Enthrall

by Vanessa Fewings

  “Thank you, Mia.” Richard gestured for me to step back. “We’ll start slow,” he whispered to her. “No surprises.”

  My stomach churned and I found myself hating her, this rich girl wasting her daddy’s money in ways he surely had no idea about, and she was wearing a wedding ring, for goodness sake.

  I turned away, choking back tears and wanting neither Richard or Courtney to see them. The sound of the lift descending, taking Richard away from me, brought a gut wrenching ache.

  My gaze drifted to my screensaver. The Japanese carp pond Richard had set for me, having known how much I loved the garden, now brought sadness. I remembered him sitting in my chair, the way he’d moved the mouse to reset it. The way he caught me staring, his mouth turning up at the edges in playful amusement.

  I’d taken for granted swimming in his pool last night, not savored every precious second as I should have. I wiped away another rogue tear.

  The entryway elevator rumbled and I readied myself for the challenge of greeting the monsieur and having to tactfully avoid the subject of why I’d declined his gift. Lotte was expected any second but he was early again. Probably hoping for a lesser punishment from his mistress, no doubt.

  Nonchalantly, he strolled toward me.

  He looked startled. “Mon Amie. You look... belle comme le jour!”

  Blinking several times, I tried to understand what he was saying. He’d mistaken my flushed cheeks for arousal, these shudders of emotion I’d failed to suppress, these heavy breaths of distress. I calmed at the thought; we see what we want to see.

  I gestured a wave of thanks to him for the gift I’d not seen since Richard had confiscated it, and elegantly slid through the staffroom door, managing to stifle back sobs until I made it to the spa.

  Where I shrank onto the wooden bench before the Buddha, biting on my hand to quiet my sobs. The thought of Richard sharing his affection with Courtney brought a surge of pain in my chest and I clutched the bench, hating myself for even thinking a romance between us was possible.

  Lotte soon found me. “Mia, what’s going on?”

  My lips trembled and it was too hard to speak.

  “What did the monsieur say to you?” She sat beside me.

  “He thought I had those things in.”

  “That explains his good mood.” She brushed a stray hair out of my face. “Did he upset you?”

  “No.”

  “Then why are you crying?” She held my shoulders. “You’re very flushed. You’re not wearing them, are you?”

  “No.” Wiping my tears away felt like a losing battle.

  “Mia?”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  “When you take your clients into the dungeons...”

  “Yes.”

  “Um...”

  “You’re wondering if we have sex with them?”

  I shot her a surprised look.

  “I read between the lines,” she said. “It’s part of being a little older and a little wiser.”

  With my hand pressed against my chest, I scrunched my shirt up into a ball. She caressed my back, allowing the silence to have its way.

  “I won’t tell anyone,” I muttered.

  “The whole point of domination is holding onto our power. If we have sex with them then we relinquish our control. We never give up our power.” She lowered her gaze. “You’re asking particularly about Richard?”

  “Yes.”

  “Master Richard is quite loveable. It’s his reciprocation that’s uncertain.” She took my hand and squeezed it.

  “I went to his house last night.”

  “He has exquisite taste, doesn’t he?”

  I shot her a look.

  “We’re merely friends, Mia. We’ve known each other a long time.”

  “Please don’t tell him.”

  “Listen, my darling. If you’re looking for love here, you will find it, but not the romance kind. The stick with you through thick and thin, kind. The kind that accepts you for what you are and doesn’t judge you, kind.”

  I hated being so transparent.

  “You’ve thrilled my client.” She arched a perfect brow. “Keep this up and you’ll get a promotion.”

  “I could never do what you do.”

  “Come on.” She guided me to my feet.

  We strolled down the hallway, my hand in hers, my heart racing with fear she was taking me back to parade me in front of the monsieur for his twisted pleasure. Instead, she led me into Richard’s office.

  We stood before the three photographs framed on the wall.

  “What do you see?” she said.

  I stepped closer, my face inches from the photos this time. I moved on to the second, and finally the last, realizing they were all shots of Richard.

  Lotte stood beside me. “To understand just how far Richard is beyond saving you merely have to look at those.”

  “When were they taken?”

  “Last year. That’s new.” She pointed to the one with the shark. “He changes them out every once in a while. He has more at home.”

  “More?”

  “There’s something beautiful about a broken man, don’t you think? Maybe it’s some unspoken promise he’ll become more than he is because of it.”

  Studying her as she looked at the photographs, I tried to make sense of her words. I didn’t like the sound of them.

  “What happened to him?” I said softly.

  “More pain than most of us face in a lifetime.”

  “What kind?”

  “The private kind.”

  “Please don’t tell Richard I asked what you do down there?”

  “Of course. And we won’t let him know we were in here either,” she said. “You’re our Mia.”

  My gaze found the photos again and I wondered how I’d missed it.

  “I must get back to the monsieur,” said Lotte. “I’ll tell him you were overcome with pleasure. He’ll like that.” She winked at me and reached out, easing a lock of hair behind my shoulder. “Nothing good can come from falling in love with a man who’s incapable of loving you back.”

