Chapter 36 - Dangling a Carrot
In which Sawyer makes a case for inviting a certain carrot-bearing friend to Freeman's.
Back to Chapter 35
I'm not in love, so don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made, ooh
I'm not in love, I'm not in love...
'I'm Not in Love' 10cc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYrjtgU-44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiWBPdhPH8
Waking up alone hadn't surprised Sawyer. It would have been nice to have had a body next to him in the morning, but he'd thought it reasonably unlikely in any case, so it wasn't like he was disappointed, exactly. Feeling alone, perhaps, but not disappointed. The last night he'd been with someone that had ended with him still cuddled up with them in the morning had been... and he cut that off before it became a fully-fledged thought, then stretched and got out of the bed.
Dammit, you'd think he was some kind of fluffy bunny after all, with things like that going through his head. The last thing Sawyer needed right now was penny-novel, ever-after thoughts like staying in someone else's arms all night long to make him feel like a complete 'bunny'.
He sniffed at his stupidity and pulled on his scattered clothing. Sighing over the empty plates on the table, he decided that what he needed was a decent breakfast, then at least one part of him would feel full again.
Casting one more look about the room before he closed the door on it, Sawyer stepped out and made his way to the kitchen. The bustle going on there made it evident that not only was breakfast well and truly over, but lunch was just about done with too. He was surprised that Luigi or one of his minions hadn't woken him earlier to kick him out of the room before that day's check-out time, but according to his chef friend last night, business was slowing down for fall, hence him being able to get a room on such short notice, so it evidently didn't matter. Luigi probably figured his 'favor' was well and truly repaid by dint of letting the gambler sleep beyond the allotted booking, but Sawyer smiled wryly to himself about that. He'd have to see whether he needed the favor repeated before he accepted that.
Glancing about the hectic kitchen, he spotted Luigi berating yet another waiter who looked as though he'd lick the man's boot if he'd just stop besmirching his character in public. Sawyer grinned across the room as Luigi looked up and caught his eye, letting the unfortunate youth go with one last clip around the ear and then striding over towards his friend.
Sawyer pressed the key to the room back into the chef's hand and thanked him profusely for the meal and the use of the room, adding with a wink that it had got him pretty much what he'd been looking for. He looked pointedly at the wall clock and told Luigi it was a pity he'd missed breakfast but that he wouldn't need another night, and then he nodded at the man once more.
"I'll see you at the tables at Freeman's sometime soon, I imagine," he threw back with one last smirk before he left.
Cook would probably find him something tasty at Freeman's in any case. If he was honest, Sawyer preferred her familiar Southern cooking to a lot of the fancy stuff Luigi had on offer. Cook wasn't always friendly towards Sawyer and she wasn't paid to feed him, but he brought enough money through the doors with him most days in one way or another that Marton had basically told her she should accommodate his needs foodwise any time he asked. It wasn't as if he did it a lot, anyway, and he knew his appreciation for her food usually made it worth her while.
He kind of liked the way her kitchen reminded him of his youth in any case, though he'd never say that to any of Freeman's inhabitants. He had a feeling Cook knew, as there were times she looked at him like he reminded her of someone, and of course the easy way they traded minor insults without either one being permanently offended must have gone some way to assure her that his background was other than cheap immigrant Southern labor like many of the people around probably supposed he was. Sawyer certainly didn't advertise his refined gentleman, 'old money' background.
The walk to Freeman's was brisk and got his heart pumping, if not quite as fast as last night's carrot hiding exercise, he thought with a grin, and although it made him doubly aware of how big the carrot was, it had been well worth it, as was today's outing in the fresh autumn air.
Knocking at the door with the classic 'shave and a haircut' rhythm, Sawyer's grin was still warm when Wang-zu answered the door and let him in.
"Cook started lunch yet? Marton about?" he asked the Chinese servant, who nodded in his usual inscrutable way and simply led Sawyer to the dining room and then left him. Sawyer's brows creased and he watched the door shut behind Wang-zu, then shrugged to himself and moved over to the liquor cabinet. He didn't know whether the man was going to fetch food, or Marton, or both. It was impossible to tell, and he was probably best to just wait to find out. It wasn't like he had a million other things to be doing anyway.
Perhaps he'd see Warrick if he was about... although Sawyer wasn't so sure that was a good idea after the other day's incident in the garden. Better still, he should just make an appointment to see Naveen. It had been far too long since he'd been punished by the East Indian, and Naveen would probably be wondering why he hadn't even been in the house much since their last night together. At that thought, a pang of guilt went through Sawyer's gut at what he'd done recently. Dammit! He had to get a grip. None of them meant anything to him. Maybe Naveen could remind him of that... hopefully soon.
After canoodling with Naveen for a while following their session, Marton had been helped to his own bed. Marg had eventually poked her head in. Having only Naveen's version, she'd tsked as she looked over the 'damage'. As she'd surmised, Naveen's guilty conscious had exaggerated the injuries, though it would be quite a while before Marton would be able to sit comfortably.
The two owners talked quietly as Marg applied more salve, discussing business matters and Naveen's request. Neither addressed the probable underlying cause of their Dom's state of mind. Both could easily make an educated guess who was at the center. Marton dozed off again, knowing the running of the establishment was in Marg's capable hands. Though now home, they'd decided Sean would be useless, if their partner deigned to climb from his bed over the next couple days, he'd only concentrate on his import business matters. One side benefit of Sean being home--with his surprise being a new boy--was Cook would be busy fussing over Orlando. If the overly mothering woman got wind of Marton's extra tender bum, there'd be hell to pay for Naveen, and Marton.
The next noon as a couple of servants helped him to his shower, Marton again thanked all the deities that Cook hadn't yet found out. Instead of these two discreet gentlemen assisting him through his morning ablutions, he'd have Cook, in all her disapproving glory, creating a bigger issue of the marks than they warranted.
Word came a short time later that Mr. Sawyer was downstairs luncheoning and had requested an audience. Curious, Marton pondered the timing of the visit. If not for the cause of his current injuries and the other household member involved, he would have had Marg handle their favorite rule breaker. He made arrangements for his own repast to be set up in his study and sent return word for Sawyer to be shown into the room in a half hour's time. It would most likely take that long for Marton to descend to the floor below and arrange himself in some sort of position that didn't give away the still fiery condition of his bum, he thought wryly.
Sawyer had just helped himself to whiskey when Wang-zu returned to the room with a tray of hot food that smelled too delicious for him to contemplate refusing. Wang-zu told him in his somewhat limited English that Sawyer could see Marton in a half hour if he was prepared to wait. Sitting down at the table and allowing Wang-zu to place a napkin across his lap, Sawyer nodded his agreement before tucking into the stew and savoring every bite.
