“Were you raped?”
“No.”
“Did he ever allude to the gift being contingent on you sleeping with him?”
“Yes. Repeatedly.”
“Did you sleep with him?
“Yes, and then I refused to do it again. That’s when he reneged.” In that moment, she collapsed in a flood of tears sobbing uncontrollably.
Michael sat back in his chair absorbing the magnitude of her statement. He knew exposing the harassment at the wrong time could blow up on all of them. By her sheer reaction, he knew she wasn’t lying. She’d been carrying the burden for over a year trying her best not to expose what happened. Even though he had another appointment in thirty minutes, this situation took precedence. He called Ricardo to reschedule it. As difficult as this was for her, he needed to know details. He finally persuaded her to tell him everything.
The more she talked, the angrier he became. He was convinced she wasn’t likely the only woman subjected to the man’s tactics. He just had to prove it. And that was the problem. Unless there were a series of emails, phone messages, etc. it would be a very difficult case of “he said/she said.” The key was determining whether or not he had done this to other women. The likelihood he had was high. Michael’s challenge was finding women willing to come forward with their own stories. Much like rape, sexual harassment victims rarely reported the crime for fear of recrimination, loss of jobs or worse. He’d have to employ a different strategy to make this situation work to their advantage.
After Michelle calmed down, Michael escorted her out of the conference room. “It’s going to be all right. Let me process what you’ve told me. There is a way out of this.”
“I don’t want this coming out! It’ll ruin my reputation! You know he’ll spin it against me. That’s what they do!”
“That’s why I need a little time to think about the best strategy to protect you and get the pledge for the organization.”
“How is that even possible?”
“You let me worry about that, okay?”
“Thank you, so much!”
“You’re welcome.”
When she left, he went to his office and called Stephan and Tanya, his new attorneys. Together they spent the next hour brainstorming how best to proceed with the case. Tanya suggested Michelle entice the donor to confess what happened. Stephan thought it was a bad idea. He argued it could backfire if she faltered or let on it was a recorded conversation. Michael agreed, thinking he was too smart to fall for something obvious. But the concept gave him an idea. He instructed them both to do additional research with previous gift recipients, paying particular attention to those organizations with female directors in leadership or fundraising departments.
When the day finally came to an end, it was well after eight. He was physically tired but mentally alert. He loved complex cases, but this one had taken an unexpected turn. It challenged him on several fronts. But he couldn’t help but think about the injustice of it all. The entitlement, and abuse of wealth and position was apparent. In general, he considered himself an optimist and thought most people decent. But cases like this reminded him his worldview wasn’t always true. People could be cruel, self-serving and ruthless.
When he got home, he changed clothes and went for a run. Running helped him think, it cleared his mind of minutia and focused it on options. The more he ran, the more he realized he couldn’t just outsmart the opposition. This time he’d have to be equally ruthless. He’d wipe that smug look off that bastard’s face. There was no way he’d settle for anything less than what was owed the Sorenson House. He simply had to convince its board to proceed and shield Michelle in the process.
CHAPTER 31
Tickets to the black-tie GOP fundraiser were twenty-five hundred a piece. He knew Davenport would be there with his wife like he was every year. He waited in the main ballroom as VIPs and event sponsors entered from the private reception. Michael chatted with few former colleagues until he spotted him. Just as he expected, he saw him talking with someone while his wife wandered off.
Turning on his charm, he approached her smiling warmly. “Hello, Mrs. Davenport.”
“I’m sorry, have we met?”
He extended his hand to her. “You and your husband have been generous donors to a number of causes of interest to me.”
She returned his smile saying, “Oh really. Well it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.…?”
“Please, call me Michael. It’s my pleasure.”
“As you well know, ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’”
He couldn’t believe how trite her comment was.
“True altruism is a rare thing these days. From venture philanthropy to quid pro quo—too few people actually give without expecting something in return.”
“That’s not charity…” she started when her husband joined them.
“What are you doing here, Josey?” Sam Davenport snapped. He was clearly angry as his face grew flaming red.
“I attend whenever there’s an interesting speaker.”
Turning his attention to his wife, “Excuse us for a moment, Sweetheart.”
“Of course.” Mrs. Davenport raised her brow, glared at Michael and dutifully left them.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“Are you sure you want to talk to me?”
“I’ll have you disbarred!”
Michael didn’t feel the least bit threatened. He stepped closer to Davenport, looked him squarely in the eyes and spoke only loud enough for him to hear. “I’ll make this plain for you. You’re a sexual predator and extortionist. You’ve been getting away with it for years.”
Davenport stepped even closer saying, “You’re pissing on the wrong set of shoes, Josey.”
“I piss where I want. And it’s all about to rain down on you. There are a number of women prepared to come forward. Are you ready for that level of exposure? Because they want to watch you burn for what you’ve done to them.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Really? Let’s start with Meagan from the animal shelter. Or would you rather talk about Elizabeth from the children’s hospital? I can go on.”
