the bosses.&nbsp; "Master Ryan, if I had a free hand in exacting punishment, the perpetrator would have to lose or either have their fingers broken for using those hands to steal from someone who has worked hard to build a great establishment. I would also break his wrist as a reminder to never use his hands to filch from someone who could easily have his arm cut off at the shoulder," she said in a whisper all the while remembering the picture Santiago showed her of someone who had his hand broken and then cut off for stealing more than enough money to warrant such a harsh punishment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>20-03-2011, 05:45:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While Rubee talked, Ryan leaned back in his chair, arms folding before his chest, his gaze fixed on her while he listened to her.<br>Physical punishment? Well, it could work, of course. The accountant in question didn't strike Ryan as the masochistic type. In fact, the man would probably cry out for his mother if his fingers were broken. It would be quite splendid to humiliate the man in this manner ; rip him from any masculinity he might posses.<br><br>It did remind him of how he had worked on the man that had scarred up Atticus.<br><br>One thing didn't really sit right with him, though. After the man had been tortured, what would stop him from doing it again? No, Ryan wouldn't stop there. Someone like this shouldn't be in a position to be able to do such things to the money of people who trusted him.<br><br>"I think that's a good start, yes," he said calmly "But.. I don't want him to be able to hold a job like this any more. Not in <em>this</em> city."<br>His gaze dropped to the papers on his desk again, brow furrowing slightly.<br>"I think I should be able to pull enough strings to ensure he shall no longer be able to hold <em>any</em> job in the city. Maybe even in the whole of the country..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>21-03-2011, 00:23:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would like to know why he even thought and even went through with such actions of stealing from the Teahouse. He kept pestering me with the fact he made a lot more money than I ever could with being an assistant to him. However, I noticed he came in with more items than his usual salary would allow him. I even saw him with a gold watch that I presume would set him back for a few months considering the wage is enough to feed you, clothe you and have a modest left over to spend on small items but I assumed it was a gift from you for his hard work. Now I can see, he bought it with the money he was filching from here," Rubee mused, shaking her head. She should have seen the signs earlier but the man held two prestigious jobs while she was in charge of John's and Janes who wanted her to correctly spell their names as she wrote their times and dates into the book and make sure their whore was ready for them on the dot. <br><br>Now, Rubee wondered who would be the new accountant if Master Ryan planned on making sure Frederick never held a job in this city or even the whole of the country. The man might end up having to whore himself out on the streets like the gutter whores she noticed in the seedy alleyways of the city. Just looking at those individuals made her feel a bit safe knowing none of those wenches would try to slice her throat after sexual completion in order to fleece her of any belongings or money on her body. Yet, once his fingers were broken, she doubted the accountant would be able to hold a knife properly to shave his face much less use it on someone to hold them steady while he stole from their bodies. "He should be here in another thirty minutes and I should get back to the log books as well as see to Anel's bidding papers. Anel is up more than any other whore you have brought into the Teahouse," Rubee mentioned as she patted herself down and found the slip of paper she received a little while ago on Anel.<br><br>"Yes, the bidding is still going on. Should I go and tell Anel the good news or is he busy with a client?," she asked, again musing on how Anel managed to be with clients without having to use his ass as another way to make money go into his pocket. What exactly did he do in order to get clients to keep coming back with just his mouth and hands? Did he do other things in his room with the clients? Either way, Rubee needed to get a response back to the bank whether Master Ryan wanted to keep the bidding wars going up or to shut it down to finally make a date and time for Anel to give himself over to the highest bidder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>21-03-2011, 02:08:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His scalp tingled, and he could almost feel a ghostly grip tug at his hair. Would Master Ryan grab or stroke? Hurry him or let him adjust? Before today, Atticus would have thought the latter - but the way Master Ryan had been close to brutal with him... As desperate as Atticus himself. Like it had been building in the air between them, all these months like a storm. Would to be like that the second time? <em>If </em>there was a second time. He hoped there would be... his finger pressed against the aching ring of muscle and groaned. <br><br>Master Ryan's hand would stroke his head, train around his ear, then splay across his scarred cheek, thumb sweeping over his closed, damaged eye, tilting his head up to meet his gaze, his souldeep stare, letting the orders blaze into him wordlessly. Had he ever been taken in all the way before? But of course he had, he was the Master of a whorehouse. One of his stock would have had the skill. Or even one of his lovers. Atticus would lean in, Master Ryan's hand would slip hack into his hair, and he would slide his tongue against the smooth, hot tip, sliding back and forth against the salty little slit, then following it down, to tease the tender sweet place where the glans joined to the shaft. <br><br>The fingers in his hair would twitch and tightened, nails pressing harder, a fine tremor running over his skin. '<em>Louis</em>,' he would hiss. Oh, to have that power, to stir that desperate fire... <br><br>He would take the tip between his lips, his lower lip would twinge and ache and he would taste copper blood along with the salt and savour that was Master Ryan's flesh. He wouldn't be able to resist tasting the Master a little more until the man's hips bucked forwards unintentionally, the soft wrinkled skin of his balls tightening so slightly. And then he would lean in, pressing the blunt head over his tongue to the back of his throat, and swallow him down, careful and slow. He would look up, and Master Ryan would be staring down, his chest lifting and falling with uneven gasps. '<em>More. Deeper,</em>' his voice would rasp as if he were on the brink of tightening his grip and driving in or pulling out all together and ploughing into his still aching rear. <br><br>So he would swallow and swallow again, taking him in by inches, his throat starting to ache and Master Ryan's grip starting to hurt and his dark eyes shutting, his hips twitching, forcing more down his throat -<br><br>"Gods!" Two fingers slid easily passed his aching ring, electric sparks rushing through him as his fingers rasped against aching inner walls. He curled his fingers and found the right spot, nudging and rubbing it with one-minded urgency, his other hand pumping faster, harder. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>21-03-2011, 02:34:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For Ryan the discussion was quite over ; he had set his mind to a certain course of action, and he'd see to it. Though.. he wasn't too tempted to break the man's hands. It was a good idea, but...<br>His gaze drifted to the door leading to his bedroom and he smirked at himself.<br>His mind was somewhere else and he'd rather get this out of the way.<br>It was, of course, not in the best interest to do this quickly, but he couldn't help himself. It had been quite some time since he had last felt anything for another man.<br>He couldn't fight the sheer fact he wanted more of Atticus. As soon as he was able.<br>After all, hadn't he waited for him for six months, now? And, before that... seeing him in his previous job. Never having a empty slot due to that...<br>But he was getting annoyed again. This man, who had done this to Atticus, was no more. And that had been by his hands. And Atticus was his now.<br>He should take the time to break the accountant's fingers.. Just to make the pain of not going after Atticus that much sweeter.<br><br>"He's arrogant an stupid. A combination that isn't uncommon," he said, gaze going back to Rubee.<br>"Anel is with sir Aldrich. I really do not think I wish for anyone to disturb them. Last I heard, the other bidder was ahead, but sir Aldrich already said he'd be willing to keep bidding until he wins..."<br><br>Drumming his fingers against his lips, he tilted his head, then smirked and nodded.<br>"Yes, I'd like you to head back to the books, " he added, small smile creeping over his features "Afterall... with me kicking Frederick out, we'll be short an accountant and you can show me you are able to take over after his departure..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>22-03-2011, 02:49:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rubee pondered whether Master Ryan would at least give her the satisfaction to watch the hand breaking go down but then again, she might be considered a witness to a crime. Witnesses around here were always in danger of having themselves disappear off the face of the earth or end up in a shallow grave by the cemetery a few streets down. Rubee knew better than to put herself in dire situations so she kept her question to see Frederick scream in agony to herself. Better to let her imagination run free with how excruciating the pain would be for the stupid accountant who could not keep his grubby hands to himself. Now she was going to have to contend with yet another accountant putting his nose down at her because she did not have the luxury of having a maid, a butler or a nursemaid to wash her ass or launder her clothes. Besides, Rubee was happy being able to do something domestic or she would have relied on men and women to take care of her. Not what Rubee wanted in her life.<br><br>"Take over?," she asked, her mouth falling open like a fish out of water but Rubee quickly regained her composure. Was Master Ryan trying to dangle an opportunity only to remove it from her once he was done playing or was he truly offering her the task of proving herself to take on the position of being head accountant? Not only would it be her first full-time job while she considered her booking as a part-time, but it would bring more income to her purse. It might even bring enough money to send a birthday gift to, no, she was not going to send anymore gifts. It was getting harder and harder to just send gifts and not ask for photographs in return. Her parents were her parents and she had given up her right to be a mother once she realized a life of being a hooker's child was not what she wanted for her unborn child. What Rubee needed to do was put that money elsewhere into fixing up her bedroom slash office.<br><br>In fact, she had to get going on assembling the female whores because a regular client was coming in to look through the line and make their choice. Plus, Rubee could sense Master Ryan was just itching to get back to Atticus. Damn, what she would not give to be a fly on that wall in the bathroom. "I will get to it and assemble the whores in the next thirty minutes. I would be forward and say enjoy your thirty minutes with...," she let the words fall, letting her smile shine though as she gave a male's bow and exited just as quickly in order to get away from any scowls Master Ryan would throw her way. On to calling the whores up to line...<br><br>*Next post will take place in the ground floor*
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>22-03-2011, 05:00:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Too fast, too fast. He had to build up endurance... it had been over too swiftly, the urgency of the fuck stealing half or more of the pleasure that could have been drawn out. He had to slow down, but he didn't want to. He wanted release, he wanted mindless bliss, he wanted to sate his hunger. He was so close now, beyond stopping - <br><br><em>'Did I say you could do that?'</em> - or almost. Master Ryan's tone would be amused and commanding both at once, a slight shake in it and oddly paced for his ragged breathing. His hand would twist in his hair, dragging him back, stopping him completing his task. <em>'What pleasure you have will be mine to give, not yours to take. Stop. Now.'</em><br><br>His hand slowed, then ceased entirely, his hips twitching forwards hungrily still. The hand in his hair would pull him up, to he feet then trail down, to his cock, ghosting fingertips over its head, then down its length to the root. Atticus released the sponge to echo his imagination, a light touch, teasing and almost coy, before they curled around his base. Master Ryan would have pulled free a lacing from some item of clothing and tied it around his shaft. <em>Think you'll be able to behave now, Loius?</em><br><br>Atticus started to move the fingers inside him again, purposefully rubbing his prostate, keeping his other hand tight in place, sinking back to his knees in his fantasy to give the Master the attention he demanded.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>22-03-2011, 05:35:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A soft chuckle fell from his lips at Rubee's imitation of a fish on dry land. It seemed he had taken her by surprise, something he liked doing. And why not promote her? She did her job well and he wouldn't mind trying her out in a more responsible and demanding position.<br>Placing his elbow on the desk again and bridging his hands to have his fingers meet just below his chin he studied her, grin firmly on his face, then nodded at her plans.<br><br>"The female whores will be needed for a line up this evening. One of the House of Hatch will be visiting for his first time and want everything in order...," he said quietly, then smirked at her hint at how he would spend his own time. She was lucky she was out of the door fast enough and Ryan himself wasn't quick enough to contemplate a fitting response or he would have, most definitely, chewed her out. Even only for good measure.<br><br>He found himself watching the door for moments, head tilting slightly, before he stood to his feet and strode to the bedroom door, opened it, looked at the bed that was untouched by Mary, grinned broadly and looked at another door. This time the door to this bathroom.<br>It didn't take him all too long to decide, though ; it might have been seconds before he moved to open the door, lean against the frame and grinned, quietly, while his gaze dropped to the bathing man.<br><br>"Enjoying yourself, Louis?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>23-03-2011, 01:30:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus didn't quite gasp with surprise when Master Ryan's voice intruded in his fantasy, jarring him quite badly. He couldn't stop his head lifting up with alarmed speed, however, both eyes coming open and fixing on the man in the doorway. A heartbeat later and the ex-whore gave the Master a grin before tilting his head and giving a small shake, making his dark curls fall forwards, acting as a curtain over his damaged eye so he could see without too much hindrance from it. "Oh yes," he said with coy amusement, strain carrying through his tone. He lifted his chin and started to move his hands, his eyes narrowing and his breath catching in a soft hiss when he inadvertently rubbed a too-sore spot. <br><br>His pace had changed significantly, using slow, sensual strokes now he had a viewer. "Master," he groaned, hips twitching up as if in response to the word, "Join me..." It was almost a question, but almost a command, too. Atticus wasn't sure which it was, himself. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>25-03-2011, 03:24:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ryan smirked at him, hands rising to unbutton, but stopping halfway.<br>"That's very forward of you, Louis," he said quietly, moving over to the bath to seat himself on the edge "And what if I would but watch?"<br>His fingers did occupy themselves with his buttons, though, until his chest could be seen as he hadn't put back on the shirt he had worn under it before.<br><br>The sheer fact Atticus hadn't asked, but more or less had commanded, had changed his mood. There was now this need to tease, while, only seconds ago, he wouldn't have stopped short from pulling him out of the bath to have his way with him.<br>Slowly combing one hand's fingers though his hair, his gaze flicked from the man to the water in the tub, thoughts raising and weaving into wicked ideas. Sex in a tub would be quite confiding, too much to his taste, but.. the water could be useful. Ryan did love to control every aspect of life.<br><br>"I'll do as I please, unless you can convince me to do otherwise," he said, the grin back to his face, one hinting of the ideas that formed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>25-03-2011, 07:36:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked up at Master Ryan with the petulant relative of hate twining sinuously with his amusement and held-off pleasure. Oh, it <em>did</em> feel good to not fear repercussions for letting annoyance show. His gaze dropped, gauging how precarious the man's balance was, sat so on the lip of the tub. So close... he <em>could</em> do it, just pull him in... though treating Master Ryan so disrespectfully even in though cooled his temper. No, that wouldn't do at all. As amusing as it would be, it would probably only gain him an infuriated Master of the House and not a willing bedmate. <br><br>His gaze returned to Master Ryan's penetrating one, lying back slightly, hands stilling as his attention was caught for a long moment by the Master's hands moving through his long, black hair. He blinked and cleared his throat, dragging his attention away from the man's hair. Convince him to join? For a moment he thought it would be easy - then he remembered this was a Master of a brothel. He'd probably witnessed every trick and eyecatch there was. How to lure the Master?<br><br>Well, how had he done it the first time? With words. Bold and coy both at once. Atticus caught his lit between his teeth for a second, not to relish in the ache that flared but to remind Master Ryan of giving it to him. "I was thinking of you. Your voice. Your touch. Your command." He didn't dare say he had fantasised about running away only to be discovered. "Not for the first time, either. You are in danger of becoming rather permanent in my fantasies, Master. Indulging me would guarantee it..."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>30-03-2011, 00:48:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His gaze never left Atticus, studying him like he had done before. A slight smile played around his lips, the man was easy to read. The gaze to his hair, the bite to his lip. He was contemplating and trying to keep his cool.<br>Ryan found it to be cute.<br><br>"You have? I'm flattered," he said low "And an addiction, hm? I thought riding the dragon was more your style...? Though..." he flicked his gaze down his own body and pulled his shirt off, simply draping it on the tiles, hint of his tattoo becoming visible "...I think I can see a connection here." meaning the oriental dragon coiling around his leg.<br><br>Ryan didn't appear to be all too flattered, nor impressed, by Atticus' words. This wasn't too true, though. He was, he just held his mask up and in place. He wasn't about to tell the man he had been in his own thoughts. And definitely not for how long.<br>Instead his head tilted and his gaze travelled down Atticus' body to stop and rest between his thighs.<br><br>"Your words are sweet, Louis. And I appreciate them... But your hands are still under water and you're touching what is mine without my order to do so...."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>30-03-2011, 02:46:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atti's eyes couldn't stay on the Master's face, the revealing of his chest again too much to ignore. The promise of seeing so much skin made his blood pound faster with excitement and he was hard pressed not to finish himself to the sight. