Dramatic Affairs

by Fredrica Alleyn

  For the next half-hour she and Rebecca forced Christopher to kneel, crouch, grovel and even crawl around the room. Every time he was too slow to respond to their instructions, or if Rebecca considered that he was too close to coming, he would be struck firmly on each of his buttocks in turn with the riding crop.

  Eventually, Rebecca left Christopher in a totally submissive position, kneeling but bending forward with his forehead on the carpet and his hands bound loosely behind him. His knees were spread apart and it was then that Esther had the brilliant idea of sliding her naked body beneath his face so that, although he couldn’t see her, he could feel her breasts pressing against him. In a voice that she scarcely recognised as her own, she ordered him to start licking and sucking at each of her breasts in turn.

  Rebecca applauded silently and as Christopher busied himself obeying Esther’s instructions Rebecca carefully lubricated the middle finger of her right hand and then very gently eased it into his rectum until her knowing fingers located his prostate gland. ‘I’m going to massage this for three minutes,’ she told him in a clear voice. ‘I don’t expect you to come until the three minutes are up, do you understand me?’

  ‘I can’t last that long,’ whimpered Christopher in a plaintive voice.

  ‘If you don’t, you’ll be punished even more severely,’ Rebecca promised him.

  Esther realised that this had only served to heighten his excitement. ‘You’ve stopped licking my breasts,’ she complained, and she heard the riding crop rise and fall as Rebecca punished him for this omission. Immediately Christopher started to lick and suck frantically and suddenly Esther’s whole body shook with a tiny orgasm which she hadn’t even realised was imminent but which had been triggered by his absolute submission to the two women.

  Christopher continued to do as Esther had ordered him while Rebecca remorselessly massaged his highly sensitive prostate gland. It was only then that Esther realised what a long time three minutes was because Rebecca counted the seconds out aloud and, with every one that passed, Christopher groaned and gasped more helplessly. Esther stretched out her right hand and let her fingers brush the purple glans. ‘No! Please don’t do that,’ Christopher begged her. ‘I can’t stand any more. I’ll never last.’

  Esther hadn’t meant to arouse him further; she’d only wanted to see exactly how near to coming he was, but she realised that he was having to use incredible self-control to endure what Rebecca was doing to him.

  Finally, Rebecca was down to the last ten seconds and Christopher was gasping like a man in agony. Despite this Esther could tell that he was more excited than she’d ever seen him. She thought that he wasn’t going to make it as his tongue worked faster and faster on her aching breasts but, finally, the three minutes were up. At the very last second, as Rebecca massaged even more firmly, Christopher came in a series of shuddering jolts. Esther cupped a hand round the end of his erection so that she could catch the hot sticky white fluid.

  When his climax was over Rebecca swiftly removed the binding from around his wrists and Esther removed the scarf that had covered his eyes. He rolled on to his side, sweat pouring down his face, and stared up at the pair of them. ‘You were both fantastic,’ he said enthusiastically. ‘What a night!’

  Within ten minutes he and Rebecca had departed, leaving behind the sexually satisfied but highly confused Esther. She’d never experienced anything like it in her life, and still wasn’t certain that it was something she would want to do again, although it had been incredibly arousing. Unfortunately, the resulting confusion of emotions meant that sleep proved very elusive and, when she awoke the next morning, she knew that she was going to find it very difficult to get through the important opening night.

  Chapter Nine

  As Esther made her way towards the theatre the next morning she met Rebecca on the landing. The other girl gave her a sideways glance but there was no smile or any acknowledgement of what had passed between her, Esther and Christopher during the night. Esther slowed her pace, allowing Rebecca to go on ahead of her. She felt incredibly tired and was reluctant to arrive and begin rehearsing. Suddenly she heard footsteps on the stairs behind her and turning round saw Christopher approaching. He waved and smiled happily at her. Unlike Esther he seemed totally refreshed and full of energy.

  ‘The big day then,’ he said, reaching out and squeezing her round the waist.

