Now four months into his training, Charles was finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. He was managing both Sydney and Mark’s houses with greater ease. It had been a demanding undertaking. Supervising the merger two of the largest houses in all of Kinkdom was, to put it lightly, a pain in the ass. Being Sydney’s protégé there was a certain amount of diplomatic decorum needed when dealing with Mark’s underlings. He could be seen showing favoritism to Sydney’s Doms.


Mark and Sydney’s styles of management were in stark contrast to one another—black and white. Mark was informal with his underlings, he delegated much of the day-to-day business to four of his closest apprentices. On the other hand Sydney was formal, and relied of her assistants and two apprentices, Charles and Lee. Mark created a network of Doms answerable to his apprentices who were then answerable to him. Sydney preferred smaller more centralized version of his structure, she created a hierarchy with her at the top and Charles and Lee as her heirs.


Charles was now charged with creating a workable resumption of both structures. When granted access to Mark and Sydney’s financial records, it began to dawn on Charles how much of a thorn this merger would be. Charles greatest fear was confirmed: There was a vast amount of wealth between the two houses. If the Doms felt they were being slighted, they would revolt against him and he could lose them both.


He needed allies in Mark’s camp. Obviously he choose Greta, she was Mark’s right hand. Next he chose Brian Gooding, Mark’s most trusted apprentice. Brian was Charles’s equal in stature and wit. His first appearance in the office caused a bit of a stir amongst the ladies. He strode through the door, his hair was the color of aged bourbon. His eyes were blue, midnight blue. His shoulders were broad and his body was long and loose limbed. He moved with the confident of a man who was about to come into his own.


Charles came too escorted to his new office. Brian flashed a grin to the ladies—it was like the sun coming from behind the clouds and just as stunning.


“Oh my God,” #4 sat in a chair. “I think I just came.”


“Don’t even think about it.” Natalie hazarded. “He’s your new Master.” She raised her hand, cutting off her rebuttal. “I know! Charles and I were forgiven but I wouldn’t push it. You know how these things go…hands off!”


“Master or not, he’s fine,” #2 gathered her folders for the next client. “I’d love for him to tie me up.” She smiled at Natalie.


“Girl, get out of here!” Natalie pushed her out of the way and walked down to meet Brian.




Greta presence in the office was touchy at best. There was no illusion of her being unwelcome which left Natalie in the middle of their quarrels. Neither the girls nor Greta would compromise. Add to these Charlie’s fembots and the place was a virtual powder keg. Thankfully Brian released his assistances in favor of Sydney’s girls.


He decision was purely political: By favoring Sydney’s girls over his own, he’d shown the lower Doms where his allegiance lay. Closer to home, this move proved his willingness to promote harmony between the houses and displayed his trust in the girls. He understood the mountain Charles was attempting to conqueror—if he could pull it off, he would’ve achieved a monumental feat inconceivable in Kink


There still, Brian was no fool. He, being Charles’ equivalent in Mark’s house, would be the natural successor should Charles fail. If Charles succeeded, it would place himself as second in command—still a desirable position anyone would kill for.



Charles and Natalie gathered the assistances together in Brian’s office for a quick meet-and-greet. He and Charles had very similar management styles: straight forward yet relaxed. Moreover, the two of them meshed. It was obvious he wouldn’t have any trouble winning the girls’ affection. Not even Greta was immune to his charm and wit. His smile alone could easily bed any woman of his choosing.


His manner is speaking was unrehearsed and disarming. Like Mark, he had a commanding air about him and his eyes burrowed into your very thoughts. Those midnight blue eyes were burning a hole in #4. They gave one another fruit fly attention, a flirtation glance here and there but nothing evident to those around. #4 coughed and adjusted her skirt; though it was knee length, she wasn’t taking any chances. She crossed her ankles and placed her portfolio on her lap.


Charles adjourned the meeting and everyone began filing out of the office. “We’re having dinner with Mark and Sydney tonight. You’re expected.” Charles said to Brian.


“I’ll be there.”


“Good, I’ll be in my office if you need me.”


“Thanks.” He said and turned to #4. “Would you mind waiting? I’d like to talk to you.”


Charles closed the door behind him.


Brian leaned back in his chair and eyed #4 as she stood in front of his desk. “Turn around in place, slowly.” he said in a low sexy, sultry voice that gave #4 the shivers.


Nervously, she complied. She averted her eyes and coyly turned.


Brian studied her intensely. She was darker complexioned, taller, and curvier than the other girls. Her uniform, a black pencil skirt, and cropped jacket over a corset, contoured to her body like none of the others. Meek as a mouse with body made for sin, just the way he like them.


She stopped and waited for his reaction. Brian opened his day planner and began working. A few second later he glanced up at her as if he were surprise she was still there.


“Oh, I’m sorry. That’ll be all, you can leave,”


Her jaw dropped and looks up at him. Clearly the conversation was over, she left.




“What do think about Brian?” Natalie asked Charles.


“I like him,” he closed his books and pulled her into his lap. “He’s smart and he has a good reputation.”


“He reminds me of you.”


“What, an asshole?”


Natalie kissed his temple. “Tenacious.”


“I’ve been called worse.” He encircled her waist and rests his head on her chest. Within seconds he began to doze off. “We have to come home early tonight. I have a full schedule tomorrow.”


“Do you want to stay home? I’m sure Sydney would understand.”


Charles burst out laughing. “You don’t believe that. Since Mark restricted her time in the office to two days a week, we go to her. I’d rather chop my own balls off then anger that woman.”


“What about me?” Natalie put space between them. “I need some play time. It’s been three days since we’ve fooled around.”


“Damn it, I’m not a machine.”


“Yes you are!”


There was a knock on the door and Brian walked in, surprised to see Natalie anchored in Charles lap. “Whoa, sorry.” He backed out of the door.


Natalie stood. “No, come in. I’m leaving.”


Brian took a seat as she left. “Um, these dinner parties….”


“Ah, once a week we meet for dinner, nothing fancy, mostly briefing Sydney on where we stand. Normally it’ll be Mark and Sydney of course, you and I, and Natalie and Greta. But tonight we’re expecting a full house—lower Doms from both houses, and the girls. The Masters wanna keep an eye on things. I suggest you memorize the figures I gave you and put your game face on. If you think Mark was difficult to deal with, wait until you meet Sydney.”


“Oh shit.” Brian smiled and stood to leave.


“You got that right. And don’t stay out too late. We have meetings tomorrow with everyone who’ll be there tonight.” Charles opened his books.