They hugged and Elaine caught her up in private messages while also answering random questions in the chat room. A general discussion of ‘how to go about planning and meeting with someone’ ensued, covering lots of stuff that was very familiar to Elaine, which made her smile. As Simone babbled on about how amazing the weekend was going to be, Elaine began to feel a strange swelling of her self-confidence.
She really had done everything right.
Time passed easily before Elaine found herself yawning. On checking the clock, she was pleasantly surprised to see that Gary was due to arrive at any moment. Perking up, she courteously sent everyone in the chat room her farewell. Amid another outpouring of good luck and congratulations messages, she smiled and waved and assured them she’d be back, before clicking out of the room.
It crossed her mind that Gary hadn’t once let her down. Though he’d been late a couple of times, both times he’d managed to inform her about it. She understood that occasionally an inaccurate guess might have to be taken regarding someone’s, or her own, estimated time of arrival. But she never agreed with the concept of being ‘fashionably late’. First of all one had to assume they were entitled to inconvenience another person on the basis of it being fashionable, or, as was more likely, someone was basically saying, ‘I’m so busy with other commitments that I couldn’t possibly be here any earlier.’
Unless it was to a really big party where one’s absence wouldn’t be missed, to Elaine’s mind, being ‘fashionably late’ was a put down, particularly in ‘one on one’ situations.
It’s sad when people have to put others down in order to feel better about themselves, she thought wistfully.
“Hello, Elaine,” popped up on the screen.
A big grin covered Elaine’s face as she typed, “Hello, Sir.”
“I see by your journal you’ve had a fun-filled day.” He winked.
“You’re mean, Sir.” She sent the face with the tongue poking out.
“Oh, c’mon. You’re lucky I’m not mad at you for playing with your clit while you worked that big fat butt plug up your ass, little one.”
Now Elaine knew he was teasing her. “Oh, Sir!” she sent, quickly followed by the blushing face. She couldn’t help but giggle.
God, there go my nipples again!
“Bring your toys with you tomorrow, okay? All of them. We’ll see what you’ve got and I might add a few things to your collection, if you’re good.”
More toys? Elaine bit her lip as ripples of pleasure zigzagged across her skin. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Anyway, I am pleased by your bravery, Elaine. Not to mention your audacity. How are you feeling?”
“Um,” she typed. A wicked thought came to mind. Quickly assessing the feelings tumbling about her stimulated yet frustrated body, her cheeks burned as she honestly typed, “Ready to fuck at the drop of a hat!” She squealed and covered her mouth with her hand as she witnessed her words on the screen in front of her. She doubled over in fits of giggles, fuelled in equal parts by the trembling mortification of her brazenness, and the unbridled joy of being completely and utterly honest.
“Chuckles,” Gary typed. “I must remember to wear a hat then.”
All Elaine managed to respond with was, “lmaoofkjjdlfkg…” The succession of hilarious images of Gary wearing ridiculous hats paraded themselves through her mind. Elaine howled with laughter for what seemed like minutes. At some point she realised how good it felt to let go. A good laugh was just what she needed. When she finally managed to dry her eyes and focus on the screen again, her heart started pounding.
“I would like to speak to you as if you had signed the contract tomorrow night. May I assume you will be signing it and accompanying me on the weekend, Elaine?”
Sitting up straighter, she took a deep breath and typed, “I will be there, Sir.”
With bells on, she thought, giggling a little and trying to control herself.
For the next hour, Gary talked about their schedule, beginning with meeting her at Déchaînée, which was, according to Gary, ‘the best French restaurant in town’. Elaine had never eaten French before, and hoped she could avoid the snails. She smiled softly to herself. Gary’s enthusiasm was infectious, and she soon found herself looking forward to it. She hoped she wouldn’t be too nervous to eat.
“So after dinner we’ll be heading home and I wouldn’t be surprised if I teased you all the way there.”
“Shakes my head.”
“Which of course calls into question your dress. I know it’s ‘late in the day’, but have you chosen what you are going to wear?”
“I’ve had a few ideas, but I haven’t decided. No, Sir.”
“I’ll be wearing the one decent suit I own, with a mauve shirt and a black tie. I’d love to see you in something elegant, but if you really want to knock my socks off, you’ll wear a floor length dress and no underwear.”
“No underwear?”
“I will regularly require that you are nude under your outer layer of clothes. While we are together, I plan to enjoy everything your body has to offer. That includes admiring it and/or taking advantage of it at moments you may or may not be prepared for, Elaine.”
She swallowed. “I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t mean to question whether or not I’d go without underwear. Of course I will. I was just surprised, that’s all.”
“Because it’s our first time together?”
“Well,” she said, hesitating. “Yes.”
“Okay. Two things. Firstly, from the moment we sign our contract, you will be my submissive, and I will be your Dominant, in mind, body and soul. As soon as we are seated at the restaurant, and the waiter or waitress has left with our drink’s orders, I will be placing the contract in front of us for our signatures. From then onward, you and I are bound by its words. Turning back means taking you home. Make sure you understand that.”
Elaine trembled. “Yes, Sir.”
“Secondly, I was giving you an opportunity to be pleasing. I told you how to dress to do it. It won’t be the last time I tell you how to please me. Think about it.”
“I’m going to have to get used to this, aren’t I?”
“Mhmmm.”
“How? I mean, do I have to think of whether something pleases you first? And try to ignore how it makes me feel?”
“Only if you trust me and want to please me.”
“I do want to do those things. You just… You make it sound so easy. I’m worried that my inexperience is going to get me into trouble.”
“Chuckles. It probably will. Don’t worry, Elaine. I’ll always explain things to you, point things out, and give you chances to change your mind. I’m going to be gentle with you. But I am going to dominate you. Just concentrate on me when I speak to you. You’ve done it before. Remember coffee?”
She sure did. The feelings that overwhelmed her the first time she’d met Gary rushed over her skin like wildfire. Had she been so self-absorbed that she’d forgotten how much she liked him? She was going to be a mess! She giggled. “Just concentrate on you. I’ve got it.” She sent the smiling face.
“You are adorable. You do know that, don’t you?”
“You’re making me blush.” She sent the blushing face.
“That’s what I want you to be wearing when I meet you. A blush and a beautiful dress. And that’s all.”
“Then that’s what you’ll get.”
“I can’t wait to be alone with you.”
“Me either.”
A moment passed. Elaine was wondering if they’d ever get to ‘the specifics’. Gosh, she thought. Maybe that’s what they HAD been talking about. She had to know, so she typed, “Sir?”
“Yes, Elaine.”
“Are you going to tell me what else I should expect?”
“Yes, I was planning to do just that.” He sent a smile. “After our meal I’ll be taking you home. I doubt whether you will be a virgin by the time we get there. Depending on the weather of course.”
“Of course.” Elaine blushed harder.
“Unless you have a particular aversion to being fucked on the hood of a car.”
She squirmed. “Um, no. That would be fine.”
“Good. So after getting home I’ll offer you brandy or something else in the house. Do you have a preference?”
“Cointreau?”
“Cointreau it is then.”
“Grins. And then what?”
“Then I’ll show you to the basement. I’ve been working hard down there, getting things ready. I hope you’re impressed. Lots of brickwork and stained and lacquered wood. Lots of leather too. Chains here and there. Right up your alley I imagine.” He winked.
Elaine could hardly believe this conversation. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“I hope so. We’ll ‘scene’ and I’ll take my time and be patient with you. I’m very mindful of my responsibility here. I want you to enjoy this. I’ll be building sensations upon sensations, and I’ll be relying on your reactions and your words to guide me. I’ll be paying a lot of attention to you. You are going to love this. At various times during the weekend I will be doing the same. Scening with you, teaching you, explaining things to you, and maybe even disciplining you. I don’t know. That will be up to you. It’s going to be everything you expect and more.”
“It’s still a culture shock.”
“It’s everything you want and need, Elaine. It will be everything we’ve talked about, and everything you’ve imagined. When you leave my house on Sunday, you will be an experienced submissive. You’ll know yourself better than ever, and you’ll know that this is right for you.”
Elaine nodded subconsciously. There was only one way to find out. “What time?”
“Seven-thirty.”
“I’ll be there.”
“So will I. Don’t be late. I’m not hanging around to be stood up.”
“I’ll be early.”
“Good girl. Is that specific enough for you?”
“Um, will you be spanking me?”
“Yes.”
She swallowed. “Using a flogger?”
“Yes.”
“A crop?”
“Yes.”
Her heart was hammering. “A paddle?”
“Yes, but I’ll be gentle.”
“You won’t restrain me?”
“Not unless you want me to.”
“I might have to be.”
“Then we’ll play it by ear.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Any more questions?”
“Um… No, Sir. Smiles softly.”
“Okay. Then I’d like you to go to bed.”
“Must I?” She glanced at the clock.
“Try.”
It was getting late anyway. “All right. I will. Thank you again, Gary.”
“If you are thanking me on Sunday, I’ll be happy.”
Elaine smiled.
***************************
At breakfast she was on autopilot. After describing the dress Gary wanted, both Chelsea and Kendra had ideas on which store Elaine should visit. They both offered to come with her to the mall but she declined. She felt she knew what Gary wanted, and didn’t want to be swayed in her opinion. Besides, she was going lingerie shopping too, and having Kendra there would have been too much.
School went slowly. She fell asleep during the damned two-hour Accounting lecture and her finals were just next week. She was going to have to cram, but she’d be glad when she was finally done with the stupid course. She didn’t even care if she ended up with a B. Ugh. She did really.
She had Metaphysics last and she picked up a few pointers when others asked questions about the big essay due Monday. She was so relieved that she was on the right track with hers she almost peed herself. The sound of the bell made her jump out of her skin and her tutor even asked if she was all right. She said she was fine as she packed up her books mechanically and headed out.
Seconds and minutes seemed to melt together. One moment she was in a hallway at school, the next she was keying open her front door. The next she was changed and on a bus, and before she knew it she was walking through the automatic doors at the mall.
There were only a few stores she needed to find and she was excited. She almost giggled aloud at the thought that her prospective purchases weren’t even for her. Knowing Gary would be happy with what she was planning to buy made things much easier.
And she loved to shop.
Usually she felt guilty when she bought things for herself. But not today. Today she was on a mission but the first store had nothing in her size. The second store, Cargo, had a twenty percent storewide discount that made her drool. She crossed her fingers as she described the dress to the obviously gay guy serving her. The first one he brought her was what he wanted, but the second one made her eyes bug out. It was perfect.
Lying across his arm was the most exquisite purple silk dress that she had ever laid her eyes on. She was crying while she tried it on, and the stiff lace bodice was awesome. Elaine was a full B and it was a tight B, but was on the sassy side rather than trashy. And it was backless, advertising her lack of a bra. The fall of the skirt reminded her of Fifties dancers, though it wasn’t nearly as full. She just shook her head as she dried her eyes and looked in the mirror.
I’m beautiful!
At Victoria’s Secret her heart almost leapt out of her chest when the saleslady brought her exactly what she was after. She was then outfitted in a matching sexy little black bra and was railroaded into a sheer black teddy.