  Esther stiffened slightly and Christopher looked at her in surprise. ‘What’s the matter?’

  Esther couldn’t explain. It would be ridiculous for her to try to pretend that she hadn’t enjoyed last night and yet now, in the cold light of day, she knew that what she had witnessed meant that she was no longer particularly attracted to the golden boy of acting. Esther enjoyed equality during sex but she’d never felt any desire to dominate and, although last night had been a highly arousing experience, it wasn’t one she wanted to repeat. Neither had she particularly liked having Rebecca there witnessing her in her most intimate moments. What did surprise her was how quickly her body had responded to what had happened. She wondered if her sexuality was more complex than she’d previously imagined.

  ‘You enjoyed last night, didn’t you?’ continued Christopher as they walked through the beautiful hallway.

  ‘I’d have thought that was obvious,’ said Esther.

  ‘It certainly was!’ Christopher agreed. ‘I thought it would be a great way to celebrate when tonight’s over. Perhaps this time you’d like to come to our room. We’ve got more gadgets and things there and could make it all much more complex this time. What do you say?’

  Esther didn’t know what to say. The truth was that she had absolutely no intention of joining him and Rebecca after the performance. On the other hand she knew that it must appear she was still keen on him if her plan was going to succeed. Quite apart from anything else she needed Christopher to continue helping her with her role, and she also wanted the outside world to think that the pair of them were close. For a fleeting moment she wondered if Marcus was really worth all this effort. Certainly she wanted to prove to him that she was a good stage actress but was it necessary to include a personal relationship with Christopher as well? Finally deciding that it was, that this would hurt Marcus even more than any success she might achieve as an actress, she forced herself to smile back at the waiting Christopher.

  ‘I’m sorry, I’m a bit distracted this morning,’ she confessed.

  ‘First-night nerves,’ said Christopher briskly. ‘You’ll be fine once you get going. Don’t worry, I’ve got every confidence in you.’

  During that morning’s run-through Esther thought that Christopher probably had a lot of time to regret those words because her performance felt flat and stale. Luckily she wasn’t the only one, but they all knew that this was common. For a start, each of them was saving their energy for the evening. There was no point in going for broke when they’d got a full performance to give to a fee-paying audience in a few hours’ time. All this was really just a form of reassurance both for them and for Christopher and George, who had undertaken the role of deputy director since Christopher was on stage for such a great deal of the play.

  When they broke up for lunch Christopher gave a few final notes but they were only minor ones. He told them all that they were marvellous and that he just knew it was going to be tremendous. They were free to do what they liked until six that evening, by which time they had to be in their dressing room.

  Rosie asked Esther if she would like to join her, Noel and Michael at the local pub and she agreed because she didn’t want to be alone with Christopher and Rebecca. Just as they were setting off, since it was within walking distance, Theresa suddenly barred Esther’s path.

  ‘I hope you’re satisfied,’ said the red-haired girl angrily. ‘What’s your problem? Are you trying to prove that Marcus made a mistake or something?’

  ‘What’s all this about?’ asked Noel in surprise.

  ‘You’d better ask Esther.’ Theresa spat out the words
.

  ‘No, I’m asking you,’ said Noel.

  ‘It’s only that Esther’s become very friendly with our director,’ said Theresa. ‘His private tuition extended beyond the play, didn’t you know that?’

  ‘Did it really?’ asked Michael, raising an eyebrow in some amusement. ‘Good for you, Esther. That explains why he talked so gushingly about you to the local press.’

  ‘Did he?’ asked Esther in surprise.

  ‘Sure, I overheard him telling them that you were the most exciting discovery he’d made for years. He was saying that you were going to be one of the great actresses of the next generation.’

  ‘That’s gilding the lily a bit, isn’t it?’ said Rosie, and then she looked apologetically at Esther. ‘Sorry, but you must admit it’s a little over the top.’

  ‘It’s a nightmare,’ said Esther in horror. ‘The way I acted this morning they’ll think he’s off his head.’

