Tasting Pleasure

by Marie Haynes

  Alicia smiled. “If I don’t accept this, will it end our relationship?”

  “Good Lord, no! This is simply an option for us. I am very pleased with you. In all honesty, I think I would be lost without you in my life. You have come to hold a very special place in my heart.”

  Alicia blinked her surprise. Could Mr. Devonshire be falling in love with her?

  “Wow. Okay. Ah, next question. Would you require my picture on the registry?”

  “Yes, Alicia, I would. I want the world to know what a beautiful slave I have. I want your lovely, naked body displayed.”

  When he put it that way, she couldn’t help but feel complimented.

  “Would I have to get a tattoo?” she asked hesitantly.

  “Only if you want one. Remember when I could have branded you and did not? I meant what I said. I will not now or ever permanently mar or mark your body without your express permission.”

  “Good. I’m afraid of needles,” she answered with a relieved sigh. “Mr. Devonshire, what happened with Megan last night?” she continued.

  “Why do you care?”

  “Because even though she hated me, and I wasn’t all that fond of her, I don’t want to see any harm come to her,” she replied truthfully. The idea of anyone suffering tore at her heart.

  “Megan overstepped her bounds—certainly with you, but in other ways as well. I gave her a choice. She could either leave me entirely or submit to an intense submissive training program.” He hesitated and looked down. “I care about Megan. She truly does have a kind heart. She’s just lost her way. I’m not sure what happened or why she felt so threatened by you, but I will not tolerate cruelty.”

  “What was her decision?” she asked.

  “I don’t know yet. That, also, is a big decision. I gave her a week to consider. If I don’t hear from her, I’ll know she has decided to leave me.”

  “But doesn’t she work for you as well? Won’t she be out of a job?” Alicia probed.

  “Yes and no. She will no longer be working for me, but that ended last week due to other issues. She is, however, a much sought-after model. I gave her a letter of glowing recommendation and will certainly be happy to give references to any other prospective employers. In fact I’ve had two artists call about her already.”

  “That’s good. I would hate to see her destitute.” Alicia shivered slightly. “I remember very well having to worry over every single purchase.”

  “Megan does not have to worry about that. She actually would have no need to work at all. She had an uncle who passed away a few years back and left all his worldly goods to her. She has a substantial income independent of her career,” he supplied. “Any more questions?”

  “Well…” she hesitated.

  “Go on,” he encouraged.

  “What about my career? I mean Tasting Pleasure is going well now and I so enjoy the work.”

  “Then by all means continue. As I said, nothing has to change except your title. Think of it this way. In a marriage, a traditional marriage, the people involved generally do not change personalities, careers, habits. All that changes is the woman’s name, her title.” He ran a hand down her hair, picking up a lock and gently twirling it through his fingers. “You’re cooking talents are extraordinary and any fool could see how much enjoyment you derive from the work. Still, are you sure you enjoy every part of the business?”

  Alicia hesitated. “You have a point. The paperwork, the accounts, the numbers. I’ve always had trouble with the business side of things. I think I give a fair product at a fair price, but keeping track of it all— Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by it.”

  “Why have you not come to me for help?” he asked with a slightly hurt edge to his voice.

  “I didn’t want to trouble you,” she whispered.

  “Alicia, I will never interfere with your work, you know that. But helping you with the books would be a small matter for me. If you trust me to do it, I’d be happy to take over that task for you. In all honesty,” he smiled, “I like working with numbers. There is a logic and symmetry to them that appeals to me.”

  Alicia closed her eyes in gratitude. “That would be fabulous, Maverick. I’ve been afraid that I’ll screw everything up just because I can’t keep my accounts straight.”

  “I have some time this afternoon. Why don’t we get started then?” he asked.

  “Thanks.” Suddenly Alicia realised she had used his first name. “Oh my, Mr. Devonshire, I just called you…”

  “I know,” he interrupted. “But we were discussing business. Think nothing of it. Back to the matter at hand, though. Any other questions?”

  “Would I continue to live here?”

  “If you like. Or you could move in with me and occupy the room next to the playroom. Or Paul has stated that you are welcome to live with him as well. I leave that decision to you.”

  Alicia considered. “Perhaps a compromise.”