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his desires and lifted his gaze. That simple act was as difficult as reining in a headstrong horse - or a very stubborn mule. <br><br>He didn't protest at Master Ryan's quite comments. He had been used many substances, and had been in the dragon's clutches for several months towards the end of his time at the Briars. Even when he was taken out to be paraded public venues and terrifying private parties, he was given over to the drug. But there was no hell to escape from at the Teahouse, and the doctor who had taken over his care had aided him in slipping free the dragon's claws, so he could serve the House with his wits about him. His gaze dropped to the ink under the man's skin, then met black eyes again. "The dragon I rode threw me long ago and rode me itself. I did my best to throw it in turn, but... to be ridden by a dragon is very exhilarating..."<br><br><em>"Your words are sweet, Louis. And I appreciate them... But your hands are still under water and you're touching what is mine without my order to do so...."</em> <br><br>Atticus' breath hitched and he swallowed. Had he said the wrong thing, done something incorrect? He always hated when clients were vague with their desires - but Master Ryan wasn't a client. He would never have a client again. He was going to have to get use to discovering a bedmate's desires and dislikes all by himself. <br><br>Sluggishly, his hands moved, releasing his cock and sliding free of his hole, the latter making his wince. He was unsure what to make of the Master's claim, part of his mind protesting at the thought that anything of his anatomy belonged to the man, another wondering if his hands didn't also lie under the Master's possession, but mostly he just wanted Master Ryan to be pleased with him and fuck him again, even if that meant he had to stop fondling himself. He flexed them, and made them grip the sides of the bath so they wouldn't drift back down his body of their own whims. "Did I mar your property, Master?" he murmured playfully.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>30-03-2011, 02:59:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"...to be ridden by a dragon is very exhilarating..."</em><br><br>He couldn't help but grin at these words.<br>Atticus had a way a lot of experienced whores had. Still there was something about him that was almost innocent. Almost as if he hadn't been damaged by being scarred up, but rather had reverted. At least, that was how it felt to Ryan.<br><br>"I bet it is," he murmured, his grin turning into a smile as the man's hands raised from the water. Had that been a wince? Had he been so rough or had it been his size?<br>Perhaps even both.. Ryan didn't care much to keep his cool against all odds at a certain moment during his play. With Atticus, however, he wanted to, no matter how strong his own fire became. He wondered if it were at all possible to contain this..<br><br>Placing a hand on the other edge, close enough to touch one of Atticus' hands but not quite, he leaned in and stroked long, elegant fingers along the man's cheek.<br>"That's better...," he said quietly, a bit of warmth coming back to his voice.<br>"I'd like it all your pleasure, at least when you're around me, were to come from me. Think you can manage such..?"<br>A hint of playfully faked innocence shimmered over his face before the hand trailed from the man's face, casually along his chest, his abdomen and ghosted, lightly, along his erection.<br>"Now I'm not too certain how far you are, Louis, and I could go too far too soon. That would be a shame.."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>30-03-2011, 05:09:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Master Ryan's hand came close to his, Atti's fingers twitched, the desire to close the distance between their skin a powerful pressure deep in his bones and hot under his skin. Then the Master leaned over him, and Atticus lifted his chin, focusing on the man's face and the deep reaching stare.<em> How was it done</em>, his mind whispered. <em>How was it those eyes could pierce him so deeply?</em> As if nothing could shield him, nothing could veil him. He could be fully dressed and he would still feel vulnerable and exposed. The feel of fingertips on his unmarred cheek made him blink and it broke the spell. He licked his suddenly dry lips and swallowed again, his mouth hitching in a smirk. He shifted in the water, his knuckles flexing as he struggled with his want to be touched. Master Ryan would, soon. Wouldn't he? <br><br><em>"That's better... I'd like it all your pleasure, at least when you're around me, were to come from me. Think you can manage such..?" </em> <br><br>That sort of possessive order would have made his lip curl in a snarl a few months ago. Hell, if anyone else had uttered it, even now, he would have been spitting dockside curses at them, telling the arrogant sod where to shove it... but it wasn't <em>anyone</em>, it was Master Ryan. And it had been put so that he was still free to do as he pleased elsewhere, even free to refuse. Hadn't it been close to his own fantasy, but moments ago? <em>What pleasure you have will be mine to give, not yours to take</em> - only this... this was better. It gave him such a surge of lust he couldn't quite hold back a soft, low groan. "Yes, sir," he said, his voice a low rasp as he accepted.<br><br>The bodyguard's breath hitch and the muscles under his skin rippled as they tensed under the Master's light touch. When the fingers teased his length, he pressed back against the bath and lifted his hips, not quite a thrust but rather a welcoming of further contact. "Please, I won't spend, I swear," he whispered, hoping he could keep the promise, hoping Master Ryan would believe him and touch him more.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 03:41:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By now Ryan didn't think second thoughts about how easy this was, how easily and unreserved Atticus was submitting to him. It seemed to flow natural, the interaction between the two men, and he couldn't help but feel joyous about it.<br>Though he probably should give this thought sometime soon. Especially think about his own feelings, and the why behind the problem he had such problems acknowledging them, even to himself.<br><br>"Good boy," he whispered at Atticus' words, smile spreading when he lifted his hips, nearly pressing his erection against his fingers he teasingly withdrew.<br><br><em>"Please, I won't spend, I swear." </em><br><br>"I think that would be an interesting test, Louis... To see if you can live up to those words," he murmured, his hand wandering back, but now to take a firm hold of the man's erection. Delightful how hard he felt. Had he been pleasuring himself all this time..? It sure did feel like it.<br>Giving a slight, teasing squeeze, Ryan smirked then licked his lips. It would be easier for Atticus if he bound him at the base. But what would be the fun in that?<br>He didn't wait for a reaction or for words, but took up a slow pace, his hand tight around his shaft as he stroked the full length of him, eyes staying locked on his, ready to stop at tell tale signs of him going too fast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 06:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'<em>Boy</em>' - again. Even with his body demanding release and Master Ryan's fingers drawing away even as he lifted towards them, Atticus grinned briefly, knowing how small a gap there was between their ages. The amusement and frustration he felt didn't diminish the rush of satisfaction and happiness at having pleased Master Ryan, and he wished he could bask under that smile always. Still... to be called 'boy'... Anel was a boy. Cam was a boy. Atticus no longer qualified to be such. He even drew breath to say something about it, but he caught the words back before they left his tongue as the Master spoke.<br><br><em>"I think that would be an interesting test, Louis... To see if you can live up to those words."</em><br><br>Whatever he had thought to say, it left his mind in a rush, as did the breath intended for them. Instead of words, he gave voice to a breathy moan, his own hands twitching as the Master's squeezed his shaft and started to work it, and oh fuck, why had he said that, why had he promised, because it was torture. But he wouldn't beg, not yet. He would control himself, his body, his desire, because Master Ryan wanted him to and <em>he</em> wanted to. But fuck it all, why had he taken himself so far along - he gasped and his hips bucked as Master Ryan's hand slid to his tip, and he couldn't relax again until it had slid back down towards his balls. Gods, they <em>ached</em>. He would not release, he would <em>not</em>! He had to calm down or he would crack a tooth or shred his hands on the bath rim. <br><br>He swallowed and caught his breath, not thinking to slow it but sooth it so it was steady and consistent, not stop-and-start. And while it was impossible to ignore the hand moving so tauntingly on his flesh, he blinked and forced himself to look at Master Ryan as if he would never see the man again. Lips, shining wet, knowing smirk. Pale, pale skin, slightly pinked from the steam, dark brows, dark hair, long, silk. Dark, endless eyes. He was so close, but just a little too far for his mouth to reach. It was a good thing, he thought with not a little bitterness. He didn't know if he could hold this temporary calm if he kissed the Master.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Marguerite</strong> on <strong>31-03-2011, 21:55:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The fretting servant, only a few weeks into his employment with the Teahouse made his way over to Master Ryan's room. He heard of Master Ryan and the ways in which he could cast a withering glare that it would empty of the bowels of the week that it made the servant hesitate to knock on his door. What if the Master Ryan was taking a nap? What if he was talking to another client over money issues? Still, Rubee asked him to continue on his way and there were new people who wanted to take a look at the list of whores here for their pleasure. The servant took a few deep breaths and even spoke beneath his breath to calm himself before he held up his fist and knocked three times on Master Ryan's door. "Master Ryan, there are new clients, I believe, waiting to talk to you and see about possible whores," he answered, before he stood back and waited.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 02:09:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was not uncommon for the Master of the House to be disturb when busy to tend to matters at hand.<br>This interruption, however, did earn its own price in badly timed.<br>Because, of course Ryan had heard the servant, even if he were two doors away. Both doors he had closed.<br>But he couldn't lock his business out of his private life.<br><br>What private life..?<br><br>The glare Ryan cast at the bathroom door was both of such a fiery and such a cold nature one could picture the door shattering in shards of ice and still be on fire at the same time.<br>He did turn his attention back to Atticus, but withdrew his hand, himself, and growled low, picked up the shirt -he should remind himself to get another from the bedroom- and turned to leave the bathroom.<br><br>"I'll not ask you to wait, Louis," he said, a lot calmer than he was "Take some time for yourself. We've passed into the afternoon. Work's to be done."<br><br>With that he walked out, flicked his shirt unto the bed and slipped on a new one that was just as black as the one he had discarded, then opened the door and pulled the servant into the office before shutting it closed again.<br><br>"Describe them to me," he said, his voice and eyes so cold he'd not be surprised if the servant before him were to freeze solid on the spot.<br>"Or, better yet, don't bother... I'll go see myself."<br><br>Leaving the still trembling and completely dumbstruck servant behind in his office, he strode out himself and headed to the hallway, gathering all of his focus and concentration to not instantly snap at anyone who'd pass by him.<br><br><hr>Going to here. (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4447966#msg4447966)<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>01-04-2011, 03:11:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sound of the servant at the door was faint to Atticus, the knocks the only things he heard. It was enough to make him snap out of his daze, his attention leaving Master Ryan with a jarring, dizzying jerk. What was it – one of the whores? One of the clients? Or worse, one of the staff worried about something they heard while passing a locked door…<br><br>Still, he couldn’t contain a grinding groan of frustration when the Master took his hand away. He turned his gaze back to the other man and swallowed. “Yes, Master.” He did what he could to bar regret from his tone. Interruptions were frequent. That they had enjoyed a quiet moment long enough for one fuck today, however quick, was a marvel in itself.<br><br>Master Ryan left without a look back. Atticus waited until he heard the doors close before he smacked the side of the bath. He would not act like a sullen bitch or a love-snubbed theatric. He didn’t have any right to feel resentful or hurt the Master of the House had dropped him without hesitation to attend his work – it was just a fuck and it was a shame they couldn’t enjoy another together and. That. Was. It. <br><br>He fisted his aching hand around his cock, not caring any more to think of pleasing fantasies to amuse and titillate a second party, but just remembered some of the better fucks he’d had over the years, stroking himself furiously then pressed his free fingers against the cut at his neck so it throbbed. Not half a minute after Master Ryan had left, he tensed and groaned low, his seed shooting up his belly and onto his chest in several pale arcs. <br><br>He didn’t bask in the afterglow, too distracted about who had been at the door. He wiped his stomach clean and jerked the plug out before getting out of the bath. He rubbed himself vigorously though not thoroughly and dressed with an efficient rush. <br><br>(To (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4448242#msg4448242))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 04:23:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From : Here (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4464126#msg4464126)<br><br>Nicholas Bureck followed Ryan Valentine into his office, Florence on his arm; thoughts more settled then they had been before. She had been right to get them to come here, if for nothing else he felt like he might actually get what he had in mind completed now. That was always the issue with creating something that wasn't physically 'there', to create the fantastical, the sensual. It was something most artists shied from, but he had always enjoyed a challenge, figuring how to fit the puzzle pieces together and make something work. There were several possible pieces to his 'puzzle' at the Teahouse, should things work out in a proper manner. It would take more then one visit though, especially if he wanted to work into Valentine's good graces enough to get the Master of the House to sit for him. <br><br>But he would, eventually. Charm and money got him most things, stubbornness got the rest. And he did so love a good challenge. <br><br>His gray eyes took in the tasteful decor of the office before he led Florence to a seat politely, more comfortable with staying standing himself. He was silent for the moment, thinking about how she had looked at the pair of whores to enter the room before they had left it. Was it the willowy red head or the striking slender male at her side that had caught his friends attention? Either would work, though the slender male was much more to his ideals for this project. He was near as perfect a fit as the man of security. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 05:02:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Master Ryan talked, Atticus struggled against the urge to bite his lower lip again. The marks the Master had left were visable enough as they were without his actions calling attention to either. He instead let his gaze slide towards Fi and – what was his name? – wondering what had happened with the composer. One less thing to worry about. Lord Aldrich wouldn’t cause issue... why was Zara not at the piano? <br><br>He wanted to linger and ask Mary about who was currently entertaining, but the party were moving into Master Ryan’s office and he didn’t have time. No matter, he would see soon enough with the line-up. <br><br>He was the last one into the room, and shut the door before standing a few feet from it at the wall, and only then letting his tongue flick briefly on the stinging bite. He had been mistaken; it had meant something. It had meant pleasure and freedom, and he was a petulant child to think it had been anything else. His gaze lifted to Master Ryan and smiled briefly before schooling his features back to neutrality.<br><br>&nbsp;He had to not think about it, or at least not let it distract him, and focus on these two. He settled his body and his mind, watching their body language, wondering if they would feel nervous about him or if they would choose to ignore him like so many clients did.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 05:32:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence let her eyes wander over the office that Nicholas escorted her to in Ryan's wake. It was nicely appointed to be certain. Nic took her to a chair and she inclined her head to him with a smile as she smoothed her skirts and took her seat. The parasol she had carried in earlier she rested in her lap, running her fingers over the folds of the closed contraption. <em>'This has become quite the adventure already.'</em> Florence reflected as she looked around the office again.<br><br>She heard the door close behind her, but was already seated and so decided not to turn her body. <em>'It's Atticus by the sound of his movements.'</em> She held herself perfectly straight, though her whole body seemed at ease. Lithe and flexible and prepared to move if the need were to arise. Eventually she let her eyes settle on Master Ryan, but her thoughts remained on Atticus for the moment, <em>'I wonder if he would even consider a spar with a woman... Best not to ask. Risks should always be calculated and necessary in this line of work.'</em> The tiniest hint of a frown manifested in the corners of her mouth as she thought about that, but Florence quickly focused herself back on the moment and let her lips be swept into a smile.<br><br>Master Ryan had offered tea and Florence waited now for him to make good on the offer. She assumed Nicholas would explain his needs to the man. She was here for typical reasons, after all, aside from being one of Nic's models at any rate.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 05:42:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oddly enough, the servant he nearly scared to death only minutes ago also wandered past on his way to his office and it gave him the perfect option to order tea to be delivered. It didn't take time, nor words, only a small gesture of his hand the very new employee actually understood. Ryan decided to add a few points in his mind to the man's record and let it go from his mind again.<br><br>His office still looked the same as he had left it and he was both pleased and annoyed he hadn't taken Atticus over the desk. Being pleased won, unfortunately. It would have been quite a mess to have cleaned up in what little time they had been in the hallway.<br><br>"I trust the tea will be here in a matter of minutes," he said while walking around his desk and taking place behind it, elbows planted on the surface and his gaze wandering from Florence to Nicholas, to Atticus (briefly) and to Nicholas again.<br><br>"I have the feeling you are looking for something specific, sir," he said, eyes glued on Nicholas, slight smile playing along his lips "I'd like to hear about this, if you would be so kind."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 06:09:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nicholas lounged slightly against the chair that his companion sat so elegantly in, his eyes fixed on the Master of the House as he settled in, clearly in his seat of power. How he would love to sketch this man, so confident and sure of himself and perhaps even...no, not yet. At the request to speak of what he wanted his eyes went down to Florence, serene and surprisingly silent before he looked back at Ryan with a slight smirk to his lips; even this whore Master was unlikely to expect what he requested. <br><br>"I am, how astute of you. I am not here looking for sex, though the lovely Lady is I believe; rather I am seeking models, for a project of mine, a particularly private one that I would hate to hear any information about was leaked. Including just who I choose to model. So Valentine, can you assure me that your people are discreet?" <br><br>His eyes went to the figure of Atticus standing near the door for a moment and then back to Ryan, a hand lifting to point toward the other man. "He has the perfect edge to him, that <em>something</em> that has been eluding my work so far on this particular piece of the project. I understand that security isn't often for...sale as it were, but I just want to draw him. Nude granted, but I'll pay as well as I would if he were a whore and I were interested in the fucking. At least one other will be required, this time. I wish to see a full line up because there will be other needs, types, best suited for other days, feel free to charge the normal rate for their time of course."