The food well-demolished, Sawyer swirled the whiskey around in his glass as he contemplated what he was going to say to Marton. Hugh certainly seemed all right in terms of clientele for Freeman's, although who he could get rough with here didn't immediately spring to mind. Perhaps one of the bouncers? Should he tell Marton about the carrot? Sniffing as he gazed sightlessly at the wall, remembering the night-time fun he'd had with the Australian, Sawyer decided he'd play it by ear. He had to be a little careful, but perhaps Marton needed warning that not just any of his boys would be able to handle Hugh's size. But surely he'd be agreeable to allowing membership if Sawyer sponsored Hugh, especially since he knew the man was capable of being beaten. If he did cause any trouble, Sawyer was confident Vin and Eric would be able to handle him. A pang of guilt at how Hugh had most recently been beaten caused him momentary worry, but Sawyer was soon thinking about last night's activities again and a slow smile came to his face as Wang-zu silently opened the door once more, indicating he should follow.
Reaching the door to Marton's study, Sawyer fingered his hat almost nervously as he adjusted his neck tie. Wang-zu opened the door in time for a couple of the other house servants to slip out with empty trays before he showed Sawyer in. Watching as Wang-zu bowed his way out again, Sawyer turned to greet his host.
"Mr. Freeman," he smiled, holding out a hand to shake the other man's, "Thank you for seeing me at such short notice. I know I haven't exactly been regular lately, but..." he cleared his throat nervously, "...I've been busy. I can guarantee you some decent money-spinning again soon though. Might just attend the tables tonight, as a matter of fact."
A quick assessing glance accompanied Marton's return of the handshake. A little rumpled and unkempt for the normally impeccably dressed gambler. Marton's discerning nose also picked up a hint of male musk. Interesting.
"Enjoyably busy, it appears," Marton smiled as he waved Sawyer to a seat. He remained standing and other than pouring himself coffee, only picked idly at a piece of toast from the spread laid out on the sideboard. "Dominic has missed your presence at his table." Left unsaid was any mention of Sawyer being missed by another member of the household.
"You might say that," Sawyer allowed, finding a seat and sinking into it gratefully. He watched as Marton toyed with the food, his eyes narrowing at the casual manner that seemed at odds with the other man's posture. There was something not quite right with the way he was holding himself, but Sawyer couldn't put his finger on it. Letting the thought go, he went on, "I'm sure he has. No one else gets the stakes up high enough to make life interesting most nights."
Sawyer grinned more widely and ran a hand through his greasy hair, the thought of washing it sometime soon passing through his mind as he touched it. Perhaps a bath while he was here. Maybe one of the boys could help him out--Greg or Craig, probably. But that wasn't his immediate concern, he could get to that in a while.
At this point, Sawyer couldn't decide if he should mention Naveen now, or discuss Hugh first. Perhaps the membership issue was more important, although a slight increase in his pulse as he thought about his favorite whore almost made him ask how Naveen had been since his last visit. There had been longer gaps between sessions with his Dom, but until the fight, Sawyer rarely left Freeman's without making a new appointment with Naveen, and Marton knew that as well as Naveen himself did.
"Everyone is well?" he asked with a slight swallow, dropping his eyes momentarily as a vision of Naveen in all his wonderful glory came into his head, then abruptly the picture changed into the beauty of Matt as he lay under Josh the other night. It felt like Sawyer's heart stopped for a second as he fought the image of Warrick from overlaying both, and he blinked several times, coughing into his fist lightly as he tried to get his thoughts back on course.
Christ!
Much as Marton was one of the few people who knew him to any degree out here, away from the family he'd long left behind--apart from Jack--there was no way Marton could know his inner turmoil or how disturbed Sawyer was after his last session with Naveen, not to mention what had happened with Jack and Warrick since then.
"How do you feel about letting me sponsor a new member?" Sawyer finally found words on the subject at hand, letting the thought of further appointments with Naveen rest for now.
Marton let a secretive, lusty smirk dance across his face as he answered Sawyer's first question. "Our errant partner returned yesterday, with a delightful surprise," he said, smirk growing to allow Sawyer to fill in his own theories about how the household may have celebrated Sean's arrival.
The flitting emotions across Sawyer's face before they were quickly masked behind the gambler's usual smarmy charm, gave Marton pause. "Sponsorship, Mr. Holloway?" Marton purposely used his surname over the sobriquet of 'Sawyer'. He gave up any pretence of eating the bland foods and circled around to stand behind his desk.
"You are becoming quite the ambassador for Freeman's. Leading us to Warrick and now a potential client. Help yourself," he waved to the sideboard with the coffee service and liquor decanters, "and tell me about your friend. This is a friend, and not some acquaintance you’ve picked up somewhere, yes?"
When Josh stood and crossed the room, Marton quickly sat upon the carefully arranged pillows in his desk chair. By will alone he did not squirm nor groan. He’d have preferred standing but had a suspicion they would be conversing for a while as Marton tried to figure out Josh’s motives.
Pouring coffee, Sawyer snorted lightly without looking around.
"Delightful surprise? Don't tell me he found you some new exotic boy from the Sandwich Islands or something?" Sawyer's interest was somewhat aroused at the thought, but he couldn't believe it was likely, despite Sean Bean's ability to sniff out amazing deals.
"Something like that," Marton chuckled, not surprised Josh had come close to the truth about Orlando.
Turning with the cup of coffee in his hand, Sawyer stirred it carefully before deciding to add a splash of brandy. Having done so, he returned to his chair and gave Marton a thoughtful look. How much should he say about Hugh Jackman? Friend was hardly a true description and if Sawyer tried to make Marton believe it was, the likelihood of the lie being uncovered in short order was probably quite high. He really knew nothing about the man and couldn't pretend he did. But he could probably stretch their acquaintance enough for Marton to feel more generous towards the Australian. That was a bluff he could probably risk and still come out on top... so to speak.
"Well, I haven't known the man for many weeks," Sawyer began his stretching exercise, "but I can certainly vouch for his ability with... willing individuals. He needs... somewhere safe to seek out like-minded men who can take a little more than your average bunny. He has quite an impressive... carrot, shall we say?" He gave Marton a friendly smile, one that said he was perfectly confident with recommending this new fellow as someone safe to have in the house, even if he could perhaps use more than the average whore to deal with his needs. "I'm sure you can find someone to accommodate him? If not, I'd be willing to bet that the two of us paying for a room to use for some private sessions occasionally wouldn't be completely against your principles?"
He needed to offer something in case Marton wasn't so keen, although Sawyer knew perfectly well that if he were to carry on any kind of dalliance with Hugh, it didn't have to be at Freeman's, nor would Marton necessarily be willing to allow it. But money into the house for such a thing was income at the end of the day. Even if they took it elsewhere, Sawyer and Hugh would probably still have to pay for whatever room they used, so this might be some sort of compromise.