“You can’t prove any of these allegations.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“You’re bluffing.”
“I don’t bluff when I have the winning hand. But you can try me.”
“They all had their price. They wanted my money. I wanted something from them. So what does that say about your ‘victims’?”
“It says you’re pathetic. You have to extort women to have sex with you.”
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
“You don’t have much time before this blows up in your face.”
Michael now had the smug look on his face. The two men stood glaring at each other until Davenport walked away to join his wife. Michael reached into his pocket to stealthily turn off the recording device. But he thought it best to record a few other conversations to support the idea that it was accidently switched on.
Leaving the event, he headed home feeling confident he had unnerved Davenport enough to get him to reconsider and potentially settle all of this. He’d only use the recording if he had to. But he also knew Davenport had the resources to get around him. By settling directly with his victims, he might get them to sign nondisclosure agreements for the right price. It was a disgusting but tried-and-true tactic attorneys used in situations like this. He could only hope his conversations with the women encouraged them all to refuse if it ever came to that.
When he got home, Nikita was seated on the sofa reading a magazine.
“That didn’t take long,” she said without looking up at him. ”I thought you’d be gone at least two hours.”
“How is she?”
Dropping the magazine on the coffee table, Nikita went to the closet to get her coat. “She’s fine.”
“Where’re you going?”
“Why?”
“She’s ready for you.”
Nikita walked out the door slamming it behind her, clearly pissed. He sighed heavily at her change in demeanor. They discussed the situation prior to her coming over. She seemed fine when he left. He couldn’t imagine she’d be jealous because it definitely wasn’t her style. Whatever was bothering her, she wasn’t ready to discuss it. He’d touch base later allowing her time to calm down.
He walked down the hall stopping at his office to place the recording equipment on his desk. He continued to the bedroom taking off his bowtie as he entered the walk-in closet. He watched as Jocelyn squirmed knowing he was there but he didn’t utter a word to her. Placing his shoes in the cubicle, he undressed, carefully hung his tux and tossed his shirt in the dry cleaning hamper. Once he was naked, he walked over to the bed. She was securely restrained and relatively still as he visually inspected her.
Over the past several weeks, he met with her several times to further discuss the extent of her interests in BDSM. They talked at length about what she found erotic in general and sexual acts she found most pleasurable. He refrained from having sex with her instead, opting to test elements of what she liked. On one occasion, he simply talked to her seductively while she masturbated. On others, he touched her softly or grabbed her roughly trying to gauge which responses triggered her most fevered reactions. All of it was designed to build her tolerances emotionally and physically as his Submissive.
As he learned more about her, it became obvious she could be easily aroused. However, she didn’t respond as well to intense pain or any form of verbal humiliation or name-calling. The height of her arousal was created when he truly dominated her by telling her when and how to do something. She took to commands much easier than he expected. The more he listened, observed and interacted with her he knew in time she’d willingly cross the line from Sub to Slave without much hesitation. He wasn’t interested in controlling her activities to that extent. He only wanted her as a playmate.
Earlier that evening, he placed her spread eagle with leather restraints on her wrists and ankles. Her head rested at the edge of the foot of the bed. Her pale skin still glistened with the oils he rubbed on her to prevent chaffing. But the blindfold covering her eyes was adjusted and her hair was slightly matted suggesting she had a moment of panic when he left. Given she had a ball gag secured to her mouth, the only sounds she could make were grunts or guttural screams. If she became too erratic or frightened while he was away, Nikita had been there to assist her.
He opened his bureau and retrieved the feather tickler and a small crop. She turned her head towards him but didn’t make a sound as she adjusted as much as she could. It was time to continue their game. Taking the tickler, he lightly ran it over her breasts concentrating on her areola and nipples. She writhed at the sensation as her nipples hardened with each touch. He slowly ran it down her belly swirling it around her navel as she raised and lowered her hips to the best of her ability. Over and over he traced it over the whole of her body. She grunted and squirmed as he teased and taunted her further. Finally, he gently removed the gag from her mouth.
“Hello Jocelyn,” he whispered before wiping the drool from her lips and kissing her deeply.
“Hello, Sir,” she panted. She was definitely aroused as indicated by the pinkish hue of her skin.
“How do you feel?” He ran his fingers along her arm before stroking the side of her face.
“I’m glad you’re back, Sir.”
“Are you ready for me?”
“Yes, Sir.” She squirmed even more in anticipation of his touches.
“Open your mouth and tilt your head back,” he instructed.
Placing his flaccid penis in her mouth, he slowly guided it in and out as she eagerly sucked and slid her tongue around it until he was fully erect. She tilted her head towards him further lengthening her throat. He increased his pace slightly, pressing his penis to the back of her throat. Much to his surprise, she didn’t gag but opened her throat as if to swallow him. His view of her neck expanding each time she swallowed heightened his arousal far more than he anticipated. He hadn’t felt that particular sensation in a very long time. He took his time enjoying her impressive skill as his pleasure mounted. But he didn’t want to cum yet, so he withdrew from her.