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 11:02:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;The moment the man pointed him finger at Atticus, his whole body tensed as if he expected the gesture to hurt. Colour washed from his face, and his hand made an aborted twitch towards his sword. No, no, it wasn’t like that, not here. And hadn’t the man just said he wasn’t here for sex? <em>‘I’m not here for sex, I’m here for pain, for blood, for screams’</em> – it wasn’t like that here!&nbsp; He curled his hand into a fist and pressed it down to his thigh, clenching his teeth.<br><br>Atticus’ eyes narrowed in disbelief when the man said he only wished to draw. Draw nude. Master Ryan couldn’t believe him. He wouldn’t agree to it...<br><br><em>"Such a shame you gave up your old profession... I'm sure you could still bring in a very pretty penny..."</em> <br><br>No, he would not, he would not... and why not? Why not put him to the work he had been intended for? Now that Master Ryan knew he could do it, wasn’t defective beyond a little out of condition. That would mend with time and experience, and why not charge a fee for that? No. He <em>wouldn’t </em>– why? Why would he not? There. Was. No. Reason.<br><br>He didn’t look at Master Ryan, not once. Cowardly. He didn’t want to see the speculation, the silent money counting, the cold distance. It was a fuck and it was good and it was his freedom, but that was all it was. And Master Ryan still owned him. He had to obey or forfeit his position, his earnings... he didn’t like the amount the Master of the Teahouse could sue him for. The remaining contract, Atticus could afford. The fucks between now and the end? On the rates of a whore of the Teahouse? He’d be bankrupt. Two whores at the Briars had tried, once a few weeks after he first arrived and another the year before he’d been bought by Master Ryan. They had fought it. They had lost everything.<br><br>He could not lose that money.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>05-04-2011, 15:55:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I trust the tea will be here in a matter of minutes," Master Ryan said as he made his way to the chair behind his rather nice desk,"I have the feeling you are looking for something specific, sir," with his next words his eyes stayed on Nicholas, a smile on his lips "I'd like to hear about this, if you would be so kind."<br><br>Florence took that moment to remind herself of the possible routes of escape. And God did it bother her that she did so, recounting the path they'd followed to get here in her mind as well as other potential exits and halls that might lead to them. Mentally she sighed at herself, <em>'Woman... this is </em>not<em> a job.'</em> Slender fingers hooked around some of her golden curls and brushed them to the side of her face, making them bob. <em>'It never hurts to be observant.'</em> It was a vain effort to fend off what she knew would come.<br><br><em>The careless become the dead in my profession, Love.</em> The thought - memory really - of his voice was enough to make her feel so small. As accurate as it was he could have been there, standing over her shoulder, whispering in her ear again...<br><br>It sent a nigh imperceptible shudder down her spine and Florence shifted further back in her seat as though to ward off a chill. Nicholas was speaking. Truth be told he had been for a while now at least, but Florence's attention was divided. His voice was a comfort against the memories though as it swam back into focus, "...I would hate to hear any information about was leaked. Including just who I choose to model. So Valentine, can you assure me that your people are discreet?" <br><br><em>'Ah, his project.'</em> Her fingers rested on her lap again, fingertips briefly picking at some of the jet lacing on the glove of her left hand. <em>'I was in such a </em>good<em> mood, Goddammnit.'</em> It took an effort not to scowl, but Florence was well skilled at wearing masks, and so she didn't.<br><br><em>Moods come and go, and you have to control them unless you want everyone to know your secrets.</em> The voice sounded in her mind again, her own personal torment.<br><br><em>'Stop, Florence. He's gone now.'</em> She saw Nicholas turn his gaze toward the door - <em>'Exit number one...'</em> - and point toward the bodyguard, or the person she assumed was the bodyguard. She was ninety-nine percent certain, which was the primary source of possible derailment should she and Nicholas be required to use exit number one. <em>'Stop it. Stop!'</em> Nicholas was speaking again, and Florence used that. Abruptly she brought his words to focus, making them be the center of her attention for the time being.<br><br>"...fect edge to him, that <em>something</em> that has been eluding my work so far on this particular piece of the project. I understand that security isn't often for... sale as it were, but I just want to draw him. Nude granted, but I'll pay as well as I would if he were a whore and I were interested in the fucking. At least one other will be required, this time. I wish to see a full line up because there will be other needs, types, best suited for other days, feel free to charge the normal rate for their time of course."<br><br>There was another sound behind Nicholas' words, aside from his own enthusiasm. Clothing moving, if only fractionally. Florence's eyes turned at last on the door and on Atticus beside it. Her gaze rested first on his face, and then moved along his arms. <em>'So tense.'</em> She was fairly certain it was not the same tension she found evident in her muscles from nerves regarding a potential job, but rather something more emotional. She could relate to that. <br><br>Florence turned her gaze back on Master Ryan, thoughtful and curious what the man would say to Nicholas' proposition. As for her.. Well, she hoped the man who'd offered them that polite smile downstairs was a whore by employment. Perhaps with some luck she could recapture her good mood and relax enough to have some fun. Even thinking about the session that laid ahead helped her to feel a bit more at ease.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 01:44:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"I am, how astute of you. I am not here looking for sex, though the lovely Lady is I believe; rather I am seeking models, for a project of mine, a particularly private one that I would hate to hear any information about was leaked. Including just who I choose to model. So Valentine, can you assure me that your people are discreet?"</em> <br><br>How rude, no title used. Ryan almost decided to just kick him out of the Teahouse for lack of manners. And.. he was in his right to do so. Afterall, the Teahouse has a reputation to keep up. If the more royal clientèle had even a suspicion certain other clients were less then savoury, they would think the whores to be somehow infected by this. They did have sex with them.<br>His eyes had narrowed slightly, but hardly noticeable. It would probably take a doctor or an artist to see the shift in emotion behind his businessman mask.<br>Thought at Nicolas' next words, and the pointing finger, his emotion broke through the mask, be it briefly, before he turned his attention to Atticus, not paying all too much attention to Florence.<br><br>Of course he could read the man. His tension was so clear to his eye it made his heart bleed.<br><br>"Atticus...," he said, quietly, quite warm "To my side, please."<br><br>He intended to let the man decide for himself. With his past and his current position, both under Ryan's roof and in his heart, he had earned this much.<br><br>"You must understand though, sir, that Atticus is not a whore and having him pose for you would be more expensive than asking for someone who actually holds such a position in my House," he said to Nicolas, fingers meeting each-other just below his chin in a small bridge.<br>"Asides that, even if you wished two whores at the same time, for whatever reason, the price would be three times that of one, due to two whores being able to be active at the same time and the sheer fact they both will be busy and thus not obtainable by any other client."<br><br>Only then his mind went over the subtle changes he had seen in Florence and he started to wonder just how innocent this lady actually was. Not that it was his business..
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 05:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ah, damn it he had annoyed the man. Not surprising really, it was part of why Nicholas usually let Florence lead when talking to new people; he got too fixed on what he wanted and forget the manners his saint of a mother had tried to train into him over and over again. He sighed, moving to take a care and lounging back into it with a rueful expression. "I do believe I've offend Master Valentine, please forgive me."<br><br>Most wouldn't noticed it, the man was very well controlled; Nic was an artist though and observing people was part of what he was here to do. The way the man called his security man to his side did make him pause, perhaps he had pressed too far to ask for a personal favorite? Was the man a personal favorite or was Ryan Valentine just the sort to be protective and possessive of any he thought his? Questions and more questions, he was good at watching people, at making art, understanding people was a whole different matter, especially their motives. Motive wise Nicholas always had been rather simple and straight forward. Some would even say blunt. <br><br>In response to the information about cost he nodded, his expression apologetic and a bit frustrated, it was clear his thoughts were moving very quickly indeed as he weighed whether or not it was worth the money for what he desired. Still...there was that something, and many of those he had seen held promise. Money was of little issue to him, especially since he had started to do prints of his more famous works and the royal commissions he had done before starting this project paid very well indeed. This project would be a master piece, he was sure. <br><br>"Very well then, forgive my bluntness, since I do not mean for this to be a one time visit I suppose I should give the disclaimer that's so popularly attached to me." He flashed a bit of a grin then, looking over at Florence before back at Ryan. "When I am caught up in a project or itching to work I tend to...loose my manners and I mean no disrespect or harm by it. I will try to make up for it, and for your forbearance by respecting all of your rules and stipulations to the utmost and treating your staff with respect. Once the project is done to my satisfaction, if the Teahouse yields the inspiration I sincerely hope it will, I would," he paused, thinking of the right word. "like to bestow a rather large gift with nothing looked for in return outside of perhaps future patronage."<br><br>"And, should I care to take in more of the carnal delights of your establishment I would clearly book that separate and only with those who would desire my attentions." His gaze flickered to Atticus then, a twitch of a grin on his lips again that was at once laughing and apologetic. "I really do mean nothing by it Atticus, merely that your features give something that I've been trying to capture for more days then I care to count. If you are truly against it I understand, not everyone wishes to model, forgive an artist his enthusiasm. I think it best that Florence speak for the rest of this, she has much more demure manners then I."<br><br>It was a sign of how much he trusted the petite blond, to let her speak of money and terms but he trusted the little assassin far more then most.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 12:22:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Atticus... To my side, please."</em><br><br>Hearing the soft tone was like feeling the brush of silk when he had expected a whip’s crack. He couldn’t keep the shudder from rolling across his shoulders, the desire to trust the Master a seductive draw. It was a game Atticus was all too familiar with, but no one had carried it on for so long or so convincingly. <br><br>He flicked his Gaze to Master Ryan, feeling the knot of tension ease a little more, letting him move to obey. He circled around the couple, perhaps a little rudely taking the path behind the ‘artist’ – honestly, why the nobility thought they had to mask their reasons for coming to a whorehouse… <br><br>Master Ryan discussed prices – Atti didn’t blink when the Master mentioned Atticus' price was more than any usual whore’s. Disappointment left a bitter rime of bile at the back of his throat, but he couldn’t help but respect the man for the ploy. Make one of his stable seem unattainable, then enjoy the profit of some fool with more money than sense who wished for the rare and taboo… clever. Clever. <br><br>He came to a stop by the Master’s right side, his attention turned to the lord. He focused on keeping his gaze and face opaque. He still found it difficult to do when struggling with high emotion, though it could be of fatal importance for a swordsman to keep his intentions masked.&nbsp; <br><br><em>"I really do mean nothing by it Atticus, merely that your features give something that I've been trying to capture for more days then I care to count. If you are truly against it I understand, not everyone wishes to model, forgive an artist his enthusiasm. I think it best that Florence speak for the rest of this, she has much more demure manners then I."</em><br><br>He bowed again, shallow and swift. “I think only of my duties to the House. There would be no guarantees that we would be uninterrupted.” The lie was as smooth and mellow as a truth. He was truly surprise the man had picked up anything was the matter with him – he needed to do much better than this…<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 16:20:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence's thoughtful, blue eyes remained on Ryan's face as he spoke. She could tell something was off and had a good guess as to what, but she was not quite as skilled at reading people as Nicholas, so her suspicion remained that at first.<br><br>The Master spoke in a rather warm tone to call Atticus to him. She heard the bodyguard moving again, making his way around Nicholas to Ryan, and her eyes followed him once he came into view. <em>'There is risk in this...'</em> came the nagging voice. <em>'A guard will certainly know the scars on your body aren't scars a gentle lady would acquire.. A whore likely would as well by the nature and place of them, but a bodyguard... Certainly..'</em> A silent sigh slid past her lips, indicated only by the slow sinking of her chest. <em>'Everyone has secrets though. Don't close yourself off to this.. Besides, if he models with you he might just consider sparring with you..'</em> <br><br>Master Ryan continued as Atticus reached his side, explaining that prices would be raised for what Nicholas was asking.. Both in gaining Atticus' time as a model and in gaining two whores at one time. <em>'So by that to have Atticus and the whore I liked - assuming he's a whore... And assuming Nicholas can work with him - could be as much as... six or seven times the normal price. Maybe more if the Master decides to press the matter...'</em> Florence's eyes turned on Nicholas again, one golden brow raised in question. She knew the man was well-moneyed, well-moneyed beyond reason really. She doubted at times that he had any idea what it was like to rely on another anymore. Not since becoming such a well-renowned artist at the least. She, however, was relatively pragmatic when it came to spending money, and so Nicholas' freedom with it was always a bit of a surprise to her.<br><br>Nicholas spoke then, letting his charming grin flash more than once as he explained his manners and apologized, trying to clear the air. This made Florence certain she had detected something 'off' with Master Ryan's attitude earlier, and she took Nicholas at his word when he said he'd offended the man. He spoke of the costs as he was weighing them, but must have found Atticus worth the potential price, as it were, because he finally concluded with, "I think it best that Florence speak for the rest of this, she has much more demure manners then I."<br><br>Florence found amusement in his last statement, for yes, she did have better manners, but who could fault an artist for being passionate in their work? She also knew now that the man was willing to spend a small fortune here to get what he wanted... And while the ease of it was as surprising to the woman as the lavish gifts he'd been doting upon her, that he was so inclined to pursue his desires was only expected. A very faint shake of her head moved her blond curls into a gentle sway. <br><br>As her gaze was turning from Nicholas back toward Ryan and Atticus the bodyguard offered a bow and said, "I think only of my duties to the House. There would be no guarantees that we would be uninterrupted."<br><br>The blond inclined her head in turn, calling on her charm and easy manner as she swept the haunting memories and plaguing mannerisms she had learned from her profession out of her mind for the time being, "Goodness. Well if anyone can attest to the truth of Sir Nicholas' words, it is I, Master Valentine." She shifted in her seat so that she now faced him completely. "The reputation of the Teahouse is what drew us to it. Really this was my idea, coming here, because Sir Nicholas so often complains of the discomfort men exhibit in taking their clothes off for other men, be it for art or otherwise. I suppose he could have put emphasis on the fact that those who agreed to the posing would have been doing so in my company at times, but he did not wish to tarnish my reputation." Her hand slipped out with her last statement to take Nicholas' affectionately. He was, after all, protecting her reputation. She switched modes so quickly that even she couldn't really find a seam as she went from the quiet observer to the point speaker. <br><br>"Now, I was suggested to come here by Lord Bonham. I must confess," and here her cheeks colored an appropriate shade of pink, "that his reasons for suggesting this establishment had nothing at all to do with Nicholas, but more with my own.. More carnal desires." A blend of modesty and candor had become Florence's normal disposition some time before and she saw no reason to hide her purpose in coming here. "If Sir Nicholas says he wishes Atticus to pose and nothing more, he's being completely honest about the matter. Sometimes the man is so absorbed in his paintings that he can't be pulled from them by anything less than direct, physical contact," and now there was a smirk on her lips and a playful gleam in her pretty eyes.<br><br>"I - while I won't deny Atticus is attractive - think I've already seen the man whose time I wish to enjoy, assuming he's to Nicholas' tastes for painting as well. He was accompanying a copper-haired lady when we were still gathered by the entryway. Perhaps you took note of them as we left to come here?" She thought of continuing right into the matter of money, but it seemed appropriate to let Ryan have a chance to answer her question. Asides that, she would get her best gauge of his reaction to her 'charms' when he had a chance to speak and as an added bonus, she might get the name of the man she had seen downstairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 23:41:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gave a slight nod at Nicolas' apology and listened to his speak about money, patronage and all he could think about was that he should care more about the money being offered, now and in the future, than about Atticus being well. These dealings of the heart would ruin his business sooner or later, he was certain. His gaze flicked to Atticus when he moved, but he remained silent, kept listening, studying both Nicolas and Florence while his chin rested on the bridge his fingers had made, only lifting them to nod once again when Florence spoke up, not giving any hints of his surprise. The woman seemed to nearly shift between stances. It was intriguing to watch. He couldn't help but wonder what her position was. If she held a certain job..