  ‘He probably is,’ said Theresa shortly. ‘What did you do to ensnare him?’

  ‘I really don’t see what business it is of yours,’ said Esther, trying to push past the other girl.

  ‘Don’t lie,’ said Theresa angrily. ‘You know perfectly well that he and I have been lovers.’

  ‘Darling,’ drawled Noel, ‘we honestly aren’t that interested in who you’re sleeping with. It could have been anyone, except me that is.’

  ‘You or Michael,’ said Theresa spitefully. ‘You always share a girl, don’t you? What’s the matter, can’t one of you satisfy a woman on your own?’

  Rosie giggled. ‘Yes they can,’ she said enthusiastically. ‘It’s just that they’re so generous they like to give double helpings of pleasure.’

  ‘I’m sure you know,’ retorted Theresa.

  ‘Oh yes,’ Rosie readily agreed. ‘I know and it’s totally delightful. You’re just jealous, that’s your trouble. Anyway, Rebecca’s Christopher’s full-time girlfriend so you can only ever have been a bit on the side.’

  ‘Well, what does that make Esther then?’ Theresa demanded.

  Rosie and the two men glanced at Esther, waiting for her to answer. ‘I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about,’ said Esther, and at last she managed to push past the angry girl and continue walking down the long drive of The Small House.

  Once they were in the pub she knew that she was going to have to say something to the other three. Rosie had been totally honest with her and, although they didn’t particularly like Theresa, none of them would think she’d have said what she had if there wasn’t any truth in it.

  ‘Here you are,’ said Noel cheerfully, placing a large plate of assorted sandwiches in the middle of the table while Michael handed round the drinks. ‘Eat as much as you can; you won’t feel like eating tonight.’

  Esther knew this was true. She always felt horribly sick before performing. It was only afterwards that she became starving. ‘About what Theresa said,’ she remarked awkwardly.

  ‘Oh yes, do tell,’ said Michael eagerly, not making any pretence at lack of interest.

  ‘It’s true that I’m having an affair with Christopher,’ Esther confessed.

  ‘Good for you!’ said Rosie. She exchanged a knowing glance with Esther, remembering how Esther had told her that this was one of her main aims in joining the company.

  Noel pulled a doubtful face. ‘Are you sure he’s the right one for you? I’d have thought he was far too self-centred, and he’s never faithful to anyone. Let’s face it, Rebecca’s meant to be his girlfriend and it looks as though he’s been knocking off Theresa and you behind her back.’

  Esther didn’t like to tell them that it wasn’t exactly behind Rebecca’s back. ‘I know it isn’t anything serious,’ she assured him. ‘It’s just one of those things.’

  ‘Well as long as it keeps you happy,’ said Michael. ‘I did think your performance had improved a lot.’

  ‘But not today,’ said Esther, the corners of her mouth turning down.

  ‘Today doesn’t count,’ Rosie assured her. ‘We were all hopeless today, even Christopher. He fluffed his lines several times and that’s never happened before.’

  ‘It won’t happen tonight,’ Noel said firmly. ‘Both he and Damon are far too professional to allow that.’

  ‘What I’m nervous about,’ said Michael, ‘is Theresa’s performance as Madge. I’m the one who’s on stage with her when she’s ranting on about socialism and equality, and if the main thing on her mind’s really Christopher and who he is or isn’t bonking then I hardly think she’s going to deliver one of the greatest performances of all time. If she starts vamping me again I don’t know what I’ll do.’

  ‘Cut and run,’ suggested Noel with a laugh. ‘The audience will probably sympathise with you.’

  They all laughed and after that the conversation became more general as they discussed what kind of an audience they might get, whether the local press reviews would be kind to them, and how the following night’s potted Macbeth would go.

  ‘I think Macbeth’s going to be very interesting,’ said Noel as they got ready to return to The Small House. ‘Nicholas is playing Banquo as though he were Macbeth and Christopher’s going to have to pull out all the stops to match him.’