  I’d totally embarrassed myself.

  She kissed my forehead. “Mistress Scarlet would like a word with you.”

  Lotte left, a delicate waft of perfume trailing behind her.

  My gaze roamed over Richard’s neatly organized desk, his collection of contradicting ornaments, the Buddha, those crystal champagne flutes, those thumb screws, as well as the leather sofa I’d never seen him sit on.

  Having never experienced these feelings flittering in my chest before, I wondered if it was too late for me.

  MISTRESS SCARLET’S OFFICE reminded me of a French coffee shop.

  It was all bright colors and big flashy prints of Parisian streets. Everything in here screamed of well-travelled and worldly. There was a chocolate colored couch in the corner, with several blue and brown chenille throws strewn over it and tasseled pillows lined along the seat. Beside it rested a spanking bench; I’d seen one similar in the dungeon.

  I dragged my gaze from it.

  Her heady perfume of jasmine and roses reached me from where she sat behind the desk. Remembering how she’d watched Cameron play with me in the dungeon, it was hard to keep eye contact with her. She still scared the shit out of me. I knew I’d done something wrong. And from her sternness I was about to get read the riot act.

  I went to sit.

  “No,” she said. “You’re not staying.”

  This probably had something to do with me hanging out with Cameron and Richard last night. I searched for the words that might offer my point of view without getting either of them in trouble. I bet they were scared of her too.

  “I like you, Mia,” she said. “In fact, I like you an awful lot.”

  “Oh.”

  “That’s why I wanted to talk with you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Do you like working here?”

  “Yes.”
<
br />   “Do you want to stay working here?”

  My heart missed a beat. “Yes.”

  “I’ll make this short. What I’m about to tell you must go no further.” She sat up straight. “Can you promise me this? That our conversation will go no further?”

  “Yes.”

  She held my gaze as though gauging my honesty. “Your well-being is extremely important,” she lowered her glare, “to us ‘girls’.”

  Thanks for sharing that with them, Richard.

  “The director hired you because of your innocence,” she said.

  “Oh.”

  “It’s an appealing quality that brings a great deal of pleasure to our clients.”

  My mouth felt dry.

  “That, along with your blossoming sexuality, is extremely desirable.” She lowered her gaze. “Dangerously so to you.”

  I swallowed hard.

  “We, that is the girls, want to protect you, Mia.”

  “I know you watch out for me,” I said. “I appreciate it.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes, Scarlet.”

  She opened a drawer and lifted out a small blue shiny gift bag. “The girls and I have gotten you a little something.” She raised her hand. “Much thought and deliberation went into it. We believe it may just save you.”

  I wondered for a second if it was pepper spray, but then again I was a fast learner. “You bought me a toy?” I said.

  “We need to lesson that...need.”

  My cheeks flushed wildly.

  “Turn this on full and rest it on your clitoris.” She glanced at her watch. “Report back to me once you’re done.”

  “What? When?”

  “Now.”

  “Now?”

  “Sweet Mia, you’re walking around a BDSM club oozing enough innocent sexual magnetism to make our most seasoned clients come in their pants.” She handed me the bag. “I’m doing this for them as much as I am you.”

  I clutched the bag to my chest. “Can I take it home?”

  “No. Keep it in your desk and use it frequently, please.” She widened her eyes. “Use Richard’s office. He’s with a client. He has a lock on his door.”

  I hesitated.

  “Mia, be a good girl.” She emphasized with a pointed finger. “Ensure you have two orgasms before you return to me.” She shooed me out. “Take your time. No one will disturb you.”

  “This is all very clinical.”

  “Do you require my assistance?”

  “No.”

  “Unlike Monsieur Trouville, I will know whether you have utilized this gift. We’ll have some tea afterwards.”

  “Can I use it later?”

  “No.”

  “How about the spa?”

  “Shall I whip you while you’re using it?” She gave a wry smile. “I’m sure we’d both enjoy that.”

  I hurried out of there with the bag in hand, my cheeks burning up.

  Once inside Richard’s office, I locked the door. No way was I using this thing. And certainly not in here. With the gift out of the bag, I studied the oval silver vibrator which was apparently called a magic friend according to the box.

  I plopped down onto the leather sofa, defeated.

  Maybe Scarlet had a point? If I took my need for Richard down a notch it might be easier to stop fantasizing about him. Although I rarely touched myself down there, something told me Scarlet knew a thing or two about this stuff. She probably knew everything there was to know about sex. There was something reassuring about being around a woman like that. I’d never want to disappoint her. Or Lotte. Having sent me into Scarlet’s office, Lotte must have known about this.

  I ripped open the box. At least this would make it look like I’d followed through on Scarlet’s command. My heart thundered in my chest as though she stood before me now, tapping her whip and waiting for me to perform. Waiting for me to come.

  After closing the blinds and checking the door once again to ensure it really was locked, I made my way back to the couch. At least she’d think I’d gone through with it.

  Curiously, I flicked on the oval vibrator.

  And adjusted the buzz.

  My crazy muse provoked me.