Sawyer wouldn't even consider how such a thing would be taken by Naveen were he to find out about it. Sawyer knew it was unavoidable that the Dom would find out in such close quarters, but if his bet paid off today, it wouldn't need to come to pass. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to continue what he had begun with Hugh over returning to Naveen for the punishment he so richly deserved, but he did owe Hugh for the beating, and Sawyer stood by his debts, that was all there was to it. If this was the only way to get the man some guarantee of safety and Sawyer the back-up he would need if anything went wrong, then so be it.
Marton leaned forward to rest his elbows on the desk, balancing his weight over his thighs and not his tender backside. He listened carefully to Josh's explanations, seeking nuances to what the practiced conman wasn’t saying. If he understood the implication of carrot correctly, this prospective member was impressive... member-wise, and knew how to wield it in a manner men such as Sawyer enjoyed. Timing again crossed his mind. Providential, perhaps, to have someone around who could 'handle' Freeman's irrepressible client, then again, Marton had to consider the subtlies underlying the relationship between this man and Naveen.
"Bunnies?" Marton asked simply, "You make him sound like some sort of hunter. Tell me more about this paragon before I deem him worthy to meet and form my own opinions. You know I’ve had to tighten the rules surrounding admittance after a few 'gentlemen'," Marton sneered at the term, "didn’t understand our staff are as important as our clients."
Sipping carefully from the coffee and allowing the liquor in it to warm his stomach before he answered, Sawyer again wondered briefly what it was about Marton that didn't seem quite as usual, but then let it go again so he could think more on how much to say about Hugh.
Perhaps if he told Marton about the incident with the sailors then the man would feel more inclined to admit Hugh. Sawyer didn't feel like the Australian was likely to be any trouble--he seemed genuinely interested in the fun he could find here, and had even asked about Eric. Surely someone wanting to be friendly with a fellow countryman couldn't be all bad?
"I don't know if Hugh hunts, to be honest," he smirked, lowering his cup, "but I'd say it's likely. He seems to think I'm worthy prey, but to be honest, I'm not sure I want someone that dependant on me. I sent him to Sailor Tom's for a change of scene, but that didn't work out so well... he looks like he can handle himself, but he got into some kind of a scuffle... someone a bit rougher than he expected by all accounts."
Pausing for a moment, Sawyer licked his lips as he tried to think of a way to describe the way things had gone between him and Hugh without getting into intimate detail.
"I'd trust him with people on the whole. The times we've been together he's been... considerate. He likes it rough, but he's not dangerous. Look, Marton..." Josh rarely used formal address, unless in front of the servants, no matter how often Marton insisted on calling him 'mister'. It seemed unnecessary to him, though he never corrected the man, "... just meet him, that's all I ask. If you don't trust him, then we'll forget it, all right? I feel I owe him for leading him up the wrong path with the sailors, but if he's not the type of clientele you want here, then I've done my best to help him out. No harm done, right?"
Marton answered Sawyer's smirk with one of his own, though it was a bit tight as he fought the urge to squirm on his seat. "So, either he is very new to the city or just unmindful of the dangers to be found in that borderline neighborhood," Marton alluded to Sailor Tom's located between Chinatown and the Italian enclave in North Beach.
"You would personally vouch for the man, be responsible for his actions within Freeman's and with everyone associated with the establishment?" Being rolled in or outside of Sailor Tom's could have been accidental as Josh implied. Or, the man foolishly didn't heed the risks he was taking, or, god forbid, was of the type to use someone like Sawyer who would submit 'to a bit of rough' when it suited his needs, but preferred to bash 'perverted sodomites' when it didn’t.
With only a few subtle maneuvers on Marton's and his staff's part, most of the 'basher' types were easily sussed and dealt with. The dandified risk-takers had to be treated somewhat more carefully. More often than not they came from new or old money, and their papas had political connections that Marton grew weary of buying off, or using his funds to find blackmail material to counter any actions threatened against the establishment. Pity Naveen wouldn't be around. When at the top of his game, the Dom was expert at sniffing out an individual's true nature.
"Well, like I said, I haven't known him long, but to be perfectly honest with you, Marton, he just doesn't come across as a bad man. Yeah, I'll vouch for him. You know how I feel about you and most of your boys. If anyone here got hurt, I don't think I'd forgive myself."
Sawyer was an expert at reading people's faces when it came to the cards, and in most of his risk-taking he'd known exactly what he was getting himself into, but sometimes he could be wrong. He hoped like hell he wasn't this time, but there were no one hundred percent guarantees in this business.
"I'd keep an eye on him for his first few visits, if that would help. Make sure he didn't do anything to anyone who wasn't prepared for it, that kind of thing."
Swirling the coffee around a bit more before taking another gulp, Sawyer decided Marton seemed to trust him so far, despite some of the hassles he'd brought the man's way. Perhaps something else to sweeten the deal? He pondered what would be the best thing he could offer, while he let Marton mull over his last proposal.
"Very well, I will meet with the man." Marton pushed up from his chair; the sigh that escaped his lips made to be one of light exasperation for becoming embroiled in another of Sawyer's schemes. "Have him meet me at Lafayette Park in five days." Marton's face relaxed into a teasing smile. "Tell him to wear a green carnation in the mode of the playwright, Wilde." That would be an extremely subtle test whether the man knew anything of culture or about the sub-culture of 'like-minded' men and whether he would understand the importance of not flaunting their sexuality.
"And just who am I to meet? Or is the man accustomed to being addressed by his impressive 'carrot'?"
Sawyer laughed quietly at Marton's idea of ways to recognize Hugh. Trust him to romanticize a simple business meeting!
"What time?" Sawyer asked, finishing off the last of his coffee, "I'll make sure he's there. As for the green carnation...." he offered a lopsided grin and a raised eyebrow, "Not sure he knows his literature, but I'll tell him. His name is Hugh Jackman." Sawyer almost had to stop on the surname, the reminder of another Jack still strong, but he manfully managed to get past the word without too much trouble in the end.
Marton also chuckled as he made his way around the desk. He gave a time for the meeting, shrugging lightly that the delay of a few days had to do with Sean's return, and the resulting upheaval of the household.
"Now, on another... unrelated matter...? It's been a while since I visited with Naveen." Sawyer licked his lips, trying to pretend that nothing was any different between them in recent times, "Does he happen to have any appointments free in the near future?"
Marton's face turned serious as he studied the obvious attempt on Josh's part to be casual when bringing up Naveen. Yes, there definitely was much more beneath the surface in the relationship between the two men. And again, timing echoed in his mind. Marton intended to use the time while Naveen was away to learn from observation what he could about the multifaceted Josh Holloway.