  ‘That’s because Nick feels he ought to have been given Macbeth,’ explained Esther. ‘He is rather being left out of things. Christopher must have taken him on for a reason but he isn’t going to have much to do. Apart from the Shakespeares he isn’t in anything.’

  ‘You could hardly put him in anything by Coward, could you?’ said Michael. ‘The trouble with Nick is he doesn’t accept his own limitations. He’s very good indeed at the things he’s good at, if you get my meaning. The problem is he wants to be brilliant at everything and it just isn’t possible for him. Personally, I know my place only too well. Parts like Gerald I can do standing on my head. I look right, I speak right, and the way I see it I should be able to maintain a steady if not spectacular career for a long time in these kinds of roles.’

  ‘What about when you get old?’ asked Rosie.

  ‘I shall retire gracefully and set up an agency,’ said Michael. ‘Then I shall concentrate on gorgeous nubile young actresses and finding them parts. I shall take great pleasure in that and with any luck so will they!’

  ‘I’m sure there are rules against agencies like that,’ said Esther with a smile.

  ‘By then there won’t be any rules about anything,’ said Michael. ‘The whole country will be flooded with young actors and actresses coming out of drama school and they’ll be so desperate for an agent they won’t care if I’m legit or not. Seriously though, I do think I shall set up as an agent in the end once I’ve made enough contacts and the parts start drying up.’

  ‘The parts start drying up much sooner for women,’ said Rosie. ‘It really isn’t fair but men improve with age and women get discarded, certainly as far as films and television are concerned. As for the stage, well there just aren’t that many parts for older women.’

  ‘You poor thing,’ said Noel, patting her on the head as though she were a dog. ‘I’m sure it won’t matter to you, Rosie, You’ll be married with about half a dozen children by then.’

  ‘I don’t want half a dozen children!’ said Rosie in horror.

  ‘Well, you’re so dizzy you’ll probably have them anyway,’ laughed Noel.

  Having lunch with the three of them lifted Esther’s spirits considerably and she felt much more cheerful. She was grateful that she didn’t meet any of the rest of the cast as she made her way back to her room. Once there she lodged a chair firmly under the door handle and then lay down for a rest. When she awoke at four thirty she had a bath in the old-fashioned enamel bathtub and then started to prepare herself mentally for the evening that lay ahead.

  It never ceased to surprise her how the hour from six to seven before a play would go very slowly but then the last half-hour, when you could hear the audience taking their seats and the hum of their voices rising steadily, flew by s
o that one minute you had endless time ahead of you and then suddenly you were expected to go out there and start performing.

  She’d exchanged first-night cards with all the members of the cast and particularly liked her one from Damon. It was a picture card of an old-fashioned music hall singer, blonde and not dissimilar in appearance to Esther. It was titled A Bird in a Gilded Cage and Esther smiled to herself. She didn’t keep all her cards but collected the few that she found particularly unusual or striking and decided that this was definitely one for her collection.

  All too soon came the call for beginners and Esther made her way slowly to the wings. She wasn’t the first to go on; Ellie and Rebecca had to open the play then Noel joined them within the first page and Esther was only a few minutes after that. The palms of her hands were damp and her stomach was churning incessantly. She couldn’t wait to begin now, because until she did she knew that her nerves would continue to overwhelm her. All at once she heard Theresa as Madge give her her cue line: ‘Look here, we ought to be starting. Kay, we ought to be starting.’ By the time she’d finished the second sentence Esther was on stage as Kay and the play was finally under way for her.

  Afterwards she could never quite believe just how great a disaster her performance had been. It was probably her worst ever and the reason was that every time her eyes met Rebecca’s or Christopher’s she was catapulted back to the events of the night before. She could even feel the pair of them, feel their lips taking food from her naked flesh, and Rebecca’s fingers insinuating their way between her thighs. She couldn’t understand why it was impossible for her to drive these thoughts away and concentrate instead on the play, but she simply couldn’t and the result was mortifying.