<br><br>Only when both were done talking he spoke, raising his chin from his hands a slight smile to his lips that was not reaching his eyes.<br>"Not everything can be bought, sir, M'lady," he spoke quietly "I will not go into the details, but, if you can give me a few moments.."<br><br>With that he looked up at Atticus, and made a small gesture for him to lean into him, then whispered against his ear, low enough to be very hard to hear, perhaps even not hearable at all by the two potential clients "I'm leaving this decision in your hands, Louis. Pose, if you think you can trust him. You have my permission to act if he does anything against your will..."<br><br>Lowering his eyes to the desk for a few moments, he rested his hands there and looked up at Florence.<br>"The young man you described is named Adonijah. But, I feel I must protect both you from being surprised and him from having his emotions hurt. The young man is of a more exotic nature than one may think on first glance, though.. I do agree he is dashing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-04-2011, 23:57:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				What Ryan said set off memories in him, ones he would rather not think of, rather not have. No, not everything could be bought, and indeed he wouldn't want to be one of <em>those</em> who acted as if it could. He had been sheltered growing up, there was no debating that fact but he had come to the capital to make his living as a artist. He had seen things he wouldn't even speak of to Florence. His gray eyes darkened, reflecting perhaps too much of his emotions but Nicholas was never one to conceal what he felt more then need by. Softly came his voice then, almost unbidden. "There is a reason, Master Valentine, that I usually do not look for models in brothels."<br><br>Such simple words, but the images the conjured, the memories, ah, those. It was why it had taken Florence several times of speaking of the Teahouse to coax him here; why he made it clear he wanted only models and not sex. Perhaps, once he knew the whores in question, knew their personalities and desires it would be different. He would pay for Florence if she ever chose to demand such for her services to him; but to go to a normal brothel? No, never. <br><br>It appeared Atticus would be out of his reach then, he had meant it when he said he would not press someone into something they had little desire for. Nic was glad he had given the conversation over to Florence now, the bright intensity of the Knighted artist simmering down to something else, something brooding and uneasy. He spoke no more though, he had seen what he wanted he was content to take the gamble of the negotiations and hope they worked out well. If not, well then one visit here would not harm his pocket book and it would give Florence her entertainment. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>07-04-2011, 02:52:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Atticus’ attention flicked to the lady as she spoke and smoothed over the verbal bungles of her lord, offering the name of another client. It was a struggle not to let his cynicism show when she said her man, Sir Nicholas, would truly only desire to look on, and not indulge. But... they were not attempting to get a lower rate. Maybe the Lord was just shy, not stupid. <br><br>Master Ryan’s gesture caught his eye, though it was a near thing with the Master being on his blind side. He leant towards him, a hollow rush in his stomach, sure to hear an order.<br><br><em> "I'm leaving this decision in your hands, Louis. Pose, if you think you can trust him. You have my permission to act if he does anything against your will..."</em><br><br>A snatch of breath left him in a soft rush of surprise. His choice to make? He nodded slightly and straightened, utterly perplexed. What was he meant to do? What did Master Ryan want him to do? Protect the House, but was that it? Pleasing the clients was not his to attend to anymore. But the money that Sir Nicholas was dangling was... a lot. If he was willing to spend the sum of a three-whore fee – more, considering how ‘special’ Master Ryan had dubbed him – and then another gift at the end... <br><br>His hand was clenched so tight his nailbeds ached and he forced it open before he tore one of them. At least the gloved had protected his palm from being bloodied. He swallowed and murmured to the lord, “Then, I will be at your disposal sir.” <br><br>He felt peculiar again, his lunch churning with revulsion at the ideas he was having of what would soon follow – ah, he was such a coward. He would not be afraid of doing this. For Ellen. For James. It was for them. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>08-04-2011, 01:15:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence's blue eyes rested on Master Ryan after she had finished speaking, drinking in his expression. Now she was in the game, though thankfully it was not the game she usually played. The man wore a mask quite well, save the warmth of the smile he offered did not reach his eyes when he responded saying quietly, "Not everything can be bought, sir, M'lady. I will not go into the details, but, if you can give me a few moments.."<br><br>Florence's head bowed in her ascent, not that he needed it but because it seemed the polite thing to do in response to his own polite gesture. He motioned Atticus closer and the bodyguard leaned in. Florence's eyes averted immediately, allowing them a sense of privacy, at least from her. She turned to look at Nicholas and blinked in surprise when she saw his expression.<br><br><em>'Oh dear.. Something's struck a nerve in my lover...'</em> Almost as if in response to her observation Nicholas spoke softly, "There is a reason, Master Valentine, that I usually do not look for models in brothels." She tilted her head slightly at the words, sending golden curls spilling over her shoulder. <em>'If you were uncomfortable with this, Nic, why didn't you tell me so?'</em> Her blue eyes were soft as she regarded her friend, if a bit confused. This had been her idea and she had brought him here, but she'd not yet seen him show such reluctance or concern. <em>'That's something I should like to understand better, though I may never have the opportunity...'</em><br><br>The sound of Master Ryan's voice - now pitched for herself and Nicholas to hear - pulled Florence immediately from her considerations. Her face smoothed over and offered the same pleasant confidence and candor she had displayed moments before as she turned her gaze back on Master Ryan and listened to his words, "The young man you described is named Adonijah. But, I feel I must protect both you from being surprised and him from having his emotions hurt. The young man is of a more exotic nature than one may think on first glance, though.. I do agree he is dashing."<br><br>Florence found herself more curious now about the man, Adonijah, but still concerned for Nicholas. She knew her moods and tastes were rather precarious at that moment in time and was thankful when Atticus spoke up, offering her a little longer to sort out her own feelings. <br><br>"Then, I will be at your disposal sir," the bodyguard offered to Nicholas, his tone and his form tense enough to express shadows in his own past.<br><br>Florence drew a breath in, a long one, and then adjusted her curls with the hand which had been holding Nicholas'. She pushed them back over her shoulder so they fell down her back, thankful that Atticus was not behind her for the moment. "Well, I should like to know in what way Enchanting Adonijah is exotic if you please, Master Valentine." The words were accompanied by her charming smile, the emphasis left on 'Enchanting Adonijah' like the title was inherently attached to his name. <br><br>"And I suppose we should consider the cost of time, as you stated hiring two entertainers would cost three times the fee of one, but also that hiring your head of security would be more expensive than a single entertainer's fee.. Are we to assume then that the cost of Atticus' time will be threefold what you would ask for him alone if Nicholas hires two?"<br><br>Numbers. She knew the danger of them far too well for a simple noblewoman, but that was fine. She was <em>anything</em> but simple. Her blue eyes were cheerful and warm as they rested on Master Ryan's face and awaited his response. She'd elected to address him by his last name since she did not know him well, hoping to convey a deeper sense of respect on her part than someone calling him 'Master Ryan' might.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-04-2011, 01:58:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"There is a reason, Master Valentine, that I usually do not look for models in brothels."</em><br><br>Though Ryan was quite distracted, even if he didn't show it, this did get his attention and he nodded, lightly, his smile spreading and reaching his eyes when Atticus reacted to his whispered words. Apparently he hadn't thought he'd give Atticus that kind of freedom ; to basically decline or accept the job of modelling for Nicolas. It caught him by surprise Atticus actually accepted, and it showed, but, briefly, again.<br>He could sense the tension in him and he almost reached out for him. Why would he accept if it made him this stressed..? But he couldn't give it too much thought now Atticus spoke these words. He had to accept them and let go of the contemplating.<br><br>"I didn't wish to make you uncomfortable, sir. There are a few reasons behind me being so very careful when it comes to Atticus," he said, folding his hands over each-other<br>"I'm not to disclose these, however. They are of a personal nature. I'm sure you can understand."<br><br>He grinned at the use of a near title for Adi by Florence, and it wasn't part of his mask. It was amusing to hear to him. that, and he felt the same way. There was something about the hermaphrodite, and he hoped it would bloom more. Maybe with some attention, it would.<br><br>"I'm going to assume you have a healthy imagination and tell you, M'lady, that the man in question is not a man, nor a woman, but both," he said with a warming smile, then drummed his fingers on his desk and tilted his head at the question about numbers.<br><br>"Well. Two whores for one client would come to a price of three whores. But two whores for two clients, would not, not even if the whores were shared," he said, then slipped a hand into a drawer to take out a piece of paper with the common prices of the Teahouse he laid on the desk, sliding it towards Florence.<br>"Atticus, because he's not a whore, would be one and a half the price of a whore, and without the more carnal delights, I might add. It's basic math, really. It only becomes complicated if one would wish for Atticus' non-sexual services <em>and</em> a whore's sexual ones."<br><br>Of course this was Ryan's playing field ; discussing and negotiating prices for the time of his whores, while trying to protect both the whores and the clients. Of course, to a degree, his whores came first. Though he did wish clients to be returning, a damaged whore, physically or mentally, would be much worse for the House than a client not returning for a new stay.<br>He flicked his gaze up at Atticus briefly, him being the embodiment of such.<br>Much worse, indeed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-04-2011, 21:00:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em> “Then, I will be at your disposal sir.”</em><br><br>The words came, assenting; but he could tell it wasn't wanted, that the bodyguard had no enjoyment. Money. It always came down to money. Nic turned his head slightly, aware that Florence was staring at him now with those blue eyes, wanting to know no doubt what was on his mind. There were some things he didn't care to share. He almost thought of saying that he didn't want Atticus to model now, almost. He had already put them all in the uncomfortable position to get that agreement though, and promised money to get it even. No backing out. And Atticus would be perfect for that <em>something</em>. <br><br>Money talk commenced then, Florence sliding in gracefully and seeming completely at ease; the amount of money discussed would no doubt be staggering for most people. It would have been to him as well, once. He simply tapped his fingers against the armrest of the chair he had taken, his gray eyes fixed on the material that covered it as if it contained secrets to divulge to him. Ryan was speaking to him then, and Nicholas politely redirected his attention, a brisk nod the only response he gave. <br><br>"Florence desires the sexual services of a whore, while I do not. If she does hire Adonijah it would require such services, though I will be paying for her time with whoever she selects as a gift, in return for her modeling for me. Does that still work with the two clients hiring two entertainers? Atticus and I could go apart while she takes her pleasure, though part of that would be...useful to observe as well. I could simply focus on the studies I wish to do of Atticus first and therefore free him to return to your services that much faster. Are there time limits placed?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>08-04-2011, 22:22:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"And I suppose we should consider the cost of time, as you stated hiring two entertainers would cost three times the fee of one, but also that hiring your head of security would be more expensive than a single entertainer's fee.. Are we to assume then that the cost of Atticus' time will be threefold what you would ask for him alone if Nicholas hires two?"<br><br>"Atticus, because he's not a whore, would be one and a half the price of a whore, and without the more carnal delights, I might add. It's basic math, really. It only becomes complicated if one would wish for Atticus' non-sexual services and a whore's sexual ones."</em><br><br>He felt his blood run cold at the idea of being given a fee three times any others worth. What did they wish him to do, to offer so much? Still, his heart raced at the small fortune offered up, so willingly. It was a seductive, powerful lure... yet he felt the cowardly tang of relief when Master Ryan established his cost at half again one of the House whores cost. His eyes shut for the briefest of moments as he mastered the whirl of emotion. <br><br>It was a smart amount to ask. Enough so that it was respected that he was not usual, but not so much that his worth was utterly exhausted. That they wouldn't complain if he wasn't up to snuff. They didn't know he use to be a whore. They shouldn't expect him to act like one... fuck like one. <br><br>Then the Master surprised him again by making clear what services Atticus was not going to be giving. Why? Was it protection, a ploy to let the man see and not touch, an indirect order, what? <br><br>Why couldn’t he understand Master Ryan. Wasn’t this what he wanted? All those hints he had given this morning... as if the idea of putting Atticus back on the list had been going through his mind. But if he had, it didn't make sense to make certain his sexual services were removed from the equation. Perhaps Master Ryan didn't think he could preform again, so soon after release, and didn't want the house shamed. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>11-04-2011, 16:15:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence saw a grin steal across the Master's lips when she asked as to the exotic nature of Adonijah, and it made her more at ease. The Master of the House seemed to genuinely like the whore she had set her eye on. A good thing too, by Florence's estimation. Still, the grin couldn't prepare her fully for the words Master Ryan spoke, "I'm going to assume you have a healthy imagination and tell you, M'lady, that the man in question is not a man, nor a woman, but both." His smile grew warmer as he spoke and he drummed his fingers on the desk as he went on to address her question about the cost. It left her little time to react to that news verbally, though her eyes had widened slightly and one of her golden brows was raised. The smile on her lips remained secure though, as she thought about the possibilities his exotic nature might open up.<br><br>Master Ryan said of pricing, "Well. Two whores for one client would come to a price of three whores. But two whores for two clients, would not, not even if the whores were shared." She watched as he retrieved a slip of paper and slid it her way, reaching out one gloved hand to bring the paper closer for examination as the man continued, "Atticus, because he's not a whore, would be one and a half the price of a whore, and without the more carnal delights, I might add. It's basic math, really. It only becomes complicated if one would wish for Atticus' non-sexual services and a whore's sexual ones."<br><br>Nicholas chimed in with a few questions of his own then, "Florence desires the sexual services of a whore, while I do not. If she does hire Adonijah it would require such services, though I will be paying for her time with whoever she selects as a gift, in return for her modeling for me. Does that still work with the two clients hiring two entertainers? Atticus and I could go apart while she takes her pleasure, though part of that would be...useful to observe as well. I could simply focus on the studies I wish to do of Atticus first and therefore free him to return to your services that much faster. Are there time limits placed?"<br><br>Florence thought perhaps it would be best if she waited for the answers to her escort's questions before asking any further herself. She was glad to hear the price would not be as high as she'd originally suspected though, for while Nicholas had that much money to throw away the thought of seeing him do so, or worse, negotiating the exchange for him, did not make her a happy woman. Money was hard to come by for those lacking family, and she'd certainly had to work hard to carve her fortune out of this society. Naturally none of her concern over the amount that might be spent was visible on her face as she waited to see what Master Ryan would say to Nic's inquiries.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>20-04-2011, 01:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was something in the man's stance that hinted of.. of what? It nearly seemed the man wouldn't wish for Atticus' services due to him not expressing enthusiasm about the desired job.<br>How odd, did the man not know it wasn't all too uncommon for a whore to not be interested in a client? It was a job, afterall, not a date. And for Atticus is would, probably, be worse. <br><br><em>"Florence desires the sexual services of a whore, while I do not. If she does hire Adonijah it would require such services, though I will be paying for her time with whoever she selects as a gift, in return for her modeling for me. Does that still work with the two clients hiring two entertainers? Atticus and I could go apart while she takes her pleasure, though part of that would be...useful to observe as well. I could simply focus on the studies I wish to do of Atticus first and therefore free him to return to your services that much faster. Are there time limits placed?"</em><br><br>Ryan nodded and leaned back in his chair. "That's perfectly fine, sir. Just don't mix the two and I'll be more than satisfied. Is there anything you'd require for Atticus' posing? I'm not too certain about the lighting in his room.." He looked up at Atticus as to ask him what it was like, Ryan didn't frequent the rooms in the House on a regular basis. It also brought his attention to the still shifting emotions in the man and he couldn't supress a slight frown in time ; it would have been seen. Perhaps he should speak with him after he was done.. if there was time, of course.<br><br>"There is no time limit," he said, turning his attention back to Nicholas "But the price does go up when one desires more time from any of those working here. The standard time would be an hour." which was not only enough for most clients, but often too much for some... Inwardly this did make Ryan chuckle.<br><br>Then he turned his attention back to Florence, laying his hands back on the desk that had somehow risen to stroke along his chin when he had looked up at Atticus. When had that happen..?<br>"I am under the impression you find the more exotic nature of Adonijah not to be a problem and possibly even interesting..?"