by Jane Henry
Meredith noted that Annalise didn’t even pull out her menu, but sat at the table with her hands folded in front of her and her eyes twinkled.
“Not going to eat?” Meredith asked.
Annalise looked shy for a moment. “Oh, I will,” she said. “But Winston usually orders for me.”
“Ohh,” Meredith said with a smile. “That’s kind of hot.”
Annalise giggled, and Paolo raised an eyebrow at Meredith. “You think everything’s hot,” he said. “If you didn’t, we wouldn’t be here.”
Meredith smiled shyly. He had a point. It was her insistence on reading the kinky books she’d found online that had pushed her to join the forum to begin with, and how she and Paolo had begun to pursue a lifestyle of dominance and submission. If she hadn’t read the books—and Paolo hadn’t stepped up and chosen to be her dominant—if she didn’t obey him, and they hadn’t…
Paolo’s hand reached out and engulfed hers. “Let’s not go there,” he said softly, as Annalise and Winston spoke to each other quietly. “We’re here now. And that’s what matters. Don’t worry about what could’ve been.” A slow smile spread across his face. To her surprise, he reached for her menu and tugged it away. “That’s what I want you to do this weekend, honey,” he said low so that only she could hear. “Keep your eyes on me.”
Meredith marveled at his ability to read her thoughts as she fought with the emotions that threatened to overtake her. She was curious as to what he meant about the weekend. Did he have another weekend planned for her? A few months ago, he had insisted on a weekend focused on her learning to submit to him, and it had been a turning point for them as a couple. However, she was also pleased as she saw him tuck her menu behind his. A small gesture, the slightest insistence on taking control… and, as she usually felt when he did such things, she felt both the initial resistance, as well as the immediate attraction to his dominance.
Their waitress approached them, placing a basket of rolls on the table. She was a woman about Meredith’s age, her dark haired pulled up in a bun and glasses perched on her nose. She held a notepad and pen, ready to take their orders.
“Welcome,” she said. “Can I start you all off with some drinks?”
“I’m ready to order,” Paolo said, with a glance to Winston. “You?”
Winston nodded, folding their menus.
“I’ll take the rib eye done medium well, au gratin potatoes, and green beans on the side,” Paolo said. “And my girl will have the grilled chicken with rice pilaf. What other vegetables do you have?” he asked.
“Squash, broccoli, and sautéed spinach.”
“She’ll take the spinach,” he said. The waitress paused and gave Meredith a quick glance, but Meredith merely smiled as Paolo continued.
“I’ll have the vanilla house porter,” he said, “and she’ll have the chocolate stout. And water for us both as well, please with a wedge of lemon for my wife.”
The waitress nodded, noting his order, and as she turned to Winston, Meredith leaned over and whispered in Paolo’s ear. “Good job, babe,” she said. “Is this like, a new thing now?”
He reached a hand out and squeezed her thigh, but his eyes were smiling. “What’d I say about living in the moment, brat?”
“Yes, sir,” she whispered, and she knew the smile she sent him was suggestive, which was exactly what she was aiming for. He squeezed harder, and she bit her lip to avoid squealing out loud.
The waitress walked away, and Annalise leaned across the table to speak to Meredith.
“Be good,” Annalise said teasingly to Meredith. “It gets a lot easier after a while. Well, except when it doesn’t.”
Meredith snorted. “You think she caught on to anything?”
“Who, the waitress?” Annalise asked. “Gosh, maybe. I don’t even notice anymore. But it’s fine, either way.”
Winston passed her a plate with a buttered roll. She took it, murmuring her thanks, and Meredith noticed Paolo offered her the same. She hadn’t even noticed he’d gotten one for her, but she was grateful.
“Not exactly like I’m pulling her across my knee and spanking her,” Winston said, and Annalise gasped.
“Winston!”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Paolo said. “Ordering food for you isn’t quite as obvious as spanking your ass, or announcing you’re getting paddled for being a naughty little girl.”
“Paolo!” Meredith said.