He bent over to whisper his approval in her ear. “Good girl. What would you like as your reward?”
“Please untie me so I can touch you, Sir,” she asked.
“Not yet. What else?”
“Will you eat my pussy, please?”
“Is that all you want me to do?”
She smiled broadly before saying, “Whatever you want is fine, Sir.”
Examining her outstretched body again, he couldn’t help but notice her clit peeking from her freshly shaven folds. He presented his penis to her again as he leaned over to touch it. Flicking and teasing it with his fingers, he checked her wetness before sliding his fingers inside her. She moaned and wiggled again, lifting her hips slightly. He began pumping his hips while she sucked taking him deep into her throat. He reached out to lick her clit as his fingers continued fucking her. He tickled her with his tongue, interspersing with slow laps up and down. Her moans grew louder and her body grew warmer and quivered. She was ready and so was he. But again, he withdrew from her.
“Please, don’t stop, Sir! It feels so good!” she begged. “Oh my God, please don’t stop.”
Her plea enticed him further, but he wanted them both to go to the edge. He reached for the crop and swatted her clit lightly with it. She screamed out and he did it again before reaching over and blowing onto it. Her pleas grew louder each time he swatted and blew. Finally he licked her again before penetrating her with his pliable tongue. Extending his tongue as much as he could, he explored her vaginal walls tasting her sweetness. Her orgasm was mounting faster as indicated by her flushed face and upper body. Moving away from her, he reached for the lubricated condom on the nightstand. Once protected, he straddled her. He considered removing the blindfold, but decided against it. He wanted her to feel and experience everything without visual stimulation.
With his upper body hovering over her, he entered her slowly watching her mouth fall open. She let out a gasp tilting her head back. Gyrating his hips, he stayed deep within her before pulling out to his tip. He repeated the pattern observing her reactions with each stroke and subtle change. Her moans were growing louder as he shifted to faster, deeper strokes. Her body began convulsing and he wasn’t expecting her to cum as quickly as she did. He let the wave wash over her before beginning again. He pressed his upper body against hers wrapping his hands under her shoulders to hold her tighter.
Her moans turned again to begging him not to stop. He buried his face into her neck licking and sucking before exploring her mouth with his tongue. Her orgasms were successive and happening very quickly. He could only surmise it had either been a very long time since she had sex, or her anticipation enabled her to near the peak before he ever entered her. He resumed the pace with deep strokes until he was ready. As his orgasm began to build, he got faster, harder and deeper. He let himself go fucking her with wild abandon until finally he came with a low growl that grew louder.
When it was over, he lay very still taking in the moment. As he grew limp, he carefully held the condom, slipped out of her and removed it. He dropped it in the wastebasket by his bed as he sat beside her.
“How do you feel?”
“Jesus!! That was incredible!” she panted.
He smiled, took the blindfold off and looked deeply into her eyes. A glaze of pleasure was still on her face as she smiled back at him. He released her wrists restraints and gently stroked her arms.
“Your arms are going to ache a little. You may feel it for a day or two.”
Her breathing was still heavy as she rubbed his thigh. “Yes, Sir.”
He unfastened the ankle restraints and began massaging her legs and feet. She s
tarted squirming again as goose bumps raised on her flesh. He helped her sit up as he softly stroked the small of her back.
“How did you feel being restrained for that period of time?”
“It was exciting…at first. But you left and I freaked out a little bit.”
“What calmed you down?”
“She came in and told me you’d be back when you were ready for me. I didn’t know there was someone else here. You should’ve told me.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“Honestly? I didn’t like it, but at least I wasn’t alone.” She paused before asking, “Who is she?”
“Nikita. She’s also my Sub. She’s very seasoned. You’ll learn a lot from her.”
“Oh…how many of us are there?” It was very clear she was uncomfortable.
“Two. Are you okay with that?”
Looking into his eyes she said, “Do I have a choice?”
“Only one.”
“And what’s that?”
“You stay or you don’t.”
CHAPTER 32
He considered every conceivable way the confession might be thrown out of court—and how it might be admissible. Without a doubt, it could be successfully argued he violated the “No Contact” ethics rule. Slowly tapping and twirling his pen, he watched Lacy as she listened to the recording of his exchange with Davenport. He trusted her instincts and legal knowledge explicitly. She pulled off the earphones and set them on the table.
“So, what do you think?”
“It’s tricky, Mike. It’s clear Davenport approached you, but…” Lacy was still processing what she heard.
“I had the recording device.”
“Right.”
“On one hand, I’m relieved you asked him if he wanted to continue the conversation. But it feels like…I don’t know. ”
“What?”
“Something’s off. A judge might question you just on that. Let me ask you something.”
“What?”
“Why didn’t you reveal the allegations directly to his attorneys?”
His Pleasures and Pain (Book II) (Allen Trilogy 2) Page 23
