She takes me all the way down to the ocean, and indeed, the salty air and water swirling around my feet takes care of my grumpiness. Ibuprofen does the same with any physical pains.
“It’s weird,” I say. “I know I was going to meet the others at some point. It just seems like we’ve been together for a long time. It’s been pretty intense so far.”
“That’s the point. You’re going to meet Quinn and her mentor, and around week five or six, we’re going to have her over for a test.”
“You’re saying that with a straight face.”
Elizabeth shrugs. “She’s gone through the same training as you have. You’re going to have an opportunity to show what you’ve learned.”
“I thought I already did that.”
“With me, yes, you passed with flying colors. Quinn is doing well, too, but you get familiar with your mentor. At some point, you have to let go and be able to focus on another person.”
“Wow. I’m going to be a sexual genius.” As soon as I said the words, I wince at an unpleasant twinge that pokes through the cocoon of painkillers. Yeah, in a while, but not for a few days.
“They’re going to love you,” Elizabeth predicts.
“If you say so.”
She doesn’t answer to that, just smiles. It’s not such a bad day after all.
* * * *
We get ready late in the afternoon. I choose a sundress that’s not too tight around the middle, and sandals, pulling my hair back in a ponytail. Elizabeth is wearing white, her dress ending just below the knees. If I wasn’t in this unfortunate temporary situation, I’d change our plans for the evening.
As it is, I hope good food and a glass of wine will distract me.
We walk across the yard, past the main building, to the other side of the estate. I cast a curious look at the sprawling mansion that is Addison’s home. What’s going on behind those doors?
Some of the applicants might have checked other boxes, though I was told that it has no impact on being accepted if you mentioned preferences like discipline, light spankings, or other things. To be honest, I haven’t done about half of the things I agreed to, not because I was afraid of them, but I haven’t found the partner to try them with.
Kimberly, Quinn’s mentor, greets us at the door and welcomes us into the house. Its layout is similar to the one Elizabeth and I inhabit. There are five built in a circle around the mansion.
“Elizabeth, Robin, it’s good to see you. Come in.”
In the living area, Quinn is waiting. In my mind, I call her Miss California. Tall, blonde and tan, she intimidates me. However, when we shake hands, her smile is open and friendly. Maybe I just have to get over myself.
I wonder if she, too, is pondering that we might be performing for Addison one day. Or at which point the other has arrived in their lessons.
Kimberly serves us a fruity crisp white wine for a cocktail. She and Elizabeth start a conversation, while Quinn and I struggle to come up with the adequate words for some small talk. We signed up to be part of a modern day harem. There’s no way this can not be awkward.
“You started week three, right?” Quinn asks. “It’s been pretty amazing, but wow, that first week was torture.”
I can’t deny it. I cast a quick glance at Elizabeth before I answer.
“Yeah. When did you start?”
“I’m in the middle of week three. The best so far,” she says with a wink. “Although, I liked the second too. I sure learned a lot.”
I think of the cherry-flavored lubricant, blush, and quickly take a sip of my wine.
“I suppose we might see each other around,” I venture.
“Yes. Have you ever been inside the main house? It’s huge. I look forward to actually being a part of it all.”
“What did you do before you came here?” I ask, curious.
“I was a stock broker. I got tired of the numbers.”
I am too much taken off guard by her answer to find any words, and the next moment, Kimberly asks us to the table. Somehow I imagined everyone applying for a place in the harem would be someone like me, not poor, but definitely hoping for a better financial future. Why did they accept me? Why her? I guess I will have my answer once I meet Addison.
* * * *
Tea, massages, painkillers, chocolate—Elizabeth provides me with everything necessary to make it through another unwelcome visitor of the month. I love her for her patience, but I’m starting to get restless.
“The other woman, who was that? Another protégée for the harem?” I ask. Week three was off to such a great start. I pretty much forgot about the woman I caught Elizabeth with, but now that I have to wait, I want to know if she’s been here meanwhile. Elizabeth doesn’t need to follow any rules outside of her relationship with me.
“She used to be. You’re allowed to visit your mentor if it’s cleared with everybody, but frankly, it doesn’t happen that often.”
“Why did it happen with her?”
A shrug. “Means and opportunity. I don’t know. I guess I was a bit nervous about you.”
“Why?” I ask, baffled.
“I wasn’t sure you’d stay, and…I wanted you to. Addison will love you.”
“That’s encouraging.”
“I’m not just saying that. I was wrong. You’ll fit in perfectly.”
“Does she have a type? I mean…I don’t look like Quinn at all.”
“It’s not just about looks. Why do you think the questionnaire is so long?”
She has a point there. Addison puts her applicants under a microscope, and that’s before day one of the training starts.
“Okay. In any case I’m glad we can continue tomorrow.”
“Me too,” Elizabeth says. The longing tone of her voice makes me think that she hasn’t seen the other girl since the last time after all.
