By His Rules by J. A. Rock Page B

So enjoy your show, break a leg or
    whatever, then buckle down and find a real job when it’s
    over.”
    Aiden stood, fists clenched at his sides. Scott was
    being completely unfair and condescending. “There’s a
    party closing night for the cast and crew. I was gonna ask
    you to go with me. But forget it.”
    “When’s closing night?”
    “What do you care?”
    Scott caught his wrist as he turned to leave. “When
    is it?”
    “Next Saturday.”
    “Next Saturday I need you here.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “I have something planned. Part of your training.”
    “Well, I can’t miss the cast party.”
    “You’ll have to.”
    “No.”
    Scott quirked an eyebrow. “What did you just say
    to me?”
    “I said no .”
    Scott jerked his arm. “Do you need a reminder of
    who’s in charge around here?”
    “I know who’s in charge, Sir ,” Aiden spat. “But I
    also know I have my own life outside of being your sub.
    And the cast party is part of it.” Aiden’s heart thudded,
    but he forced himself to keep his gaze locked with
    Scott’s. He didn’t dare fight Scott’s grip on his wrist; Scott
    would win. He simply waited.
    Scott stared at him for a long moment, eyes black
    with fury. Then he thrust Aiden’s arm away from him.
    “Go then.” He left the room.
    Aiden stared after him. Was it really that simple?
    He’d surely pay for this later, but he’d gotten what he
    wanted—Scott’s permission to attend the cast party.
    But I didn’t need his permission. It’s my life. Isn’t it?
    He lived in Scott’s house. Scott supported him.
    He’d agreed that his body belonged to Scott. That he
    existed to please Scott.
    But that’s a game, no matter what Scott says. No matter
    how hard-core it is, it’s just a scene. What’s real is my career,
    my future, my friends. If Scott were my partner, not just my
    dom—if he cared about me as a person instead of just caring
    whether I obey him—then he’d be part of that reality too.
    Aiden bit the last remaining nail on his right hand.
    I could leave . The thought wasn’t new, but it came to
    Aiden stronger than it ever had before. I don’t have
    anywhere to go right now, but I could make something work.
    Without a job, there’s nothing keeping me in this town , let alone
    this house. I could move somewhere I actually want to be, find
    the relationship I deserve…
    Another voice, softer but more insidious, spoke:
    But maybe Scott is what you deserve. If you deserved love,
    you’d have it by now. If you worked hard, you’d be where you
    want to be, you’d have a job, you’d be surrounded by friends.
    But you’ve been lazy, a slacker, a lousy excuse for a friend.
    Scott’s trying to build you up, but you’re not buildable.
    He gathered his materials for rehearsal, feeling the
    heaviness in his body and mind that had grown all too
    familiar in the last few weeks. His stomach growled. His
    head throbbed. He wished he were someone—anyone—
    else.

    * * * *
The day the show opened, Aiden had the house all
    to himself while Scott was at work. He went over his
    lines, his spirits high. Hera called to tell him to break a
    leg and promised she and Sloane and Kim would all be
    in the audience to cheer him on. He hung up glowing.
    The performance went well, and Aiden drew loud
    applause during his curtain call. The performances for
    the rest of the week were solid. They had large crowds
    most nights. The director said it was the theater’s best-
    selling show in years. The party after closing night was a
    blast. It was great to hang out with Hera again. Aiden
    hadn’t seen much of her since he’d left Joe’s. There was
    free wine and dessert, a live DJ, and a dance floor.
    Aiden’s cast mates complimented his performance, and
    he complimented theirs in return, and they told him he
    absolutely had to audition for the next production.
    Aiden promised he would.
    Hera, Kim, and Sloane left around one, and Aiden
    stayed an hour longer, until the