"My apologies, but Naveen is away on a special business arrangement." He let Josh assume that as had happened now and again, another house somewhere had requested the expert Dom. "In the interim, I pray Eric and/or Vin can be of assistance with some of your needs?" Marton lightened the offer with a smile and a warm hand to Josh's shoulder, "After I meet your man, Mr. Jackman, the two of you could also indulge in the 'bit of rough' you enjoy... with or without one of my lad's assistance."
Standing up as Marton rounded the desk, Sawyer's brow creased at Marton's words and his chest tightened. Who else could Naveen be seeing that he'd be unavailable for some time?
Before he could even think to play it cool, he asked, "How long will he be away?" and then recovering slightly, added, "Perhaps Vin, yes, in the meantime. He was very... accommodating the other week when I..." and he faltered, knowing Marton knew exactly to which night Sawyer referred. Unwilling to mention anything specific for the thoughts that brought up, he shut his mouth abruptly.
Naveen away? What did that mean, in any case? Did the man want to end their arrangement? Was this his subtle way of easing Sawyer out? He had to see Naveen and soon. If not, there was no telling what he might do. The tightening in his chest threatened his breathing now, and it was hard for Sawyer to get himself under control suddenly. He tried for a smile but his usual poker face seemed to have eluded him.
There was one other person he could see, but whether the man was ready for it, he didn't know. He wasn’t even sure if he was ready for it himself after their last encounter.
Warrick.
Sawyer hadn't been near the place since the other afternoon in the garden and surely Warrick must have wondered what had happened, but perhaps he hadn't realized the frequency of Sawyer's visits, when he’d been mostly unconscious for many of them. Hopefully, Sawyer could fix that situation... although at this point he didn't know how. Would the man even care? He’d seemed most responsive in the garden, but who knew? And would he be willing to replace someone like Naveen? Sawyer just didn't know and his confusion swirled around him almost palpably as he tried to make sense of his clouded emotions.
"Uh... I should go..." he managed, aware that Marton was seeing a side of him he showed rarely to those other than Naveen or Matt...
Naveen.
Matt.
Warrick.
A sickening thud in his belly caused Sawyer to sway and for a moment he seriously thought he was going to throw up, except that he never threw up. He wasn't sure he could leave right now though. The dizziness was overwhelming as he realized he’d been holding his breath.
"A moment," he murmured, sitting down again suddenly from under Marton's hand on his shoulder.
"Whoa mate..." with help of the arm of Josh's chair, Marton hunkered down with only small winces as the fabric of his pants stretched across his backside. Josh was decidedly green about the gills and Marton did what was necessary. He pushed the man's head between his knees and told him repeatedly to take even breaths.
"That's it love, few more until I'm convinced you're not going to swoon on me." His choice of words also was designed to break through whatever malaise was gripping Josh. He hoped he'd soon have the blond lurching up with a flip of his hair and glare in Sawyer's particular sexy, green eyes flashing fire, way.
"Fuck!" Sawyer let out, gulping in mouthfuls of air until he was able to lift his head and offer the trademark glare at the words Marton was spouting. "Just something I ate or not enough sleep, or something... I'll be all right in a minute. Jesus, man, don't fuss."
Taking one more deep breath, he shook off Marton's hands, and gripped the arms of the chair.
"Just tell me when Naveen's due back," he growled, lifting a hand to sweep back his unruly hair at last and grimacing at his host. "If he's not going to be away for long, perhaps I'll just wait."
Sawyer finally lurched to his feet, watching wild-eyed as Marton stood back up more carefully, and then he stepped unevenly towards the door. Christ! What kind of thing was this? The last thing he should be doing was falling apart in front of Marton! But he had to know that Naveen was coming back. Had to be sure the man wasn't leaving...
"There, that's the sexy growl and glare we all love." Marton grinned cheekily, but stayed where Josh couldn't reach him. "Naveen should finish his assignment in no more than a week. Now are you sure I can't send for Vin to help you work out any excess energy and regain your equilibrium?"
Marton kept the banter light, but his mind was racing, trying to guess what had triggered Sawyer's severe reactions. Was it only the unavailability of his Dom? Was there guilt issues the man needed to have Naveen beat out of him? He wouldn't press now, but keeping Sawyer close to the house hopefully would assist him in finding ways to aid Naveen's inner turmoil as well as Josh's.
The relief that coursed through Sawyer as Marton explained that Naveen would be back in a week was enough to settle his dizziness more than putting his head between his legs had done. But even so, Sawyer was annoyed that his Dom wasn't available when he most needed him. Finally, after already being away from Naveen for more than a week, he felt able to return, his so-called equilibrium restored from the sessions with a man he had no care for beyond his interest in the 'carrot' he bore and how it was used.
Coughing lightly, Sawyer kept his expression harsh, though he knew Marton was only trying to help by offering a replacement, and forced away the feelings he'd let rise too close to the surface.
"Yes, perhaps you're right," he allowed, a grin beginning at last, "Someone to aid me in working off 'excess energy' may be exactly what I need. Can he be available later tonight, after I've played a few hands with Dominic and whatever other suckers you've managed to line up?"
And then a thought was in his head again quickly enough now the matter of Naveen was settled; whether Warrick was ready to work. Sawyer's interest had not exactly waned, despite his confusion over why he had kissed the man as he had, and Marton hadn't mentioned the mulatto at all so far.
Hoping to appear casual about his interest in the man he had helped rescue, Sawyer added as if an after-thought, his hand on the door at Marton's nod in the affirmative about Vin's availability, "How is Warrick, by the way? I hope he will prove as attractive an addition to the club as his potential seemed to indicate."
"He's doing well, thank you for asking." Marton's eyes went a little flinty as he adopted just as casual an air. The last thing Warrick needed was to be caught up in whatever was swirling between Sawyer and Naveen. Thankfully from what Marg had mentioned, Warrick was helping the new boy-girl adapt. That should keep both new boys out of any trouble.
"Warrick's slowly familiarizing himself to the household," Marton shrugged nonchalantly. "When he feels he's ready, he'll find his niche."
Sawyer noted the cool look and got the distinct impression Marton was protecting Warrick, but why he felt he needed to do so from Sawyer wasn't immediately evident... unless he knew what had happened in the garden and was disturbed by it...? Would Warrick have told him? Sawyer wasn't altogether sure, but he wasn't prepared to go into it right now. He'd only just got himself together again after the shock of Naveen not being around.
"I'm sure he will," he offered tightly, "And thank you for the other. I should be at the tables by nine. Good afternoon, Marton," he smiled now, collecting his hat and heading out.
Now to leave a message for Hugh at the bar he frequented, then he could go to his rooms and tidy himself up a bit for later.
