Enslaving the King

Chapter 4

Raine jolted awake to an emergency message on his Echo Eye. It didn’t take long to realize why. Mr. Bryant, his supervisor, wanted to meet immediately, it said. Raine scrubbed his eyes and looked at the time. 0500 hours. Great. Raine wasn’t happy with this. Deprived of sleep on the day of his interview with Lord Hayden. Ugh… He hoped that didn't hinder his ability to impress Hayden. 

This wasn’t exactly surprising. Mr. Bryant must’ve found out about Lord Hayden's application submission to him first thing this morning and freaked out over it. 

Raine was not looking forward to it. He should've expected this. 

Within an hour, he’d dressed, tidied up, and dragged himself down to the Pleasure Palace and into his manager’s office with a cup of coffee. He knew he didn’t look great right now, hair still damp and messy from the shower, clothes hastily donned, but he couldn’t be bothered to care too much. If he made attempts at his appearances, he’d be pushing his luck on his timeframe. He would need to really make himself look nice for his meeting with Hayden later, and that was after he got in lunch so his stomach wasn’t growling through the interview. How embarrassing that would be.

“Mr. Bryant,” he greeted, standing before Bryant’s desk, sipping his coffee.

“Take a seat, please. Raine.”

Raine and Bryant had a mutual dislike of each other. Bryant was...somehow exactly what one would expect from a man in his position. Gross. Physically and mentally. A p*****t with a greasy mustache and bald head. But any neutral ground they might’ve found had been ruined after they’d argued about Raine’s “lack of an official diet and exercise program”. Raine didn’t know why it pissed Bryant off so much. There were no company rules for workers’ diets or exercise regimens, but Bryant had complained about Raine’s “soft stomach ruining" his "full potential” and “the company’s profits”.

Raine had strongly disagreed. “People love soft tummies.”

Bryant had sneered, “No, they want muscles, i***t, especially from people like you.”

People like him. Raine suspected that the argument had more to do with the fact that he...had a certain way he entertained his clients. Raine knew he looked the part of a submissive. And yeah he liked it up the ass. But he wasn't truly submissive. Too sassy, too bossy, too much of a mean defiant streak under everything else. And there were plenty of potential clients who were disappointed to find that out. He could play the role to a certain extent, but he tried to avoid it because it was easy to mess up. That was less money brought in, and less money annoyed Bryant.

But Bryant couldn’t really do much about Raine’s preferences. So he’d tried to change Raine’s physical image. Neither had worked.

Also Bryant probably just hated that Raine was a nobody who acted like a somebody. And Bryant was also probably jealous of how absolutely stunning he was. 

“Why did I have to contact you?” Bryant interrogated, glaring at Raine over his glasses. “This is the biggest deal of your so-far-insignificant life, and you can’t be bothered to give me heads up?” His gross pornstache twitched. 

“I was trying to sleep.”

“And yet you were awake enough to accept the application and arrange an interview!”

“Weren’t you asleep and wouldn’t have known until this morning anyway?”

Bryant huffed. “Damn you. After all these years of trying to land the richest client on the station with all my best escorts, I would love to know how you, a mediocre at best, managed to, especially right after your previous client got executed by him for being a traitor.”

“Guess Lord Hayden gets horny after murder.”

He’d said it to get a rise out of the man. It worked. Mr. Bryant stood up, face starting to go red. “If I find out there was any unofficial s****l activity between you and-”

“There wasn’t,” Raine said with raised hands. “Even Lord Hayden has to fill out the application.” It might have been funny if there had been, though. Bryant would’ve been super pissed because “unofficial” s****l contact was unpaid s****l contact. And unpaid meant fewer profits for the Pleasure Palace.

Mr. Bryant grumbled something about Raine’s idiotic mouth but sat down. Another thing he apparently didn't like about Raine. 

“Maybe you’ve been sleeping with flourishing talent right under your nose,” Raine said, couldn’t help but be a bit smug. “You always did deny my skill.”

