(Joshua's POV - Mon. 26 August 2013)

I am finally back in the office!! It is barely 6:00 am so of course the building is empty and quiet and this is how I like it when I return after my vacation... my so-called vacation. It is much better this way because I am in a fucking bad mood and I definitely need to relax before all the Leadership team starts popping in my office, one after to the other to pour their rantings about such and such things and complain about how they couldn't reach me over the past few days. The first week after my vacation is usually boring as hell, starting with uninteresting talk with people about my holidays on the Monday morning, followed by a business review which always finishes late at night, and the rest of the week is dedicated to one-on-one meetings with all the managers. However, I am almost eager to take these after the worst vacation I ever had.

When the doors of my private elevator open, I walk straight to my office and hang my jacket on the coat stand. Almost all the walls of my office are made of glass or windows and I slowly relax in my comfortable armchair while I watch the sun rise over Chicago. I really love this city; this is where I feel at home although I moved here only four years ago to join my good friend Aaron. This is the city he chose to open his first nightclub and when I got tired of New Jersey and all my personal problems there, I just followed him here and moved the headquarters of my company. This was certainly one of the best decisions I ever took because our other two best friends, Mark and Camden, soon followed us. So when I say that I feel home here, I really do because these three guys are the brothers I never had and the closest thing I have as family. I missed them more than anything over the past two nightmarish weeks.

I had been waiting for this couple of weeks with such eagerness and they turned out to be a total fiasco. It started pretty well though. After a rough scene in my private room with Devin on Friday evening, we had a long conversation. I warned him that his behavior had better improve very quickly and that I wouldn't hesitate to send him back home if he continued with his bad manners. On our way to the Bahamas in my small jet the following day, he decided to make up for his recent attitude and gave me one of the best blowjobs he ever did and as soon as we had settled on the sumptuous yacht I rented and started to sail away, I gave him tit for tat and we went on with a torrid night of sex. The next two days were quite similar. I fucked him in almost all the rooms of the yacht and I was thinking that things were going to go for the best.

As a CEO and when you own your own company, you rarely get real holidays or full week-ends. Although I have been able to build the best team, there are still decisions I need to make and which can't wait, and I am fine with this. This is part of my job and responsibilities so I accept it. Apart from a call with Tony about a minor security issue on Tuesday morning, I didn't have to work too much and only replied to a few urgent emails, so things were looking bright ahead.

That was until I decided to stop ignoring my mother's calls and picked up the phone on Wednesday afternoon. Devin was enjoying a swim in the blue sea while I was taking the sun on the deck when my phone rang. I wasn't surprised to see my mother's name displayed on the screen as she had kept calling me since we arrived in the Bahamas. I guess that the last two days and the delicious seafood platter we had for lunch must have relaxed me enough because I picked up the phone and slid the bar to take the call.

"Mother." My tone was as cold as ever when I spoke with her.

"Joshua Pierce, your voice should hold the slightest bit of warmth when you finally deign to answer your mother's calls after so many unsuccessful attempts," she scolded me, her tone not any warmer than mine.

"I have been busy, Mother," I replied sternly.

"I thought you were on vacation?"

"I am; busy all the same. Now will you please tell me the purpose of all this harassment? Have you already thrown away your allowance and do you need more cash?" I asked suavely.

"Joshua!!! I am shocked! Can't I call my son with the simple purpose of checking in and ask if everything is alright?" she asked, offended. Knowing her and her self-interested habits, I don't think so.

"Well, I am perfectly fine and trying to enjoy my vacation now..." I replied, almost tempted to add Bye, Mother, talk to you in a few months or years.

"Where are you, if I may ask? Neither Tony or Liz or Ally would tell me," she added haughtily.

"They just did their job, Mother... that is respecting my privacy and keeping it secret. What would it matter to you anyway?" It had only been a couple of minutes talking to her and I was already getting annoyed.

"I was... wondering if you intended to visit me at least for a few days during your time off. It's been such a long time since I last saw you..." she admitted with a sad voice, but I didn't buy it. Of course it had been a long time! Ever since I took over my father's company and decided to proceed the same as he did by giving her a monthly allowance, her bitchy habits have only worsened. It is not as if I had left her with nothing. She lives in a luxurious mansion in Boca Raton and with $20,000 each month, I assume that she has more than enough for someone who never worked a single minute in her whole life to strut about among the high society.