Word Count: ~ 5656
On to Part 37
Back to Chapter 35
I'm not in love, so don't forget it
It's just a silly phase I'm going through
And just because I call you up
Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made, ooh
I'm not in love, I'm not in love...
'I'm Not in Love' 10cc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTYrjtgU-44
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiWBPdhPH8
Waking up alone hadn't surprised Sawyer. It would have been nice to have had a body next to him in the morning, but he'd thought it reasonably unlikely in any case, so it wasn't like he was disappointed, exactly. Feeling alone, perhaps, but not disappointed. The last night he'd been with someone that had ended with him still cuddled up with them in the morning had been... and he cut that off before it became a fully-fledged thought, then stretched and got out of the bed.
Dammit, you'd think he was some kind of fluffy bunny after all, with things like that going through his head. The last thing Sawyer needed right now was penny-novel, ever-after thoughts like staying in someone else's arms all night long to make him feel like a complete 'bunny'.
He sniffed at his stupidity and pulled on his scattered clothing. Sighing over the empty plates on the table, he decided that what he needed was a decent breakfast, then at least one part of him would feel full again.
Casting one more look about the room before he closed the door on it, Sawyer stepped out and made his way to the kitchen. The bustle going on there made it evident that not only was breakfast well and truly over, but lunch was just about done with too. He was surprised that Luigi or one of his minions hadn't woken him earlier to kick him out of the room before that day's check-out time, but according to his chef friend last night, business was slowing down for fall, hence him being able to get a room on such short notice, so it evidently didn't matter. Luigi probably figured his 'favor' was well and truly repaid by dint of letting the gambler sleep beyond the allotted booking, but Sawyer smiled wryly to himself about that. He'd have to see whether he needed the favor repeated before he accepted that.
Glancing about the hectic kitchen, he spotted Luigi berating yet another waiter who looked as though he'd lick the man's boot if he'd just stop besmirching his character in public. Sawyer grinned across the room as Luigi looked up and caught his eye, letting the unfortunate youth go with one last clip around the ear and then striding over towards his friend.
Sawyer pressed the key to the room back into the chef's hand and thanked him profusely for the meal and the use of the room, adding with a wink that it had got him pretty much what he'd been looking for. He looked pointedly at the wall clock and told Luigi it was a pity he'd missed breakfast but that he wouldn't need another night, and then he nodded at the man once more.
"I'll see you at the tables at Freeman's sometime soon, I imagine," he threw back with one last smirk before he left.
Cook would probably find him something tasty at Freeman's in any case. If he was honest, Sawyer preferred her familiar Southern cooking to a lot of the fancy stuff Luigi had on offer. Cook wasn't always friendly towards Sawyer and she wasn't paid to feed him, but he brought enough money through the doors with him most days in one way or another that Marton had basically told her she should accommodate his needs foodwise any time he asked. It wasn't as if he did it a lot, anyway, and he knew his appreciation for her food usually made it worth her while.
He kind of liked the way her kitchen reminded him of his youth in any case, though he'd never say that to any of Freeman's inhabitants. He had a feeling Cook knew, as there were times she looked at him like he reminded her of someone, and of course the easy way they traded minor insults without either one being permanently offended must have gone some way to assure her that his background was other than cheap immigrant Southern labor like many of the people around probably supposed he was. Sawyer certainly didn't advertise his refined gentleman, 'old money' background.
The walk to Freeman's was brisk and got his heart pumping, if not quite as fast as last night's carrot hiding exercise, he thought with a grin, and although it made him doubly aware of how big the carrot was, it had been well worth it, as was today's outing in the fresh autumn air.
Knocking at the door with the classic 'shave and a haircut' rhythm, Sawyer's grin was still warm when Wang-zu answered the door and let him in.
"Cook started lunch yet? Marton about?" he asked the Chinese servant, who nodded in his usual inscrutable way and simply led Sawyer to the dining room and then left him. Sawyer's brows creased and he watched the door shut behind Wang-zu, then shrugged to himself and moved over to the liquor cabinet. He didn't know whether the man was going to fetch food, or Marton, or both. It was impossible to tell, and he was probably best to just wait to find out. It wasn't like he had a million other things to be doing anyway.
Perhaps he'd see Warrick if he was about... although Sawyer wasn't so sure that was a good idea after the other day's incident in the garden. Better still, he should just make an appointment to see Naveen. It had been far too long since he'd been punished by the East Indian, and Naveen would probably be wondering why he hadn't even been in the house much since their last night together. At that thought, a pang of guilt went through Sawyer's gut at what he'd done recently. Dammit! He had to get a grip. None of them meant anything to him. Maybe Naveen could remind him of that... hopefully soon.
After canoodling with Naveen for a while following their session, Marton had been helped to his own bed. Marg had eventually poked her head in. Having only Naveen's version, she'd tsked as she looked over the 'damage'. As she'd surmised, Naveen's guilty conscious had exaggerated the injuries, though it would be quite a while before Marton would be able to sit comfortably.
The two owners talked quietly as Marg applied more salve, discussing business matters and Naveen's request. Neither addressed the probable underlying cause of their Dom's state of mind. Both could easily make an educated guess who was at the center. Marton dozed off again, knowing the running of the establishment was in Marg's capable hands. Though now home, they'd decided Sean would be useless, if their partner deigned to climb from his bed over the next couple days, he'd only concentrate on his import business matters. One side benefit of Sean being home--with his surprise being a new boy--was Cook would be busy fussing over Orlando. If the overly mothering woman got wind of Marton's extra tender bum, there'd be hell to pay for Naveen, and Marton.
The next noon as a couple of servants helped him to his shower, Marton again thanked all the deities that Cook hadn't yet found out. Instead of these two discreet gentlemen assisting him through his morning ablutions, he'd have Cook, in all her disapproving glory, creating a bigger issue of the marks than they warranted.
Word came a short time later that Mr. Sawyer was downstairs luncheoning and had requested an audience. Curious, Marton pondered the timing of the visit. If not for the cause of his current injuries and the other household member involved, he would have had Marg handle their favorite rule breaker. He made arrangements for his own repast to be set up in his study and sent return word for Sawyer to be shown into the room in a half hour's time. It would most likely take that long for Marton to descend to the floor below and arrange himself in some sort of position that didn't give away the still fiery condition of his bum, he thought wryly.
Sawyer had just helped himself to whiskey when Wang-zu returned to the room with a tray of hot food that smelled too delicious for him to contemplate refusing. Wang-zu told him in his somewhat limited English that Sawyer could see Marton in a half hour if he was prepared to wait. Sitting down at the table and allowing Wang-zu to place a napkin across his lap, Sawyer nodded his agreement before tucking into the stew and savoring every bite.