<br>The smile grew quite sly for brief moments, as if she and him were sharing a secret, then it turned the warm smile once again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-04-2011, 05:13:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We won't." He gave the promise easily, readily. He had no desire to use a whore as a whore was normally used if there was no desire on the other side of it. And his mind was firmly in the work side of his thoughts; it would take demands to make him sexual most likely. His fingers were itching, that fever to create pouring through him. His fingers drummed slightly on the armrest as he considered the guidelines Ryan put forth. "Lighting will of course be a concern, I do hope if his room isn't well suited to studying his lines another one might be available? As simple in decor as possible, less to detract from the body."<br><br>"As for time, an hour with Atticus should be enough, I would say two with Adonijah to ensure both posing and Florence's desires are fulfilled. So that is the price of two and a half entertainers, for an hour, and then an extra hour with one." He seemed to not care for the word whore either, avoiding it deftly in his speech, his gray eyes glancing at Florence wondering if she thought him wise to spend this much money. <br><br>It was there, this would be a good use for it and perhaps it would make certain that those who served here weren't trapped. He knew that idea wasn't wise, to think of even supporting one whore's freedom from a abhorrent lifestyle was the folly of many of the rich and not a trap he was going to fall into. Still that memory lingered, wanting in, wanting to fill him with bile and anger and despair. He silenced it, focusing on the thoughts of his project, shifting his satchel where it sat in the chair next to him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>22-04-2011, 03:48:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"That's perfectly fine, sir. Just don't mix the two and I'll be more than satisfied. Is there anything you'd require for Atticus' posing? I'm not too certain about the lighting in his room.." <br><br>"Lighting will of course be a concern, I do hope if his room isn't well suited to studying his lines another one might be available? As simple in decor as possible, less to detract from the body."</em><br><br>This time Atticus did miss the subtle movement on his blind side, his attention keeping forwards until there was an expectant lull. His jaw muscle twitched and he nodded slightly. “The window is modest but it faces North... if it is inadequate, I believe Fiona’s room catches the most of the daylight.” He didn’t think she would mind the room being borrowed for a mere hour.<br><br>Atticus slightly preferred the thought of being in someone else’s room, now that he thought on it. He didn’t want to sell off more of himself than he could control, and letting the man into his bedroom made his throat dry. He didn't want a stranger looking at his things, few though they were. But - it was stupid to become accustomed to the luxury of a private room... no, he shouldn’t bother Fi. And if Master Ryan did put him back in the stable, well. He would have to adjust, wouldn’t he?<br><br><em>“...more time from any of those working here. The standard time would be an hour."<br><br>"As for time, an hour with Atticus should be enough, I would say two with ..."</em><br><br>Only an hour. It would be over swiftly. It would not be so bad. <br><br>He didn’t remember who had said those words to him first. Back when he had cried each time he was sold. It would not happen to his son. He did this so James never had to suffer undesired touch. His resolve hardened in him like a crystal forming. Blank, focused calm settled over him. He would please the client, and please the Master of the House, and he would get paid. And that was it. Nothing else mattered.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>26-04-2011, 20:32:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence returned the sly smile Ryan gave her when he asked about Adonijah, a flash of amusement in her blue eyes, "Oh yes, very much so," she said warmly. She didn't feel the need to comment further on the financial aspect of the transaction at the moment, nothing seemed out of the ordinary or unreasonable to her as she set the pricing back on Ryan's desk.<br><br>Nicholas spoke of time then, one hour for Atticus, two for Adonijah.. to be certain her desires were fulfilled. <em>'My desires.. An interesting way to put it...'</em> She toyed with a few of the curls of her hair as she considered those words. <em>'What do I </em>desire<em> anymore?'</em> Her blue eyes found Nicholas' face and she made a smile surface in place of her earlier grin, hiding away her thoughts of the moment, <em>'Very few things endear themselves to me anymore.. Carnal desires are passing, short, but there is more to be had in life..'</em> The smile made her eyes seem softer as she looked at Nicholas. If anything at all was a true and lasting desire for Florence, being with Nicholas was it. <em>'How quickly I've grown attached..'</em><br><br>The moment passed and she turned her gaze back on Ryan, sure the Master of the House would accommodate Nicholas' needs in regards to lighting. Her mind turned over the information she'd been given about Adonijah.. both woman and man... How did such a thing come to pass? How would their interaction play out? Her tongue stole across her lower lip as she pondered, images flashing through her mind all the while. <em>'This should make for fun.'</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>27-04-2011, 01:29:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded at Nicolas at his words. Two hours for the Lady and Adi. One hour for him and Atticus.<br>"Very well," he said, sliding the paper back into his desk when Florence gave it back "It is custom to have a client only pay after their visit, here." he went on, shifting his gaze from Nicolas to Florence and back again. "You can either pay here in my office or address miss Rubee. Either is fine, we both do the finances."<br>His gaze flicked up briefly to Atticus before returning to Nicolas again.<br>"Might I suggest Atticus shows you his room and you decide there if the lighting is good enough? If it's not, I'm certain Atticus can find a room that might suit your wishes better."<br><br>Then he turned to Florence and nodded to her, too.<br>"Adonijah will be pleasantly surprised, I'm certain, to get the opportunity to entertain a Lady such as yourself, My Lady," he said to her, ignoring most of what she let show on her face. There was something about her that reminded him of himself. She seemed to hide her deeper, more true emotions. But, in today's society, who did not? It was quite common.<br>"If the Lord wishes to follow Atticus, I might be suited to lead you to Adonijah," he said with a slight bow of his head "That is, of course, if there are no further questions..?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>27-04-2011, 05:08:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nic nodded in assent to the offer to let him view the room before deciding, and the Master of the Teahouse's manners toward Florence made his lips twitch slightly. Any person would be happy to be the focus of Florence's attention, though it could be quiet deadly to garner it. He apparently liked to court danger though; his eyes flickered to Atticus, wondering what Florence's thoughts were of the guard who had so tempted his Muse, that had been that elusive <em>something</em> he had been failing to capture. And what would the man do with the money he was to receive? Somehow he doubted that such confessions would be something the other man ever surrendered willingly.<br><br>"That is very generous of you Master Valentine, though I would like to accompany the Lady to meet Adonijah and inquire if he would be okay with the rather...unusual part for his or her services. I would rather not work with anyone who would not enjoy what I request nor that would be too overly stiff in posing, that defeats a whole part of this." The Knight offered a smile wan as it was; and then impulsively undid his satchel and tugged out a portfolio of loose sketches, placing it on the desk before the Master of the House. His callused and slightly paint stained fingers -- viridian green today with touches of ultramarine and ochre&nbsp; -- opened the leather case to reveal charcoal and ink sketches of Florence. <br><br>She would have no issue with him sharing them; they were in every manner of dress and undress, some detailed and tight, others loose and clearly only moments in their making. As a whole they displayed a passionate, intense style that somehow softened when handling more intimate type poses and more dynamic ones alike, for there were not just the typical sitting and laying poses upon the sheaves of paper. Fencing, dancing, moving and whirling, the beauty that sat at his side was showcased by his talent. "Perhaps you both would feel more at ease seeing what I am seeking in terms of posing. And I promise not to touch unless there is a need to help explain a position; that is unless asked of course but...well nevermind." <br><br>He trailed off, clearly with nothing to say but wanting to show these two men, and perhaps himself that he was not here to cause pain to anyone. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>27-04-2011, 05:47:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He listened to the three talk, a familiar sensation of distance seeping through his mind, like fingers of ice working through water. Until he felt nothing. The hollowness was good and safe and quiet, and he would be what was needed, what was desired, and it would all be fine.<br><br>His gaze dropped to the desk as the man pulled out several pages and spread them out, but he barely noticed the figures upon them, wondering at the lengths the man was going to, to preserve his – pride, was it? Or reputation? Or was he lying to himself about his own carnal desires? <br><br>The repressed ones were always the worst.<br><br>He relaxed a little, knowing it wasn’t one of the House whores who would weather it. He could take whatever this lordling had festering in his mind. Not Anel, not Zara, not Fiona or the others. Then he would be charged something much higher than he had anticipated and Master Ryan would be glad for the bigger fee. <br><br>It was only for an hour, anyway. Not enough time for him to get too inventive.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>29-04-2011, 22:51:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Florence nodded when Ryan commented on the customs of payment. It made her impression of Master Ryan slightly more favorable, not that she'd found any reason to dislike the man so far. She smiled as he went on to suggest Atticus lead Nicholas and he take her to Adonijah. "Oh, I've no further questions," she assured the man.<br><br>Nicholas spoke up shortly after her, "That is very generous of you Master Valentine, though I would like to accompany the Lady to meet Adonijah and inquire if he would be okay with the rather...unusual part for his or her services. I would rather not work with anyone who would not enjoy what I request nor that would be too overly stiff in posing, that defeats a whole part of this." She watched as he reached to his satchel and withdrew charcoal and ink artwork of her. The two men would see her naked, or at least his interpretation of her naked, which meant she may as well have stripped her clothes off for them. The various poses revealed all of the secrets of her flesh, particularly the scarring she carried from the blades which had met her skin in the past.<br><br>She tilted her head to a side, curious what the Master of the House and the bodyguard would think of the long scar along her right side. Would they recognize it as something incurred in combat? And what of the smaller scars, more intricately weaved into her left side and the soft skin of her left breast. Those she had been held stationary for. There were tell-tale nicks from combat along her back, legs, and upper arms, but she'd been careful of her forearms and face; still, surely they would have some opinion of how a lady might come about such markings. Would they make an issue of it? Would they care?<br><br>It was a curiosity and it brought the subtle quirk of a smile to her lips as she watched for their reactions.. Assuming they even examined them closely. Nicholas' voice broke into her idle curiosity as he explaiend, "Perhaps you both would feel more at ease seeing what I am seeking in terms of posing. And I promise not to touch unless there is a need to help explain a position; that is unless asked of course but...well nevermind." Soemthing in the tone of it made her turn her gaze on him, eyes a touch softer as she considered him again. <em>'Hmm.. We all have secrets, don't we?'</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>30-04-2011, 02:32:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course Ryan leaned over the artwork and of course he did also note the patterns to the scars on the lady depicted. But he did not speak his mind about these, as he did recognise certain things.<br>He'd seen worse.<br>And on women, too.<br><br>"Of course, sir. I'm certain the line up is complete by now and that Adonijah would be present in the common room," he said quietly, rubbing his chin.<br>Florence was quiet interesting. If she'd be male he'd be fascinated with her.<br>His gaze flicked over to her, slight grin back to his features.<br><br>"I would, very much so, be appreciative of not touching Atticus unless he, himself, indicates that it is fine," he added, attention going back to Nic.<br>It was a blade to walk on. On one side, this client seemed to have experiences that were negative with brothels. He also seemed to be quite sensitive, but this could be fake. Ryan wasn't certain.<br>On the other side, there was Atticus. His history wasn't known to this man, and Ryan wouldn't disclose it, but that didn't mean his history would but go away. It weighed, what had happened to him in the past. And this the Master of the House he now served in had to protect and shield from, too.<br><br>"You are a talented artist, sir," he concluded, leaning back into his chair again, gaze flicking briefly to Atticus to see how he took this, but he didn't address him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>30-04-2011, 05:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				How confident was he that Florence did not mind his sketches, that her beauty needed no disclaimer nor modifications to spread her nude before them in paper. Perhaps too confident; but the Lady had her own ways to correct his errors in judgement and since she had yet to hold a dagger against his body he thought himself safe for the moment. His hands gathered up the sheaves of paper, binding them away again after Ryan had looked his fill and he wondered if he was perhaps more relieved with their removal from the desk then Florence. Why did he feel as if he had revealed some part of himself? Though that was not odd not truly, every brush stroke was a reflection of the artist after all. <br><br>Nicholas stood then, nodding at the fact that the line up would be completed, he would enjoy looking over what else the Teahouse could offer; perhaps for future modeling visits, perhaps not. He was not sure if this was a world he was truly ready to enter once more. Though surely the Teahouse was different, it catered higher, it was clean and pristine. It matched his standards in design. <br><br>But facades had fooled him once before. Yet judging too harshly had led to a more bitter end. Either way he felt the dregs of memory taunt him and focused instead on the handsome whoremonger who claimed the tile of Master of the House. "Thank you Master Valentine, an artist is always grateful to know his work is admired."<br><br>His grey eyes noted the way the Master looked at Atticus, wondering if perhaps he was somehow infringing on the man's comfort; amusing almost was it to think they all seemed to believe he would touch and take what he swore not to. He had never once paid coin for intercourse in his life. Only time. he only ever bought time. <br><br>Never enough, in the end. <br><br>His satchel upon his shoulder once more the Knight offered his hand out to his blond companion. "I look forward to seeing the gems your famed House displays." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>02-05-2011, 04:14:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soon. In a matter of moments. They would leave the office and look at the lineup. Then he would go upstairs with the man. To his bedroom. The light spilling in from the windows brighter than a moment ago. A cloud must have moved off the sun. His throat felt so dry – good think he had something to drink upstairs. Something that would help the ice drive deeper, make him feel almost like he was dreaming. <br><br><em>"I would, very much so, be appreciative of not touching Atticus unless he, himself, indicates that it is fine."</em><br><br>Atticus blinked and couldn’t keep himself from looking at the Master for a moment. He sounded sincere. But he couldn’t be. He couldn’t want to make him a whore of novelty and keep him untouched. He wished the man had let him be privy to the plan so he might play the part better. <br><br>However, he had not been, and he didn’t have the luxury to complain. Not when he had been given so much by Master Ryan already. And if he could not do this – if he could not please one client after six months of employment... but he would. He would do anything. Everything. And the lordling would be happy and Master Ryan would be too, and Atticus would be too because he would be back in his place in the world. Only, he didn’t believe it. Didn’t believe he would be happy. He didn’t want to be a whore. <em>Oh, stupid, stupid Louis, what else could you possibly be?</em> <br><br>He looked away from Master Ryan the moment he started to look back and moved away, careful not to broadcast his anger, trying only to be seen as civil and obedient because he was staff, whatever the fuck he was or pretending to be. He walked across the room and opened the door, holding it open for the three to walk through first. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>crystaltears</strong> on <strong>03-05-2011, 03:14:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>'Hm'</em> Florence felt more at ease now they'd seen the sketches. The questionable nature of her scarring didn't seem to bother Ryan in the least, and that meant she likely had less to worry about here. Though they still offered him ammunition of a sort if she managed to piss him off somehow. Dancing in the social circles of nobility meant keeping a certain reputation. It was one thing to be disliked by the women for being a bit too 'lewd' for their tastes, and quite another to be exposed as a woman with a past like hers. Florence inclined her head slightly when the Master of the House looked at her wearing the slight grin she'd now caught sight of once or twice. Her gesture was almost that of confirming a secret - which, in a very real way, she was.<br><br>Master Ryan and Nicholas spoke briefly before her escort extended his hand to her again, and Florence lightly took it, all the grace of a lady behind her movements... Or perhaps all the grace of something just a bit more deadly. She rose to her feet and offered her companion a warm smile, "This should be fun, Nicholas." Her blue eyes shone from the light-hearted mood she'd so easily found before entering the Teahouse earlier that day, all of her own subsequent preoccupations seeming to be left in the chair she no longer occupied. She waited for Nicholas to lead her, as was proper, but Florence had a feeling Master Ryan would wish to guide them through his establishment. When they did exit the room she gave a nod of her head to Atticus and murmured a soft, "Thank you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>03-05-2011, 03:32:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Master of the House stood from his chair with a calm and collective grace. This conversation had been just the thing he had needed to steer his thoughts away from.. having emotions and feelings. He didn't even really look at Atticus. Only God knew what went on in that head right now. Maybe he thought Ryan had demoted him to whoring.<br>Absurd.<br>He had to resist a slight shrug to his shoulder and only smirked inwardly.<br>There was a thought in his mind that had left him alone for a few minutes but now returned. Atticus would be quiet shocked to find out just how much Ryan had protected him in the past. The here and now was nothing to what he had done.<br>Perhaps he would tell one day, though he had been adamant to not say a word not even a day before.<br><br>"Kindly follow me," he said quietly, leaving the whole leading the hand of the Lady to the Lord present and passing Atticus with but a slight and meaningless smile to his lips when he left his office and wandered, casually but elegantly, to the common room where, he hoped, the line up would be complete by now.