"The last time I visited you, you just spent your time with your new lover and I ended up having to go and pick you up after you found out that he had another mistress," I replied bitterly.

"I know Joshua, and I am sorry... but I would really like to make up for my past behavior. I know how busy you are, but I would like you to consider shortening your holidays wherever you are and spend a couple of days with me..." she pleaded. I still didn't buy it. There was something in her tone that made me think that there was another intention between her words.

"I don't think so Mother. If I had to shorten my vacation, it would have to rush back into the office to solve important matters, you see."

"Just think about it Joshua... I just want to spend some time with you... you work so hard and I know that I won't get to see you once you are back to work..."

"Indeed Mother, I do work a lot. And as I said, I will need to return to the office right after my vacation."

"You shouldn't work that much... You know where it led your father... And you are getting closer and closer to your third decade; you should have already found a lovely woman and started a family..." There we go again...

"This is none of your fucking business, Mother. Now I have to go. I'll talk to you soon." Or not. I didn't wait for her answer and hung up the phone, tossing it on the other deckchair.

Then I was really pissed off. How dare she bring up the subject of my father? The man I never really knew because he was never home. He was either on business trips or spending sixteen hours a day in his office in Philly. We never had a father-to- son relationship other than the one that made him treat me as the future heir of his company. That only included having extra classes in the evening with a tutor and making sure that my studies were business-oriented. I should thank him for that because it allowed me to develop my knowledge and skills to a large extent, but more importantly, I was ready to take over Pierce Construction when my old man suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of my fourth year of studies. But this is the only gratefulness I feel for him because what I missed more than anything else was a Father.

I was obviously an over-spoiled child and teenager in a way; anything I wanted, I got it; the newest game consoles - although I wasn't allowed to play more than an hour each day, the latest phone devices, a full dressing of nice clothes and whatever teenagers like to have. However, I never got what most boys require: the love and affective support of a father. He never read me stories; he never spent time playing baseball or football with me; he never hugged me or cared to discuss with me like fathers normally do, especially when you reach adolescence, discover your body and try to find your sexual orientation. Seeing Mark's relationship with his own father only worsened my feelings toward my own father. Paul Murray has always been some kind of role model for me. Camden, Aaron and I often hung out at the Murray's after school or during the week-ends because of this ever peaceful atmosphere reigning in their apartment and restaurant and because of the delicious cakes we got to eat there. Mr. Murray always found a half hour to play outside with us or teach us some cooking tips.

The other source of my anger was the mention of my supposed duty to marry a woman and start a family. How many times will I have to tell her that I am gay? Not even bi-sexual... plainly gay! Can't she understand that her past behavior highly influenced my sexual orientation? When I found out about her extra-marital adventures and even caught her having sex with one of them, it just disgusted me and made me turn away from girls and toward boys. Later, I found out that cheating was not something only reserved to hetero couples of course, but by then, I had realized that boobs didn't appeal to me and that cock was what I wanted to suck rather than clits. When I came out to my mother, she just scoffed and said it was a fleeting moment and that I soon would change my mind; or rather that I had to change my mind because I couldn't afford to disgrace the Pierce name by being gay.

How wrong she was. Deep inside, I knew that I wouldn't change my mind and since I had already taken over my father's company, I just told her to go to hell. However, every once in a while, she brings the subject back up and tries to convince me into trying a 'normal' relationship, as she says. And I keep on ignoring her suggestions and homophobic comments. If she only knew about my lifestyle, she would have a heart attack, although it is not worse than her debauchery and libertine manners.

Anyway, this conversation had already nicely spoiled my mood so when an umpteenth argument arose between Devin and me, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. After another two hours on the deck, I went back into the beautiful living-room of the yacht and found Devin sprawled on the luxurious leather couch. That wouldn't have been an issue if the guy had changed from his drenched bathing trunks and wiped his wet body. The leather of the couch was completely ruined and I would easily repay for it since money wasn't really a problem, but that lack of respect just threw me over. We started a verbal fight and Devin didn't even have the decency to apologize. On the contrary, he talked back to me and said that a few thousands of dollars shouldn't bother the wealthy bastard I am, to use his words. I don't think that I would have reacted any differently if I hadn't already been upset by the conversation I had with my mother; it wouldn't have changed a thing.