“Skill? I know you, Raine. And I frankly don’t think you can handle this assignment.” Bryant folded his arms. “The reason you couldn’t get ahead before was because of clients like Mr. Holloway. Your best land. But even he was still just another pissbaby in the long run. That’s what you like, right? Easy bitches you can wrangle and manipulate. Anyone too strong is too much for you. That’s not skill. That’s taking the easy route. Hellooo, you can’t handle Lord Hayden. And you know it, don’t you? Just admit it. You’re blinded by the dollar signs-”

“Frankly, Mr. Bryant, my ability to handle this job is between myself and Lord Hayden.” Raine leaned forward. “And as much as I love money, I also love being alive. Well, maybe love is a strong word, but I don’t plan on dying. I wouldn’t accept if I didn’t think I could do this. I have reason to believe that Lord Hayden does not, in fact, want an easy lay.”

Bryant’s expression grew pinched. “And yet, even if that were true, I’m not convinced you could handle it!”

“Look at it this way,” Raine said, trying to find an angle that would placate his supervisor. As much as he loved pissing this asshole off, he just wanted to be done with this conversation so he could focus on his upcoming interview with Hayden. “Hayden isn’t shopping around right now. And I know I’m an acceptable loss. If you’re correct and I can’t handle this, then you can push someone else his way once I’m gone. But until then, Hayden chose me.”

Bryant’s tone became more plaintive. “I just can’t comprehend it...why? Why you?”

Raine almost grinned. This must really be salt in the wound for Bryant. There for awhile, Bryant had devoted so much time and energy to training his escorts to hook Hayden. And it'd never taken. Raine remembered how Hayden had told him that he liked that Raine hadn’t shied away from him. Ah, if only poor Bryant knew, he thought smugly. “Then again. Something tells me Hayden doesn’t like being told who he should bang. Maybe that’s why he chose me instead of all those high classed babes you were throwing at him.” He allowed some pride to trickle into his voice.

“Maybe I should’ve thrown my less than ideal escorts at him from the beginning. Escorts like you.” Bryant really did look like he’d eaten something sour. “Don’t screw this up. As much as I'd love to see you thrown out an airlock, this is important. You represent us...for better or worse. Definitely worse.” After a lot more frowning, Bryant waved his hand. “Fine. Do the interview. Just remember... Everyone will be watching you…. And I will be at the very front of that line. Because, Raine, if I see even one ounce of dissatisfaction from Lord Hayden... Well, if you mess this up, and somehow survive that? I will fire you. And just how long do you expect to last on this station without this job?”

“Yes, yes,” Raine muttered, “I know. Don’t worry so much. I’m not as bad at this as you like to think.”

“Alright, then, get your skinny ass out of my sight until you have some good news.”

Raine wished his steps were far less cautious as he walked into the cavernous space that was Lord Hayden's office. This wasn’t his usual march into a client’s meeting place of choice. Usually he could summon more confidence, more aura, more s*x appeal. He hated to admit it, but Bryant had undermined some of his courage. Even if Lord Hayden didn’t want a passive, submissive lay, he likely wasn’t going to be an easy client. What if Raine wasn’t good enough, as Bryant had suggested? What if he disappointed? There was a lot riding on his success. Heh. Riding.

Raine wondered if he would get to do that to Hayden.

Lord Hayden wanted him, he reminded himself. Wanted. Him. Not someone else. He couldn’t afford to shy away now.

He’d heard stories of Lord Hayden's office, but could never have imagined he would get to walk in here in his lifetime. It was every bit as impressive as people said, and then some - slick, well-polished flooring, glittering gold rugs, giant fountains, an actual sitting area with plants, a sofa, some chairs, and a fake fireplace. Raine imagined the nearby bathroom was likely decked out in gold. It effortlessly put Holloway’s office to shame. The huge statues of Lord Hayden were...interesting. The man had an ego, that was a definite. It almost helped him relax. Raine was used to working with egomaniacs. Hyperion attracted a certain type of employee. Even among the nicer ones, egos were larger than planets around here. Lord Hayden's was probably the size of the galaxy.

He reflected that Lord Hayden would definitely be into c**k worship. He filed that thought away for later.

He just had to not disappoint Lord Hayden in this interview. Easy right? No pressure or anything.

Breathe. Breathe.

He had to trust his instincts, that he hadn’t made a mistake.

He drew closer to the golden throne faced away from him. From Lord Hayden's raised voice, Raine could tell he was on call. Raine paused before the steps that lead up to the dais the desk sat on. Even here Hayden wanted to be above everyone else. Raine didn’t want to get too close until the call was over. He checked the time. He was ten minutes early.