Elaine was quite stunned when she stepped into the bright sunlight outside the mall. With a couple of bags hanging from her hands, strangely she felt unsure of what to do with herself. Remembering she had a bus to catch, she looked around and figured out where she had to be.
After confirming with the driver that she was on the right one, she sat by the window with her bags beside her and stared as the streets rolled by.
My God, she thought.
It’s Friday.
Chapter 22
Woodenly Elaine made her way up the stairs. She held the railing, steadying herself. Her legs were like jelly and she had to stop a couple of times. Despite the feeling of taking one step forward, two steps back, she was wiping her feet on the mat and sliding her key into the front door in less than a minute.
I wish I could stop thinking. Maybe I could take a nap…
Inside the apartment Elaine was somewhat surprised. Her roommates were on speed! Or at least that’s how it seemed. Before Elaine stepped two feet inside the door Chelsea raced past, handing her a glass of wine. Had she been watching from the window? Unlikely.
“Thanks,” Elaine said, taking it and raising her eyebrow.
Half naked in a loosely held together towel, Kendra rushed by in the opposite direction. “There’s cheese and crackers on the kitchen table and the shower is all yours!”
“Um, okay,” Elaine replied as Kendra disappeared into her room. “Thank you!”
What was going on?
Elaine dropped her backpack by her bedroom door and sat on the side of the bed, sipping the wine. She smiled and shook her head at the commotion outside. It was like a military exercise. Someone yelled, ‘Five minutes!’ which was kind of funny because Elaine was sure Kendra and Chelsea didn’t have to be at work until seven.
She sighed. Everything seemed strange. Even her room looked different. She needed to rest. After placing the wineglass on her bedside table, Elaine lay on her back and relaxed. I’ll just close my eyes for a minute. But as soon as she did, the thoughts that had haunted her all afternoon bubbled to the surface yet again.
I’m closing one chapter and opening another. An ending, and a new beginning. Will I be the same person after I sign my name? Or will I become someone different? I couldn’t have been wrong, could I? I feel like a bomb, about to explode. Ticking… Ticking…
Elaine glanced over at the clock.
Five twenty-two P.M.
Two hours and eight minutes.
She took a shuddering breath.
Aw, man. I don’t know if I can do this… I don’t have a life-long friend in whom I can confide. Parents? Grandparents? Aunts or uncles? No. The kids I grew up with in high school? No. The weird kid my brother played soccer with in the fourth grade? Sighs. No. Counsellors? Librarians? Workmates? The guy on the bus? No. A complete stranger I met on the subway one time? No. A barman? A hairdresser? A taxi driver? A waitress? No. No. No. No.
It’s such a personal decision. People on the outside can’t help.
Thank God I have a beautiful dress to wear. If this all gets shot to hell, at least I’ll go out in style…
Knock, knock, knock!
Nervously Elaine sat up.
Her smiling roommates appeared in her open doorway, almost like twins in their matching uniforms. “Hiiiii!!!” they said in unison.
Elaine’s hackles bristled. When her roommates worked together like this, it was rarely good news. “What’s up?” she asked.
Chelsea and Kendra looked at each other and giggled. Chelsea said, “We’re all done, and we’re more than an hour early. Everything is ready for you. Candles, bath is drawn, oils, the lot.”
Kendra piped up. “I’ll iron your dress, where is it?” Incredulous, Elaine pointed to the bags by the door, next to Kendra’s feet. Kendra smiled and picked them both up, quickly looking in the Victoria’s Secret one and saying, “Cool,” then passing it to Chelsea who also took a peek.
“Nice,” Chelsea said, smiling and placing the bag back by the door. “Now, did you think of shoes?”
Elaine figured she’d wear her off-white pair. They didn’t exactly match but she didn’t have much choice. It would be fine. The dress went all the way to the floor. She certainly couldn’t afford new shoes anyway. “Yeah, I was going to wear my off-white pumps, the open-toed ones.”
“Oh, wow,” said Kendra, holding Elaine’s dress in front of her. “This is gorgeous.”
“You can’t wear off-white with this,” said Chelsea, holding out the shimmering skirt and admiring it. Turning to Elaine, she asked, “You’re a nine, aren’t you?”
Elaine nodded, again speechless.
“Then you can borrow something of mine. C’mon, come and choose.” Chelsea held out her hand and Elaine climbed to her feet, stiffly walking across her room.
Kendra folded the dress over her arm, and the three of them stood in the doorway. Elaine finally managed to form words. “This is really weird.”
“Is that all you can say?” asked Chelsea, nudging Kendra.
Elaine wasn’t sure what to think. “Why are you doing this?”
Kendra and Chelsea looked at each other. “She never ‘gets’ anything, does she?” asked Chelsea.
Kendra smiled and spoke as if Elaine wasn’t even there. “She’s incredibly literal, suspicious, and unfortunately very smart. If she were more of a dope she could communicate on our level.”
Chelsea giggled. “You’re a nut, Kendra.”
“Yeah, well I still say you should have been a cheerleader.”
“Whoa, whoa. What are you two talking about?” asked Elaine. The girls looked at each other, then at Elaine.
“It’s a special night for you,” said Kendra, shrugging.
“Yeah,” agreed Chelsea.
“Huh?”
“We wanted to do something for you,” said Kendra. “Look. To this day, even though we don’t exactly get on, Chelsea and I have never had a problem with you. You more than pull your weight. You’re even a steadying influence on us.”
“She’s right, you know,” said Chelsea. “We’ve both started to look at ourselves differently because of you. Seeing you get all excited about this guy has shown me how jaded I’ve become. I need to get on with my life, and you’ve shown me that.”
Kendra said, “And I need to be more honest with myself and less defensive. I ah,” she hesitated and glanced at Chelsea. “I told Chelsea I’m gay.”
“No way,” said Elaine.
“Uh huh. She’s gonna take a while getting used to the idea.” She shrugged. “So am I.”
“I just don’t believe it really,” said Chelsea. “I mean, girl, I’ve heard you.”
“And I’ve heard you, squealer. Doesn’t mean I connect, though. Honestly, I never have.”
“Well, anyway. It doesn’t bother me either way,” said Chelsea. Turning to Elaine, she said, “Kendra thought it would be a problem, but there are girls on the basketball team who are gay. It’s never worried me before.”
Kendra was smiling now. “I never knew that. You always made fun of lesbians.”
“So did you!”
“Yeah. Well… So who’s gay on the ball team?”
Chelsea shook her head and laughed. “Go do some ironing. I’ll tell you later.”
“Awwww.” Kendra giggled and winked at Elaine before taking off, yelling back, “I’ll hang this on your door when I’m done.”
Chelsea smiled at Elaine. “Okay, let’s get those shoes, then you can have a bath.”
***********************
Elaine thought luxuriating in a bubble bath with fragrant oils, while sipping wine by candlelight was about as close to heaven as she’d ever been. After twenty minutes, Chelsea even returned to top up her wine and the hot water. Elaine felt like a princess. She closed her eyes and relaxed, basking in the opportunity to shed some stress. Sometime later someone knocked softly on the bathroom door.
“Come in.”
Chelsea opened it about halfway. “We’re going. Everything is ready. I rang my boss and he’s okay with me leaving in an emergency, okay?”
In her daze, Elaine had forgotten all about that. She couldn’t believe it. “Gosh, thanks Chelsea. That’s a big relief.”
“Cool. So where is he taking you, anyway?”
“De chainey or something, I’m not sure how it’s pronou-”
“No way!” Chelsea turned to yell down the hall. “Hey Kendra, you gotta hear this!”
“What is it?” Kendra asked breathlessly, arriving in the doorway.
Chelsea asked Elaine, “Where is he taking you again?”
“De chainey?” she replied, thinking her French was atrocious.
“That’s awesome!” said Kendra.
Elaine wasn’t sure what was going on. “Why?”
Chelsea was grinning. “Because it’s where we work, you ninny!”
“Aw, man,” said Elaine. “I better call Gary and change the venue.” She winked.
“NO!” her roommates cried gleefully.
Elaine smiled and shook her head.
“Wait a minute,” said Chelsea. “Can you be ready in fifteen minutes? We could take you! We still should be there by seven. We were going to be early for Kendra’s first day.”
“Fifteen minutes?” pondered Elaine. “I guess so. I still have forty-five minutes though, don’t I?”
“Yeah, but at least you won’t be late. You’d have to call a taxi now anyway, and you can’t rely on a taxi, not on a night like this!”
“Besides,” said Kendra. “You can wait in the car at the restaurant. You’ll even see when he arrives.”
“Good Lord.” Elaine sighed. Points of no return seemed to be flying by. But it was probably a good idea. “Okay. Just give me a minute.”
The door abruptly closed and her roommate’s muffled chatter receded down the hall. Elaine climbed out of the bath, towelled off and powdered herself while it emptied. She brushed her teeth then quickly dried her hair and ran a wide-toothed comb through it. Wrapping a towel around herself, she opened the door then grabbed her wine and blew out the candles.
Kendra and Chelsea were waiting in her room.
“I called work,” said Chelsea. “And just this once we can be ten minutes late. So I’ll do your makeup.”
“And I’ll do your hair. I know how you like it,” said Kendra.
“Guys, you’ve done enough. You don’t have to,” Elaine protested. “I’ll be quick.”
Chelsea rolled her eyes and said, “Nonsense. And make a mess of it? Tell me you’re not nervous. Show me your hands.”
Elaine held out her hands and was astonished to see her fingers trembling like she’d been using a jackhammer. “Um, yeah,” she muttered. “Okay.”
“I told you,” said Chelsea. “Now put your ass in the chair.” Chelsea pointed to the chair that normally had laundry piled up on it. Kendra was standing behind it; tapping it with her fingers and smiling. Elaine’s laundry had been folded up in the corner. She hoped it didn’t smell funny. Chelsea was behind her computer chair and the two chairs were facing each other in front of the mirror on her dresser.
They weren’t taking no for an answer.
Shuffling over wrapped only in a towel, Elaine slumped in the offered chair and sighed. Chelsea sat down in front of her and started rattling off questions about what she wanted. Kendra’s fingers were in her hair doing God knows what. It all became a bit of a blur. She wanted to see herself in the mirror but was side on to it. Each time she tried to look, Chelsea or Kendra would admonish her and guide her head forward again.
So instead she stared at her dress.
Her glistening, deep purple dress. She could hardly believe it was actually hers. The guy at the store was surprised it didn’t need altering. ‘It’s like it was made for you, sweetie!’
She smiled.
She couldn’t see a wrinkle in the silk. Kendra had done a fine job. Elaine’s eyes kept wandering to the bodice. It was awesome with the delicate lace stitched into it in a Celtic-like design. It was subtle and pretty, and at the same time, ageless. It wasn’t the kind of thing she normally had the chance to wear. She prayed it wouldn’t be the last. She had thought the dress would be the one good thing that would come out of it, if it all went belly-up. But now she’d changed her mind. Now she thought it would be a reminder of her failure. She blinked away a tear before it could form. Chelsea hadn’t noticed.
Elaine sighed.
If tonight is a disaster, I’ll never wear it again.