* * * *
With a bit of an unwanted delay, week three of my training—technically week four on the calendar—continues. We practice with the different types of dildos, materials, various vibrating devices, that I read about the other week. I am more than eager now that I know what Elizabeth can do for me, but she notices even the tiniest bit of discomfort, making me take a break when I’m a bit sore.
“Oh come on, I’m fine. I might even break a record today.”
“That is not what we’re after, remember?”
“If it’s not, why are you dangling all these shiny objects in front of me?”
She makes a face, and I grin, sitting up in bed. “I get it, not the best metaphor. They are shiny though. And they fit me nicely.”
“You’re a handful today.”
“I’m horny and you’re not doing anything about it.”
“Maybe you need to be reminded of how to take it slow.”
She’s so quick, I don’t even notice the cuffs until it’s too late and I’m tethered to the bed.
“That works,” I affirm.
“I’m glad, because you’ll be in them for a little while.” She blindfolds me as well.
“Your safe word?”
I don’t have to think about it for long. “Grapes. Sour grapes if you don’t do anything soon.”
Even her laughter is turning me on in this hyper-sensitive, vulnerable state. The mattress shifts slightly, but she is not touching me.
“What’s going on?”
I jump at the sound of the vibrator, but it’s not doing anything for me. Instead, I hear her breathing change, a sigh turning into a moan.
“Really?”
“Patience. It’s a lesson you need to remember every once in a while. You’re ready when I say you are.”
“Fuck. You can’t be serious.”
She is, though, enjoying whatever she is doing at the moment with that buzzing object.
“There’s no reason for you to be grumpy anymore.”
She has no idea. While she’s enjoying herself, I can’t touch her, I can’t feel what she feels, and I know, it’s so good…Taking a deep breath, I
try to calm myself. Right. It’s all part of the game, pardon me, the training.
I read about this once.
Orgasm denial.
I can tell from the movement on the bed that she got hers.
“Grapes. Please. I’m good.”
“Well done, baby,” she praises me in a warm, sated voice. “Is it okay to leave the cuffs and the blindfold, or do you want them off?”
“They can stay if you please don’t keep me hanging any longer.”
No, I don’t sound whiny. This is serious negotiation.
“You’ll be okay,” she whispers softly. I sigh in relief when she’s on top of me, moving against me, warm, wet.
I like it better when she’s like that because of me.
But week three is mine.
She works her way down my body, butterfly kisses, soft brushes of lips and tongue until she’s right where I need her—and she has all the control.
* * * *
In the beginning, time seemed to have slowed down, almost to a halt. All of a sudden, the days are flying by. Week four. Elizabeth stays in bed with me one night, spooning me. After a while, her breathing deepens. I don’t dare move, amazed at the feel of her arms around me. I don’t want her to go.
I want time to stop.
I’m not even sure if I want to be with Addison, but of course I’d never tell Elizabeth, because…This would be ridiculous, all the time and money invested in me, the time I invested…no. I’m going to be in a harem, sex and sweets and grapes, and so much of it that I won’t have time to think of this moment.
It’s going to be beautiful, and in six months or later, I’ll return to reality a rich woman.
The present moment feels deceptively beautiful…and rich.
* * * *
“Quinn and Sophia are going to come over tonight.”
We have breakfast in the sunlit kitchen. Elizabeth appears restless as she stands at the counter, drinking her coffee.
“That’s tonight. You can sit down to eat? Wait, who’s Sophia?”
Elizabeth has been sleeping in my bed every night of the past week. We haven’t talked about it. I don’t think it’s necessary. Too many words could only mess up a good thing.
“Sophia’s from another house. She and Quinn will partner with you for the test.”
“What’s it going to be like?”
I’m not sure how I feel about it, but for sure, I’m not going to break my contract. Quinn seemed nice enough. All the applicants have been thoroughly vetted, and we all want the same thing, so it will be safe, physically and emotionally. Right?
More than anything, I trust Elizabeth to keep me safe. If she said yes to this, it’s going to be all right. I pull back from my meandering thoughts, returning to the present.
“Elizabeth?”
“There’s nothing you have to worry about,” she says, finally pulling herself a chair. “Part of this is your ability to adapt to different situations. You’ll see. It’s going to be all right.”
“Are you all right?” I ask, and she gives me a wry smile.
“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re doing great. I’m going to get the teacher of the year trophy.”
“There’s such a thing?”
“No, there’s no such thing.” At least, her laughter seems genuine. “Finish up here. We’re going to do a light routine for the workout, and you can skip the imagery for today.”
I take a sip of freshly pressed orange juice. Except from that one-day chocolate craving for obvious reasons, my diet has been amazing. I wonder if I could keep it up on the outside, in an environment that will come with much more stress…Then again, once I leave, I won’t have any monetary worries.
“Okay. Kimberly will be there too? And the other mentor?”
“No. Tonight, it will be just the four of us.”
For some reason, that makes me blush hotly. With everything we’ve done, adding a couple more people shouldn’t be this big, should it?
“I’ll be observing,” Elizabeth clarifies.
I shake my head, laughing. “I love it when you talk about these things like it’s something people do every day.”
