by Mlyn Hurn
In the beginning, she had been so sure she wanted nothing to do with this whole scene. She discovered there were so many sides to it and you couldn’t just pigeonhole the whole thing. Pain was one part of it, but it certainly didn’t seem to be the overruling theme she once thought it was.
She found some of the aspects arousing. Like never in a million years would she have seen herself with pierced nipples, or a tattoo. Both had seemed too far beyond what she had considered normal. Now, she began to wonder what her normal truly was.
Many displays and seminars she’d seen the last few days had her thinking about doing or trying some with Jack. She knew the idea of being restrained excited her, and the idea of trying Jack up and having her way with him got her wet each time she thought of it.
She wondered if Jack would like the notion of playacting. Her mind kept going back to the scenes they’d witnessed at the party. It excited her to imagine Jack’s fingers ripping away her bodice. And several times she wondered what he would do if she smacked his butt.
There was also the idea of jewelry, and she’d discovered it went far beyond her simple piercing. The places she learned that people pierced didn’t shock or surprise her so much as that she shuddered in thoughts of the pain. The worst had been the Prince Albert—
Andy shivered again.
So many things to consider and now confusion was beginning to dominate her every waking minute. The future would most likely take care of itself. The real question was no longer how far she was willing to go?
How far would Jack ask her?
* * * * *
The Captain’s Anniversary Party was a cocktail party, and while she enjoyed attending, Andy had much more fun with her friends when they all met together for dinner. Sitting around the large table, just the nine of them because Tony still had not hooked up with anyone, it turned into a pretty raucous event.
Andy explained some of the activities she had researched thus far, and the one that caught the men’s attention was when she talked about polygyny versus polyamory.
“That’s what I need—a harem,” Tony said with a big grin, sipping his wine.
Ruthie, seated across the table from him, scoffed. “You haven’t even been able to get one girl, let alone enough to qualify as a harem.”
“His mouth has always been making promises and claims his body can’t keep,” Gayle jested.
Ray held up his hand. “I’m confused, Andy. I thought the term was polygamy. What did you say?”
“I got confused, too,” Andy told him with a smile. “Luckily, they had handouts. Polygamy is one person married to more than one person at one time. Then specifically, broken down as to gender, polygyny is when one man has many wives, or at least more than one. And then there is polyandry, which is one woman with many husbands.”
Tony grinned as he spoke. “I should hope sex comes into the picture.”
Liz rubbed her hands together. “And they all look like Fabio!”
“Brad Pitt!” Gayle said quickly.
Ruthie shook her head. “No…Pierce Brosnan. Give me the Bond man!”
Silence followed for a few seconds and Andy realized her girlfriends were staring at her, waiting for an answer. “Uhm, George Clooney.”
“Ooh, yeah!” Ruthie and Liz concurred.
Gayle spoke quickly. “If I get two, then my second choice is Hugh Jackman. I’ll have one blond and one brunette.”
“We get a second choice?” Liz whined.
Ray interrupted. “I protest!”
“It’s been proven through time it needs to be one man with several women. That’s how it works in the wild,” Mark added, folding his arms across his chest.
Andy shook her head. “I beg to differ, Mark. I watch the nature shows all the time, and it is often one female and all the males come to her, when the time is right. Often they must perform elaborate mating dances to attract her attention, or battle to determine who has the best genes. That is the one she mates with.”
Jack shook his head. “Explain the other one before this gets nasty.”
“Polyamory works in an ethical environment, where all opportunities are afforded equally to all parties, regardless of sex.”
“Put it that way, Andy, and no one would be interested!” Danny pointed out, in between bites of salad.
“All members of a relationship have equal rights,” Andy laughed, shaking her head. “It’s not about collecting women for your harem, Tony. Instead it focuses on sharing, a part of your life and your love, with more than one person. And your lovers share a part of his or herself with other people. There is no ‘ownership’. If there is a primary relationship, then they will establish their own boundaries and rules. In a polyfidelity relationship, the people within it work out their interpersonal dynamic relationships, and problems, among themselves. The focus is not who is sleeping with whom, but who is in love with whom. Polyamory relationships are about love and romance.”
“I don’t imagine anyone here is interested—” Tony started.
“No!”
“No!”
“No way!”
“I don’t think so, Tony!”
All four women answered at the same time.
The men were laughing as Tony flushed, but he added quickly. “Lucky for you ladies my ego isn’t too sensitive.”
While they were all still laughing, Gayle interrupted, “Well, I did a little studying myself.” She paused and pulled out a piece of paper. “Don’t laugh. I didn’t want to mess this up, so shush. Now, the main problem submissive women encounter is non-dominant males pretending to be Dominants. The men are back-lashing against the feminist movement and searching for a submissive, but what they really want is a woman who they believe is ‘begging to be abused’. And the guy is looking for something where he doesn’t have to think, to understand, to be skillful beyond the act of meeting genitals, or to feel or experience any degree of intimacy that one would find in a true relationship.”
Andy leaned forward to look at Gayle. “Could I borrow your notes?”
“Sure, sweetie, no problem.”
Jack touched her hand a moment later.