What a shame that would be…
“I’m done here,” said Kendra, tugging gently at the twin tendrils hanging down either side of Elaine’s face.
“I’ll be done with her lips in a minute,” replied Chelsea.
Kendra came around from behind Elaine and leaned on the back of Chelsea’s chair. She smiled and shook her head, examining Elaine’s face and hair. “You look great,” she whispered.
Elaine breathed hard. Her mouth was open and Chelsea was painting her lips after outlining them. Elaine hadn’t even noticed what colour she had chosen. Kendra’s words were encouraging, but barely enough to make Elaine smile. Without moving her head, she glanced over at the clock. It was almost seven.
SEVEN!
Oh. My. God.
“Elaine?” asked Chelsea.
“Huh?” she responded, a million miles away.
“Are you okay?”
“Um… Yeah, I guess.”
“You look a bit green. And you’re breathing hard.”
“Do you want a glass of water?” asked Kendra.
“Yes, please. I’ll be all right. Keep going.”
Kendra hurried off while Chelsea finished Elaine’s lips. She seemed satisfied as she held Elaine’s chin and turned her face from side to side. “Perfect,” she decided as Kendra returned. Elaine took the offered water and drank almost half of it before putting the glass on her dresser.
“Wow, that’s better” said Kendra, standing back. “You’ve got your colour back. You look fantastic.”
“She’s stunning,” said Chelsea, smiling.
Elaine’s hands felt sweaty and she wiped them on the towel wrapped around her. “Can I see now?”
“Sure you can,” said Chelsea. Elaine’s roommates beamed at her. She took a deep breath and turned toward the mirror and for a moment, she stared.
Elaine’s heart pounded in her ears. She hadn’t been sure what to expect, but the vision staring back at her from the mirror certainly didn’t reflect her mood. What she saw looked like something out of a magazine. Her makeup was subtle and toned to her skin. Her eyes seemed wider and intent, yet darker. The brown irises looked almost black. Combined with the thin mascara and light lash enhancer, the slightly reddish tone of the eye shadow gave Elaine a mysterious, almost Gothic look.
The corners of her mouth bent into the beginnings of a smile, revealing the hint of gleaming white teeth. Elaine noticed her lips. They were lustrous and dark red like blood. She ran the tip of her tongue across the lower one and was amazed at how full they looked. She smiled a little more, looking back up to her eyes, then to her hair.
For a few months now Elaine had kept her shoulder-length dark brown hair in a manageable ‘shaggy’ style, though lately she’d become a bit bored with it. Somehow Kendra had performed a miracle with it, teasing it and shaping it with just gel, a comb and a blow dryer. She’d swept most of it back, apart from two twisted tendrils that hung down either side, framing Elaine’s face.
Her roommates were now standing behind Elaine, admiring their work as they all looked in the mirror. Elaine had to admit she was impressed. What they had done was perfect. Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “Thank you.” She couldn’t hold their gaze, despite their tender smiles. She had to try not to cry. She reached for a tissue and dabbed the corners of her eyes, just in case.
“We better go,” said Chelsea softly, patting Elaine’s shoulder.
“Do you need a hand with your dress?” asked Kendra.
“Um, no,” replied Elaine, remembering she wasn’t to wear underwear. She didn’t really want to share that. She could feel herself blushing at the thought. “Just give me a minute. You guys can go warm up the car if you want.”
Chelsea asked, “Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” answered Elaine. “I’ll be fine. I’ll be right down. And thanks again.” Turning back to the mirror, she fixed her eyes on her reflection. “I can’t believe it.”
“See you downstairs then,” said Chelsea, taking Kendra’s arm.
“You’ve got five minutes,” Kendra said as they hustled out.
Elaine closed her door and carefully laid the dress on her bed. Sinking to her knees, from under the bed she pulled out her overnight bag. It was mostly packed. In moments she’d added her toys and her folder and notes and two textbooks to her clothes for the weekend. Her bedroom wear was in there. She blushed. She zipped it up and tried to think of anything she might have forgotten. But there was only one thing on her mind.
No underwear.
Elaine was already squishy and hot. Thinking about going naked under a beautiful silk dress only made it worse. She just knew she was going to stain the back of it. Setting her jaw, she stood and dropped the towel. She had to check and was horrified by the slickness she encountered. I can’t go like this, she thought, grabbing some tissues. Not sitting in the car all the way there! Her heart started hammering. I’ll make a fool of myself! Then she had a brainstorm. She’d wear her black bikini knickers until she got there. Once her roommates had left and she was waiting for Gary, she’d slip them off and hide them in her purse.
Finding them at the bottom of the underwear drawer, she slipped them on. They were a bit tatty and tight, but Elaine didn’t care. They did the job.
Gary wouldn’t want me to embarrass myself. All I have to do is remember to take them off.
Stepping into the dress, Elaine fitted the bodice and zipped up the hidden zipper in the skirt. After lacing up the back, she checked that it looked okay.
She slipped on the low-heeled, black sling-backs Chelsea had let her borrow and held up the hem of the dress to admire them. They were suede and pointy and had little sparkly diamantes on them. She swirled her foot under the light and watched them glitter.
I better hurry up.
Remembering she wanted something pretty around her neck, Elaine turned around and her jaw dropped. In the reflection of her mirror, she saw someone else. Not Elaine Milanovic. Not Elaine the wannabe rebel. Not the college student with grandiose plans for changing the world. Not the standoffish half-girl, half-woman hell bent on self-control.
Here was someone different. She wasn’t sure if seeing herself as someone else was good or bad. Her hands shook and she wrung them out. Maybe she wasn’t someone new.
Maybe she was someone more.
She wished she had time to think. But she had to hurry.
In moments Elaine was trolling through her jewellery box, finding her gold diamond studs and matching gold necklace. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she clicked closed the short, thin gold chain around her neck. The tiny gold heart at its centre barely hung to the notch between her collarbones.
All right, she thought, on the verge of hyperventilation.
I’m ready.
Elaine grabbed lipstick, cell phone, some tissues, money and cards, and fumbled to put them all in her little black purse. Picking up her overnight bag, she stopped to take one last look.
One way or another, she was about to learn a hell of a lot more about herself.
I’m off to see the wizard, she though strangely, feeling a hot blush creep up her cheeks.
*************************
“If he’s here already, I’ll open and close the curtains in that window, okay?” said Chelsea, pointing through the windscreen.
Elaine nodded from the backseat. Chelsea had parked virtually under a streetlight in the parking lot, in clear view of the front door and affording little anonymity. It was a comfortable night, neither warm nor cool; yet Elaine could feel the perspiration forming on her top lip. She’d never been more nervous in her life and her mouth felt like it was full of cotton wool.
Kendra twisted the rear view mirror toward herself, checking her hair and makeup. She could see Elaine in the corner of the mirror. Elaine looked down at her hands. “Hey,” said Kendra.
Elaine looked up. “Y… Yes?”
“Wish me luck?”
“Jeez. I’m sorry. I forgot it was your first day. Good luck, I’m um… I’m sure you’ll do fine.”
“You’re forgiven.” She smiled. “I promise I won’t spill anything on you.”
“That would be good.”
“C’mon,” said Chelsea. “We better go in.”
Kendra said, “Okay.” Twisting back the mirror, she turned and addressed Elaine directly. “Just remember you are special. Make sure he treats you with respect.”
Chelsea smiled. “That’s good advice. I’d also suggest you have a couple of glasses of wine to settle your nerves, and then drink water. You don’t want to ruin things by getting too tipsy. Stay completely alert. It feels fantastic, Elaine. You’ll want to remember every moment.”
“I’m not sure if I can eat or drink anything.”
“He seems like the kind of guy who knows what he’s doing,” said Chelsea. “Just let him take control.”
“Y… You’re probably right.” Elaine was sure Chelsea had no idea she was so perceptive.
“Okay. It’s nearly quarter past. We gotta go. We’ll see you inside.” The interior light flashed on as the girls opened the doors.
“Wait!”
“What is it?” asked Kendra.
“What’s up?” asked Chelsea, waiting for Elaine to speak.
“What if it doesn’t work out? It’ll be awkward. What will I do?”
“You’ve got your phone, don’t you? Call one of us from the ladies bathroom,” said Chelsea. “We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry.”
“Um. Yeah. Okay. I guess.”
“Everything is going to be fine,” said Kendra. “You’re beautiful, and he’s going to love you.”
Elaine swallowed. “I hope so.”
“See you inside.”
“Okay.”
In moments they’d left, closing the doors with twin thuds and reintroducing the comforting darkness and shadows. Elaine watched her roommates walk to the front door and wave back before entering Déchaînée. In seconds the curtains in the designated window opened and closed twice.
Shit. He’s here.
All Elaine could hear was her ragged breath. With her heart thumping, she hesitated. She had to slip off her knickers yet. Wishing it were darker, she glanced around and hoped she was alone in the parking lot.
With difficulty, she worked her underwear over her hips, but in the restricted space of the backseat, she simply wasn’t able to get them off without seriously wrinkling her dress. It was a blessing in disguise really. If she’d managed it, she’d almost certainly have left a wet spot on the back of her dress. Instead, she opened the door and got out, leaving her overnight bag to be collected later.
Standing beside the car, purse in hand and giving her surroundings a fleeting once over, she shimmied out of the soaked and uncomfortable panties, letting them fall to her feet. She stepped out of them and looked around again before looking down. “Oh, my,” she mumbled. They were useless and she wasn’t putting them in her purse! Kicking them under the car, she decided she’d excuse herself and go to the bathroom to ‘freshen up’ before doing anything.
After that, all she could do was hope.
A lone car drove past. For a moment Elaine wished she were somewhere else. Someplace safe. Someplace away. She shook her head to clear it.
I AM safe.
Weakly reassured, she took a step and her knees buckled. She caught herself, leaning on the hood of the car. It was still warm. She blinked.
He’s going to fuck me on the hood of his car!
Again Elaine looked up at the restaurant. She felt faint. Somehow it looked further away. Taking deep breaths, she tried to confront the rampant anxiety ambushing her.
Get a hold of yourself!
It’s just dinner. I’ll be okay. I can pull out any time.
She clenched her fists in determination.
C’mon, it’s just nerves.
Rolling her shoulders, she stood up straight and huffed.
Everything is going to be all right. It’s a learning experience. I want to know.
I NEED to know.
Putting one foot in front of the other, in no time Elaine found herself at the door of the restaurant.
Here goes nothing, she thought, pulling it open.
Stepping inside, she found it unnervingly warm. Chelsea hung to the side, hands behind her back and sporting a huge smile. The Maitre’d stepped in front of Elaine and in a thick French accent asked if she had a booking. Almost choking on her words, she managed, “Duke.”
“Ah, oui,” said the Maitre’d, straightening a little. “Monsieur is waiting for you. He requested a booth in the back.” By his tone, Elaine was certain this was somehow inconvenient. “Follow me, Mademoiselle.”
Taking the side of her skirt in her hand so she wouldn’t trip over it, she followed the feisty little man, noticing Chelsea right behind her, grinning madly. Elaine continued to take deep breaths. She wished her roommates knew what she was getting into. Then they’d understand.