  After easing my panties down over my hips and leaning back on the couch, I took in a long soothing breath. I hiked my skirt up around my waist and spread my legs, exposing myself. This felt deliciously naughty. I mused further that I’d been ordered to do it. Had no choice really. With this thought in mind and totally turned on by it, I unbuttoned my blouse slowly and tugged my bra cup down.

  The vibe met my nipple gently, pounding its delicate flesh—

  Oh God, that’s good.

  Both nipples responded, teased by the vibe, their buds raised and demanding more of the toy. My pussy clenched with the thrill of it and the promise of impending pleasure, which I was holding back with this sensuous self-tease of denial.

  “Oh please,” I begged.

  When the vibe met my clit it sent a jolt of white hot pleasure into it. A luscious charge. My thoughts drifted...

  This was his office.

  Richard’s touch down there bringing this exact same pleasure. His fingers caressing my thighs, spreading them wider. Like I did for him now. With my one hand holding the vibe and teasing it over my clit and the other tweaking my nipples, giving them equal attention, I imagined it was Richard’s hands that were pushing me closer.

  On my back lying along the couch, my legs opened wide for Richard...

  His hands moving languidly over my body, exploring, as though discovering me for the first time, roaming across my belly, around to my backside and squeezing me into him.

  His tongue encircling the hardened nipples, working alongside his firm steady fingers that tweaked them punishingly. Alternating from one to the other and refusing to let up. My sigh meeting his mouth. His lips easing mine open. His tongue finding mine and tangling until he’d gained control, forcing me to submit. This delicious arousal soaking my swollen clit that throbbed beneath his tongue as he sucked, licked and flicked my clitoris, catapulting me into oblivion.

  Directing the pulsing vibe, I ran it up and down and over my clit, riding this maddening bliss and imagining Richard’s face buried between my thighs, his tongue exploring farther, lavishing affection.

  He knew I needed this. Needed him. Why was he denying me?

  “Richard,” I whispered.

  My body went rigid as tremors wracked through me. I was captured by this fever pitch of pleasure as my breath was snatched away.

  “Yes, oh yessss....”

  I collapsed, panting breathlessly, cheeks flushed. Catching my breath and feeling tingly- good all over, I rode out the last of my release and savored it.

  It felt wonderful to be surrounded by Richard’s things, and Scarlet’s permission for me to be in here had made it okay. If this exercise had truly been construed to lesson my need, it had failed. All I could think of was him.

  I let out the softest sigh of obsession.

  Knowing I was going to have to face Mistress Scarlet soon, and with her strict orders hanging over me, I fired up my new magic friend again.

  There was certainly something to be said for being a ‘good girl.’

  “EPIC?”

  “Yes,” I answered Mistress Scarlet. “It was epic.”

  Was she really wanting me to go into detail about my bonding experience with her gift?

  “Here.” Amused, she handed me a mug filled to the brim with hot tea, her stare scrutinizing me. The way her expression softened hinted she saw what she wanted in the way of proof.

  Warming my hands around the mug, I breathed in the fragrance of citrus fruit. Mmmm, delicious. It reminded me of...Cameron?

  Scarlet stepped closer. “Mia?”

  “You told me the gift was from you, from the girls?”

  She lifted my chin with a perfectly manicured fingertip. “Run along now. See Richard’s client out.”

  I took my tea with me and
headed out, wondering if that toy had really come from the girls. Had I just willingly succumbed to Cameron’s punishment of pleasure for challenging him during dinner last night? His psychological hooks were embedded deep in my psyche. His persuasion, his dark dominance over me, had succeeded yet again. I was trapped somewhere between arousal and defiance.

  There was no time to mull over my suspicion. I’d been away from my desk too long. Courtney’s session had ended and Richard was escorting her out. From her expression, even here behind my desk, I could see all her tension had gone and in its place a happiness difficult to define. Courtney’s cheeks were flushed, her face peaceful, bliss radiating. I wondered what Richard had done to her.

  The exit lift carried her away and out of Enthrall.

  Richard turned on his heel and strolled toward me. “Where were you?”

  “Well, I was--”

  “It’s best you choose your words carefully.” He gave a shrug. “Talk about the weather. Their journey here. That kind of thing. Don’t speak to my clients about anything other than that, please.”

  “She looked terrified,” I said.

  He acknowledged I’d read her right with merely a nod and his gaze flitted to my desk. He saw my drink and picked it up, sniffed, and took a sip. “Early Grey?”

  “Yes.”

  He shot me a look. “Since when have you been drinking Earl Grey?”

  “Scarlet made it for me.”

  “I see. And by I see I mean I don’t miss a thing, Mia. Nothing. I know everything that goes on in this place. Every detail. Every finite minutia that goes down.”

  My cheeks blushed wildly as my thoughts dragged me back along the hallway and into his office and back onto that couch...

  “Don’t do it again,” he said.

  I went to tell him he didn’t know, couldn’t know, and then stopped myself, not wanting to give it away.

  “I certainly don’t remember giving you my permission to do it,” he said, walking off toward the staff hallway.

  God, that was hot.

  He was bluffing and he was damn good at it.