Chapter 17: "After the Storm"

The storm had passed, and the room was quiet once again. Regulus lay on the couch, his body battered and bruised, his mind foggy and disconnected. He couldn't move, couldn't speak, couldn't do anything but lie there, lost in a haze of pleasure and exhaustion. As he lay there, he heard the door to the brothel open, and Victor's voice calling out to him. "Regulus, my boy, are you alright?" Victor's footsteps approached the couch, and Regulus felt a gentle hand on his forehead. "You've had quite a night, haven't you?" Regulus tried to respond, but his voice was hoarse and barely audible. Victor smiled and handed him a glass of water. "Drink this, and then we'll get you cleaned up." Regulus took a sip of the water, feeling it revive him slightly. Victor sat down beside him on the couch, running a gentle hand through Regulus's hair. "You know, I always make sure my boys get their fill," Victor said, his voice low and soothing. "And I think you had a bit more than your fill tonight, didn't you?" Regulus nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. Victor called over one of the other men in the brothel, a quiet, reserved individual named Liam. "Liam, would you mind taking care of Regulus? He needs a bath and some rest." Liam nodded and gently helped Regulus to his feet. Regulus stumbled slightly, but Liam caught him, holding him upright. "It's okay, Regulus, I've got you," Liam said, his voice soft and gentle. As Liam led Regulus to the bathroom, Victor watched them go, a look of satisfaction on his face. He knew that Regulus was in good hands with Liam. Liam had a way with the boys, a way of soothing their battered bodies and calming their frazzled nerves. As Regulus was bathed and prepared for bed, Victor couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had taught Regulus well, and Regulus had taken to his new profession like a fish to water. And now, as Regulus drifted off to sleep, Victor knew that he would always make sure his boy got his fill. The next morning, Regulus woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He stretched, feeling a bit sore, but otherwise okay. Victor was sitting in a chair beside his bed, sipping a cup of coffee. "Good morning, Regulus," Victor said, smiling. "How are you feeling today?" Regulus smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Victor. "I'm good, thanks," he said, his voice a bit hoarse from the night before. "Thanks for taking care of me." Victor nodded, setting his cup of coffee down. "That's what I'm here for, Regulus. Now, let's get some breakfast in you, and then we'll talk about your schedule for the day." Regulus nodded, feeling a sense of excitement. He had no idea what the day would bring, but he was ready for whatever it was.