“Okay, it is clearly time to change the subject,” Annalise said, looking to Winston with raised eyebrows. He nodded. Annalise pulled a small golden box from under the table.
“There’s another reason we came,” she said. “We have a special delivery, too.”
“Just in time for your anniversary, I think?” Winston asked, as he pulled the box over and cradled it in his hands. He offered the box to Meredith and Paolo.
Meredith looked to Paolo, unsure if she was the one who was supposed to take it, or Paolo. Paolo nodded his consent, and she took the box gingerly.
“Open it, baby,” Paolo ordered.
With trembling hands, she lifted the lid. Her eyes filled with tears again as she looked at the finely made silver chain. It was sturdy, with the smallest trace of an infinity knot that covered a subtle locking clasp.
“Is this what I think it is?” she whispered to Paolo. His eyes focused steadily on her as he nodded.
“It is,” he said.
Her eyes looked up at Winston. “And you made this?” she asked.
“I did,” he said. “But my little lady designed it. She specializes in the locks,” he said with a chuckle.
Meredith looked to Annalise.
“You do?”
“Oh yeah,” Annalise said with a grin. Meredith loved her grin. Her whole face lit up. “That one is not coming off!”
Meredith smiled softly, fingering the gleaming chain, as she looked at Paolo. “No,” she said. “It’s not coming off. Ever.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
***
When their bellies were full and it was late afternoon, the four of them left the microbrewery. Meredith was sad that her time with her friend had come to an end, or so she thought. So it surprised her when Winston turned to her.
“All right, Meredith,” he said. “You’ll follow me, and do what Paolo says.”
Her eyebrows rose in surprise, and she looked to Annalise, who merely shook her head. “I know as much as you do,” she said. Winston shook his head, and gave Annalise a teasing swat as he led her to the door of their little red sedan, and he opened the door for her to enter.
When Paolo’s chair had been put in the back and the two of them sat alone in the car, Meredith was dying to ask Paolo questions. Would they go to their house now? She hadn’t been prepared for guests, but she could handle having Annalise and Winston over, no doubt. It was a gift, being able to visit with them, and she would take it, every moment. Somehow, Paolo being around Winston made his role as dominant feel even more natural to her, which she liked. They were still growing into their roles, and though she knew over time the two of them would likely fulfill their roles easily, she also knew it would take time to really learn how this lifestyle worked for them.
Paolo cradled the box in his lap, as Winston pulled out of the parking lot, and Meredith followed.
“Do we have a far drive?” she tried hopefully, but he only growled at her.
“Woman,” he warned. She bit her lip to keep from giggling, as she knew that pushing him further wouldn’t end well for her. They drove in silence for a few minutes.
“Are they like what you expected they’d be?” he asked.
“Gosh, totally, but Winston is taller.”
“And Annalise is shorter.”
She snorted. “True. And it’s funny, I always sort of expected that he’d be… I don’t know. Larger than life or something? Oozing bossiness? But he seems like a normal sort of guy, just really take-charge and in control, like you.”
“Oozing bossiness? Take-charg
e and in control?” he teased.
“Well, yeah!”
“Somebody’s so going to end up getting her little bottom spanked before the day is through,” he muttered. “Mark my words.”
She shifted in her seat, as she followed Winston onto the highway.
“I’m being good!” she said. “I didn’t even pout when you said no dessert.”
“Oh, you’ll get your dessert later,” he said, and she wondered if he meant something sweet and decadent, or something else, but this time, she was easily able to push aside any questioning or spiraling, and she just nodded.
“Sounds perfect,” she said.
He nodded. “You’re learning, baby.” He squeezed her hand. “We both are,” he said softly, almost as if to himself.
They drove in silence for a bit, and Meredith still had no idea where they were going. They’d gotten off the highway, off an exit she’d never used before, and she was now following Winston on a long, rambling road that was narrow, and lined on either side by tall pines. Her mind teemed with questions. Were they planning an evening together? Or longer? She hadn’t noticed Paolo putting any bags in the car, but she certainly wouldn’t put it past him. She had heard him going out to the garage when she’d gotten out of the shower earlier that morning.