<br>Knowing Rubee it wouldn't only be complete, but all whores would probably be at their best behaviour. Or she'd have them for breakfast tomorrow.<br>This time he didn't suppress his reaction and the slight smile grew into an amused smile. He liked Rubee. He hoped she'd be able to take the position as head account and that he hadn't misjudged her skills in this.<br><br><hr><br>Going there. (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4586031#msg4586031)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>19-07-2011, 02:40:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From. (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98856.msg4946703#msg4946703)<br><hr><br>His thoughts were still quite all over the place and inwardly he scoffed at himself. The Teahouse was a safe haven, yes, but its residents were supposed to be adults. There was a form of security, indeed, but there were no armed guards, no one was searched for weapons and if someone did wish to do harm they were able to. Ryan had thought the power he held over the city to be enough to keep the clients under control. Apparently Gareth was not impressed. Or...not impressed enough. Perhaps he <em>should</em> leak out information about what had happened to the guy that had scarred up Atticus.<br><br>The Master of the House did not stop anywhere and but walked quickly to his office, his mind far away, his eyes on things unseen. Only after he had closed the door behind him he noticed he was not alone in the room. The object of his thoughts was already there.<br>A slight frown drew itself over his features. Of course the man would be here. He'd come to pay for Anel's services.<br>And he'd pay for those service.<br>And then some...<br><br>At least the man hadn't taken the chair Ryan normally used but had seated himself in one of the chairs for clients and visitors. And.. now and then a whore, though that was a rare thing.<br>Wandering around his desk and taking his seat, his eyes never left the business man. There wasn't a shred of guilt in him. Ryan couldn't help wonder if Gareth saw what he had done as rape. Anel did.<br><br>"Mister Aldrich," he finally said, planting elbows on the desk to fold hands which he looked over at the other man.<br>Blue eyes met brown ones and it wasn't too clear which ones were more distant or cold.<br>"I do believe you have betrayed my trust in you," Ryan continued, creating a small frown on Gareth's features.<br>"You might be correct in this, Valentine," came the answer, calm, quiet. Matter-of-fact. Like they were discussing the weather outside.<br><br>Ryan shook his head and leaned in "Anel told me. You took him against his will."<br>Those few calmly spoken words drew surprise on Gareth's features, and this time it was his turn to shake his head. "I can assure you he enjoyed it, Valentine."<br>Ryan snorted, then smirked and made a small gesture with his hand, discarding what Gareth had claimed.<br>"Physically, maybe. Not mentally," he said, adding, but only in his mind <em>'He was in tears, moron. What do you think that says..?'</em><br>Gareth but rolled his eyes and leaned in too, but when he opened his mouth again to speak, Ryan was quicker and cut him off.<br><br>"You and I are quite alike, mister Aldrich. I, too, can make a man do what he doesn't wish to do. Make him think he wants it, craves it. Then later despises me for it. Despises himself for it, too. It's quite the power to have. We both have it. You misused it. I should have your balls for that. Do not think I would not cut them off if Anel had even hinted towards wanting this..."<br><br>Still his voice was calm, cool, collective. All of Ryan's mask was still perfectly in place. All but his eyes. His eyes were night on fire. Smouldering.<br><br>Gareth swallowed and leaned back in his chair, hardly showing any emotion, but the movement spoke more than enough.<br><br>"As he has not," Ryan continued "I will but ban you from the Teahouse. You are to never set foot in here again."<br>Leaning back himself too, but much more relaxed, even a slight smile playing around his lips, he kept speaking "I will inform any and all other brothels, though, that you may not be trusted with any whore and that your word means nothing. <em>Asides</em> this, you have also messed up the bidding war for Anel's virginity. I'm very disappointed in you."<br><br>And it was true. Ryan was disappointed in this client. This had not been Gareth's first visit. He had never done anything like this. Not even hinting he couldn't be trusted. Had he slipped? Would it happen again? Somewhere else maybe? Or was Ryan sending away a well paying client for a slip up?<br>It didn't matter, though. He <em>had</em> slipped up. There was no way of saying he would do it again. If the next time would be worse. Or if he'd be the picture of innocence after this.<br><br>Gareth moved in his seat and nodded "I'm willing to triple the last bid, no matter how high it is now. No matter who's bid it is. That, surely, should be enough to discourage anyone else still bidding?"<br>Though this was exactly what Ryan had had in mind, he didn't feel any form of victory. Sure, the money would be more than welcome. It felt, however, like bloodmoney in some way. Instead of going against it, he pulled a document out of a drawer, opened a pot of ink and handed Gareth a quill.<br>"In black and white, if you would be so kind," he said and kept an eye on the man while he filled in the financial document.<br><br>"Do you really need to spread the word, Valentine?" Gareth asked when he was done, eyes flicking up from the paper Ryan pulled from under the quill. He blew on the ink and slid the document into the same drawer before answering.<br>"I would say I do, yes," he said, lifting his chin up before standing to his full length.<br>"I will not tolerate your sight any longer. In my book you are a rapist. And oath breaker. I will have none of those under my roof. You are excused."<br><br>Without an other word, he turned and folded his hands behind his back, gaze apparently on the garden outside, clearly indicating to the other man the conversation was over.<br><br>Just as quietly, though somewhat shocked even if it didn't show, Gareth stood as well, stared at the back of the Master of the House for seconds on end, frowned and wandered off and out of the Teahouse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>21-07-2011, 04:39:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mismatched eyes were fixed on the middle-aged man as he carefully dialled a number into the most state of the art telephone. On the final number, the man hesitated and looked at the excited youth. “Are you certain, m’lord?”<br><br>The younger man gave a shrug. “I can’t woo anyone in seven days, let alone lean how to fuck from them. Unless you’d like to, Jeric.” His elegant voice held a tone of teasing distaste. <br><br>The man, Jeric, grimaced. “While your offer makes me heart flutter,” he deadpanned, “I must decline. The Lord of Arram and I do not share tastes. Thank the gods.”<br><br>He pressed the final digit and there followed a series of clicks as his call was connected to the Teahouse.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>21-07-2011, 04:55:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The phone. It rang.<br><br>It took a few moments for Ryan to actually understand that it did. Not many would call. Not many had the money to buy one. Let alone the brains to use one, at that...<br>He turned back again and noticed Gareth had indeed left the office.<br>Good riddance..<br><br>"You are speaking to the Master of the Teahouse," he said clearly into the device "How may I be of service?"<br><br>If it was a client calling, he or she would be wealthy.<br><br>Then again, it could be the clerk calling. Which.. would be handy. He did have a new bid for him to note down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>21-07-2011, 05:55:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A deep timber started after just a slight hesitation – talking, not shouting as some did, telling of as lease some experience with the machine. “Good afternoon, sir, my name is Jeric Alder, Lord of Londris.” The name of a province some distance away, known for its lakes. “I wish to inquire about the, ah, establishment.” There was an odd burble, the crackling of the line distorting the soft sound so it wasn’t recognisable. The man cleared his throat. “The matter is somewhat delicate, and I am not fond of this contraption. I request a private discussion with yourself and I. This evening, or your earliest convenience.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>22-07-2011, 03:19:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man at the other side sounded to be in his years. Ryan tilted his head while he listened and wished telephones were of better quality so he could more than what was said. Like.. the surroundings the man was in. Of course the invention was quite new and had some things left to be desired about it.<br>The name of the province did ring a few bells and the mental images of lakes came to mind. Ryan hadn't been there, though, but he had seen paintings.<br><br>"Of course, Lord Jeric. This evening would be quite perfect for a conversation. Earlier is no problem either," he replied, thinking about the Lord title used. He didn't think he knew any noble Houses stemming from Londris. Though one or two might have a second house there, he wasn't sure.<br>"I do agree the telephone leaves much to be desired. I will look forward to meeting you in person, my Lord."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>22-07-2011, 17:12:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Excellent, excellent,” came the low murmur of approval, though there was a noticeable tension in the man’s tone. The was&nbsp; a pause and another burble, this time coming across more clearly as another’s voice. “Yes. Also... I desire the uttermost privacy you can provide. I do not want to be seen in your establishment, and-“ <br><br>The second voice rose, coming clear enough to be heard, younger and also male. “—like they’ll recognise--“&nbsp; <br><br>“Hold your tongue. I do beg your pardon, sir, my ward has no respect. As I was saying, I have no desire to encounter any of your other clientele. I also have a lesser request that your full range is presented for consideration. I understand it may be difficult or&nbsp; impossible to accommodate both wishes, but I will compensate for the inconvenience. Other... needs... can be addressed in person.”&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 03:03:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He raised a brow and looked at the receiver in his hand. That was the second time there seemed to be something wrong. Infernal invention. He'd not loose a potential client over this machine's malfunctions!<br><br>Uttermost privacy.<br>It wasn't uncommon, especially to nobility, to demand this. Of course, inside of the building itself Ryan would make certain those who wished to remain anonymous would have no trouble to not accidentally wander into anyone.<br><br>"Of course, my Lord. We have stables on the premisses, if you wish a place for a carriage. And a way to enter the building from there that will not cross the main hall," he said, going through the House in his mind, following the path he was describing. He had to think for a moment, but he did so while he was talking, debating what would be handy a room to have a private line-up in. He couldn't use his office, for one. It was too close to where the clients normally gathered. But the common room was even worse. And he'd not have a line-up in one of the whore's rooms. It would be the talk of the day. He even considered, briefly, the kitchen, but discarded it quickly before returning to his office again. It would have to do. There wasn't really any other place he'd have clients and whores in that manner.<br><br>"I can accommodate privacy, my Lord. But I can not promise all of my staff to be available for a presentation."<br><br>Not without knowing it would be worth the effort, of course. If Ryan had known the specifics of his potential client, he would have cleared the House of all other clients. But he didn't and thus treated the call as any other.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Alsheriam</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 19:28:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having just emerged from Zara's room, the Colonel Flashman strides down the hallway of the Teahouse with coat, hat and cane in hand. Admittedly, he didn't quite know the layout of the bawdyhouse, looking about carefully so that he may not barge into another client's fun on accident.<br><br>Just as he was about to think that he was at a loss, he descended to the ground floor seeking out the lounge for a nightcap drink until the gentle, steady stream of a gentleman in conversation on the telephone was audible from a distance, and he decided to follow that voice. The interior of the dark, heavy furniture looked well enough like the whorehouse's Master, and with a quiet peek into the office to see that this Master was still busy, he stood quietly and respectfully outside of the doors, waiting to be called in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nadir</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 04:15:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;“I suspected the second request would be too much to ask.” There was a faint, sullen curse, which the Lord did his best to mask a moment too late by clearing his throat. “I’m pleased you are willing to accommodate such requests as you can and not make false promises. I am very grateful for your time. Expect us at Seven PM. Good day.”<br><br>&nbsp;He hung up and smoothed thumb and forefinger over his moustache, scowling slightly at the telephone. No, he did not like that method of communication. <br><br>“So I can’t pick?” came his charge’s miserable voice. <br><br>Jeric cast his gaze at the youth and gave his a darker scowl. “There will be some choice, but we are not giving the man much warning. He runs a business, sire.”<br><br>Sibrand rolled his eyes and picked at his clothes. “I know that. I just want the best.”&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>08-08-2011, 02:43:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By now Ryan did have the feeling he wasn't just talking to the Lord alone. Another thing he disliked about taking through a telephone ; you couldn't easily tell if there were others present on the other side of the line.<br>"Looking forward to meet you, my Lord. Good day," he said, while nodding slightly. He wondered what the man had thought. Or.. the other in the room. He wouldn't pull all of the whores out of all the nooks and crannies of the House on a whim. Perhaps the Lord had understood. He didn't think 'the other' had.<br>It was fascinating. Who knew who this other person was?<br>Scribbling down the time, he gained a smile. Who or whatever the other was, he would perhaps find out this evening.<br><br>The approach of Harry hadn't gone unnoticed, even while he was on the phone. He had ignored him, though. Ryan needed all the focus he could muster to work the infernal device correctly and get all the information he wanted from the other side of the line.<br>After sliding the piece of parchment into a drawer as to not clutter up the desk, he wandered to the door and opened it, tilting his head slightly at seeing the man before him, then stepped a step back and held open the door for him.<br>"Do come in, sir."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 03:17:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ee/Teahouseicon.png)<br><span style="font-size: 18pt;" class="bbc_size">Time Skip.</span><br><em>This thread has been moved through time. All activities beyond this notification will take place in the evening of day one, instead of the afternoon.</em><br>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ee/Teahouseicon.png)</div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 03:06:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				[From here.] (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg5139956#msg5139956)<br><hr><br>"Business is not going all too badly," Ryan continued, as if he not had just insulted <em>and</em> threatened the other man while the two of them arrived at his office. A maid was gestured away. No, Ryan didn't desire tea.<br>Closing the door behind him, he took a few steps into the room and gained the same mask of anger as he had had before. Though, this time it did seem to be missing most of its heat, as if he didn't care enough or was properly calmed down by now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 03:56:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon hesitated briefly as he entered the office, the question as to whether or nit he had sired any spawn yet obviously having hit him somewhat hard. Damon didn't want children. He knew that the news he'd gotten recently regarding his wife's condition heralded the beginning of the end of his decadent lifestyle. His parents tolerated his neglect of his wife, they'd disown him for neglecting their grandchild. <br><br>"... perhaps." He barely even registered the comment Ryan had made about his child coming to the Teahouse. Damon approached Ryan's desk, trailing a finger along it. "...they say she's about three months along," he said quietly, with the tone of someone confiding the terminal illness of a family member, not a usually joyous event such as a pregnancy. It betrayed how unhappy he was with the situation. <br><br>Gradually his gaze shifted over to Ryan, leaning slightly against his desk, a slightly forced smirk on his face. The room did indeed seem cold all of a sudden, but Damon didn't seem discouraged. "... so, did you really bring me in here to discuss my wife, or something else?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 04:05:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smirked at Damon's words. The other man actually breeding... but his face told the story of just how annoyed he was with his wife getting pregnant. Wouldn't have happened if the man had not taken a wife in the first place. Then again.. appearances did count for quite a bit in today's society. He wondered what Damon's business partners would have said if they knew he wasn't just into the weaker sexe.<br><br>Only a few steps further he moved, so he was closer, but not as close as Damon had been in the common room. He raised his hand and slapped the man across his face. Though he used the back of his hand, as if Damon was a woman and he needed to be taught a lesson.<br>"How <em>dare</em> you not contact me for such a long time," he growled under his breath "Do I mean so very little to you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 04:27:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon's head snapped to the side when struck so abruptly, evidently either not expecting the strike, or simply taking it because he felt it was warranted. Either way, however, the smirk was gone from his face when he slowly turned his head back, his eyes smoldering as they met Ryan's.<br><br>He didn't say anything. He merely acted. His posture straightened, bringing him up close to Ryan, almost touching him as his hand flew up, snatching a handful of Ryan's hair. He didn't pull him away, didn't push him aside, the grip on his hair bringing the man in closer. <br><br>His eyes locked on Ryan's for what seemed like an eternity, bur in reality, only lasted a few seconds. After those agonizing seconds, Damon suddenly yanked Ryan in close - hard, by the grip he had on his hair. Their lips met, Damon immediately going for a deep kiss, no build up from a more innocent kiss. <br><br>Damon <em>had</em> missed Ryan. Incredibly. This was their game. He'd never explain himself. Never admit just how badly he desired to be with Ryan in their times apart. This was just the way things were. What Damon wanted didn't change that... unfortunately. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 04:45:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ryan met those smouldering eyes, eyes that managed to melt some of the ice in his own. This is what he wanted to see in the other man. This was, indeed, their game.<br><br>The man's hand in his hair, the tug -so close to what Ryan would not allow from anyone- pulled a deep, low growl from him. He didn't struggle, though, even if both of his hands were at the ready to give the other man the beating of his life. Damon was smaller, maybe weaker, but Damon knew things of the body Ryan only now and then touched bvy exploration. After all, the man had studied, where he had not. A full out fight would have been... interesting.<br><br>He glared in the time Damon took. But the daggers were less cold. However, if Damon miss stepped but once, Ryan would have at him.