Raine wasn’t ready. Would never be ready for this. But there was no turning back now. Well. Possibly. If he ran really fast-

Lord Hayden's voice raised from the chair. Raine could hear what he was saying, “oh my god, do those idiots get off on bein’ friggin stupid or something?! They can’t tell a money-maker from a pile of skag turds! ...Well, yeah, just, it’s friggin E-tech. Everyone knows it sells better than...I dunno, s*x toys, let’s say- and they still want to reduce the lines for it-”

Raine studied the contents of Lord Hayden's desk. A computer, a framed photograph facing away from him, a few documents...an open bag of hard pretzels on the corner. Not exactly the snack of a king. What did that make Hayden? A man of less-than-ideal tastes? It seemed odd a trillionaire would even be near such lame junk snacks. Raine hoped this wasn’t indicative of Lord Hayden's overall tastes… Well...Hayden had chosen him, so surely not… And he was surrounded by an office that reeked of wealthy tastes.

He decided it was best not to question it.

Raine hooked his hands behind his back, staring out the huge window to Pandora below.

What were Hayden's preferences in a s****l context? Was Lord Hayden super kinky? If so, they would have to negotiate some rules-

Raine almost snorted. Nah. The more he thought about it, the more he doubted. His more emotionally challenged clients tended to be the most vanilla. It was pretty obvious which category Lord Hayden fell into. That was fine by him. It was easier that way. Easier… But not easy. Oh no, Lord Hayden would not make this easy for him.

Lord Hayden's sharp voice brought Raine from his thoughts. “Well, those morons better figure it out by this afternoon, or that department’s gettin' some cuts! And I don’t just mean the budget kind! Anyway, I gotta get.” Raine heard an aggressive tap. Lord Hayden's chair swiveled around.

Their eyes locked.

Raine froze up like a prey animal caught in a spotlight. Raine told himself not to do to that, do something else, do literally anything else-

Lord Hayden's face became pinched for a few moments, morphing into confusion. He looked like he was trying to remember something.

Raine smiled, hoping it came off friendly and not sheepish. “Hey.”

“Heey," Hayden said slowly, "er- It’s been a long day, princess, could ya maybe do me a favor and explain to me why the hell you’re in my office, fancy as you please?”

Raine had chosen similar attire to what he’d been wearing when they first met. He’d hoped it might appeal to Lord Hayden, since the first time around had… But now it...was like Lord Hayden didn’t remember? How was that possible? Or was this some kind of test? Raine swallowed. “I’m Raine...from the Pleasure Palace. We met yesterday when... Er, you contacted me and made this appointment…” He shuffled a foot. Hayden hadn’t forgotten that whole fiasco with Holloway, had he?

Lord Hayden furrowed his brow, setting his elbows on the desk. “Is this some kinda joke?”

Raine's heart almost stopped. “What? No, I have the message and everything to prove-”

Lord Hayden laughed and slapped his knee. “Ah, oh my god- you shoulda- shoulda seen your face, pumpkin- oh, that’s priceless! I’m just messing with you, dumdum!”

“I...oh.” Raine rubbed the back of his neck, heat flushing up and into his face. “Right.”

“Loosen up! As if I’d forget about the only appointment I’ve been looking forward to today. Come here.” Lord Hayden beckoned Raine closer to his desk. Raine walked up the steps and stood before him. He couldn’t explain why, but he felt exposed like this. With Lord Hayden gazing up at him, standing in this room, he could barely think. “Aren’t you w****s supposed to be all ‘laxed an s**t?”

Yeah. That. Raine fidgeted. “S-sorry, Lord Hayden, sir. I’m trying to be professional. Also...no offense, but this isn’t the most relaxing atmosphere.”

“Eh, fair enough.” Lord Hayden waved. “And lay off the apologies, will ya? I hear so many sorry’s throughout the day you’d think my name was Sorry Lord Hayden Sir, and that’s just sad. It’s literally lost all meaning for me.”

“Right, so- erm...right. I... it’s a disgrace how off my game I am right now, it’s just… I- I never thought I’d be hired by Lord Hayden himself-”

“Ah ah ah, don’t get ahead of yourself, cupcake, you ain’t hired yet. But I love the eagerness.”