Or could they? Maybe they had no way of understanding what turned Elaine on. Maybe they lacked the ability to perceive the mental freedom and physical ecstasy possible in D/s. Well, duh. As if they would. They were vanilla, through and through, trapped by the world as it appeared to be.
What was it my mom always used to say?
‘You can do anything.’
Well, does ‘anything’ include choosing how I live my life? Does ‘anything’ include deciding to do something different to the norm? To break the mould? To be truly and actually independent? To me, the choice is physically, mentally and emotionally valid.
It’s what I want.
Yet even now, following this strange man into the dark recesses of the restaurant, Elaine felt the ‘press’ of the vanilla world. Like Chelsea right now, it would always be with her. Trailing her. Dogging her. She’d never be free of the vanilla expectations of the world around her. Ever.
And that’s okay.
It’s not something everyone has to know.
It was private. It was between Elaine and Gary.
As if by magic her destiny loomed in front of her, standing and smiling as she approached. He looked sexy and commanding in his dark suit. He seemed larger than she remembered. He positively towered over her. Or perhaps she shrank in his presence.
“Hello, Elaine,” Gary said, his deep voice slicing her right down the middle.
“H… Hello, Gary,” Elaine replied, avoiding his eyes. She knew she’d be lost if she fell into them.
“You are on time.”
She swallowed. “Yes. I… I promised I would be.”
“I like honoured promises. Yours and mine.” He held out his hand.
Elaine knew she was supposed to take it in hers. So reluctantly she did. But she hedged her movement, staying put in front of him. Nervously glancing around, she wondered whether it was the exit or the ladies room she was trying to find. “I just…” She swallowed and damned her dry mouth. “Please let me use the bathroom before I join you.”
“Of course,” said Gary, pointing into the darkness. “It’s through there.”
Sticking to her plan, Elaine found the bathroom and headed for the first cubicle. It wasn’t easy, but she managed to clean up. While washing her hands, she checked herself in the mirror provided.
Kendra came flying through the bathroom door like it had been wedged closed. “Is everything all right? Chelsea said you’d hardly talked to him at all!”
“Yeah. Everything’s fine. I’m just, you know, freaking out…” Elaine checked her appearance again and dabbed cold water on her neck. It felt better than anything.
“Is there anything I can get you?” asked Kendra.
“No. I’ll be okay,” Elaine answered.
“As long as you’re sure…”
“I’ll be fine. Honestly.” She was feeling better. Smiling at her reflection, she dried her hands and said, “I just needed a minute.”
“All right,” said Kendra, still sounding unconvinced. “Let me know if you are in trouble.”
“Really, Kendra. You can stop worrying.”
“Okay.”
Behind her departing roommate, Elaine watched as the door swung slowly closed. Taking another deep breath, she leaned on the sink.
Okay, take two.
**************************
Gary stood and stepped out from behind the table. He greeted Elaine again and offering his hand, palm up. Elaine slipped her own into it and thanked him. Naturally he drew her closer and this time she stepped forward. Without raising her eyes, she asked, “M… May I say something?” She glanced around and made sure no one was within earshot. Lowering her voice, she added, “Please, Sir?”
“Of course,” said Gary softly. “But look at me when you are speaking.”
She gulped. “Yes, Sir.”
For the first time that night, Elaine looked right at Gary. In an instant she was gone. Everything melted. Inside and out. Melted away to nothing. Gone was her concern over the presence of her roommates. Gone were the booth and the table and candles. All that existed was Gary.
Somehow simultaneously there was a hardness and a softness in his eyes that was riveting. Almost hypnotising. It took her breath away. And when he spoke, his words became her world.
“What troubles you, little one?”
“I… I’ll probably stain this beautiful dress as soon as I sit down,” she confessed. He smiled down on her and she couldn’t help but smile back.
“You are dazzling.”
Elaine’s breath caught in her throat, and she emitted the barest peep. “Oh…”
“I’d like to hug you.”
“P… Please,” she managed.
His strong arms enveloped her and she sighed, resting her cheek against his chest and closing her eyes. She could hear his beating heart. It sounded almost as fast as hers. He leaned down a little, and his cheek brushed against her forehead lightly. His cologne was intoxicating. Elaine’s arms held him tightly and she could feel his muscles right through his suit. She swooned.
He whispered, “Better?”
Elaine nodded. “Yes. Th… Thank you.”
Lifting Elaine’s chin with his fingertip, their eyes met as Gary spoke deliberately. “My pleasure.”
Elaine held on as her heart fluttered. It was all she could do. Her body flushed hotly and her legs felt weak. Five minutes ago she wanted to be somewhere else, and now she just wanted to be alone with him!
“What am I going to do?” she pleaded.
He smiled gently. “About what?”
She couldn’t help smiling too. “About, you know… messing my dress.”
“Your dress?” he asked with a cheeky smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you mean. You’ll have to be much more explicit.”
Elaine looked around. Her roommates were standing by the entrance to the kitchen about twenty-five feet away. They both had huge grins on their faces. For a minute she’d completely forgotten about them. She smiled back, then thought she’d better inform Gary of their presence.
“My roommates…” she began.
“Yeah, I remembered them from the coffee shop. And they introduced themselves. They seemed… like college girls.”
Kendra and Chelsea abruptly headed into the kitchen as though called away. Elaine leaned back and looked up at Gary. “But I’m a college girl.”
“You’re not the average, garden-variety college girl, Elaine.”
With a sheepish grin, she responded, “You say the sweetest things, Sir.” Suddenly remembering she hadn’t answered his question, Elaine broke his gaze. “And um,” she whispered. “About my dress… I just meant when I sit, I’m going to leave a wet spot at the back of it.” She blushed crimson.
“Much better,” said Gary. “Good girl.” Elaine slid her arms from around him as he took her shoulders in his hands. “Look at me.”
She did. He was smiling warmly.
Gently he took her hand. “Come and sit with me.”
It wasn’t a question. She nodded breathlessly. “Yes, Sir.”
Gary guided Elaine into the booth before sliding in beside her. The booth itself was designed to hold four, but only two settings had been placed and the lighting was intimate. A single, tall slim candle lit their faces in a soft, flickering glow. Candles and dim sconces high on the walls were all that lit the cosy restaurant, and in the background traditional French music played.
In moments Kendra arrived offering water nervously. Elaine nodded appreciatively when Kendra glanced at her, pouring the glasses. Chelsea glided to the table and asked Gary if he’d like his wine opened, an aperitif before dinner, or to wait. He asked for the wine and Chelsea disappeared with Kendra close behind. She soon returned with the bottle and bucket of ice and proceeded to professionally uncork and pour a taste of the sparkling liquid into Gary’s goblet.
Elaine smiled. She always thought it was a funny ritual if you brought the wine with you. But she also thought Gary was sexy doing it. He caught her eye and winked. Realising she was staring, she blushed a little and thanked Chelsea as she filled her glass and left menus. Chelsea said she’d return to take their orders shortly.
And they were alone again.
Gary picked up his wine and nodded to Elaine, encouraging her to do likewise. Proposing a toast, he said, “To journeys… May they never end.”
Elaine softly repeated, “To journeys.” She took a small sip of the wine and was surprised by how good it tasted. She nursed the glass in her slender fingers and looked up at Gary. They were so close their shoulders were almost touching.
He put his glass down and turned toward her. Tilting his head a little, he smiled knowingly.
Elaine blushed more strongly. Her skin was tingling. When Gary grinned openly, she couldn’t help but ask, “Do I have parsley in my teeth?” She stifled a giggle.
Gary chuckled and shook his head. Elaine took another sip of the smooth dry wine before he asked, “In your dreams and fantasies, was it ever like this?”
“Y… Yes.”
Gary reached up, his fingertips barely brushing Elaine’s cheek. “This is real.”
Elaine nodded.
“Letting go is the hardest part. It’s not a light switch. It’s a process. And it starts here. Tonight. Now.”
Elaine swallowed. “I… I understand.”
“I’m going to make your dreams and fantasies seem insignificant.” Elaine shuddered. Her pussy clenched and she almost dropped her wine. Gary took it from her hand and put it on the table in front of her. “Are you okay?” he whispered, taking her hands in his.
“Y… Yes,” said Elaine. “I think I just ruined my dress.”
Gary chuckled again and said, “That’s all right. I’ll cover you when we leave.”
To Elaine, his reference to leaving ‘together’ was unnerving. Surely he’ll give me another chance to back out…
“That is,” he said. “Together or apart.”
The almost invisible hairs on Elaine’s arms stood up, as though a cool draught had braced her skin. She drew a calming breath, once more amazed at Gary’s ability to read her mind. She opened her mouth to say something but was halted in her tracks by Gary’s intent stare. She watched as he examined her silently, his gaze roaming over her cheeks and nose and eyes, then down to her lips. He lingered there.
He was going to kiss her.
She just knew it!
But he didn’t! He drew back and sat up, reaching for his wine. He took a sip and Elaine couldn’t take her eyes off him. Somehow she knew Gary was forming words. She waited as he put down his glass.
“I’m going to take out the contract and have you sign it then put it back in my pocket.” He turned to her. “It’s not a good idea to have something like that loose on the table for very long. So I don’t want you hesitating to sign. I want you to do your hesitating now, not when I put it on the table in front of you. Understand?”
Elaine gulped. “Yes, Sir.” Her mouth was dry again and she reached for her wine, taking a quick sip.
“I’m going to outline what you are doing, so you can make a clear decision. Okay?”
“O… Okay.”
“All right then.” He held her hands and whispered in intimate tones. “You are being very brave. You are accepting that you are different, and that’s not easy. You are allowing yourself to tread a path many before you have taken. This path leads to a door. Not everyone goes through the door.
“Many turn back. It is no disgrace. You are entitled to choose not to follow the path. And you are entitled to be unsure, or unready or unprepared to go through the door. This is not a make or break moment, Elaine. I have faith in you, and I’ll give you a few chances. If you flee tonight, I won’t hold it against you. Your courage has led you all the way here. I’ll always admire and respect that.”
One of his hands released hers. He reached up to touch her face again. “There is much I want to show you, to tell you, and to be for you. And there is much I want you to be for me. We haven’t talked much about ‘being mine’. It’s been at the back of our conversations. It’s an assumption we’ve both made. We always knew that in order for this to go forward, you had to be mine. The whirlwind of emotions that have brought us to this moment must now be addressed, for once and for all.
“By signing, you will be mine. And I will be yours. From that moment and until Sunday night, I will accept the responsibilities I’ve outlined in the contract, as if our relationship were to continue…” He took a deep breath. “As that is my wish.”
Elaine was battling to hold off the tears. Gary’s hands were so warm.
“I would be honoured to take you as my submissive, Elaine. For the weekend. Who knows how we may feel at the end of it. Every hour, every minute will help us decide. But without taking this step, without taking this risk, we can’t know.
“But if we do, we will.
“We’ll begin to learn everything there is to know about each other… how we tick… how we react, and why. We’ll use our time well and explore all aspects of our relationship. And we’ll know if the promise it has shown is real. By the end of the weekend, we’ll know whether or not we want to continue, together or apart.