The food well-demolished, Sawyer swirled the whiskey around in his glass as he contemplated what he was going to say to Marton. Hugh certainly seemed all right in terms of clientele for Freeman's, although who he could get rough with here didn't immediately spring to mind. Perhaps one of the bouncers? Should he tell Marton about the carrot? Sniffing as he gazed sightlessly at the wall, remembering the night-time fun he'd had with the Australian, Sawyer decided he'd play it by ear. He had to be a little careful, but perhaps Marton needed warning that not just any of his boys would be able to handle Hugh's size. But surely he'd be agreeable to allowing membership if Sawyer sponsored Hugh, especially since he knew the man was capable of being beaten. If he did cause any trouble, Sawyer was confident Vin and Eric would be able to handle him. A pang of guilt at how Hugh had most recently been beaten caused him momentary worry, but Sawyer was soon thinking about last night's activities again and a slow smile came to his face as Wang-zu silently opened the door once more, indicating he should follow.
Reaching the door to Marton's study, Sawyer fingered his hat almost nervously as he adjusted his neck tie. Wang-zu opened the door in time for a couple of the other house servants to slip out with empty trays before he showed Sawyer in. Watching as Wang-zu bowed his way out again, Sawyer turned to greet his host.
"Mr. Freeman," he smiled, holding out a hand to shake the other man's, "Thank you for seeing me at such short notice. I know I haven't exactly been regular lately, but..." he cleared his throat nervously, "...I've been busy. I can guarantee you some decent money-spinning again soon though. Might just attend the tables tonight, as a matter of fact."
A quick assessing glance accompanied Marton's return of the handshake. A little rumpled and unkempt for the normally impeccably dressed gambler. Marton's discerning nose also picked up a hint of male musk. Interesting.
"Enjoyably busy, it appears," Marton smiled as he waved Sawyer to a seat. He remained standing and other than pouring himself coffee, only picked idly at a piece of toast from the spread laid out on the sideboard. "Dominic has missed your presence at his table." Left unsaid was any mention of Sawyer being missed by another member of the household.
"You might say that," Sawyer allowed, finding a seat and sinking into it gratefully. He watched as Marton toyed with the food, his eyes narrowing at the casual manner that seemed at odds with the other man's posture. There was something not quite right with the way he was holding himself, but Sawyer couldn't put his finger on it. Letting the thought go, he went on, "I'm sure he has. No one else gets the stakes up high enough to make life interesting most nights."
Sawyer grinned more widely and ran a hand through his greasy hair, the thought of washing it sometime soon passing through his mind as he touched it. Perhaps a bath while he was here. Maybe one of the boys could help him out--Greg or Craig, probably. But that wasn't his immediate concern, he could get to that in a while.
At this point, Sawyer couldn't decide if he should mention Naveen now, or discuss Hugh first. Perhaps the membership issue was more important, although a slight increase in his pulse as he thought about his favorite whore almost made him ask how Naveen had been since his last visit. There had been longer gaps between sessions with his Dom, but until the fight, Sawyer rarely left Freeman's without making a new appointment with Naveen, and Marton knew that as well as Naveen himself did.
"Everyone is well?" he asked with a slight swallow, dropping his eyes momentarily as a vision of Naveen in all his wonderful glory came into his head, then abruptly the picture changed into the beauty of Matt as he lay under Josh the other night. It felt like Sawyer's heart stopped for a second as he fought the image of Warrick from overlaying both, and he blinked several times, coughing into his fist lightly as he tried to get his thoughts back on course.
Christ!
Much as Marton was one of the few people who knew him to any degree out here, away from the family he'd long left behind--apart from Jack--there was no way Marton could know his inner turmoil or how disturbed Sawyer was after his last session with Naveen, not to mention what had happened with Jack and Warrick since then.
"How do you feel about letting me sponsor a new member?" Sawyer finally found words on the subject at hand, letting the thought of further appointments with Naveen rest for now.
Marton let a secretive, lusty smirk dance across his face as he answered Sawyer's first question. "Our errant partner returned yesterday, with a delightful surprise," he said, smirk growing to allow Sawyer to fill in his own theories about how the household may have celebrated Sean's arrival.
The flitting emotions across Sawyer's face before they were quickly masked behind the gambler's usual smarmy charm, gave Marton pause. "Sponsorship, Mr. Holloway?" Marton purposely used his surname over the sobriquet of 'Sawyer'. He gave up any pretence of eating the bland foods and circled around to stand behind his desk.
"You are becoming quite the ambassador for Freeman's. Leading us to Warrick and now a potential client. Help yourself," he waved to the sideboard with the coffee service and liquor decanters, "and tell me about your friend. This is a friend, and not some acquaintance you’ve picked up somewhere, yes?"
When Josh stood and crossed the room, Marton quickly sat upon the carefully arranged pillows in his desk chair. By will alone he did not squirm nor groan. He’d have preferred standing but had a suspicion they would be conversing for a while as Marton tried to figure out Josh’s motives.
Pouring coffee, Sawyer snorted lightly without looking around.
"Delightful surprise? Don't tell me he found you some new exotic boy from the Sandwich Islands or something?" Sawyer's interest was somewhat aroused at the thought, but he couldn't believe it was likely, despite Sean Bean's ability to sniff out amazing deals.
"Something like that," Marton chuckled, not surprised Josh had come close to the truth about Orlando.
Turning with the cup of coffee in his hand, Sawyer stirred it carefully before deciding to add a splash of brandy. Having done so, he returned to his chair and gave Marton a thoughtful look. How much should he say about Hugh Jackman? Friend was hardly a true description and if Sawyer tried to make Marton believe it was, the likelihood of the lie being uncovered in short order was probably quite high. He really knew nothing about the man and couldn't pretend he did. But he could probably stretch their acquaintance enough for Marton to feel more generous towards the Australian. That was a bluff he could probably risk and still come out on top... so to speak.
"Well, I haven't known the man for many weeks," Sawyer began his stretching exercise, "but I can certainly vouch for his ability with... willing individuals. He needs... somewhere safe to seek out like-minded men who can take a little more than your average bunny. He has quite an impressive... carrot, shall we say?" He gave Marton a friendly smile, one that said he was perfectly confident with recommending this new fellow as someone safe to have in the house, even if he could perhaps use more than the average whore to deal with his needs. "I'm sure you can find someone to accommodate him? If not, I'd be willing to bet that the two of us paying for a room to use for some private sessions occasionally wouldn't be completely against your principles?"
He needed to offer something in case Marton wasn't so keen, although Sawyer knew perfectly well that if he were to carry on any kind of dalliance with Hugh, it didn't have to be at Freeman's, nor would Marton necessarily be willing to allow it. But money into the house for such a thing was income at the end of the day. Even if they took it elsewhere, Sawyer and Hugh would probably still have to pay for whatever room they used, so this might be some sort of compromise.
