Crossing Lines Chapter 83

**Aiden**

God, Noah looked fucking insane.

Not just because of the smooth leather thong hugging his ass, the silver O-ring at his throat, or the brand-new cage glinting at the apex of his thighs. It was the contrast… him pale and bound in white, while I was in black leather head to toe. The devil and his angel.

Though my boy was hardly an angel—just saying. The blush creeping above his mask when he shrugged off his coat proved it.

He wanted this. Mortified, sure, but obedient and stubborn enough to prove to me he could handle it—that he wasn’t going anywhere. And damn, I had to admire him for that.

He dropped to all fours without me saying a word. Knees on marble, head bowed, hands spread—every inch of him screamed surrender.

Christ, he was learning. And fuck if that didn’t make me hard.

I let my palm drift casually over the back of his neck as Hale approached, just to feel the tremor there. Obedience—yes. Terror too. The perfect mix. My boy.

As we moved to meet Hale, I noticed Noah crawling like he was trying not to crack eggs with each step. Flinching, muttering God knows what under his breath. For all his determination, we really needed to work on his grace.

He must’ve caught my look, because he gave the tiniest shrug, matter-of-fact.

“Sir,” he whispered, voice dry with nerves, “have you tried this floor? I need kneepads.”

My mouth twitched. Smartass. Even terrified, the brat couldn’t help himself. I tugged his collar just enough to remind him who owned him. “Maybe I’ll buy you some—along with a muzzle.”

The grin slipped out before I could stop it.

We weren’t introduced this time. We were *received*. Immediate nods from staff. Welcoming glances from members. A strong handshake from Master Hale himself, stepping forward in a tailored black suit with a crimson vest—sharp as a blade, smooth as sin. His eyes flicked over me, approving, before sliding to Noah.

And what I caught in that look… I couldn’t pin down. Curiosity. Admiration. Definitely lust… For me? For Noah? Maybe both.

“Welcome back,” Hale said warmly, shaking my hand. “No need for introductions this time. You are one of us now.”

The weight of those words hit deep. For once, I wasn’t the outsider clawing my way in. I was… home.

We were led to his office—dark wood, leather chairs, the faint bite of oak and smoke. Noah crawled to my feet as I sat, posture perfect, every nerve in him wound tight.

Hale poured two glasses of scotch and passed me one. “Your performance last time was remarkable,” he said. “As I mentioned before, we’ve followed your work for years. To watch you again was a privilege.”

My chest tightened, but my face stayed calm. “I appreciate that.”

He leaned back. “Your membership grants you access to everything—training rooms, stages, private chambers. Bring your clients, your submissives. We would be honored to waive fees and offer you a position here. Exclusive. As one of our trainers. One of our Masters.”

At my side, Noah froze. Held his breath. I felt it against my thigh where he leaned, his body strung so tight it vibrated through me. I slid my fingers through his hair—not just to steady him, but to steady myself. To remind me what really mattered.

Pride swelled hot. The honor. The recognition. For a heartbeat, I saw myself there again—leading, commanding, being somebody, but then reality snapped back—my boy trembling under my hand, my team depending on me, my time already stretched to hell.

I set the glass down. “It’s an incredible offer. I’m honored. But for now—I have to decline.”

Hale’s brow arched.

“I’d prefer to ease in,” I said. “Observe. Learn your practices. I have obligations at the college. My players come first. For now, I’ll be a member. Nothing more.”

Hale studied me, then nodded slowly. “Honest. Wise. The position will remain open. Whenever you’re ready, Mr. A—it’s yours.”

Noah exhaled quietly, though his mask hid his face. Still, I could feel the heat radiating off him, his chest rising too fast. Proving himself. Proving *us*.

For a moment, I felt it—recognized. Belonging. Almost euphoric.

After the paperwork was completed, I leaned close to my boy. My voice was low, just for him. “Noah… it’s time I assign you a name. I’m not comfortable using your own here. The mask helps, but a name will keep you safe.”

He lifted his head just enough to look at me, confusion and relief fighting across his face.

“You used to go by X,” I murmured. My thumb brushed his jaw. “How about we bring that back?”

His lips parted, breath catching. “How about… **Xion**, Sir?” Then he lowered his tone for my ears only. “It’s from my favorite video game—*Kingdom Hearts*.”

I almost laughed. Fucking Noah. Of course. “Xion. I like it.”

“Xion it is. Nice to meet you officially, young man.” Hale smiled before leading us out again toward the stages.

And that’s when another Master stepped forward. I remembered him instantly. Lean, sharp-eyed, in slate gray like a blade sheathed in silk. A predator in a suit.

And next to him, the girl I remembered. Black hair spilled in a glossy curtain, molten amber eyes, and a flawless body wrapped in a silver fishnet that clung so tight she might as well have been naked. Her nipples pushed through the cords, sharp and obscene, her skin dusted in gold shimmer like some twisted prize on a pedestal.

Her smile slid straight to Noah, sweet and knowing. His cock twitched instantly in its cage.

I wanted to snarl. To drag him away. Instead, I smiled politely at her Master, shook his hand, and said the right words. Because that’s what men like me did. Outward calm, inward fire.

She was bait. And she knew it.

The Master extended his hand. “Mr. A. An honor. I am Master Roman.”

I clasped it firmly. “Likewise. This is my submissive, Xeon.”

He tilted his chin to her. “Pleasure, and she is Luna. I don’t believe she’s met your boy properly.”

Noah stiffened at my side. I didn’t need to see his face under the mask—I could feel his whole body tense.

The Master’s mouth curved. “Perhaps one evening they could perform together. Give us all a show.”

Noah’s breath hitched, sharp.

Master Roman looked down at her. “Would you like that, sweetheart?”

My jaw locked. My blood boiled. *I would NOT like that.*

Her amber eyes lifted, locking straight on Noah. Her lips curled slow, seductive. “If it pleases you, Master… I’d love to play with him. He’s so very beautiful, Sir.”

Beautiful. And mine.

The Master’s gaze shifted back to Noah, sly. “And what about you, Xion? What do you think of my Luna?”

I felt Noah’s cage strain instantly, his cock betraying him even as he pressed closer into my leg, mortified.

“She is gorgeous, Sir—” he stammered.

“Well then,” the man purred, turning to me. “It’s settled, don’t you agree, Mr. A?”

I smiled politely, a mask for them all. “Maybe in the future. We’ll see.”

Then I guided my boy forward, his blush burning through his mask and his body heat searing against me. Inside, every nerve in me burned.