“Also you will learn about yourself. Your capabilities… What you want, and need, and desire, and like… and love.” He glanced at her.
God, does he love me?
He continued and Elaine listened.
“The way we’ve done this has been virtually ideal. There is only one question that remains. And you should realise that the answer is an important one. More important than any you have ever contemplated in your life. You are giving your gift, Elaine. The gift of your submission. You are placing it in my hands. Is that what you want?” he asked, staring into Elaine’s eyes. “Do you wish to be mine?”
To Elaine, there was no question. This man, in his smart suit and tie, freshly shaven and cologned… His thoughtfulness, his patience and his nature, at the same time gentle and strong… His face, his eyes, his hands hard from work… His passion…
It all added up.
Here was a man she could serve with pleasure.
Elaine took a deep breath. “I… I want that… To be yours… More than anything.”
“Are you ready to order?”
Gary and Elaine both gawked at Chelsea as if she had two heads. She’d arrived so silently that neither of them had heard her approach.
What did she hear? Elaine wondered.
Thankfully, Chelsea gave no indication of having overheard any of their conversation. The two diners looked at each other and almost laughed. Gary turned to Chelsea and said, “Give us ten more minutes, please.”
“Yes, Sir,” Chelsea said, and was gone.
“Good manners, your roommate,” Gary quipped, with a grin.
“She’s nicer than I thought,” said Elaine honestly.
“Always a pleasant discovery,” replied Gary. “Now… Where were we?”
Elaine took another sip of her wine and placed it back on the table, a little to the side. “I was about to sign the contract.”
The conviction in her words surprised them both. Elaine’s heart started beating wildly as Gary reached inside his suit jacket and took out the contract. He looked around. Their privacy was assured. “Okay?” he asked softly, unfolding it and producing a pen.
Elaine nodded. So did Gary.
He signed.
Holding out the pen for Elaine, he turned the contract toward her and said, “This is it.”
“I… I know.”
And she took the pen.
Chapter 23
Elaine watched as Gary refolded the contract and slipped it into his jacket pocket. She shivered. The ink was barely dry. She hadn’t had time to say a prayer before it was gone.
Gary turned to her and slowly smiled. “I should say something profound, shouldn’t I?”
Elaine nodded. “Y… Yes.”
“In a minute.” Reaching behind her head, he slid his fingers into her silky hair and said, “I want to kiss you first.”
Elaine’s scalp prickled. Her eyes closed, a shudder running through her body. Gary’s grip tightened, but Elaine was shocked that it wasn’t painful. It made her dizzy.
Maybe it’s the adrenaline… Ohhh…
Her neck was gently but insistently bent backward and Elaine could hardly breathe! Her lips parted and she couldn’t think. His demanding mouth took her and her heart stopped beating!
Like a rag doll she surrendered, tightly clinging to his warm body. His mouth was her chocolate, and his hot, swirling tongue heated her from within. Around her ribs his free hand held her, his thumb on the bodice, his fingers pressed into her bare skin.
Pulsating anxiety mixed with devastating pleasure.
Elaine’s resolve was crushed as his lips crushed hers. She yielded. With a single heady kiss, Elaine’s self-control was washed away in a flood of passion. The contract she had signed seemed a distant memory.
She was HIS.
When at last the kiss ended, Elaine was breathing hard, her head spinning, her body shaking. Opening her eyes, she realised their faces were just inches apart. Time stood still. Elaine saw the corners of his mouth slowly turn into a smile. Nervously she smiled back.
“I enjoyed that,” he whispered.
She blushed hotly. “M… Me too.”
“I could tell,” he said quietly, his fingers sliding from her hair.
Elaine wished she could run around the block screaming her head off, just to release the tension! She felt like a wound up spring, about to explode at a moment’s notice. Her chest was heaving and she wondered if the shaking she felt on the inside was noticeable in her hands. She didn’t want to look! She blinked and tried to concentrate. Gary was looking at her curiously.
Should I say something?
She had to swallow before forming words. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Then say nothing. Enjoy the moment, Elaine. Breathe. Submit.”
‘Doing as she was told’ never felt so good. Such power in so few words. Like a talisman she was drawn to them, breathing deeply.
Submit.
“I didn’t bring you flowers,” Gary said, reaching into his other breast pocket.
“I… I wasn’t expecting-” Her words died as he produced a slim faux-gold box about as long as a pen and twice as wide. She hoped he didn’t spend too much, then wondered what she was thinking.
Handing it to Elaine, he said, “Perhaps a gift will make you feel less nervous.” He chuckled. “But I doubt it.”
Inside the metal box Elaine found a simple strip of soft, black kid leather. It was folded over on itself and she took it out, discovering it to be a very basic choker for her neck. Holding it in her shaking hands, she looked up at Gary questioningly.
“While wearing it, you may consider yourself ‘mine’.”
She looked down at it. “A… A collar?”
“Of course.”
She tried putting it on immediately and fumbled with the clasp. Her fingers felt numb.
“Here,” said Gary, beckoning for it. “Let me.”
She thought she’d get it in another second and tried again and missed. She was about to try again.
“Elaine.”
Looking up at Gary’s stern face, she wondered what the hell she was doing.
“It would be my pleasure to fix it for you. Understand? My pleasure.” His face softened. “Surely it is not your wish to deny me my pleasure.”
“No!” Elaine gasped, dropping the choker into his hands. Trying to redeem herself, she looked up at him and said, “I mean… I’m sorry. No, Sir.”
She spun in place, swallowing as wet silk bunched under her ass, tugging against her most sensitive skin. Her breath came thick and fast. She put a hand behind her head, suddenly wishing her hair were longer.
Gary held the choker against her neck, taking his time and leaning into her ear. “You may call me, ‘Sir’, anywhere but in public.”
With an audible ‘click’ the clasp locked and Elaine shivered. She had to get a hold of herself.
I can’t believe I’m fucking this up!
She turned back to him, unable to meet his eyes. “Th… Thank you for reminding me.” Elaine touched the choker with her fingertips. It was so soft. “And… And thank you for believing in me.”
She looked up at him, hoping her words met with his approval. He nodded before glancing toward a movement away from their table. Elaine followed his eyes and saw Chelsea approaching. Gary leaned down, whispering as Chelsea got closer and closer, “I bet you’re sopping fucking wet, aren’t you?”
Chelsea asked if they were ready to place their orders. Gary closed his menu and raised his eyebrow at Elaine.
God, he already knows what he wants!
Holding the leather-bound ‘Carte du Jour’ in her hands, the words swam and she saw French everywhere. She hadn’t had a chance to look at it yet, had she? She couldn’t even remember! She didn’t think she’d be able to make a decision anytime soon. If ever!
Sensing her predicament, or perhaps even fostering it, Gary offered, “If it meets with your approval, it would be my pleasure to order for you.”
If nothing else, Elaine was a quick learner. She instantly relented.
It would be his pleasure…
“Please… I… I can’t decide…”
And I wish my fucking thighs would stop twitching!
How could she explain what was happening to her? She couldn’t understand it herself. Something had changed. Something had been tweaked. Gary was harder. More driven. Sitting next to him, bearing the full force of him, was an awe-inspiring experience. Elaine needed to pay attention. She watched him in profile as he read from the menu and Chelsea scribbled. His French was very good.
I have to let go.
I… I’m going to let him do anything he wants…
Chelsea disappeared and Gary turned back to Elaine, their thighs barely touching. He picked up his glass and urged her to do likewise. He proposed another toast. “To opening the door.” They clinked glasses and Elaine took a large, fortifying sip. The wine was superb. She wondered if it somehow tasted better because of what was happening. Putting down his glass, Gary looked at Elaine and asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Elaine swallowed. Haltingly she replied, “I’m just amazed… at um, at everything.”
Gary smiled. “And your cunt?”
Fuck!
Elaine’s pussy pulsed rapidly, as if answering his question. “It’s… ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous?”
Butterflies took flight. Elaine clenched her thighs together. Her cheeks felt like they’d turned crimson. Her mouth was a desert and she licked her lips. It was true. She was burning up. No matter what was going through her mind, her body had its own ideas.
She knew things would change once she was Gary’s, but she hadn’t expected the avalanche that even now seemed to be gathering pace. Or had she?
What the hell DID I expect?
She mumbled, “I’m so fucking hot it’s insane.”
Suddenly Gary’s hand was caressing her face, lightly gliding over the soft skin of her cheek. “That’s better,” he whispered. “You can be very pleasing when you allow it. Remember you are with your Dominant, Elaine. Everything is all right. Trust me. Let go. Relax.” Turning his hand over and brushing her cheek with the back of his fingers, he said, “We’ll enjoy a nice meal, then I’ll take you away from here and do nasty things to you.”
He wiggled his eyebrows and Elaine giggled.
She was amazed. She had a feeling that ‘the Gary’ she knew from the Internet, had not been the whole picture. When he wiggled his brows, Elaine was reminded of the many laughs they’d had in their late night conversations. The way his dominance over her intensified after she had signed the contract had been obvious, and she had to admit, not completely surprising. She simply hadn’t expected the intensity of it. Apart from some of the good-natured teasing, and a few moments that had caused her jaw to drop, the online experience was nothing like this. She couldn’t compare what was happening to anything, and could only judge according to how it made her feel. And when Gary had said, ‘…do nasty things to you,’ a surge of electricity had radiated out across her skin, raising every tiny fine hair on her body.
Words leapt from her mouth before she’d given them a second thought. “How do you know what I want? How can you know me so well?”
Gary took her chin in his hand, looking deeply into Elaine’s eyes. Seconds passed before he spoke evenly. “I see it in your eyes… In your eyes and in your voice. In the words you choose. And in the way you say them. The way you listen… The way you react… We connect, Elaine. We’re on the same page. We are on the same side. Both of us want the same things…. Honesty. Our choices respected. To live our lives as we see fit.” He smiled down at her. “We know this because we’ve talked about it. We are here, now, because we want to give to the other what they want and need.”
Elaine nodded, remembering the conversations they’d had.
He is going to stick to my list. He’s not going to hurt me in any way I can’t handle. He said he’d be gentle. He’ll explain everything. God. He hasn’t changed. It’s just… more.
But it was so much more it was almost completely different. Elaine felt like she’d arrived on another planet. A place with different rules. A place that was exciting and dangerous. Ominous. Looking up at Gary, there was still softness there. She could see it in the deep brown eyes that were staring back at her. Strangely, in spite of the passionate storm she sensed was brewing, Elaine felt safe with him. He would look after her.
She had a feeling he always would.
Again they were interrupted. Gary looked as keen as Elaine to have some privacy. “Here comes your roommate.” He winked. “It must be hell at home.”
“Tell me about it,” she said, chuckling and shaking her head. As Chelsea approached, Elaine was captured by the smile on her face. It was somehow different. More genuine. Almost sisterly. Elaine could tell Chelsea was happy for her. It was a look she hadn’t seen before.
“Fresh from the oven,” Chelsea said chirpily, placing steaming bread rolls between the two diners. “Entrée will be served shortly.” She bowed and spun on her heels, skipping away.