“R-right-” Raine flushed again. f**k. Bryant was right. He was going to botch the hell out of this, wasn’t he? He was already way off balance and flustered. And they’d barely started talking! No way Lord Hayden would think he could handle working for him. Hayden didn’t want a weakling. He wanted someone who wasn’t afraid. And that wasn’t exactly what Raine was showing him at the moment.

How the hell did one maintain themselves when their potential client was the Lord Hayden?

Raine should make an effort to seduce Lord Hayden into hiring him. But where would he start? Lord Hayden would probably like him coming on strong… But what if he flirted wrong? Or accidentally overstepped his boundaries? Touched somewhere off limits? Could he even touch at all? Or would Hayden be weird about that? It wouldn’t just be a simple misstep to apologize for. It could very well be the end of him.

Raine knew he needed to stop overthinking this, but that was impossible. I can’t do this- I shouldn’t have-

Lord Hayden stood up, causing Raine’s heart to skip so hard he lost his breath for a second.

He’s...walking towards me!

Lord Hayden maneuvered around the desk...looming. Raine was dismayed. Hayden was just a bit taller than him. Raine was used to being the taller one, and now he had even less reason for confidence. Their height difference might have been negligible with anyone else, but this was Lord Hayden. Maybe Raine should break out some heels next time… Or would Lord Hayden hate that? Some guys really got hung up on height as badly as they did p***s size.

Lord Hayden leaned against the desk next to Raine, sighing. “So, babe, seriously, just call me Hayden. Or Lord works well too. I mean, ‘sir’ is cute and would sound nice between the sheets, but for now, I’d rather just hear my name on that pretty mouth of yours.” Hayden tilted his head as if curious. Raine just stood stock still. Hayden. Just Hayden? Hayden?

Hayden went on, “And I realize I’m just...so badass and flawless and heroic, yaddy-yadda, and that raw aura is hard for someone who...is not me...to face, so how’s ‘bout a little icebreaker. Everyone loves breaking ice, eh? Tell me a bit about yourself.”

“I’m…” Raine hesitated. Okay. He could manage that. “Well, obviously you know I’m from the Pleasure Palace. I also sometimes dance at Aries on the weekends-”

“No, no, I meant you, not your job. Surely you’ve got some kinda life outside of sexing it up all the time! Which is, y’know, sweet an’ all, but still.”

Raine needed to relax, focus on his breathing. “Um...right. Well, I like to hobby program. I love it. I even designed this little robot once. She’s not built, but I’d call her Gortys.”

Hayden laughed once more. “You’re telling me you sell your body in a tech company ya could’ve been a programmer for?”

Okay, this was actually a question Raine wasn’t lost on how to answer. “It was necessary,” Raine said, feeling his confidence returning to him with this new foothold. “I needed the money. Besides, I couldn’t get in as a low-level desk jockey. I was...unqualified, especially when I had thousands of high-graduating programmers and interns from rich families to compete with from all over the galaxy. But the one thing I had over most of them were my damned good looks and a talent for this kind of work. I wanted to be at Hyperion, so here I am. One way or another.”

“Makes sense. Hyperion is number one," Hayden said smugly.

“And also,” Raine said, finding some of his confidence. “I’m good at this. No, scratch that, I’m the best at this. The Pleasure Palace couldn’t have offered you better,” he tacked on with an inward smile. Bryant would be so pissed if he knew what Raine had just said.

“That’s what I like to hear! So you’re in it all for the money, huh?” Hayden's tone had become insinuating. “Nothing else?”

Seriously. Hayden was sounding like a kid at this point. “Yup,” Raine said, clasping his hands in front of him.

“Not for the...fun part?” Hayden wiggled his eyebrows.

Raine resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “I suppose...it can be fun, and I take pride in my work... but… It’s still work.” Raine said with a wave of his arm. “And some of the people I work with make it more of chore than others. Some make it enjoyable. Some don't. Like with many jobs, I suppose…” he realized he was rambling unheeded so ended with, “I thought you didn’t want to talk about my work life?”

“Well, I do now. Oh, I just remembered the other thing I wanted to ask, pumpkin. What’s with the arm and eye? They...special? They’re quite sexy.”