Devin had been my Submissive for nearly three months and I just couldn't take it anymore. I was tired of his attitude and we were not going anywhere in this relationship. He wasn't the worst Sub I ever had, but he was far from being the best either. Nothing I did seemed to improve his character or make him become better. Not any of the conversations we had or the discipline I gave helped him to get better and adopt more respectful manners. So I just did what I had to. I booked him on a flight back to Chicago, called for a skipper to pick him up and sent him back home without regret. He didn't even care to apologize or say good-bye and I didn't really care because all I wanted then was to see him out and away from me. All I wanted was peace and silence.

So you can imagine how the rest of my vacation was rather boring and lonesome; but it could be worse... and it did become worse as a matter of fact. After a few more days of sun bathing and a few bottles of rum, I asked the Captain to slowly sail back and contrary to my better judgment, I flew to Miami on the following Thursday. I had announced my upcoming visit to my mother and she had squealed in awe at the news. I was wondering what that sudden interest in me was. I didn't trust that this new attitude meant anything good for me and I soon found out that I should have pinned my faith on my first impression. I arrived quite late on the Thursday evening and didn't get to talk much to my Mother because I was tired and her over-enthusiastic greeting when I arrived only resulted in an inexplicable annoyance on my side.

Friday noon was the moment I could have kicked myself for falling into my mother's trap. Would you believe that she organized a brunch on such a short notice and invited a dozen of young ladies, all supposedly beautiful, all extremely rich, and worst of all, all single? Trust me she did! She tried to make me believe that they were all friends of hers and members of her whatever-club, and that the reunion had been planned a long time ago. Does she really take me for a fool? After three hours of trying to get rid of these leeches as politely as I could - because I am still a gentleman, I purely and simply went to my room, packed my things and left. I had had enough of all this shit and I immediately headed back to Chicago.

I can't believe that what should have been two weeks of bliss and rest and sex turned out into such a nightmare. I feel like I starred one of those ridiculous comic movies where the guy goes from one misadventure to another.

I suddenly hear the doors of the elevator open and realize that it is already eight! Have I really been wasting two hours rehearsing and ranting about my fucking holidays? I definitely need to get a grip on my concentration and get to work.

"Good morning Mr. Pierce!" Ally says as she walks into my office, in the greatest of her moods. Have I been away for only two weeks? It seems like her belly has grown like... like... Jeez, she looks about to give birth. Her face falls when she sees my expression but she doesn't even give me time to reply. "Great... I have to admit, you have a beautiful tan, but you look like someone who has had an awful holiday... so I'm not even going to ask. We have the business review at ten, and before that, Denzel wants to see you - he said that it is extremely urgent but wouldn't tell me what it was about; and that's about it for today." I smile at the fact that she is always able to read me so well and her word flow is just amazing. Ally is always the one to put me in a good mood. Almost always.

"Good morning Ally, how are you?" I ask as softly as I can. She walks further in and takes a seat across from me.

"I'm good... the baby is doing good too... the heat is knocking me down and making me swell like a balloon but other than that, I'm all good!" she cheers. Always positive Ally... Poor girl... I have already heard about how pregnant women feel when it is too hot so I sympathize with her.

"If there's anything we can do to make you feel better when you're in the office, just let me know," I offer.

"Actually, that's the only place I am feeling good thanks to the air-conditioning... so no worries!"

"Alright; has anything happened in my absence and that I don't know about yet?"

"Not that I know... it's been rather quiet since a lot of people are off at the moment. Honestly, I was starting to get bored. So I'm glad that you're back!"

"Nothing happened in two weeks? No drama?" I ask quite surprised.

"Nothing of any importance to you Joshua... The only new thing is the intern who joined us two weeks ago. He seems to be doing good although I've heard that the Finance team have been giving him a hard time..." she says shrugging her shoulders. That wouldn't have normally interested me but something picked my curiosity.

"He? Him? Like in... the new assistant is a he?" I ask.

"Oh yes, it's true that Liz didn't mention this during our last meeting. The intern is indeed a he."