Gary leaned back in the booth, placing his arm along the top of the backrest extending behind Elaine. The movement opened his suit jacket, exposing much of his shirt down to his waist. Elaine’s eyes travelled down his chest, inevitably ending at his crotch. There she lingered, fascinated by the big bulge whose outline she could clearly see. The sight parched her mouth. Instinctively she licked her lips then caught herself doing it and glanced up at Gary.
How can I be so obvious?
Elaine was trying to think of something clever to say, but she was tongue-tied. Before she had a chance to come up with anything, Gary took her by the wrist and placed her hand directly on his cock. “Since you seem to be so fascinated, I’ll let you touch me until someone comes… But not me.” He winked.
Elaine blushed furiously and her breath quickened. She tried to speak, even as her fingers tentatively closed around it. Instantly he began to harden. “I…” Nothing came out. The only thing she could think was, He’s right. This is what I want.
“Don’t stroke it,” he whispered. “Just squeeze gently. That’s all.”
Numbly Elaine nodded, consumed by heat.
Oh, my God! I’m holding his cock!
And it’s getting harder…
I’m making it harder!
Even through the fabric of his slacks, it seemed to burn into Elaine’s hand. Before long it felt like an iron bar wrapped in warm rubber.
Not warm.
Hot.
She froze when Chelsea and Kendra approached the table carrying the entrée. It was on fire! Gulping, Elaine quickly slid her hand off Gary’s cock and onto his thigh. She swooned. The muscles in his upper leg rippled. It was still exciting, but she couldn’t believe she’d just been holding his cock right in the middle of a restaurant. Elaine’s other hand trembled as she reached for her water. Chelsea and Kendra fussed and smiled at each other, serving from the sizzling platter.
Elaine and Gary glanced at each other. He winked again and she blushed hard.
Once they were done serving, Chelsea offered cracked pepper and Elaine could only nod, her mouth too dry to trust with speech. She then replenished their wineglasses and Kendra their water. Gary seemed unaffected by Elaine’s hand on his leg, breaking his bread and buttering half of it. But she knew better.
She knew he was hard.
When her roommates left them to the entrée, Gary picked up a small fork and began feeding Elaine. She found it intimate and sexy. And she could keep her hand on his leg, which she was thoroughly enjoying. Opening her mouth for her third forkful, Gary asked if she liked the escargot. She had to admit it was heavenly.
Gently she drew her nails up his thigh, not really sure what she was doing. Gary was unmoved, even as her fingertips moved higher and higher on the inside of his thigh. She froze, stifling a gasp as the edge of her hand bumped against his still hard cock.
God… The heat of it…
Tightening her grip on his thigh again, Elaine lightly dug in her nails and felt his cock twitch. She bet it was huge. And she was so wet. She had to stop clenching her thighs together. Gary cleared his throat and smiled at her.
“I’ll let you touch my cock again…” Anticipating his permission, Elaine had started lifting her hand. Gary covered it with his own. “If you beg nicely.”
She shuddered, the words catching in her throat. “I…”
“Such a dirty girl,” he whispered. “Beg.”
“I… I want to touch it again. P… Please let me. It’s so hard… and hot. I… I just want to touch it a little more, please…”
He placed her hand on his cock and said, “When we’re alone, be prepared.”
Trembles of trepidation and uncontrollable pleasure ran through Elaine’s body. With her fingers again tightening around his steely hardness, Elaine was offered another morsel on the end of the silver fork. The delicious soft meat melted in her mouth and she allowed the low moan that had been building in her chest to escape. “Mmmmmmm…”
Gary chuckled and put down the fork. Elaine swallowed rapidly as he reached up and slid his index finger between her lips. She wrapped her tongue around the invading digit, sucking it gently and looking into Gary’s eyes. His cock throbbed in her hand and she thought it was the hottest thing ever.
“You want to suck me, don’t you, dirty girl?”
Elaine nodded slowly and sucked harder on his finger. Breathing fast through her nose, she had to will herself not to grab his wrist and pull it further in.
Gary instead pulled it free and whispered, “If you ask nicely, I’ll let you suck me before I fuck you.”
“I… I…”
Argh!
“I bet you’ll be a good cocksucker. Enthusiastic and eager to learn. Are you going to be my eager little cocksucker, Elaine?”
Her cheeks burned. “Y… Yes…”
“That’s nice, but not what I was expecting.”
Elaine glanced around. No one was nearby. She grit her teeth, determined to say the words she knew he wanted to hear. “Please… Please let me suck you. I want to be your eager little c… cocksucker. I want to do it. I’ll… I’ll do anything.” Her pussy was spasming and blood was pounding in her ears. She hadn’t realised she’d begun stroking Gary’s cock through his pants, but he had.
“That’s better,” he said, taking Elaine’s wrist and moving her hand back onto his thigh. “When you know my needs more intimately, you’ll know what you can do and when you can do it. Until then, use your commonsense. If you’re unsure, ask. If it can’t wait, interrupt me. In my mind, into the future, your concerns will always come first. Unless of course,” he said, patting her hand. “Allowing you to continue wastes a huge load of cum.” He winked.
“Th… Thank you, Sir,” Elaine said breathlessly, surprised at her choice of words.
If only I wasn’t so desperately horny I could think straight…
Her fingertips were tingling. The feeling of his cock lingered. If he’d asked her to suck him right there under the table, she would have! She squirmed on the hot leather, gasping at the mess she was making of her dress. It felt like it was plastered to her ass!
“Keep your knees six inches apart.”
Prising them apart was torture. “Ohhh,” she moaned under her breath.
“Once I open you up, I’m going to fuck you hard,” Gary murmured, his eyes glazing.
“I… I want…” Elaine said mindlessly.
“You want?”
Elaine tried to concentrate through her sexual haze. “I… I mean, I want you to help me… to show me…. Please…” She was dying to give him pleasure, to make him moan. “I want you to make me do what you want. I’ll do it. Willingly. Just… Just tell me what it is.” To Elaine’s mind came a vision of herself on her knees before him, sucking him and stroking him and making him cum all over her. “God…” she gasped.
Her pussy clenched, her clit spasmed and her nipples throbbed all at once. Somehow she kept her knees apart as scalding heat flooded her body. She was hotter and wetter than she’d ever been. Talking about having sex, aloud, was far more exciting than she’d ever imagined it would be. Catching her breath, she struggled to compose herself. She tingled all over and wondered if she’d had a small orgasm. Shifting her position, she dragged her nipples across the stiffened back of the bodice and almost moaned again.
“You’ll get the chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm,” said Gary. “Your impatience is pleasing.” It barely registered that they had finished the entrée. Gary used his cloth napkin, and with shaking hands Elaine used hers. She melted as he put his arm around her, drawing her to him. He kissed her lips gently before he spoke. “We have a long night ahead of us.”
Elaine sighed.
“What is it?” Gary asked.
“I’m…” She swallowed. Her mouth was so dry. “I’m going to embarrass myself in this dress. I’ve soaked right through it.”
“Don’t worry,” said Gary, sipping his wine. “I have a coat in the car.”
Elaine stared in disbelief. “Y… You do?”
“Sure. I told you I’d cover you. I’ll get it before we leave. Stop worrying.”
Elaine couldn’t help herself. She reached up with both hands and brought his face down to hers, kissing him lightly all over it. His lips. His eyes. The tip of his nose. His lips again. And again. “Thank you,” she whispered, over and over between kisses. “Thank you… Thank you…”
“Mmmmmm,” Gary moaned softly, putting down his glass. “Nice.”
“Ahem,” said Kendra, standing by their table with a huge grin on her face.
Gary and Elaine untangled while Kendra busied herself clearing away the entrée.
Elaine wondered how long she’d have to wait before she could suck Gary. Maybe he’d let her suck it in the car. She wanted to feel his cock in her hands and mouth. Naked and hard and hot to stoke and suck and make him moan. She gritted her teeth.
I hope I can do it… I hope he teaches me how…
Elaine tried to swallow, instead reaching for her replenished glass of water.
For years she had regularly masturbated to the thought of cum shooting into her mouth. She wanted to find out what it was like. She wanted to know what everything was like. Elaine was sure Gary would be pleased by her attitude. At least she knew him that well. And anyway, maybe he’d prefer to blow it all over her. She’d masturbated to that fantasy a lot too.
Where had her confidence come from? Maybe it was Gary rubbing off on her. Or maybe it was his strange ability to make her open up. To be able to talk about anything verged on the bizarre. Yet she looked forward to every conversation the future held.
No matter what it’s about…
*********************
Chelsea and Kendra had delivered the main course, and in terrible French accents had bid Elaine and Gary, ‘Bon Appetite!’ Despite their less than impressive grasp of the French language, they had left behind a sumptuous, aromatic meal of rich sauces and pastas and seafood and salads spread across the table. Accompanied by the quiet French music and the flickering candles, Elaine wondered whether eating out would ever be the same again.
She had finally begun to relax. With the knowledge that Gary had brought a coat she could wear, the snake of anxiety that had coiled around Elaine’s stomach loosened its heartbreaking grip. There was still a buzzing nervousness about what lay ahead. But at least she wasn’t going to make a fool of herself as well.
Looking over the spread of food before her, she thought they’d never eat it all.
Gary shook his head knowingly and suggested they eat up. Elaine wondered what he’d been thinking but her question was soon forgotten as he began explaining what she was eating and gave her brief descriptions of the regions from which the dishes originated. Elaine was very surprised by Gary’s grasp of French cuisine.
As they ate, she asked him how he knew so much about France and he explained his origins; that his mother was French and had taught him all she knew. Elaine liked the fact that she didn’t know everything about Gary. She was certain she’d learn a lot more about him over the weekend. Another tremble ran through her body, but Gary was taking a mouthful and hadn’t noticed.
Conversation between them ebbed and flowed as they made inroads into the mountains of food. Concentrating on the almost continuous exchange of words, Elaine’s hyper-arousal gradually decreased, along with her anxiety. Both settled down to a low background hum.
The more they talked, the more she relaxed.
It’s still Gary.
With his expressive eyes and deep voice, it was easy to listen to him when he spoke. He was very direct and open. Elaine knew he was holding nothing back. And everything about him fascinated her.
They joked and smiled and talked about their respective pasts and childhoods, remembering funny stories and anecdotes. Before long Elaine was feeling full and realised they’d been talking for almost an hour. The wine was refreshing, but she didn’t know how many glasses she’d consumed. Gary had topped it up regularly, even though he’d been drinking only water for the past half hour.
Then it dawned on her.
He’s getting ready.
A chill ran through her veins. It wouldn’t be long before they’d be leaving. Then they’d be alone. She wondered how long the drive to his home would take. Longer than normal if Gary held to his promise of fucking her over the hood of his car. She wondered if he remembered.
‘Be prepared’.
Elaine smiled and shook her head. It would be better to arrive at his place after fucking. She bit her lip, figuring she’d be a lot more receptive for whatever he might have in store. She loosened her shoulders as she finished her salad. Her nipples were swelling again. Gary spoke and she tuned in. She’d been off with the fairies.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, reaching for his water.
“Yes?” Elaine replied, almost too quickly. She picked up her napkin and dabbed at the corners of her mouth.