Raine had gotten his arm colored chrome black awhile ago to add to its allure. It was very easy on the eyes and had a pricey aesthetic. It enhanced the experience that Raine knew he was. He was glad it’d caught Hayden's attention. It hadn't been cheap.

“That was one thing I needed money for,” Raine admitted. Being open was the best way to proceed here. “I lost my arm and eye in an incident several years ago. I had prosthetics, but nothing this sexy. My work on Hyperion let me earn enough to get new ones. Ones that are really cool. People are into this s**t, y’know?”

“Uh-huh. But do they do anything sexy?”

“Well, they’re designed for optimum bedroom comfort. The eye can glow different colors or even look robotic, if you’re into cyborg-y s*x. The arm, hand, and fingers are soft and smooth enough to use in most kinds of play. There’s a vibrate, heating, and cooling mode for temperature play. This thing can get really hot or really cold. Oh, and I’m ambidextrous, if that’s relevant… That’s...about it.”

“Does the arm come off?”

Raine felt wary. “...yes?”

Hayden's expression looked impish. “So...if I wanted to, I could design you a whole new arm and you’d wear it? I could make it look like a rocket ship or something? Give you claws? Or ooh, maybe a giant dong.”

Raine fumbled for a minute, before realizing it must be a joke. “Haha, funny.”

“What if I’m serious.”

“Well, then, you’re never getting the information you’d need for my hardware. And no arm will work unless it’s compatible.”

“Ah...don’t worry, babe, I’d make it look nice.”

“Uh huh,” Raine said in doubt.

"Not like I couldn't get the information anyway." Hayden smirked. “Anyway. You sound fun, kiddo. Never had s*x with a cyborg before.” Hayden drew closer, backing Raine against the desk. Raine was more used to this type of routine, at least. He didn’t flinch even a little, just maintained Hayden's gaze. He supposed the icebreaking had helped him warm up a bit. His hands gripped the desk’s edge. Hayden leered, gaze sliding down his neck and body then back up. “Besides, you’re just… really easy on the eyes, kiddo. For a dude. You really know how to dress yourself up like a Mercenary Day present, don’t ya?”

“I try,” Raine said in a pouty, perfect voice. One he used a lot on people.

This was probably a good sign. He almost had Lord Hayden right where he wanted - drooling for him. It'd been surprisingly easy. Or maybe not that surprising, given how Hayden had put quite a bit of effort into getting him here.

Hayden wet his lips. “One last question, Raineie. Do you...want to work for me?” Hayden leaned in so close, Raine could feel his body heat. Raine bit his lip at the electric feeling going through his body. Who knew he’d ever be this close to Lord Hayden in his lifetime. Not just once, but twice, and possibly many more times in the near future. He shuddered at the possibilities.

Raine inhaled. He inhaled Hayden's scent.

The Shirt.

Hayden smelled like The Shirt. How? A coincidence…? Same cologne? Or maybe it was the gunpowder tang? Had to be. There was no possible way it… He would’ve remembered if he’d gotten f****d by Lord Hayden, he was sure. The very thought of it was absurd and made no sense.

Maybe his brain was playing tricks on him. Maybe it wanted that to be...

He brought himself back to the moment and whispered in Hayden's ear, “yes.”

Hayden stiffened, something like wariness in his posture. He pulled back, frowning at Raine. Uh oh. What had Raine done wrong? As he began to panic, Hayden said, “are you saying that because you do really want to? Or is it because you think I’m gonna airlock you or somethin’ if you refuse? I know I don’t have the purest reputation, but I’m not a fuckin’ r****t!” he snarled the last word with hatred. “So if you’re scared or bored or don’t think you’ll like it, I want you to say no and walk out right now.” The intensity of Hayden's expression was breathtaking.

Oh. Raine’s eyes went wide. He hadn’t expected this, and the surge that raced down to his groin shocked him. Consent kink had never really been a huge one for him. Guess it was now. God, why did he get the feeling that was going to become a familiar feeling with Lord Hayden? These bursts of sudden, intense arousal. He shivered again.

Hayden's eyes narrowed. “Well? I’m waiting for a response, cupcake.”

“Y-yeah,” Raine said, trying to get a hold of himself. His voice was a bit more coarse than he wanted. But he couldn’t help it. Hayden was doing things to him. “I-I do want to do this.” He’d spent too much time mulling this over last night and this morning to be uncertain anymore. Bryant could go f**k himself. All his worries about being too close to this could also go f**k themselves. Raine was going to do what he wanted to.