  “Go on.”

  “I think this should continue to be my main residence. After all, I do run Tasting Pleasure from here. Also it allows some degree of privacy. But I will give a key to both you and Paul so you will have access to me whenever you wish.” She paused again. “If it is agreed, though, maybe I could leave a few items at each of your homes—a toothbrush, change of clothes, hairbrush. That way if you’d like to me stay for a while, I could.”

  Mr. Devonshire cupped her face in his hand. “An excellent suggestion. Except you will not bring anything to our homes. Instead, we will provide you with anything and everything you need. Clothing, personal care items, jewellery, bedding—everything. If you belong to us, your care is our responsibility. I will prepare the room for your use. Paul has already furnished his guest bedroom for you.”

  “Oh,” she was stunned. “Okay. One more question.”

  “Yes?”

  “I am going to assume that my new status will have some marking, if not a tattoo.”

  “Certainly.”

  “What will it be?” she asked hesitantly.

  “In truth, Alicia, I was hoping you would agree, so I registered you last week.” He ran his thumb along her jaw line.

  How does this man know me so well? she wondered.

  “Wait here a moment. I have a gift for you.” He kissed her and went into the other room to return a moment later carrying a small box wrapped in gold paper and sporting a bright blue bow. He placed the gift in her lap.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said.

  “Open it.”

  Giggling with anticipation, she untied the ribbon and ripped off the paper. She held a small, blue velvet jewellery box. She opened the hinged lid and gasped. Inside lay a lovely gold anklet. Tiny golden bells lined the chain, and a small round medallion dangled close to the clasp. Inspecting this more closely revealed an edging of dark blue sapphires and a number engraved onto the centre of the circle, ’927-513-908’. Alicia was stunned.

  “If you choose to accept your sexual slave status, you will wear this anklet whenever you are with me or Paul. If, though, you wish to negate that status, even temporarily, simply remove the anklet. The choice is yours, just as the choice to become a companion or use the safe word was yours. You will, naturally, still be able to use that word whenever you decide.” He took her face in his hands and kissed her.

  “Also inside the box is a small piece of paper. It is the website of the registry. You will, if you want this, go to that registry and fill in your information. I have naturally completed the basic application, including a lovely picture from last night, but have left the details to you.”

  Still Alicia was silent. Did she want this?

  “You may wear the anklet as much or as little as you like,” Mr. Devonshire assured her. “Why don’t you take a few days to consider?”

  But she did not need a few days. She knew her own mind and her options. She removed the anklet from the box and hooked the clasp around her left ankle. The bells gave a pleasant jingling sound. Alicia knew that even the slighte
st movement would set them off, thereby alerting her Master to her movements. Once the symbol of her new status was attached, she slid to the floor to kneel before Mr. Devonshire.

  “I need no time, sir. I belong to you and to Paul. I have for quite some time. Truthfully, I am not complete without you. On the days when I am not with you or him, I am destitute with loneliness.” She looked up at him with a new confidence. “My skin craves the taste of leather. My mind seeks commands. When I am with you, singly or together, I am whole.” She bent her head to rub her cheek against his leg.

  “Ah, Alicia,” he said, petting her head, “you have made me a very happy man.”

  “And I, sir, am a very happy slave,” she said before taking his manhood into her mouth.

  This, she thought, was the ultimate in Tasting Pleasure.

  About the Author

  I live a very busy and stressful life, being the mother of two teenage boys, a wife, teacher and caretaker of elderly relatives. Nonetheless, I find relaxation and escape from life's difficulties in my writing.

  I've wanted to be a published writer all my life but have not had the courage, until recently, to actually submit my writings anywhere. I was raised in a VERY conservative, Catholic family in a VERY conservative Mid-Western small town (St. Louis is the closest city!) I've always been a bit of a rebel - wanting to forge my own path, state my own opinions. Erotic romances give me an outlet for both.

  I've always enjoyed writing poetry, but I am finding even more fulfillment in writing erotic stories. What else do I love to do? Cook, eat chocolate, drink wine or Jameson, listen to Celtic music and entertain friends.

  Email: marie-haynes@hotmail.com

  Marie loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

  Also by Marie Haynes

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