“I’ve been wondering whether, ‘Being spanked outdoors’ was on the BDSM list.”
“Um,” said Elaine, suddenly aware of her dry mouth. She took a sip of wine. “I can’t remember. I don’t think so.”
“If it was, how would you rate it?”
“I…” Rate it? “I’d want it, um, now and then.”
“Outside?”
“Y… Yes.” The rush of blood to Elaine’s face was palpable.
“You really want to be spanked don’t you?”
“Yes,” she said softly, fussing with her cutlery.
“Eyes on me,” he said. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” said Elaine, paying attention. “I guess because I’m…”
Gary chipped in, “A bad girl?”
Elaine grinned. “Well, I do feel naughty, and a spanking seems weirdly appropriate on some level. But I was going to say was, ‘Because I’m curious’.”
Gary chuckled. “I think we’ll be satisfying that curiosity soon enough.”
“Y… Yes. Um… thank you,” she said nervously.
“Do you like to be dominated, Elaine? Are you enjoying me, and how you feel, this evening? Is it everything you’d hoped for? Everything you’d dreamed?”
“Yes. I’m… I’m blown away,” she mumbled, touching the leather choker.
Elaine held her breath as his gaze intensified. He seemed to be looking right through her and she wondered if she’d said something wrong. Her heart skipped a beat as Gary slowly smiled and said, “I’m pleased. Being unsure of yourself is normal.”
Without a thought, Elaine responded, “When I’m with you, I know who I am.”
Gary’s warm hand held the side of Elaine’s face, his thumb making small circles on her cheekbone. She leaned into his palm, wishing the magic of this evening would never end. Gary’s arm went around her and they cuddled. He kissed her forehead and she caressed his chest through his shirt.
Wow…
“When we leave, just focus on me.”
“O… Okay.” Her cheeks heated at a strange thought. “Um, Gary?”
“Yes?”
“Is it weird that the idea of ‘submitting to a spanking’ is more appealing than the spanking itself?”
“Not at all,” said Gary, breaking their hug to butter the last of his bread and wipe clean his plate. “There are a number of iconic situations that almost define the sexual side of submission.” He stopped to take a bite. Elaine remained quiet, watching him think. “Laying over a Dominant’s knees for a spanking or paddling is definitely iconic. Kneeling is probably the most common one though. The use of restraints, such as being tied down on a bed, or being hung by the hands and flogged, even simply being handcuffed or blindfolded would be some of the others. Those basic situations, and variations of them, make up the vast majority of BDSM ‘play’.”
Elaine nodded, listening.
“So… No. It’s not weird at all. In fact, I’d say it was completely normal for a girl with, at the very least, ‘submissive tendencies’, to fantasise about such things. Particularly when you discover that the pain involved can be manipulated and controlled to the level that suits you. It certainly doesn’t need to hurt as much as you might have first imagined. Of course a lot of the excitement comes from the fact that the potential is there.” Gary finished off his bread and used his napkin again.
Elaine liked how he explained things. He made her questions seem normal. She thought it was great that he could explain things without making her feel silly. She smiled up at him as he continued.
“Besides ‘SSC’, there is the alternative, ‘RACK’, which is common in some communities. It stands for ‘Risk-Aware Consensual Kink’. There are always risks involved. Some minimise them by choosing not to indulge in certain lifestyle choices, such as knife-play or fire-play or needle-play, for whatever reason. Others participate, but reduce the risks through practice and safety measures. Trust is everything. But there are always risks.”
“Choosing someone who knows what they are doing reduces the risks,” Elaine offered.
“That’s true,” he said, sliding his fingers into her hair again. A shiver ran down her neck. “But choosing someone who makes you aware of the risks, so that you can make knowledgeable decisions about your consensuality, is what I’m talking about. For example, before I flog you, I will show you the tool and explain its function. Then we’ll talk about the risks and the things that can happen if, for example, my aim is not so good.” He winked.
Elaine was trembling. “I… I don’t want anything to hurt too much.”
Gary’s fingers tightened. “I know,” he said softly, looking into Elaine’s eyes. “Don’t worry. A ‘pleasurable spanking’ is not a painful, punishment situation. It’s playful and fun. Fearing the unknown is understandable. But when I spank you for the pleasure of having you over my knees, it won’t be very hard. So don’t worry.”
Elaine heart was hammering. A vision of herself, squirming nakedly over his knees invaded her mind. She swallowed. “All… All right.”
He leaned down and kissed her lightly on her forehead. “Unless you’re very naughty, of course.”
Elaine’s breath quickened. “Um, what constitutes, ‘very naughty’?”
Gary let go of her hair. “Between us we’ll figure it out. Mainly things you wouldn’t think of doing at this stage, such as inattention to my SSC directions; refusing to follow them; or disrespecting or provoking me. Things like that. It all depends on the situation and the circumstances. Most of the time you’ll realise you’ve done something wrong, sometimes even as you do it. Punishment is all part of learning about Dominance and submission and where you fit in. It’s not really something you can avoid when you lack experience. And that’s okay. In the future, it is highly likely you’ll be punished less and less as you begin to meet and exceed my expectations. In the meantime, you know I’m not a severe, sadistic Master. I’m going to keep a close eye on you to make sure I don’t treat you in any way that would exceed what I intend, or any more than you could stand.”
“Th… Thank you. Again.” Elaine quickly sipped her wine.
“The intention of punishment is to pay your penance and to assuage your guilt. It needs to be proportional to the sin, but also proportional to the guilt, to meet it and quash it, and not exceed it. At this stage we don’t know much about your tolerance of pain so it’ll be interesting. Who knows? You might even want a harder spanking once you’ve had a pleasurable one.”
“Do you think?”
Gary chuckled and sipped his water. “I don’t know. But we’ll have fun finding out.”
Elaine swallowed. “I… I guess.”
“Here comes the Maitre’d.”
Elaine had been fidgeting with her napkin and she sat up straight, placing it on the tablecloth as the Frenchman strolled up to them. He nodded at Gary before turning to Elaine.
“Did Mademoiselle enjoy her Salade La épinards avec Vinaigrette de Framboise?”
Gary leaned into her ear and whispered, “The salad.”
Elaine wanted to giggle as she thought, ‘Spanking to salad in four-point-two seconds!’ “Oh, yes. It was delightful.”
“And Les escargots Bourguignonne?”
“The snails.” Gary winked. Elaine elbowed him gently. “Oof!” he acted, grabbing his ribs.
“I’ll be coming back for those,” she said, grinning.
“Okay then. I trust you will enjoy the fine Cognac that will be served with coffee.”
“Thank you.” Elaine sat back and listened, her jaw dropping as the Frenchman turned his attention back to Gary. Amazingly, the two men launched into a brief conversation in completely fluent French. Far from feeling left out, Gary took Elaine’s hand and placed it back on his thigh while he was talking. He covered it with his own and slid each of his fingers between hers.
The Maitre’d suddenly bowed and bid them good evening before disappearing.
In moments Kendra was clearing their table and Chelsea was asking if they were interested in dessert. Elaine and Gary looked at each other and shook their heads simultaneously. Elaine was feeling giddy, anticipation returning with a rush. Gary ordered coffees for them both.
When they were alone again, he said, “Not long now.”
Elaine knew it was close. Soon they’d be in his car. Heading to his place. She was going to be fucked soon. Fucked. She hoped they’d make love later, but right now what she wanted was to be fucked. She’d waited so long for it. And now it was going to happen. Tingles ran up and down her thighs. Her clit hardened, pulsing in time with her rapid heartbeat. She wanted it. She wanted it all!
Maybe he’ll spank me while he fucks me…
Looking up at Gary, Elaine whispered, “I’m so ready.” Once again a strange sense of acceptance, a determination to stick to the path flooded through her. She wondered if it showed on her face.
Gary didn’t respond straight away, perhaps seeing it in her eyes. Then he asked quietly, “Ready for what, little one?”
Elaine didn’t get a chance to answer immediately. In seconds Kendra and Chelsea were laying out coffees and Cognac. Then they were gone. It happened so quickly Elaine still had her answer on the tip of her tongue.
After passing Elaine a small tumbler of liqueur, again Gary asked, “What are you ready for?”
Elaine took a slow breath, gazing up at him. “Anything that pleases you.”
“I see,” said Gary, a smile in the corner of his mouth. “Anything, eh?”
“Anything SSC.”
“Squeeze your thighs together until I tell you to stop.”
“Ohhh…” She almost spilt her Cognac.
“You’re getting good at this.”
Elaine’s breath caught in her chest, coming out in short shudders. “I… I know what I want,” she managed, putting down her liqueur, her hand shaking.
“Knees apart, twelve inches.”
Elaine panted. Twelve. Now I feel dirty. She creamed at the thought.
Gary took Elaine’s hands in his. “And I know what I want. I want to give you an experience that you will never forget. One you will crave again and again. One you will masturbate to when you are lying in your bed remembering what I did. I want you to desperately want this, all of it. Because I want you… So be truthful with me. Always. Do things because you want to do them. Don’t lie. Don’t pretend.”
Trembling with a combination of anxiety and excitement, Elaine could at least discern Gary’s subtle reference to his ex. She looked down at his hands so tightly holding hers. “I promise I won’t. I’ll always be honest with you,” she said, again looking up at him. She had to blink away a tear. “Always.”
“Good girl.”
Elaine had the feeling she’d seen a more vulnerable side of Gary than she might see in a long while. He picked up his coffee and nodded, urging her to follow suit. She sipped dutifully. Then she had a thought. “May I ask a question?”
“You may.”
“Thank you.” She swallowed. “What… What am I doing right?”
Gary didn’t hesitate. “You are being yourself.”
Elaine couldn’t help the need for reassurance. She was new to this! Her skin prickled. “Earlier… you asked whether I wanted to ‘know’.”
He nodded.
“What…” She cleared her throat. “What do you want to do to me?”
He leaned into her ear and blew softly into it. He kissed it, then ran his tongue around the edge of it. By the time he was gently sucking the lobe Elaine was shaking. She had to bite her lip to stop from moaning. Her eyes fluttered closed as Gary whispered, “I want to do everything to you. I want to tease you until you can’t stand it. I want to use you to the point of exhaustion. I want to take you to the places you’ve ached to be. And I want to teach you all you want to learn.”
He sat back up, leaving Elaine breathless and tingling to her toes. Her pussy was clenching uncontrollably.
She carefully picked up her Cognac, taking a big slug of it. “Y… You always say the right thing.”
He winked.
From the shadows Kendra appeared, offering more coffee. Gary declined and so did Elaine. They drained what was left in their cups and Kendra cleared away the table. Before she left, Gary asked for the check and Elaine started to panic.
Here we go….
When Kendra was gone, Gary said, “I’ll go get my coat for you. I’ll be back in a moment.” Elaine barely had time to nod before he’d stood and left the table. She shivered as she watched him walk away.
When he comes back, we’ll be leaving…
She held up her hands to examine them. They were shaking violently.
Chelsea strode to the table urgently, placing the check to the side and gasping, “Well? Is everything okay? Are you going through with it?”
Elaine hid her hands. “Y… Yes. I’m just nervous.”