Andy turned to look at him, wondering if he had an opinion on all of this. He had been fairly quiet throughout most of the conversation. “Yes?”
“What did you want to do tonight?” Jack asked her quietly.
Andy had to lean closer to hear him. “Oh, I thought it might be fun to go to the slave auction. It’s being held in the back room of the dungeon party. The proceeds go to charity.”
“Did you sign up to be auctioned off?” he asked quickly.
“No. I didn’t want to get that close to the action.”
“I’ll make a donation and you can be my slave. How long is the contract for?”
Andy was intensely aware of Jack continuing to watch her. “Oh, it ends tomorrow evening, before the last party, so people can get ready.”
“Are you game?”
Andy felt her heart trip and then begin racing. This was the moment she had been waiting for, right? Now she would know the truth about herself…and Jack. “How do I know that you’ll know what to do? Maybe you are some vanilla male—” She deliberately used one of the catch phrases she’d picked up.
“Trust me, Andy. I know what goes where, and why,” Jack told her with a slow wink of an eye.
Andy suddenly felt hot. Had someone turned off the air conditioning? Perhaps she’d had too much to drink.
Jack interrupted her thoughts. “They’ll probably have a contract for people to use and, of course, there are safe words.”
Butterflies were dive-bombing in her stomach. “All right,” she spoke quickly before she could change her mind. “I’ll do it.”
“Hey, what are you two talking about?”
It didn’t take long for the other three couples to agree.
* * * * *
After the auction, all the slaves, even those bought in private agreements, of which there appeared to have been qui
te a few, were brought up on the stage. Each Master, and then each slave, or sub, were called. The Master, or Mistress, had been given the opportunity to buy a collar, and at this point the sub was “collared” and chained, to be led off the stage. Off-stage the contract was signed by both parties, during which a safe word was decided upon and added to the contract.
Andy stood with her three friends, waiting for their names to be called. There had been a moment when Peter had approached her, bemoaning the fact he could not bid, but was very polite and gracious.
“Gayle G.”
The girls stopped talking when Gayle was called forward.
Ray was there waiting, and he grinned the whole time he put a narrow black collar around her neck and then attached a silver link chain woven with black velvet ribbon.
Liz turned and smiled. “The black velvet was a nice touch.”
Gayle’s outfit was a black vest and trousers. With her dark hair, she looked good.
Liz had her dark auburn hair pulled back into a high ponytail, with curls spilling down. She had gone to one of the shops and purchased an outfit. It was red leather, sleeveless and laced down the sides, but showed a gap of several inches of skin on the sides. The skirt was tight to her knees and slit straight up the front, just shy of indecent.
Mark’s eyes almost popped out of his head when he first saw the usually quiet, sedate chemistry professor.
Danny, Tony and Jack had all expressed their surprise and appreciation, as well. They also applauded the other women’s outfits as well, but Andy’s won hands down. She was wearing a leather bustier, with a leather thong, black lace-top stockings, of which the right one boasted a small red rose, and black high heels. Her breasts were mounded up high, resting on a special shelf inside the bustier. When the breakaway was removed, her breasts were displayed as if placed on a tray because sewn into the edge of the shelf, was black lace.
Ruthie rented a French maid’s outfit and Danny had not been able to take his eyes off her. She was called next and received a collar that was black velvet with a miniscule white lace edging. Her leash was black silk ribbons.
Liz was called next and received a beautiful red leather collar and silver chain link leash. Mark swung her around before they reached the table where they signed the contract and sent her giggling.
When Andy’s name was called and she started walking towards Jack, there were a number of “whoops” and catcalls, along with people applauding. Obviously, Andy decided, they liked her outfit. Reaching Jack, she smiled, waiting for her collar.
He pulled something from his suit pocket. He didn’t show it to her first as the other guys had, but instead he fastened the thick gold herringbone chain around her neck, fastening it in front, where it clicked shut with a tiny lock. The key hung down the front from a small, fine chain. There was a small circlet, where he hooked the thick gold curb-link chain.
Jack turned, without saying a word, and led the way to the contract. The safe word was set, and they both received a copy of the contract. They joined their friends.
“Now what?” Ray asked.
“There’s a party…ow!” Andy stopped abruptly. A light smack on one cheek caught her attention.
“My submissive only speaks with permission,” Jack told her softly.
Andy felt something inside of her twitch. It surprised her how quickly Jack had gotten into this. “Ja—” she stopped abruptly. “Master, may I speak?” she finished her question softly.
“Yes, Andrea, you may.”
Andy froze at the sound of her full name being spoken by Jack. It sounded so much sexier than her nickname. She swallowed quickly. “There is a party for all owners and slaves.”
At the party, Andy got her first real glance at the inside. Nearly all the slaves, or subs, were either standing behind their Master, or kneeling at their feet. Many had part of their outfits removed to bare their breasts. As soon as Andy saw that, she wondered if Jack would remember the way her bustier could be broken down. She didn’t fancy that!
