“Perfect.”

Lucas smiles at his reflection in the mirror, satisfied by how well he pulled himself together. He’s wearing a white crop top sweater that he stole from Barbara’s closet months ago, black skinny jeans, and low-top converse. He has on minimal makeup and looks both sweet and innocent. Michael had told him to dress casually, and that he has.

“Shit! I'm running out of time,” Lucas mutters after the timer on his phone goes off, letting him know he has approximately ten minutes left to get his life together before Michael comes knocking on his door. 

Lucas quickly applies lip gloss and a few puffs of perfume before doing one last spin in front of the mirror. He nods in approval before walking away. If Michael’s reaction to his outfit is anything less than you-look-good-enough-to-eat, Lucas may very well drop dead from embarrassment.

“Wow. He wasn’t kidding about being punctual...”

At exactly 7:55 PM, Lucas receives a text message from Michael stating he’s roughly five minutes out. Lucas’ heart soars. This is the second time that he and Michael will hang out, and just the thought alone is enough to have Lucas vibrating with energy. He does so for the next five minutes, anxiously pacing the floor of his apartment.

“I can’t believe I gave him my address,” Lucas laughs to himself, shaking his head. “God, I really do have it bad. How pathetic.”

Lucas later squeals in excitement after hearing someone knock on his door. He doesn’t have to look at his phone for the time because he knows it’s Michael, his Master, standing on the other side. Desire pools in Lucas’ stomach as he races to answer the door.

“Coming!” Lucas can’t remember the last time a man had him acting this thirsty. He takes a few seconds to collect himself before opening the door. “Hello, Master.”

“Hello, Lucas.” Michael isn’t shy about checking Lucas out. His hungry blue eyes scan the blushing redhead from head to toe. “You look gorgeous tonight. And I especially like this...” Michael takes an index finger and slowly drags it along Lucas’ exposed lower abdomen. Lucas shudders in response. “Well done.”

“T-Thank you, Master.” Lucas smiles, the tension slowly leaving his body now that he’s gotten Michael’s approval on his outfit. “But you… wow. I have no words.”

Michael is in full Dom mode tonight. He’s wearing a red long-sleeved silk shirt that is just the right amount of tight. Depending on how he moves, his defined muscles occasionally make an appearance. Over the shirt is a black harness with three belts that wrap around his waist. His fitted pants and combat boots are also black. Michael looks even more intimidating than he normally does, and Lucas suddenly finds it hard to breathe.

"Maybe I should've slut it up a little more," Lucas jokes. "I feel a bit overdressed to be going to a kink club. Maybe I should go back and change..."

"No. You look perfect," Michael says. "If you were to show any more skin, I'm certain I'd have to fight to keep men away from you."

"Oh." Lucas blushes for the umpteenth time. "Okay, then. I won't change." 

“Great. Now, there is something that I want to give you before we head to the club.” Michael brings his other hand around from behind his back, revealing a black rectangular box. “May I come inside for a moment?”

“Of course.” Lucas steps aside, allowing Michael to enter. After he shuts the door, he leans against it for support. “Can I ask what’s in the box?”

“Your collar,” Michael answers. “It’s only temporary, but before I put it on you, there are a few things that I must tell you first.”

“I’m listening.”

“As I said once before, with you being a new submissive to the club, having a certain type of collar on you will help keep other Dom’s from trying to do things with you that you may not be ready for.” Michael opens the box and pulls out a pretty white collar that has a light blue bow in the middle. “At my club, I have a color system. It’s quite simple. Would you like to hear about it?”

Lucas nods. “Yes, please.”

“A submissive wearing an all-white collar means they are unclaimed and do not belong to any Dom,” Michael says. “A submissive wearing a black collar means the submissive is claimed and they are currently undergoing training with their Dom. Collars in other colors are based upon that Dom's personal preference. The color blue, however, is specifically reserved for me and my submissives. Tonight, as you wear this collar, you will technically belong to me.”

Lucas shudders a bit. He has never belonged to anyone before, but he damn sure wants to know what it will feel like to belong to someone like Michael. Lucas wants to know how it will feel to wear his Master’s collar. He wants to be envied by those who wish to belong to Michael but can't. Lucas wants this more than anything, being Michael’s pet for the night. He wants that and so much more.

“Can I ask a question?”

“Questions are good,” Michael encourages. “What’s on your mind, pretty boy?”

“I’ve just been thinking back to the conversation we had during dinner the other night,” Lucas says. “You said you’re not taking on any new subs, but I’ll be wearing your collar tonight, so people will assume that I belong to you and I’m just wondering how am I supposed to make a connection with someone if they’re too scared to approach me because they think I’m yours?”

A test. Lucas is testing Michael right now. He wants to see how far Michael will let him go before he decides to come to his senses and give Lucas a shot. Truthfully, Lucas doesn’t want any other Dom approaching him tonight. He only wants attention from Michael, and he’s willing to do anything to get a collar from him. One that is permanent.

“I’ve also been doing a lot of thinking since then,” Michael says, stepping forward. “While you assess the club tonight, I will assess you. And if all goes well by the end of the night, then perhaps I’ll make an exception and will have you as my third submissive. How does that sound?”

“Sounds like you've got yourself a deal.” Lucas screams on the inside and smiles big on the outside. He wants to run around the apartment and jump for joy, but he keeps his composure. “What now, Master?”

“Kneel for me,” Michael smirks, his expression darkening a bit as Lucas immediately follows orders. Lucas looks up at his Master with big, eager eyes, ready for the next instruction. “Good boy. You listen well.” Michael praises, making Lucas' heart flutter. “The most important thing that you will need to know about my world, about BDSM in general, is that it is actually the submissive who holds all the power. So, before I place this collar around your beautiful neck, I need your permission. Will you give that to me, Lucas?”

“Yes, Master. You have my permission to do whatever you want with me tonight,” Lucas answers without shame, meaning every word. “Collar me, please. I want it.”

Michael secures the collar around Lucas’ neck. He then snaps his fingers and points upwards. Lucas puts two and two together and stands from the ground.

“Whatever I want?” Michael asks. “Meaning anything goes?”

“Yes, Master. Anything.” Lucas catches Michael staring at his lips, but he isn't brave enough to do anything about it. 

“Time to go,” Michael exits the apartment and leads the way toward his fancy black Porsche. “Time to show you my world, Little Red. Then afterward we’ll see if it’s still anything goes.”