Yet she managed to keep her questions at bay. And as she did, she felt something strange begin to happen. It started in the restaurant, when he’d taken her menu to order for her. She wanted to grasp it back at first, and look at what they had to offer. However, she’d realized that he knew what she liked, and he knew what she didn’t. It was almost a relief. Instead of poring over the menu and being riddled with indecision, as she was wont to do, she enjoyed her time with her friends. Everything Paolo had ordered for her was perfect, and she’d enjoyed it immensely. And now, being in the car with him, not knowing what their evening or even their weekend held, was challenging at first, but when she thought about the fact that Paolo was in charge, it brought a sort of quiet to her mind. He would take care of her. She wouldn’t have to stress about what to do or where they’d go. She would simply follow.
She thought about how far they’d come, and how far they had to go, as Winston pulled into a large parking lot. At the entrance, a large, wooden sign with gilded letters read Point Hollow Inn. She swallowed, remembering what he’d said in the restaurant.
Live in the moment, and keep your eyes on me.
***
Paolo took a large overnight bag out of the back of the car, as Meredith shook her head and looked to Annalise. “Clearly, I need to freshen up on my observation skills,” she said.
Annalise was so excited she was fairly bouncing on her toes, but before she could speak, Paolo did. “No, little girl, you need to freshen up on your “doing what you’re told” skills,” he said, and Meredith looked at him sharply before she realized he was teasing her.
“Yes, sir,” she said, and he nodded, as she knew he was not just teasing her, but there was a thread of truth in what he’d said.
Winston came to them, holding the handle of a wheelie luggage case, and gestured to the handicapped entrance to the Inn.
“We chose this place on purpose,” Paolo explained, as he took her hand. “It’s the only Bed and Breakfast in New England with handicapped accessibility. We’re in the private suite on the first floor, and Annalise and Winston are all the way upstairs.”
“Ahh,” she said. She wondered how long they’d been planning the whole trip, but simply followed. She would not question, or fear, but enjoy the beauty of being here, with her husband, and her two good friends, with no responsibilities calling to her, no place to go, or people to see. It felt lovely, and it was such a nice day out. The breeze rustled the nearby trees as she pushed Paolo up the ramp, and she heard the cry of a gull. She could smell the salty air, and knew they were close to the coast. Maybe there was a walkway by the beach, and they could go later.
She did wonder, though. When would he fasten the collar on her neck?
As Paolo went ahead of her with Winston, she unconsciously put a hand to her neck, and swallowed. What would it feel like? Would it bother her in her sleep? Would it make her feel connected to him, when she was out at work, out with friends, or running errands, if she tugged on the solid chain? Would it remind her that she was his?
“These two together,” Annalise murmured. “Phew. Girl, we’d better watch our p’s and q’s.”
Meredith snorted. “You’re telling me. Paolo’s never ordered dinner for me.”
“Dominance breeds dominance,” Annalise said, shaking her head. “I swear, Winston stands a foot taller after he’s been on the forum or something.”
“Does submission breed submission?” Meredith asked hopefully.
“Oh, let’s hope so,” Annalise laughed. “I’m not sure I’d want to get in trouble in a place like this.”
“As if there’s a single place you would want to get in trouble?” Meredith joked.
Meredith looked around the inside. It looked like a converted mansion, enormous and ornate, yet comfortable. In the front entrance was a large sitting area, with a glass coffee table and a half-finished jigsaw puzzle that beckoned to be put together. Framed artwork lined the walls, and a burgundy loveseat with carved feet sat beneath an enormous mirror. A tiny desk and phone were nestled at the foot of the enormous wrap-around staircase that Meredith could only assume led to the rented rooms upstairs. She looked behind her.
A small doorway stepped down into a dining room, with a long table in the center. It was set with fine china and wine glasses, and a small bar flanked the furthest corner of the room, a bottle of wine set on ice and small shot glasses and larger tumblers on a shelf sat next to variety of bottles and jars.