“Well, it actually is something people do every day. Now hurry up, we have lots to do.”
* * * *
Elizabeth wasn’t kidding. After workout and shower, she gives me a long, sensual massage. I’m not sure if I want to nap or climax or both, but there’s no time for either. The memory of her hands on my body sends shivers down my spine, but she won’t go any further.
Do the other women go through the same preparations at the hands of their mentors right now?
As time goes by, I get a little more nervous—after all, this is a new level of exposure. Elizabeth, while doing my hair, snaps at me.
“Could you sit still for five seconds?”
“Sorry.” I don’t take offense, imagining that there’s something on the line for her as well. There might not be a trophy, but possible competition among mentors, about who produces the perfect harem girl, happy, pliant, ready to please, and be pleased if that’s what Addison wants.
Eleven other women. Not all of them made it into the main house for a six-month’s life of leisure. I’m going to have to perform tonight.
I’m not sure if Elizabeth is more worried about me or her, and that worries me.
For the occasion, I am wearing a white wrap-around dress, no bra, just a slip—there’s no need to pretend.
We will all have dinner together after the test. I wonder if we’ll all be naked. Elizabeth chuckles when I share that idea with her.
“No naked dinner,” she says. “You’ll have enough time to put on some clothes.” My success doesn’t last—she goes back to fussing and brooding.
At precisely five minutes to four, the doorbell rings.
Miss California—Quinn—hugs me. “Hi Robin. I’m so glad we’re finally here.”
Sophia, the other woman, gives me a more reserved smile. She, too, is stunningly beautiful, and I’m having one of those moments where I wonder if I lost my mind thinking this could ever work out for me.
But there’s no denying I’m good with my hands, and my tongue. That has to count for something.
For the occasion, Elizabeth has prepared another room in the house. A panoramic window gives a lovely view of the ocean in the distance, but I don’t think anyone pays attention. Everyone’s focus is on the huge bed in the center of it.
Elizabeth’s expression is somber.
“Okay, ladies, there are two parts to this test. The first one is sort of staged, and I’ll give you instructions in a minute. For the second one, get creative. You have all been successful in your lessons so far. Impress me.”
Perhaps she thinks her business-like tone makes it easier on all of us, but I don’t feel that way. In fact, I’m not sure what to think of the situation.
I exchange a questioning look with the two others. We all wait for the instructions.
“Robin, you go first,” she says. “Take off your clothes, lie down. Feet to the headboard.”
I want to be in a harem. I can’t get self-conscious now, can I? I comply quickly, lying on the bed as per her instructions.
“Quinn, get up here.”
Quinn strips out of her own dress and bikinis, and joins me, settling between my legs. Being in this position is odd, vulnerable, and it would be more exciting if Elizabeth wasn’t so clearly unhappy with it. Much as I understand, time is not coming to a halt. I like her. I’m madly attracted to her, and maybe there’s a hint of more…It doesn’t matter. We couldn’t go anywhere from here, so why pretend?
Sophia, now naked as well, lies by my side and starts caressing my breasts.
Quinn’s hands are on my thighs, parting them further. I imagine Addison lounging in an armchair, watching, while we have no idea what her intention might be. She might be joining in, or pick one of us.
Fingertips brush my clit, gliding between the lips of my sex, probing.
“Robin, ope
n your eyes, please.”
It’s not Addison at this point, of course, and Elizabeth doesn’t do this for her pleasure. She stands leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest, her expression unreadable. I want to do well for her. I want Addison to know that she’s done a great job.
I want Elizabeth to know that I cherish every experience we’ve shared, and that there’s a difference from my body reacting to the stimulation it receives from Miss California’s skilled tongue. I try to imagine the image Elizabeth has in front of her, and wonder if it’s arousing her. Maybe I’ll be able to take advantage of that later?
The fantasy of taking care of her tonight after our guests have gone home makes my own arousal spike, and Quinn’s unrelenting actions lead to results.
The next task is for Quinn and me to tease Sophia with everything we’ve learned so far. Feather light touches, just a quick flick of the tongue, a brush of the soft fabric before we tie her wrists together and blindfold her. Her safe word is marshmallows. We have no time to speculate on the origin.
I got a bit agitated with Elizabeth when she did it to me, but I have to admit it’s a power trip to be on the other side. Sophia whimpers, helpless underneath the tender caresses, denied release every time she comes close. A brief contact with the vibrator, then Quinn presses it against my clit instead. I gasp, taken off guard, but ready and willing once more.
Sophia moans in frustration. I cast a quick look at Elizabeth, hoping for some praise. She looks pensive, as if what we’re doing isn’t all that important to her.
I take the vibrator from Quinn and, using the highest setting, stroke Sophia with it until she orgasms, crying out with relief. If I broke protocol here, so be it. Surely there’s a difference between erotic and cruel, even considering we all signed contracts?
“Very good,” Elizabeth says, though I’m not certain she actually means it. “Take a breath, think about what you want to do.”
Harem Page 4