“I’m sure it’ll be wonderful. Call us in the morning and tell us you’re okay. Please?”
“Okay,” said Elaine. “I will. And um, thanks. Tonight was wonderful.”
Chelsea was smiling that sisterly smile again. “Anytime. I better skedaddle. Have fun.”
Gary passed Chelsea on his way back to the table. He handed Elaine his coat and sat down beside her. “Probably a good idea to put that on before you go to the bathroom. And I’d suggest you go.”
Elaine didn’t need prompting. She’d been busting for an hour. Draping his coat around her shoulders, she took a calming breath. “Thank you, Gary. I’ll be back soon.” She shuffled around the table and stood, adjusting his coat to ensure her modesty before grabbing her purse and heading for the bathroom.
She’d just finished washing her hands when Kendra burst through the door. Elaine giggled. She was half-expecting it this time. But she hadn’t expected Kendra to rush up to her and hug her so tightly.
Into Elaine’s ear Kendra gasped, “You’re coming back, aren’t you?”
Elaine laughed softly and held Kendra back by her shoulders. “Coming back? What do you mean?”
“I don’t know,” she said, sighing. “I just get the feeling this is more serious than you are letting on.”
Elaine shook her head. “Maybe it is. I’m not sure yet. But I have no plans to move out.”
“Thank God. I mean… I’m happy for you and everything. I…” Kendra was struggling for words. “I’m going to need friends. I’d like to keep the good ones.”
“You’re a nut, Kendra.”
“Don’t you start.” She grinned and hugged Elaine again. “Why are you wearing his coat?”
Elaine blushed. “Long story.”
“Um, okay. So you’re all right? Everything is working out?”
“Everything’s fine,” Elaine said, fixing her lipstick in the mirror. “I’ll tell you all about it when I get home on Sunday night. Well, I’ll tell you everything I can work up the nerve to tell you.”
“I’ll get a bottle of champagne. That should loosen your tongue.”
“I’d love that,” said Elaine softly, turning away from the mirror.
“I’ll have it on ice.”
They shared a moment before Elaine said, “I better get back.”
“Yes,” said Kendra. “Sorry. I just wanted to make sure everything was all right.”
“Thanks, Kendra. You can be a sweetheart.”
“Don’t tell anyone.” She winked.
“I won’t,” said Elaine, grinning. “Oh, and I told Chelsea I’d call in the morning, so don’t worry.”
“Good,” said Kendra, holding open the bathroom door. “I was going to ask you to do that.”
They stood outside the entrance and Elaine kissed Kendra’s cheek. “Thanks for worrying about me. I’ll be fine. He’s… He’s a good man.”
“Then you’re lucky to have found him.”
Elaine smiled at Kendra’s sage words. “Wish me luck?”
“Good luck! Talk to you tomorrow!”
Kendra disappeared around the corner, in a hurry to resume her duties. Elaine was left standing in the dim light outside the ladies bathroom. Her heart started pounding again as she looked in the direction of the table. Gary was seated behind a divider between the booths and she couldn’t see him. But she knew he was there, waiting for her.
She went to take a step and almost stumbled. Her legs felt weak and she put her hand up against the wall to steady herself. Suddenly she realised she was taking short, sharp breaths, threatening to hyperventilate. She tried to slow her breathing. In a few seconds she was feeling less light-headed.
I can do this.
She took a deep, gratifying lungful of air and headed for the table.
Gary stood when she arrived. “Would you like to get out of here?”
“Yes,” said Elaine, drawing his coat around her.
“Me too. I paid the cheque.” Gary eyed her carefully. “Are you okay?”
“I feel… I don’t know… Still a bit scared I think.”
Gary put his arm around Elaine, steering her into his embrace. He kissed her forehead and she turned into his chest. “Eyes on me,” he whispered. She looked up at him and he continued. “Elaine, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m going to provide you with a well-rounded lifestyle experience. It will include things that vanilla people would call ‘extreme’. But they don’t understand the subtlety of the art. D/s isn’t about hurting you. Not physically, not mentally, and certainly not emotionally. It’s about using the tools at my disposal to bring you pleasure and sensations the likes of which you’ve only dreamed.”
Elaine felt her knees getting weak again.
“It’s about providing you with the space to be the person you want to be. I don’t want to change you. I don’t want to alter who you are. And I don’t want you to think you have to change to please me. I like you just the way you are. The things you learn will add to you. They won’t take anything away.”
“Won’t I feel differently about things? My life will change, won’t it?”
He caressed her cheek. “Life has a tendency to evolve from one day to the next. Sometimes it’s so slow it’s almost unnoticeable. Other times it’s sudden. Sometimes it’s imposed on us. Sometimes it’s a choice. Whichever way it happens, life continues to evolve. Nothing stays the same forever.”
Elaine hugged him tightly. Her nerves were frazzled. She wanted to stop worrying. And she was grappling with the little self-control she’d retained. Yet she couldn’t wait to get out of her damned dress. The bodice was driving her nipples nuts. She’d only just cleaned up ‘downstairs’ and already her juices were flowing.
What was it he’d said? Relax, breathe, submit… Let go.
She took a few deep breaths. He was right. Nothing stayed the same forever. One day, she’d probably look back and shake her head at how anxious she’d been.
He smiled at her. “Feeling better?”
Elaine slipped her arms inside his jacket, wrapping them around his warm torso. She wanted to pull his shirt out of his pants to get at his broad, muscular back but she didn’t dare. Her mouth was so dry she had to lick her lips before speaking. “All… All along I’ve been worried about the moment when we’d finally be alone. But I’ve had it wrong… I’ve just realised that I can’t relax until we’re alone,” Elaine said, her eyes sparkling.
“If you’re feeling THAT confident, then I must be doing something wrong.”
Elaine whispered, “You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“If you keep squirming around, I might slip up.”
Elaine smirked heatedly. She hoped she was getting to him. When she pressed against him, she wondered if he’d even notice she was subtly moving. His cock felt so good against her. The contact was electric. “I’m sorry. I… I can’t help it,” she breathed.
Gary’s eyes darkened. “Let’s get out of here.”
He turned her around, and her head spun. In a flash they were walking toward the double doors at the front of the restaurant. Elaine was filled with dire apprehension, even as she snuggled under Gary’s protective arm.
Thank God he’s holding onto me, she thought, her balance wavering.
The Maitre’d was standing by the front door. Chelsea and Kendra were also waiting for them, grinning as they approached. Like schoolgirls Elaine’s roommates pulled her aside and Gary let her go, distracted by another frantic French conversation. They made eyes at each other as they were separated.
“Woohooo, Elaine,” Chelsea teased under her breath, giving her a big hug. “Knock his socks off.”
“I’ll try.” Elaine turned to Kendra, her blush renewed.
As she hugged her warmly, Kendra said, “Give the girl a break. She’s still finding her way.”
“All right, all right,” Chelsea responded as they stood, a tight-knit group. “I just can’t help thinking she’s going to need some TLC after this weekend. I mean, look at him.” All three girls looked at Gary. Catching their glance, he shook his head almost imperceptibly.
Elaine giggled.
“Oh! I got your bag,” said Chelsea, leaving abruptly.
When she was gone, Kendra said, “We’ll be worried about you, so call before twelve, or we’ll call you.”
“O… Okay.”
In seconds Chelsea was back. She quickly explained she’d given Elaine’s bag to Gary. She smiled and said, “So… Take care of yourself.”
Elaine took another deep breath. “I will.” The moment was coming. She broke out in goose bumps.
Kendra glanced over at Gary again and, apparently satisfied he wasn’t listening, whispered, “Do you have lube? They never think of lube…”
Elaine and Chelsea looked at Kendra and nearly cracked up laughing. Remembering the feel of him, Elaine bit her lip. Leaning toward her roommates and smiling as they did likewise, she whispered, “I um… I actually did remember it, but I so don’t think I’m gonna need it.”
“Hussy,” said Chelsea, grinning.
“Slut,” giggled Kendra.
“Bitches,” Elaine retorted, poking out her tongue.
With an exchange of completely inappropriate words, Elaine had never felt closer to her roommates. They smiled at each other and hugged, cheek to cheek. Elaine was sure she wouldn’t be able to tell them all about the weekend, but she smiled at the thought. They probably wouldn’t have believed her anyway.
“Thank you for looking after us,” interrupted Gary.
He was standing over the girls and their impromptu apartment meeting broke up with squeezes of hands and touches on Elaine’s cheek. They stepped backward and bowed, saying, “You’re welcome.”
Elaine smiled at Chelsea and she smiled back, nodding once.
Kendra silently mouthed, ‘Be careful,’ and touched her heart.
Elaine felt like crying. She swallowed, nodded, and held her nerve.
Gary took her hand, hijacking her attention. When her eyes met his, he asked, “Shall we make tracks?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly, curling her fingers around his.
“Then let’s go.” To the Maitre’d, and to Chelsea and Kendra, Gary said, “Thank you again for a perfect evening.”
Elaine agreed, squeezing his hand and turning to their hosts, adding, “Yes. Thank you.”
In moments the bell above the door rang as it closed behind them and Elaine and Gary were welcomed by the sultry blanket of the late summer evening. Silently carrying Elaine’s bag in one hand, Gary led her to his car with the other. He unlocked the doors and put her bag in the back seat, then guided Elaine around to the passenger side.
Halfway there, Gary stopped, right in front of his car. He looked down at it.
Curiously, Elaine looked closer. “Did someone leave a dent?”
“I was thinking about how nice you’ll look, bent over the hood getting fucked.”
He remembered!
Elaine didn’t know whether to giggle or faint. He knees wobbled and Gary caught her. There was something incredibly intoxicating about doing it like that. From behind. She was going to beg him to smack her ass. That’s what she wanted.
God.
“So you like that idea, do you?” he asked, taking her elbow again.
“Yesss,” Elaine hissed. She didn’t mean it to come out like that. Gary chuckled and opened the door for her. Before she could slip inside, Gary took his coat from her shoulders and tossed it in the backseat with her bag.
Wow…
Gary held Elaine’s hand, assisting her into the car. As she sank into the upholstery, she made sure her dress wouldn’t get caught. Pushing the door firmly closed, he walked around the front of the car again. She watched him and he winked. Then he patted the hood.
Elaine squirmed.
They were plunged into darkness when Gary closed his door. Elaine held her breath until he fired up the engine and turned on the headlights. The dashboard glowed and he looked across at Elaine. “We’re alone.”
“Y… Yes.”
Gary put the car into gear. As they started to move, the tyres crunched on loose gravel. “How does it feel?”
Elaine thought the car was vibrating right through her body. Or maybe it was her. “N… Nerve-wracking.”
“Say the word and I’ll take you home.”
“No. I’m okay. I… I’m ready. I want to do this.”
One touch and I think I’ll cum…
“So you’re ready to do exactly as I say,” said Gary, heading for the highway on-ramp. “No matter what it is?”
“I’ll… I’ll try,” gasped Elaine, her skin prickling. “I’m prepared.”
“Good girl. Take off your dress. You can amuse yourself while I drive.”
God, Elaine thought, her eyes widening.
“Y… Yes, Sir.”