Sawyer wouldn't even consider how such a thing would be taken by Naveen were he to find out about it. Sawyer knew it was unavoidable that the Dom would find out in such close quarters, but if his bet paid off today, it wouldn't need to come to pass. It wasn't that he necessarily wanted to continue what he had begun with Hugh over returning to Naveen for the punishment he so richly deserved, but he did owe Hugh for the beating, and Sawyer stood by his debts, that was all there was to it. If this was the only way to get the man some guarantee of safety and Sawyer the back-up he would need if anything went wrong, then so be it.
Marton leaned forward to rest his elbows on the desk, balancing his weight over his thighs and not his tender backside. He listened carefully to Josh's explanations, seeking nuances to what the practiced conman wasn’t saying. If he understood the implication of carrot correctly, this prospective member was impressive... member-wise, and knew how to wield it in a manner men such as Sawyer enjoyed. Timing again crossed his mind. Providential, perhaps, to have someone around who could 'handle' Freeman's irrepressible client, then again, Marton had to consider the subtlies underlying the relationship between this man and Naveen.
"Bunnies?" Marton asked simply, "You make him sound like some sort of hunter. Tell me more about this paragon before I deem him worthy to meet and form my own opinions. You know I’ve had to tighten the rules surrounding admittance after a few 'gentlemen'," Marton sneered at the term, "didn’t understand our staff are as important as our clients."
Sipping carefully from the coffee and allowing the liquor in it to warm his stomach before he answered, Sawyer again wondered briefly what it was about Marton that didn't seem quite as usual, but then let it go again so he could think more on how much to say about Hugh.
Perhaps if he told Marton about the incident with the sailors then the man would feel more inclined to admit Hugh. Sawyer didn't feel like the Australian was likely to be any trouble--he seemed genuinely interested in the fun he could find here, and had even asked about Eric. Surely someone wanting to be friendly with a fellow countryman couldn't be all bad?
"I don't know if Hugh hunts, to be honest," he smirked, lowering his cup, "but I'd say it's likely. He seems to think I'm worthy prey, but to be honest, I'm not sure I want someone that dependant on me. I sent him to Sailor Tom's for a change of scene, but that didn't work out so well... he looks like he can handle himself, but he got into some kind of a scuffle... someone a bit rougher than he expected by all accounts."
Pausing for a moment, Sawyer licked his lips as he tried to think of a way to describe the way things had gone between him and Hugh without getting into intimate detail.
"I'd trust him with people on the whole. The times we've been together he's been... considerate. He likes it rough, but he's not dangerous. Look, Marton..." Josh rarely used formal address, unless in front of the servants, no matter how often Marton insisted on calling him 'mister'. It seemed unnecessary to him, though he never corrected the man, "... just meet him, that's all I ask. If you don't trust him, then we'll forget it, all right? I feel I owe him for leading him up the wrong path with the sailors, but if he's not the type of clientele you want here, then I've done my best to help him out. No harm done, right?"
Marton answered Sawyer's smirk with one of his own, though it was a bit tight as he fought the urge to squirm on his seat. "So, either he is very new to the city or just unmindful of the dangers to be found in that borderline neighborhood," Marton alluded to Sailor Tom's located between Chinatown and the Italian enclave in North Beach.
"You would personally vouch for the man, be responsible for his actions within Freeman's and with everyone associated with the establishment?" Being rolled in or outside of Sailor Tom's could have been accidental as Josh implied. Or, the man foolishly didn't heed the risks he was taking, or, god forbid, was of the type to use someone like Sawyer who would submit 'to a bit of rough' when it suited his needs, but preferred to bash 'perverted sodomites' when it didn’t.
With only a few subtle maneuvers on Marton's and his staff's part, most of the 'basher' types were easily sussed and dealt with. The dandified risk-takers had to be treated somewhat more carefully. More often than not they came from new or old money, and their papas had political connections that Marton grew weary of buying off, or using his funds to find blackmail material to counter any actions threatened against the establishment. Pity Naveen wouldn't be around. When at the top of his game, the Dom was expert at sniffing out an individual's true nature.
"Well, like I said, I haven't known him long, but to be perfectly honest with you, Marton, he just doesn't come across as a bad man. Yeah, I'll vouch for him. You know how I feel about you and most of your boys. If anyone here got hurt, I don't think I'd forgive myself."
Sawyer was an expert at reading people's faces when it came to the cards, and in most of his risk-taking he'd known exactly what he was getting himself into, but sometimes he could be wrong. He hoped like hell he wasn't this time, but there were no one hundred percent guarantees in this business.
"I'd keep an eye on him for his first few visits, if that would help. Make sure he didn't do anything to anyone who wasn't prepared for it, that kind of thing."
Swirling the coffee around a bit more before taking another gulp, Sawyer decided Marton seemed to trust him so far, despite some of the hassles he'd brought the man's way. Perhaps something else to sweeten the deal? He pondered what would be the best thing he could offer, while he let Marton mull over his last proposal.
"Very well, I will meet with the man." Marton pushed up from his chair; the sigh that escaped his lips made to be one of light exasperation for becoming embroiled in another of Sawyer's schemes. "Have him meet me at Lafayette Park in five days." Marton's face relaxed into a teasing smile. "Tell him to wear a green carnation in the mode of the playwright, Wilde." That would be an extremely subtle test whether the man knew anything of culture or about the sub-culture of 'like-minded' men and whether he would understand the importance of not flaunting their sexuality.
"And just who am I to meet? Or is the man accustomed to being addressed by his impressive 'carrot'?"
Sawyer laughed quietly at Marton's idea of ways to recognize Hugh. Trust him to romanticize a simple business meeting!
"What time?" Sawyer asked, finishing off the last of his coffee, "I'll make sure he's there. As for the green carnation...." he offered a lopsided grin and a raised eyebrow, "Not sure he knows his literature, but I'll tell him. His name is Hugh Jackman." Sawyer almost had to stop on the surname, the reminder of another Jack still strong, but he manfully managed to get past the word without too much trouble in the end.
Marton also chuckled as he made his way around the desk. He gave a time for the meeting, shrugging lightly that the delay of a few days had to do with Sean's return, and the resulting upheaval of the household.
"Now, on another... unrelated matter...? It's been a while since I visited with Naveen." Sawyer licked his lips, trying to pretend that nothing was any different between them in recent times, "Does he happen to have any appointments free in the near future?"
Marton's face turned serious as he studied the obvious attempt on Josh's part to be casual when bringing up Naveen. Yes, there definitely was much more beneath the surface in the relationship between the two men. And again, timing echoed in his mind. Marton intended to use the time while Naveen was away to learn from observation what he could about the multifaceted Josh Holloway.