“You aren’t afraid I’ll hurt ya?”

“No.”

“I mean, you did seem preeetty hesitant last night.”

Lord Hayden being concerned and double checking with the consent was beautifully amazing. Raine felt like he was soaring. He had to concentrate. “Last night was just...unexpected. If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have walked in here today. I wouldn’t have agreed to this appointment. I’ve already thought about it. A lot. Nothing here has changed my mind. In fact….I daresay it’s only been more encouraged.”

Hayden studied his face. Finally, his severity melted away. His lips quirked. “Well, that’s good to hear. Because I really wanna hire you, princess.”

“Then do it,” Raine breathed. An urge seized him. He reached up with his hand, toward the mask, wanted to feel it-

Hayden gripped his wrist. “Anywhere...but the face.” His voice was sharp.

Raine swallowed, grounded. “Oh, sorry-”

“Ah ah, what’d I say about apologizing, pumpkin? The only true apology is doing right the next time, got it?”

Raine nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Great." Hayden released his wrist, so Raine let it trail down Hayden's chest, pressing in a bit. Hayden didn’t balk, but Raine was still mindful. He was touching Lord Hayden. Touching him. Lord Hayden was letting Raine touch him. It wasn’t a whole lot. Raine could tell there were several layers between him and skin, but it was something. He doubted there were many people who could place their hands on Hayden at all and live. He let his hand fall back to his side, swallowing.

Hayden spoke. “Give me a safe word, kiddo. I mean, I’ll admit I’m not too crazy when it comes to s*x, but you should still have one.”

That was Raine’s first hint so far as to what Hayden wanted in bed. So, yeah, probably fairly vanilla. But the fact Hayden knew what a safeword even was probably indicated he wasn’t completely vanilla.

Right. Safe word.

“Ice cream,” Raine said with a small smile.

“Ice cream?” Hayden echoed.

“Yep.”

“Not exactly what I expected, but...alrighty.”

“What about...you?”

“Me?”

“Your safeword?”

Hayden chuckled. “Oh. Just trust me, pumpkin, I don’t need one ‘cause you’ll know really fast if I don’t like something.”

Raine wanted to frown, but he wasn’t going to argue. It probably wouldn’t be hard for Hayden to convey displeasure or for Raine to understand it. “Right… Okay. If that’s what you want.”

“Yep.” Hayden smirked. “Great. Glad we got that all worked out, ‘cause I’m gonna hire you! Congratulations, tiger! Your about to become the richest w***e on the station!”

Raine might’ve responded if his breath hadn’t left him. Hired. He was f*****g hired! He was officially going to do this!

Hayden pulled away, leaving him a little unsteady. “You’ll start next Monday once all the legal bullshit goes through. I’m sending the file down. Follow all the instructions or you won’t officially have the job.”

Raine’s gaze followed Hayden back to his desk. “Uh, of course. And thank you...Hayden!" He wasn't sure how he felt using that by itself yet, but... "Thank you so much for this opportunity! Uh, if you don’t mind, before I go, can I- I...ask you something?” It was nagging at him, this little thought-

Hayden folded his arms, leaning back in his chair. “What?”

“Have you ever been to Aries, the club?” Raine held his breath.

“Hmm... Not that I recall. I don’t go out drinking a lot. Too much effort after working all day. I’m more of a drink and f**k at home after work sorta guy. More efficient on time and energy. Now get outta my office because every second you’re here is another second of work I don’t get done ‘cause you’re distracting as hell. Super tempted to just...slide ya twenty K for a blow job right here, right now.”

Raine snorted. “Wow. Sexy... But...I’d do it," he admitted. He tilted his head and gazed at Hayden through his eyelashes, a little too hopeful he noted.

Hayden hesitated. For a moment, he looked like he might say yes, and Raine’s anticipation mounted. But Hayden only sighed and shook his head. “Nah, no can do, babe, I got...this thing here I need to deal with. Unfortunately.” He gestured at his computer.

“Alright. Your choice.” Raine was more disappointed than he had a right to be, but he reminded himself it wouldn’t be too much longer. “I’ll see you next monday, sir- Hayden.”

“Yup. Now scram.”

Raine did.