Paolo and Winston joined them.
“All right, you two,” Paolo said. “Time to get settled in our rooms, and we’ll join you down here for dinner this evening. Sound good?”
Meredith nodded. She felt tired after the large noontime meal, and a nap and some alone time with Paolo sounded heavenly. Waggling her fingers at Annalise, she followed Paolo to where he led her, a small doorway she hadn’t noticed before, under the enormous staircase.
“Totally private, baby,” he said, as she followed him down the vacated hallway. “So when the lights dim and everyone’s gone to their rooms, no one will hear you scream.”
She nearly tripped, following behind him.
“Paolo!” she hissed.
But he merely chuckled, stopping her in front of the doorway and opening it with a key he held. She opened the door and pushed him in.
“Oooh, Paolo,” she crooned, as they entered the room. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen. The door shut with a click behind them.
To her immediate right was a gold sofa, in front of a small fireplace in the corner.
“It’s a gas fireplace,” Paolo explained. “And projects real heat. So there’s no need for any clothes when we’re in here.” Meredith blinked, and looked at him. Did he want her to strip? Now?
He chuckled. “Later, baby.”
She nodded, as she continued to take in the enormous room. To her right was the sofa and fireplace, and to the left a roll-top desk with an ornate lamp on a small side table. Beyond the sitting area was a king-size bed, but it was low to the ground and clearly built to be handicapped-accessible. She walked past the bed, the rocking chair nestled in the corner, and the large bookshelf laden with books, and took a peek into the bathroom. Gleaming ivory and glass met her eyes, a shower that would be easy for Paolo to use and a large claw-foot tub that put her in mind of the turn of the century. It was all so beautiful, and reminiscent of a time gone by. She felt as if she’d stepped back into another time and century, and the magical feel of the surprise, having met their friends. And the collar…
“Baby?” Paolo called to her. She came out to him.
“It’s gorgeous,” she said. “Gosh, it’s like built for us.”
He smiled and nodded. “It is. Now
strip, and get into bed for a nap.”
She wasn’t quite sure if stripping would leave her ready for a nap, but she would do her level best to do what he said. Her eyes never leaving his, she began the slow stripping away of her clothes, pondering for a brief moment, the significance. She’d not only been stripped of her clothing, but stripped of her fears and worries. Focusing only on obeying him, she’d been stripped of the protective wall she’d built around herself without even realizing she had. And now that she was bared to him, she still felt momentary vulnerability. But one look in his eyes, and all that remained was peace.
***
Meredith knelt. She couldn’t remember later if he even asked her, or if she just knew that she should be kneeling for this. It just felt right.
They’d spent the night enjoying their visit with Annalise and Winston, laughing over dinner and cocktails, and Paolo had even ordered a decadent hot fudge sundae that came with a warmed brownie and homemade fudge sauce. She and Annalise had shared it gleefully like little girls.
It was late now, into the wee hours of the morning, and the entire Inn was still and silent. They both knew what needed to happen.
“It’s time,” Paolo murmured. He sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace, as she knelt in front of him, the heat of the fire licking her naked skin.
“Tip your head forward.” He gestured for her to bend her neck so he could reach.
A shudder went through her as the cold metal hit her skin. It wasn’t cold in the room, but there was something about being on the cusp of something so monumental that made her tremble. She could hardly breathe for the excitement. She intentionally took slow, steady breaths as he fumbled with the clasp. He had a pair of pliers out, which struck her as odd, but he explained that it would be the best way to ensure the clasp would lock securely.
“You unfasten the clasp,” he said. “But once it’s on, I’ll secure it. Then this is not coming off.”
“No, sir,” she murmured. It was not.
She waited what seemed like forever as her head leaned against his knee, her head tipped forward, as he murmured and muttered to himself. She bit her lip to keep from laughing. He was so serious. But when she heard a click, the desire to laugh fled.