"My apologies, but Naveen is away on a special business arrangement." He let Josh assume that as had happened now and again, another house somewhere had requested the expert Dom. "In the interim, I pray Eric and/or Vin can be of assistance with some of your needs?" Marton lightened the offer with a smile and a warm hand to Josh's shoulder, "After I meet your man, Mr. Jackman, the two of you could also indulge in the 'bit of rough' you enjoy... with or without one of my lad's assistance."
Standing up as Marton rounded the desk, Sawyer's brow creased at Marton's words and his chest tightened. Who else could Naveen be seeing that he'd be unavailable for some time?
Before he could even think to play it cool, he asked, "How long will he be away?" and then recovering slightly, added, "Perhaps Vin, yes, in the meantime. He was very... accommodating the other week when I..." and he faltered, knowing Marton knew exactly to which night Sawyer referred. Unwilling to mention anything specific for the thoughts that brought up, he shut his mouth abruptly.
Naveen away? What did that mean, in any case? Did the man want to end their arrangement? Was this his subtle way of easing Sawyer out? He had to see Naveen and soon. If not, there was no telling what he might do. The tightening in his chest threatened his breathing now, and it was hard for Sawyer to get himself under control suddenly. He tried for a smile but his usual poker face seemed to have eluded him.
There was one other person he could see, but whether the man was ready for it, he didn't know. He wasn’t even sure if he was ready for it himself after their last encounter.
Warrick.
Sawyer hadn't been near the place since the other afternoon in the garden and surely Warrick must have wondered what had happened, but perhaps he hadn't realized the frequency of Sawyer's visits, when he’d been mostly unconscious for many of them. Hopefully, Sawyer could fix that situation... although at this point he didn't know how. Would the man even care? He’d seemed most responsive in the garden, but who knew? And would he be willing to replace someone like Naveen? Sawyer just didn't know and his confusion swirled around him almost palpably as he tried to make sense of his clouded emotions.
"Uh... I should go..." he managed, aware that Marton was seeing a side of him he showed rarely to those other than Naveen or Matt...
Naveen.
Matt.
Warrick.
A sickening thud in his belly caused Sawyer to sway and for a moment he seriously thought he was going to throw up, except that he never threw up. He wasn't sure he could leave right now though. The dizziness was overwhelming as he realized he’d been holding his breath.
"A moment," he murmured, sitting down again suddenly from under Marton's hand on his shoulder.
"Whoa mate..." with help of the arm of Josh's chair, Marton hunkered down with only small winces as the fabric of his pants stretched across his backside. Josh was decidedly green about the gills and Marton did what was necessary. He pushed the man's head between his knees and told him repeatedly to take even breaths.
"That's it love, few more until I'm convinced you're not going to swoon on me." His choice of words also was designed to break through whatever malaise was gripping Josh. He hoped he'd soon have the blond lurching up with a flip of his hair and glare in Sawyer's particular sexy, green eyes flashing fire, way.
"Fuck!" Sawyer let out, gulping in mouthfuls of air until he was able to lift his head and offer the trademark glare at the words Marton was spouting. "Just something I ate or not enough sleep, or something... I'll be all right in a minute. Jesus, man, don't fuss."
Taking one more deep breath, he shook off Marton's hands, and gripped the arms of the chair.
"Just tell me when Naveen's due back," he growled, lifting a hand to sweep back his unruly hair at last and grimacing at his host. "If he's not going to be away for long, perhaps I'll just wait."
Sawyer finally lurched to his feet, watching wild-eyed as Marton stood back up more carefully, and then he stepped unevenly towards the door. Christ! What kind of thing was this? The last thing he should be doing was falling apart in front of Marton! But he had to know that Naveen was coming back. Had to be sure the man wasn't leaving...
"There, that's the sexy growl and glare we all love." Marton grinned cheekily, but stayed where Josh couldn't reach him. "Naveen should finish his assignment in no more than a week. Now are you sure I can't send for Vin to help you work out any excess energy and regain your equilibrium?"
Marton kept the banter light, but his mind was racing, trying to guess what had triggered Sawyer's severe reactions. Was it only the unavailability of his Dom? Was there guilt issues the man needed to have Naveen beat out of him? He wouldn't press now, but keeping Sawyer close to the house hopefully would assist him in finding ways to aid Naveen's inner turmoil as well as Josh's.
The relief that coursed through Sawyer as Marton explained that Naveen would be back in a week was enough to settle his dizziness more than putting his head between his legs had done. But even so, Sawyer was annoyed that his Dom wasn't available when he most needed him. Finally, after already being away from Naveen for more than a week, he felt able to return, his so-called equilibrium restored from the sessions with a man he had no care for beyond his interest in the 'carrot' he bore and how it was used.
Coughing lightly, Sawyer kept his expression harsh, though he knew Marton was only trying to help by offering a replacement, and forced away the feelings he'd let rise too close to the surface.
"Yes, perhaps you're right," he allowed, a grin beginning at last, "Someone to aid me in working off 'excess energy' may be exactly what I need. Can he be available later tonight, after I've played a few hands with Dominic and whatever other suckers you've managed to line up?"
And then a thought was in his head again quickly enough now the matter of Naveen was settled; whether Warrick was ready to work. Sawyer's interest had not exactly waned, despite his confusion over why he had kissed the man as he had, and Marton hadn't mentioned the mulatto at all so far.
Hoping to appear casual about his interest in the man he had helped rescue, Sawyer added as if an after-thought, his hand on the door at Marton's nod in the affirmative about Vin's availability, "How is Warrick, by the way? I hope he will prove as attractive an addition to the club as his potential seemed to indicate."
"He's doing well, thank you for asking." Marton's eyes went a little flinty as he adopted just as casual an air. The last thing Warrick needed was to be caught up in whatever was swirling between Sawyer and Naveen. Thankfully from what Marg had mentioned, Warrick was helping the new boy-girl adapt. That should keep both new boys out of any trouble.
"Warrick's slowly familiarizing himself to the household," Marton shrugged nonchalantly. "When he feels he's ready, he'll find his niche."
Sawyer noted the cool look and got the distinct impression Marton was protecting Warrick, but why he felt he needed to do so from Sawyer wasn't immediately evident... unless he knew what had happened in the garden and was disturbed by it...? Would Warrick have told him? Sawyer wasn't altogether sure, but he wasn't prepared to go into it right now. He'd only just got himself together again after the shock of Naveen not being around.
"I'm sure he will," he offered tightly, "And thank you for the other. I should be at the tables by nine. Good afternoon, Marton," he smiled now, collecting his hat and heading out.
Now to leave a message for Hugh at the bar he frequented, then he could go to his rooms and tidy himself up a bit for later.
Word Count: ~ 5656
On to Part 37