<br>He didn't. He gave Ryan what he wanted. The kiss was met and returned, though Ryan did not allow Damon to overtake, kissing back aggressively, using teeth to scrape at him until his teeth found a lip to bite. And he bit. Hard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 05:11:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon's arm wound around Ryan's waist, pulling him close, his hand clutching at the back of his clothes. The kiss was intense, fiery, and his grip on Ryan's hair tightened when Ryan's teeth found his lips. He knew the desk was right behind him, so he pulled Ryan's body flush against his own before his hand released hair. <br><br>Damon's arm swept at whatever was cluttering Ryan's desk, clearing a space there. Immediately his arm wrapped around Ryan's shoulders, and in a heartbeat he attempted to roll them over, to press Ryan down on top of his own desk. He never let the kiss break through the movement, it only getting more intense, his grip tight on Ryan. <br><br>He'd probably have a few strange bruises when he left, some ripped clothes that would make his assistant curious. Good thing he never wore the same thing twice. He liked this outfit, bit it was no big loss. It would join the others in his closet that Ryan had torn, reminders of their meeting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>undisclosedtoyou</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 05:15:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/Clip%20Art/1313727097122522234548558.png) (http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/E%20char%20pics/131372709712252974867050.jpg)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 9pt;" class="bbc_size">Emma had just about finished notifying the whores that the nightly line up was coming near, and only had to stop off at the Masters office to notify him.&nbsp; She was hesitant to do so though, since she'd over heard a few maids giggling about a guest of some sort in the halls.&nbsp; She hadn't paid much attention, since she was actually quite busy, and didn't have the time to dawdle with the maids over some bit of gossip, and anyway, the moment they had seen her, they had been quick to sober up and go along their work.&nbsp; Chances were, the guest was just another special client, that needed to speak to the Master one on one, and not really anything serious.&nbsp; <br><br>She waved off whatever hesitancy she might have been feeling, and found herself standing in front of the Masters office door, which was closed, of course.&nbsp; Smoothing down her wrinkle free apron, she tucked a stray piece of hair back into it's proper place, and than went to knock, before a sound coming from the other side of the door stopped her in her tracks.&nbsp; The sound itself wasn't the loudest thing in the world, but it was out of place, and somehow made her hands twitch, as if sensing that whatever was going on beyond the door, would require clean up later on.&nbsp; She had a sixth sense about messes that never failed her, and she doubted she was wrong this time.&nbsp; There was another muffled noise, but she didn't hear her Masters voice calling out for help, so she determined that it couldn't be anything life threatening.&nbsp; And if it wasn't life threatening that meant it was....Her cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink, before she cleared her throat, and knocked determinately on the door...once...than once more.&nbsp; Pressing closer to the door, unwilling to really open it, and barge in, she instead called out, in a perfectly clipped, yet polite tone.<br><br>"Master Ryan, sir.&nbsp; All the whore's have been informed of the upcoming line up, so everyone and everything should be prompt, and in good order."&nbsp; She paused for a second and than stepped back, her hands still twitching with the need to clean, and her body leaning slightly towards the door, waiting for some sign that the Master had heard, or was dismissing her.<br><br></span></span></div><br><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><em>Tag:</em></strong> Master Ryan, played by Saerra &amp; Mister Damon, played by Fedora<br><strong><em>Coming from</em></strong> Here (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98323.msg5144553#msg5144553)</span></span></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saku</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 19:16:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cameron had finished the latest drawing he had done and carried it under his arm protectively as he made his way to Ryan's office. The master of the house had told him to report there when it was done, so he could take a look at it and that was exactly what the pale haired male was doing right now. He was pleased with how it had turned out and entertained notions of drawing Ryan himself at some point, perhaps tonight if he had free time. That is if the master of the place wasn't too busy to spare some time for him.<br><br>He was in a better mood than he had been in quite some time. Probably because he had a way to fill his free time with doing something he actually liked. He still had not gotten any customers yet and had been with the Teahouse for almost a month now. But that didn't bother him any longer, not since he had a job to do and it seemed as if it was helping the brothel out. He got some money from customers who were well satisfied with his work and so even though he wasn't bringing in cash for his body, he was doing it with his skill.<br><br>It was around this time that he saw a figure in the distance and she seemed to have gotten there before him. As he came closer he recognized the figure to be Emma, one of the women who tended to clean rooms and the sort. He raised a hand in the air in greeting and nodded towards the door she was facing, noting her scarlet face. "Is Ryan having a bit of fun in there?" Cameron asked with a raised brow. He wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, after all men were usually horny no matter what they said otherwise.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>undisclosedtoyou</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 03:53:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/Clip%20Art/1313727097122522234548558.png) (http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/E%20char%20pics/131372709712252974867050.jpg)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 9pt;" class="bbc_size">Her attention was immediately drawn to the approaching figure of Mister Cameron walking towards her.&nbsp; The moment she noticed, her back straightened, and she neatly folded her hands in front of her, dropping down into a small curtsy.&nbsp; Her face was still a bit pink, if the warmth was any indication, but otherwise, there weren't any other signs of her small embarrassment over what she may or may not have heard.&nbsp; She cleared her throat, just in case it wobbled when she spoke.<br><br>"Mister Cameron."&nbsp; There was a professional sort of warmth in her voice.&nbsp; "It seems as if Master Ryan is in conference with a guest, but if you'd like, I'll announce your presence for you."&nbsp; Of course, it would have been fun to wink and agree that, yes the Master was having a bit o fun.&nbsp; But unlike the regular servants, she never herself discussed such things.&nbsp; Which didn't mean she didn't listen in on the gossip, oh she did plenty of that.<br><br></span></span></div><br><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><em>Tag:</em></strong> Mister Cameron, played by Saku, Master Ryan, played by Saerra &amp; Mister Damon, played by Fedora<br></span></span></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saku</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 16:49:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cameron smiled at Emma when she curtsied to him and inclined his head in response. When she spoke of possibly announcing his presence to the master, he shook his head. "Oh no, that's alright. If he is otherwise occupied I don't want to disturb him." He murmured in a low voice, not wanting to interrupt whatever business was going on inside by them overhearing him. "I just stopped by to give him my latest drawing but I can come again if he's busy." Cameron said with a nod and his stomach gave a little growl and he flushed.<br><br>"It seems like I'm hungry too." He said with a little chuckle. "You wouldn't happen to know what's on the menu for lunch would you?" He asked, looking over in her direction.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>undisclosedtoyou</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 22:32:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/Clip%20Art/1313727097122522234548558.png) (http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/E%20char%20pics/131372709712252974867050.jpg)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 9pt;" class="bbc_size">Emma watched Cameron with an interested look on her face, it was one she usually wore when speaking with someone from 'Upstairs,' but that didn't subtract from her attentive attitude.&nbsp; The fact that he would leave if the Master was busy gave her a far more precise impression of his personality, than anything else would have.&nbsp; But still, he really didn't need to leave just yet, that was entirely up to the Master.<br><br>"Mister Cameron, there's no need to come back later just yet.&nbsp; I'll just tell the Master that you're hear, and if he's able, he'll choose to either see you now or later."&nbsp; She wasn't being pushy, really, but she knew that Master Ryan liked to be informed of such things, it was better to know everything, and not be surprised, than know only a few things, and be caught off guard later on.&nbsp; Before she turned back to the door, to announce Mister Camerons request for an audience, she sent the man a smile and answered his question.&nbsp; "And you'll be having a nice salad, creamed broccoli soup, roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, and ice cream with peaches for dinner."&nbsp; And than she turned back to the door, and knocked again.<br><br>"Sorry to disturb you further Master Ryan.&nbsp; &nbsp;But I thought I should inform you that Mister Cameron is here also."<br><br></span></span></div><br><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><em>Tag:</em></strong> Mister Cameron, played by Saku, Master Ryan, played by Saerra &amp; Mister Damon, played by Fedora<br></span></span></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 01:53:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sound of items being swiped from the desk behind, no, now <em>under</em> him, made him cringe. It wasn't even the thought that resurfaced of how he earlier threatened to take Atticus on this very same desk, but the thought of the mess that was being created. Though that was nothing new, he didn't want to explain a thing to Household, nor stir any gossip around the House. He knew it wasn't something he could prevent, but he still held some form of hope.<br><br>The battle for control had only just set off -Lord knew, Ryan wouldn't let Damon just take over without a good fight- when a knock on the door made him growl low, much like he had done before, but now out of frustration. Of course there was no private life to speak off here. Never for him. Too busy.<br>He sighed and pushed at Damon, but without much conviction.<br>"Work's calling," he mumbled, then raised his voice to answer Emma's message on the line up being complete, wondering briefly why she hadn't gone to Rubee about it "Noted, Emma."<br>The second message, however, made him sigh even deeper and push Damon off of himself with more perseverance, sliding from the desk a moment later to brush off and tidy his garments.<br>He didn't even grumble, the mask falling into place while he pulled his sleeves down and his eyes dropped to the floor briefly.<br><br>"Very well, send him in."<br><br>He <em>was</em> the Master of the House. Surely he didn't have to explain anything? The mess. The look in Damon's eyes.<br><br>"Send us some tea too, Emma."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 02:58:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The knock on the door made Damon freeze at first, and his head snapped over in the direction of the door. He remained silent, letting Ryan answer, his gaze shifting back down to Ryan as he didn't move, waiting for whomever was on the other side of the door to leave, not allowing himself to be pushed aside just yet, not that Ryan was trying very hard. <br><br>However, the second message drew a very quiet sigh from him, and as Ryan became more insistent in shoving him off, Damon reluctantly let him up. He likewise did his best to tidy his long hair, his clothes, taking a deep breath to calm his breathing and heartbeat. Damn business, always being so inconvenient. He casually took a few steps away from Ryan, pretending to have been examining the decor of the room as though he had never been there before. As he clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze shifted over to Ryan, lingering there until he heard the door open. <br><br>He could wait. He didn't <em>want</em> to wait, but he could. His hands clasped at each other rather tightly, hoping that the interruption would be quick. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>undisclosedtoyou</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 03:20:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/Clip%20Art/1313727097122522234548558.png) (http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n520/undisclosed2you/E%20char%20pics/131372709712252974867050.jpg)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 9pt;" class="bbc_size">At the Masters words, Emma sent Mister Cameron another smile, and determinately grabbed a hold of the knob, so she could open the door wide enough to let the whore in.&nbsp; She was only going to stay long enough to make sure Mister Cameron had made it in, and she could close the door, and fetch the requested tea, but when her eyes rose slightly to glance in, she felt the most odd tingling start in the tips of her fingers, and she registered a strange warmth in the tips of her ears, that must have flushed a slight pink.&nbsp; <em>What a mess!</em>&nbsp; Never mind that her employer was in a seemingly inappropriate, or appropriate if you considered their surroundings, endeavor, it was the mess that drew and held her eyes.&nbsp; <br><br>But she wasn't some new maid who was easily flustered, oh no.&nbsp; So instead of rushing in to clear and clean, she steadily and determinately stared down at the floor, curtsied, and left the room.&nbsp; Her steps like always, were steady and sure, as she made her way down to the kitchen already planning on how she'd go about tidying up the Masters work space.<br><br></span></span></div><br><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><em>Tag:</em></strong> Mister Cameron, played by Saku, Master Ryan, played by Saerra &amp; Mister Damon, played by Fedora<br></span></span></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>06-09-2011, 04:00:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the day drew to a close and the Sun set in the sky, things oddly slowed down in the Teahouse. Granted, Anel was hardly on the search for a new client after the rather terrible day he had, but that certainly didn't mean that the young man wanted nothing to happen during his normally busy evening. As it happened, he found himself bored and wandering through the halls of the house, hands placed lightly upon slender hips that swayed slowly from side to side with each step.<br><br>He tried to wear better clothes to bring himself around; slightly heeled black leather boots to match skin-tight dark blue leggings, a simple yet elegant black fitted vest clinging pleasantly to his figure, finally completed with a thin band of black around his throat, silver ribbon winding over the choker. "Hmm... Hello...?" He tilted his head to one side, long blonde hair fluttering over his shoulder as he eyes a rather large gathering outside what seemed to be the Master's room; odd. Normally if Master Ryan was expecting company, they would be inside...<br><br>He decided to promptly invite hi,self to whatever was going on, heels clicking lightly on the polished floor and as he approached he cleared his throat, smoothly sliding between those opeeking to peek around the small crack into the room. "The finest of evenings to you, Master Ryan!... And Master Ryan's... Guest..." His eyes slid slowly between the two, then to the objects on the floor... Swept from the desk...<br><br>Then to the look that he recognised well in the guest's eyes... Dominance? Over the Master?<br><br>A slow and extremely pleased smirk curled over Anel's lips as he abruptly jerked his hips forward in an exaggerated thrusting motion, winking at the pair. "Ohh, don't mind me, then... You two... Have fun... On your desk." He snickered and ducked out, leaning against the nearby wall with a small chuckle, a knowing expression on his features.<br><br>"Over a desk... Who would have thought..." He eyed Cam for a moment and winked, leaning close to whisper into his fellow blonde's ear.<br><br>"You know... They're so fucking in there when we leave..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saku</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 18:35:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well it seemed as if there was no way of getting out of this, so he simply nodded in agreement. Once the door was opened and the room was revealed, Cameron noted the disarray of things in the office and the two men standing quite near eachother. It was obvious to him that they had been messing around, perhaps they had been the midst of something quite delicate. "My apologies for the interruption but I thought you'd like to see my latest drawing, Ryan. You said earlier that you wanted me to drop it off when it was done?"<br><br>He moved forward and placed his drawing up against the wall, not wanting it to get damaged should the two start fucking once he left. "It seems as if you are quite busy right now so I will take my leave. Perhaps when you have more free time we can talk about any concerns or suggestions you might have with it. The drawing in question was a picture of one of the lesser whores since Ryan hadn't had time to ask the high paying ones if they minded. "Oh and I have informed Rubee of the newest client for the Teahouse as well."<br><br>"She is a relatively innocent woman and didn't even know what the Teahouse offered when she arrived. So it would be good to go easy on her I think." Cameron added and turned to leave the room but paused when Anel entered. He wasn't entirely sure what to think since the last time he had seen him Anel had been throwing a fit in front of clients and his fellow whores. The flaxen haired blond eyed him for a moment and then offered Anel a slight smile and a hesitant nod, not wanting to cause Anel to go on a rampage again.<br><br>Then, he made his way to the door, unless of course Ryan or someone else stopped him. But why would they do that, since they obviously wanted to continue their little tryst.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 02:07:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ryan didn't even look at Damon when the door opened, but instead met Emma's glance around his office with a slightly growing smile. It didn't amaze him she.. fled. Though it did made him chuckle inwardly. The mess right now was nothing compared to the mess Damon and himself had made in the past. Though Emma hadn't seen the past mess, so how could she know this was nothing at all?<br><br>Anel's words were met with utter silence. Ryan was not about to explain himself and the graphic motions of the whore left him cold. Ryan was too old to still care about what other might think about his sexual life. Asides paying clients, of course.<br>"Good to see you're back to your snappy self, Anel," he said instead, eyes lingering on the young man for moments.<br><br>What actually did pull a reaction was how Cameron addressed him. Really, the boy thought him to be equal to the Master of the House. Mayhaps Ryan should kick him out. He did not seem to be improving when it came to manners.<br>"I am certain miss Rubee is more than able to handle any a guest that comes knocking, no matter the innocence of said guest," he said quietly, wandering over to Cameron as if to look at the drawings the young man placed along his office wall. Another detail. He should have given them to Ryan.<br><br>"Your behaviour leaves something to be desired, young mister Carmel. If it is such a task for you to understand the very basics of manners, we might need to reconsider your stay here."<br><br>He hadn't raised his voice, nor had he actually looked at the man in question, but his politeness was quite clearly an indication of his annoyance. For anyone who could read him, of course. It could be completely lost to Cameron.