"I've never heard of men holding this position..." I say dubiously.

"Of course there are some, but it's quite rare. By the way, I have worked with HR on my replacement and I am interviewing some candidates later this week," she adds, changing the subject. We discuss some of the profiles she has selected and she walks back to her desk just when Denzel arrives.

If Ally managed to brighten my mood, Denzel turned it back down with the simple act of putting a white envelope on my desk. He explains that he got an opportunity for another job in a smaller company and would like to try his luck there which is why he is handing me his resignation letter. Denzel is a good compliance Manager who has a lot of knowledge in his domain and I am really sad to let him leave us. However, there is something in his expression that the reason is not only this job opportunity, so I propose him a salary increase but this is not what he is looking for at the moment apparently and he declines it. Pierce Construction is in constant expansion and he has a preference for smaller businesses apparently. Obviously, I am not going to review my goals for him, but this means I will need to find a new Compliance Manager. After Denzel and until ten, my office is the venue for a parade of managers although they know that we will be meeting later in the morning but I am trying my best to be as agreeable as possible; after all they are not supposed to be the victims of my shitty vacation.

The business review is what it is; a business review. I announce that Denzel will leave the company in two weeks from now and we all review in more details some of the current projects we have, upcoming ones and more which are in negotiation at the moment. All the subjects are brought up rather quickly and we continue over lunch boxes. When the time comes to review figures, most of the leadership team leaves the meeting-room - not because they are not allowed to hear about the financials of the company, but because we are already going to have another complete review after month end and they have better things to do than listen to what sounds like boring gibberish to most of them. In the end, only Ally, Allan and Derek stay with me. Derek picks up the phone on the table and harshly asks his assistant if he needs to come downstairs to get his report himself. I look at him quite bewildered at his tone; it is not in his habits to talk this way and I wouldn't tolerate it either. I might get somewhat unpleasant and ruthless at times with my team, but I never bark, especially at the other employees and not in the presence of other colleagues.

"Something wrong, Derek?" I ask, testing the waters, once he has hung up.

"Carola called in sick last week and I have to deal with the new intern. The twink is a beginner and not anywhere close to Carola's efficiency," he complains with a sigh. I feel Ally tense next to me.

"Taking over someone's job without any real transition is not the easiest," Ally mumbles. I am not used to her making such comments. What has happened to my staff in two weeks?

"Anyway, he said he would bring the reports within ten minutes, so we can start reviewing the presentation I sent you last week," Derek says and launches the powerpoint presentation on the big screen.

For the last six months, we have worked on developing a new division that would focus on luxury hotels of small size. Derek is supposed to present us a financial analysis of the costs to fit out the eighth floor for a new team of engineers and architects, the staff recruitment and the business development plan. This is a huge development for the company and I want a full team dedicated to this project. A few minutes later, there is a knock on the door and a blondish head with light blue eyes walks in. The young man is dressed in a cheap suit that doesn't fit him due to his apparently thin frame. He is holding a consequent heap of bundles and as he walks in, obviously looking for his manager's attention, I notice how nervous he seems to be. My mood immediately shifts at how beautiful this young man is.

"Good afternoon... I er... I apologize for the delay...," he stutters. As he walks further in, his light blue eyes briefly meet mine, almost electrifying me, and the next second, I think he stumbles on his own feet and all the bundles are scattered all over the floor. I can hardly suppress a smile at the mess behind Derek and Ally, but it immediately fades when I hear Derek yell at the poor boy who is about to pass out from the stress, his eyes filled with tears. Right then, if I didn't have all the self-control that my position as a Dominant requires, I would have punched Derek in the face right away.

Published on 24 Aug 2016

I hope this chapter made up for the rather monotonous previous one :) and that's their first encounter!

So I have now posted the three chapters to enter the Wattys2016 contest and I will start posting the rest once I have written the remaining chapters, which is actually not much since I finished chapter 80 yesterday. As I said in the preface, I will most likely update once a week by posting 4 or 5 chapters at a time, depending on my schedule and how things will go with the third story. Even when the story is fully written, there's always a lot of work to edit, correct mistakes, rephrase, etc... And I want to concentrate on the third one too so that there is not a too long wait between both stories :)