Jack sent her off to fetch him a drink as they all stood, watching the comings and goings of the others. She and Gayle went together, and when they returned, Ray and Jack led them to a quiet corner where two comfortable chairs were arranged side by side. Jack took the silk pillow from his chair and tossed it down. Pointing to it, he directed her. “You may sit there.”
Andy started to sit when the leash tightened. She saw him lift one eyebrow and she realized she’d forgotten something. “Thank you, Master,” she murmured, sitting next to his chair.
Ray duplicated Jack’s actions, flushing a little as he did so.
Andy glanced at Gayle, who now sat on the same side as she. Her friend appeared a little miffed at the experience. She could imagine that being submissive was something her friend, as a physician, had rarely encountered, if ever.
As for herself, she wasn’t altogether sure how she felt. She remembered what she’d heard in one of the lectures about submissive service. Her role in public was to be attentive to her Dominant’s needs and desires. She had a joyful task to demonstrate, through her attitude and demeanor, and that was to ensure the Dom’s needs came first.
But some considered the private appearance equally, if not more important. Frowning, she recalled one woman had said the ability to “take a heavy beating” and reach arousal, or not break, did not prove you were a good sub. Instead, what mattered was whether you could say you were as good a slave to your Dom during the quiet moments as when he was giving you what you craved?
The whole idea of pain and punishment made her cringe, or she believed it did. She’d never experienced pain intended to arouse, and its culmination was in a climax. Of course, that was the private stuff, or in a pre-orchestrated scene. In her mind though, the private stuff was very important, if you were thinking about long-term.
Andy stiffened. Where the hell had that idea come from? Long-term? Nobody here had talked anything beyond this cruise. The next day, she’d be saying goodbye to all of them once more. This had all been fun and she couldn’t deny that. But none of this echoed her normal life, not in any way. More importantly, could Jack possibly be in her future? She’d never imagined it in her wildest daydreams regarding this cruise. Perhaps the fat girl still lived inside her, and she’d only been fooling herself all this time. Was her subconscious beginning to think long-term, with Jack?
It was possible, she guessed. They were both single, and unattached. Sexually, they certainly sparked. In college they had talked about everything, up until the spring break incident. Jack had been her best friend. Would he want to be her lover upon their return?
After all, there were still the times she reached for the ice cream. She couldn’t forget that fact. No matter how much talking it through with a therapist, journaling her thoughts and emotions, and making changes in her life and eating patterns, sometimes the little fat girl remained.
Gentle as a kiss, she felt Jack’s hand touch her hair. As she felt the caress across the back of her head, she was just as aware as if it were her skin he stroked. His hand moved down the back of her head until he reached the velvety super-short pelt at the back. That’s when everything changed. His fingers began rubbing up, the opposite direction the hair grew, and all her nerve endings flared like firecrackers. Her body shook visibly, and she knew that with this touch—he controlled her.
A moment later, she knew he had felt it as well when his fingers paused until the shiver stopped. As soon as she was in control, he began the sensual tease once more. Andy could feel her pussy flooding as her passion shot forth, like superheated lava from an erupting volcano.
God!
She needed—
Jack’s hand moved away. “I don’t think you saw the interesting thing about Andy’s costume, Ray.”
Andy jerked her head around to stare at Jack. She pleaded with him silently, yet she also knew one of the primary things about submissiveness was feeling embarrassed and sometimes even humiliated, while in public. She did wonder
if this was payback for her not telling about her writing…and going to dinner with Duke.
“Andrea. Please remove the special inserts on your top and pass them to me.” Jack held out his hand.
By his action, Andy guessed he had no doubt he would be disobeyed. She couldn’t stop her erratic breathing, partly due to nervousness, but also she knew some of it was excitement. Looking down at her already burgeoning bosoms, she pulled them off together, guessing that was how he would prefer it, more dramatic, she thought. Immediately, her breasts sprang free, the lightweight gold chain between the gold rings wiggled wildly.
“Holy shit!”
“Oh my God, Andy!”
Jack touched her hair again. “Andy, I want you to readjust your breasts, so they are propped on the shelf to show them off better.”
Andy paused for a moment. His words reminded her that she had wanted to try some of different activities with him—
“Andy! If you refuse, it will go into your punishment book.”
She stiffened and then brought up her hands. Andy lifted one breast and then slid it more fully onto the small piece of leather, which extended from the bottom of the bodice. Its slightly bowed convex shape pushed her breast higher. She heard Ray gasp as she completed the second side more quickly.
“Wow!” A second later, “Ow!” Ray leaned over and was rubbing his right lower leg.
Andy glanced at Gayle and even though the other woman was looking down, there was a smile on her face. Andy almost laughed. Most likely, it should have been Ray receiving a collar tonight, instead of Gayle. She wondered if this exercise would change her friends’ relationship. Abruptly, her thoughts stopped as she felt Jack’s hand resume its slow stroking over her clipped nape. With only a few caresses, her body reacted once more. The shiver that shook her this time caused her breasts to jiggle enough to set the little chain swinging.
Gayle stood abruptly, pulling Ray up with her hand. As if she were making him speak, Ray grimaced as he opened his mouth. “Well, I guess we are leaving for the night. Good night, Jack…oh, good night, Andy.”