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 02:30:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anel blinked slowly at the Master's words, a little taken aback by the lack of reaction to his words. He parted his lips in silence for a brief moment, uncertain how to respond before swiftly recovering, placing both hands on his hips which jutted to the side. "Aww... Master Ryan, you don't need to worry about me; nothing can keep me down." He smiled and winked slightly, his gaze flicking briefly to the guest with a raised eyebrow.<br><br>He didn't seem like a client; clients didn't tend to bend the Master of the House over a desk, after all... A personal guest of Ryan's? A thoughtful hum passed between the boy's lips, twirling a finger in his golden hair as he blew a kiss to Damon; never missing the chance to show off. "Would it be terribly rude of me to ask who the guest is...?" He offered lightly, his tone holding his usual cocky nature, but being cautious enough that would let it be clear he had no intention of pushing; he had some sense.<br><br>It was then that Ryan moved over to Cameron and spoke in the tone of politeness Anel himself had heard so many times before, and he softly cleared his throat, averting his gaze. It was always best to keep out of these things; to each their own and such. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 02:56:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon was slightly surprised by the small crowd of people who had assembled by the door once it was opened. The first one in, the young woman, the maid or housekeeper he assumed, seemed surprised and embarrassed by the state of the room. A faint grin tugged at his lips as he turned to face away from them to hide it, shaking his head very slightly. Poor girl. They'd probably ensure she had plenty of work to do later. The mess he'd made so far hadn't been very bad at all, and as he heard the voice of another, he looked back towards the door.<br><br>Raising an eyebrow slightly at Anel, Damon didn't really react to his antics beyond smirking at the boy faintly before he excused himself. Well, apparently what they'd been up to just now was a bit more obvious than he realized. He listened to the small conversation between Anel and the master of the house, a slightly larger grin on his lips as Anel blew him a kiss. He didn't move to introduce himself, deciding to allow Ryan to decide whether he wanted to introduce him to the young whore. <br><br>Damon shifted his gaze to Cameron then, and listened to Ryan converse with him as well for a moment before his gaze drifted to and lingered on Ryan, though he didn't say anything, having clearly picked up on the signals that he was annoyed, and finding some amusement in that. He'd caught the way Cameron had addressed Ryan by his first name, without a title, and only just managed not to snicker audibly, his eyes moving away away to continue examining the room as though the decor was fascinating. <br><br>Poor Ryan. He seemed to have so much going on constantly, and Damon was here complicating it. Even so, Damon had a faint, knowing smirk on his lips, even as he didn't look at the others, his eyes trailing along the walls and the decor. He enjoyed seeing Ryan behave in such an authoritarian manner, it made the man even more attractive in his eyes. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 01:34:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Deciding Cameron would be dealt with, today or another one, Ryan turned from him and his drawings, but not before he removed them from the wall, then wandered over to his desk and slid the drawings into a drawer. He'd look at them. When he had time.<br>Having had his eyes on the drawings while moving, only now he slid into his chair his eyes flicked back up and went to Anel. He hadn't noticed Atticus walk by, nor his responds when he saw Damon.<br><br>"This would be doctor Damon Archelaos, Anel," he said, leaning back while his hands bridged before his chin. A brief moment he wondered if Anel had seen just how Damon looked at Ryan, but he didn't turn his attention to the man that resembled him in some ways. Better to not give the whore more hints.<br>"Asides the doctor being an upstanding member of society, he is also a good friend of mine," he continued, then added, more quietly "More curiosity towards his person might lead me to believe you wish for his patronage, Anel."<br>A slight, teasing smile crept over his features. Surely Anel wouldn't wish to entertain Damon? Not after what had happened this day.<br><br>Calmly his gaze moved to Damon, almost as if he had forgotten about him. Ryan was certain his mask stayed in place, but he still contemplated on how much of a mess the two of them could have been creating in the time the office had turned into some kind of inn or gathering place.<br><br>"This is Anel, Damon. Don't be too impressed by his sharp tongue and.. interesting habits. He's quite well behaved... when it matters the most."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 20:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anel's gaze slid between Cameron and Ryan, a small frown upon his lips as the other whore seemed to have grated on the Master's nerves. There was a small part of him that wanted to speak up on the blonde's behalf, but (as in most cases where he might have been pleasant) it was drowned by his more bratty self. "Doctor? Ahhh... So he'll be here for your physical, hm? Master Ryan?" His lips held a subtle smirk, his eyes telling them that he guessed perfectly just what they were doing.<br><br>"Well... Its none of my business, I'm sure; I was just being nosey." He stated bluntly with a small shrug, twirling a strand of platinum hair before the Master's comment reached his ears and he briefly froze, his stomach clenching.<br><br>That blow seemed a little below the belt, however the whore was rather good at hiding his displeasure and after only a momentary pause, he forced out an elegant chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, please... You know I don't have to go looking for clients, Master Ryan..." He winked, then waited until he had been introduced before performing a mock courtesy, immediately wishing he hadn't.<br><br>The motion only served to anger the unpleasant soreness between his thighs and he fliched slightly, straightening up. "A pleasure to meet you then... And despite what the Master claims; I am never well behaved." Again, he winked, then took a small step back with a small tilt of the head.<br><br>"Well... I think I have nosied enough... Will you be needing a new desk for tomorrow, Master Ryan? I could put an order for one if you'd like?" Anel smirked again, a hand resting lightly on his hip. It was unlikely the pair would break the desk; but when did the whore give up a chance for a little snipe? Even if it was at the Master's expense.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 01:34:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon had caught a glimpse of Atticus. The man had fled soon after he had met his gaze, having literally only looked at him for a fleeting moment, and his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. <br><br>So Ryan had done it. He'd gotten a hold of Atticus somehow and now he was here. It was enough to distract him briefly until suddenly he caught his name and realized that Anel and Ryan were talking about him.&nbsp; He'd caught the word 'patronage' and the fact that Ryan was apparently talking up Anel's virtues - had he noticed Atticus running off? Was he trying to pawn him off on someone else now so he could go tend to that? <br><br>Trying his best not to betray any of the thoughts running around his own head, a wan smile tugged at his lips as he turned to face towards them, evidently less amused now.&nbsp; <br><br>"A pleasure to meet you," He said, his voice very slightly flat, as he looked over Anel briefly - he was attractive, but he apparently quite easily shrugged off Ryan's suggestion, even seeming faintly disgusted by it, though Damon may have been imagining it. Still, his hands clenched into fists behind his back in agitation, feeling distinctly ganged up on by the two. <br><br>"... I'm sure you are a wonderful companion, but I was here to visit Ryan," Damon said to Anel, forcibly loosening the sudden tension in his posture, his eyes on the master of the establishment. "Not that it appears my presence is especially appreciated. In fact, it appears I'm rather in the way." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 01:54:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smirked at Anel's question about Damon being here to give Ryan a physical, but didn't word the thoughts. Maybe another time.<br>Anel's reaction to his teasing was.. interesting. So he hadn't buried the ordeal. Good. Anything else would have disappointed him. Anel was allowed to wear his mask, but Ryan did want his whores to be human. He was about to give the young man the night off, but the rest of Anel's words just washed over him and his eyes wandered from the whore to Damon.<br>Only then he noticed his friend to be at least somewhat tense. Did he think Ryan had played him instead of the whore? A slight frown creased his brow.<br><br><em>"Well... I think I have nosied enough... Will you be needing a new desk for tomorrow, Master Ryan? I could put an order for one if you'd like?" </em><br><br>His gaze snapped back, though the frown was still there.<br>"That won't be needed, Anel," he said quietly, laying his hands on his desk "But, yes, you are excused. Unless your visit actually had a reason behind it?"<br><br><em>"Not that it appears my presence is especially appreciated. In fact, it appears I'm rather in the way." </em><br><br>A sigh escaped him, so completely unlike the cold, distant Ryan everyone knew it was nearly ridiculous. If it had been up to him, Damon would be in his bed right now. And he'd be with him. He had clearly misinterpreted the teasing. That, or something else was up. The needed to talk..<br><br>"You're not in the way, Damon," he said, almost whispered, eyes going back to him now, meeting the other man's eyes and offering him a slight smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saku</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 02:56:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now Cameron didn't actually think himself equal to that of Ryan, the master of the house. No, in fact he thought himself to be lesser than the other male because he hadn't grown up in an area as 'classy' as this establishment. He'd been on the streets for most of his life and was more comfortable there than a high ranking place like this. So to speak. It wasn't that he considered himself above Ryan, he just had never called anyone 'master' and didn't intend to do so unless he were forced into it. Why were titles so important?<br><br>He respected Ryan but in his own way. Yet there was a possibility that some people might not see it that way. He nodded when Ryan responded to him regarding Rubee. But when the man addressed him further, Cameron blinked at his words. "My behavior?" The blond inquired, wondering what the other male was referring to. Perhaps what he had done soon after he had first arrived at the Teahouse? "I apologize for my words and actions in the past. But I believe Rubee has recently given me some good advice on that."<br><br>Cameron seriously had no idea what Ryan might be talking about but he hoped to fix it if it were possible. He wasn't pleased to hear Ryan speak of maybe kicking him out of the Teahouse though. "If you think I should leave, I will abide by your decision." The young man said, inclining his head. He wouldn't mind leaving but he also didn't want to bring his friend any trouble in the process. What if Mason's parents decided to send him here anyway? No, he couldn't let that happen, the boy had been terrified of the very thought.<br><br>With that being said, he excused himself so that Ryan might pay attention to more pressing problems at the moment and let himself out of the room. There wasn't much more to talk about anyway at the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Suiko</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 03:02:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Anel blinked across at Cameron as the other whore spoke, mentally smirking as he did exactly what he would have done in that situation; that is leave. Granted he would have only left for long enough to come up with a witty retort, but regardless... <br><br>He offered the other blonde a small nod as he left before clearing his throat and looking between the pair that were left. Even he could tell they were having a private moment and he cleared his throat with a small smile. "Ehem... Well... I will away then. You two have fun..." He winked. "Don't do anything I wouldn't..."<br><br>With that, Anel lightly blew a kiss towards the Master and doctor, turning away and carefully walking along the hall towards his room, a frown coming to his lips the instant his back was turned; he was sore... Hopefully Atticus' lotions would help.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>05-11-2011, 04:14:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, breathing out in a quiet sigh as he briefly shut everyone else out for a moment to gather himself, only briefly drawn from it due to the fact that Ryan was speaking to him, lowering his hand. He gave the man a brief smile, managing to force away the brief moment of - no, that wasn't jealousy. It must have been something else. <br><br>With a sigh he ran his hand back over his hair, only just realizing the others had left, his gaze tracing around the room for any sign of them before landing back on Ryan, a faint smile coming back to his lips, his voice a bit lower. <br><br>".. well that was a mood-killer," he breathed out in a somewhat lighter tone, his hand rubbing at his chin briefly, there still being a very faint crimson shadow on his cheek from when Ryan had struck him. "I understand you're busy, Ryan. If there are too many things you need to attend to, I can come back some other time," he said with a quiet sigh, that obviously not being what he wanted to do at all. <br><br>He was tired from traveling, perhaps he should have gone to his temporary lodgings and visited tomorrow... but as he gazed over at Ryan, a smile still on his lips, he knew exactly why he hadn't. <br><br><em>I really did miss you.</em> He couldn't quite bring himself to say it out loud, but he thought perhaps Ryan knew that anyway. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>16-11-2011, 04:45:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He frowned at Cameron, but didn't comment, nor stopped him on his way out of the office. The boy would learn. He had to. Ryan knew he had been on the streets, much like he had been himself, though that hadn't lasted for all too long and it was by his own choosing. The circles Cameron now found him in came with another set of rules and they were just as important to his survival as the rules of the streets had been when he had been there. Using the correct title at the correct time was one of these rules and it would serve him well when he actually managed to obtain a client of his own.<br><br>A smirk formed at Anel's words. He couldn't help but wonder what Anel wouldn't do. Perhaps bend over the good doctor and fuck him until he screamed...? Quite the possibility..<br>His gaze wandered back to the man that had so many of the same features he had and his smirk melted into a smile once again. He <em>had</em> missed Damon very much.<br><br>"I rather you stay, Damon," he said, his voice calm and quiet again, no hint of cold anger left in it "Would you wish for tea or something like that? You must be tired. At least sit down."<br>As he spoke, he had moved towards the other man and laid a hand against a cheek. Perhaps it had been his time with Atticus, perhaps he was growing weak and soft.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>17-02-2012, 03:26:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Does this mean youre not mad anymore?" Damon teased with a chuckle, giving Ryan a sincere smile, bringing a hand up to place it over Ryan's hand as it cupped his cheek. <br><br>"...you know, tea sounds wonderful," he murmured, removing his hand away from Ryan's, reaching to gently brush a raven strand away from his face. Perhaps he could just send word he'd be staying here tonight... Ryan was one of his best friends, people shouldn't be too suspicious, right? There would be no record of him having hired a whore... would Ryan lie for him? He wasn't sure. <br><br>He moved away from Ryan, and in an attempt to be polite, moved to pick up the items he'd knocked from his desk. He was the reason they were on the floor, after all, it had been impolite to knock them down. He glanced up at Ryan with a faint smirk.<br><br>"Next time, not the desk?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>19-04-2012, 02:44:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Does this mean you’re not mad anymore?"</em><br><br>Oddly enough, Ryan did feel a lot more calm. For a moment he wondered if he really was calm or not and if the other man had anything to do with this. Then he shrugged a shoulder, both to the idea and Damon’s words.<br>“Maybe,” he said, gaining a bit of a smirk, then a frown when Damon moved away from him.<br>The frown didn’t stay, though, but melted away when he watched him.<br>He didn’t, however, make any move to get the two tea.<br><br><em>"Next time, not the desk?"</em><br><br>Not the desk?<br><br>“Perhaps not,” he said quietly, raising a hand to let fingertips stroke along his lips as if recalling a kiss, a taste. The kiss they had just shared. He shivered, lightly, and licked those lips, eyes darkening again, gaze locking unto the other man.<br><br>Fuck the mess. The desk would have been fine.<br><em>Anywhere</em> would have been fine.<br><br>“I don’t feel like tea,” he continued, but much more quiet. There was something to his voice, to his intonation. Something that hinted of an eagerness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Oneiros</strong> on <strong>09-05-2012, 02:11:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Damon placed the things back on the desk in their proper place, seeming to have remembered exactly where everything had been, turning to look at Ryan with a knowing smirk as he mentioned not wanting tea. He didn't really want tea either, not anymore. His eyes locked on Ryan's as he faced towards him, taking a couple of steps closer, lowering his voice as he did so. <br><br>"...perhaps something else then?" He said in a low purr, a hand came up to gently trace his thumb over Ryan's lips, in an echo of what the man had just done himself. "...perhaps we should lock the door." <br><br>It would be a total lie to say he didn't want Ryan, right now. Things hadn't gone quite as he had intended, but he was willing to work on making them right. Sliding his hand to cup Ryan's cheek, he leaned in and gave him a brief, teasing kiss, his teeth catching his lip. He released him fairly quickly, giving Ryan a seductive smirk as he turned to head to the door, making sure it was closed, turning the lock with a soft 'click'. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Teahouse. - Ryan Valentine's office and room.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Saerrael</strong> on <strong>17-05-2012, 03:28:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smirked at the purr. It was manipulation of Damon. He was stronger than this, he could remain stood.<br>Or so he told himself.<br><br><em>"...perhaps we should lock the door." </em><br><br>And then that kiss. The contact. The warmth and wetness of that mouth. The feel of his tongue.<br>Why did he attempt to resist, anyway? Why would he even wish to keep up appearances?<br>This was his office.<br>His home.<br><br>The door was still unlocked.<br><br>Damon moving away had him gasp for breath. It had been way too long and he craved.<br>He didn't wait for the other man to return to him but followed and the moment he registered the soft clicking sound of the door, he pushed Damon against that same door.<br>Just as hard as he had shoved a certain other male into the same door earlier this day.<br><br>He growled at Damon's ear "I want you...," came out so dark and deep it didn't sound like the Ryan the Teahouse had ever known. But Damon knew this side of him. He'd seen this side of Ryan quite a few times.<br>Ryan was on fire and wouldn't just bend for Damon. But he also didn't really care who'd end up on top, either. Not really. That didn't mean he'd not fight for his right to dominate Damon, though.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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