by Ruby Madden
“I need to take a break. Get in some R&R, recharge and just generally forget about work for a while. A sabbatical.”
Madam Suri observed him surreptitiously, peering at him over the top rims of her glasses. “You’re certain?”
Xasper let out a long sigh. “Yes. I am.”
She sucked in a deep breath. “We have a slight problem then.”
Xasper looked up, meeting her gaze head on. She was a slave-driver, this one. Reputable, good at making both profitable and meaningful matches, but a slave-driver nonetheless.
“Why’s that?” He asked. He never took time off from work, she might need to be reminded of that tid-bit.
“We have a very special client arriving and extra special t-l-c is required. Can you maybe make it through one more client? She requested someone like you, specifically.”
Xasper arched an eyebrow. This wasn’t unusual, but still flattering. His erotic effect on the opposite sex was something that typically needed to be experienced in person, not via an image of his personage. The reason being, he was part shapeshifter.
“What about Dimitri? He’s similar enough to me. Same flair, tactics and flavor. She’d never know the difference,” he suggested, grasping for a way out of the commitment.
“No, won’t do. Like I said, extra-special customer. I’m doing a favor for the head of Space Command. We don’t disappoint our top clients, remember?” Madam Suri said, a chastising tone in her voice. She handed him the new client’s file, watching and waiting for him to assess her.
“She’s a virgin?” He asked, surprised.
“Yes, and a VIP as well, hence the need for special-handling,” Madam Suri explained.
“Hmmm. Why is she VIP?” He asked, his curiosity peaked.
Madam Suri scowled at him. “You know full well I can’t share that with you.”
Xasper rolled his eyes. “Why not, they usually end up telling me anyways.”
“Is that so?” Madam Suri stated, doubting him.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m not trancing them to find out, it just comes out at some point. You know how humans get once they’ve decided to get physical. They become more open and trusting.”
“True. But some don’t even know of their extra-special status. This is one such VIP. Understood?”
That intrigued Xasper. He’d heard of that before but had never quite understood what it meant. “What makes that possible?” He asked.
“Not for me to say. Not my place. Yours neither. We obey and provide a service. We prosper and that is all that matters.”
At this point, the conversation was locked by a battle of wills. Madam Suri ticked her tongue against the rooftop of her mouth. A sound that indicated growing displeasure. A warning.
Xasper knew better than to find himself on the other side of her good graces. He may be one of her best pleasure-providers, but the world was full of many who were eager to take his place. He already knew he’d have to relent and bend to her will.
Madam Suri pulled her disapproving and scrutinizing gaze away. “Will you take the job?” She pressed.
Xasper sighed. “Fine, I’ll pluck another cherry. Then, I’m on leave. I need a huge break,” he said exasperatedly, standing to leave. He could at least express his discontent with her. She’d punish him for it later. That was for certain.
Madam Suri smiled and her lusty gaze caressed his in-shape and mouth-watering physique. “You have a day to rest up and be in good spirits. Spend it at the spa. Pamper yourself. Relax, get a massage. I have a feeling about this one. You need to be on your best behavior. Important client. She’s coming from Space Command.”
“Space Command?! You never mentioned that?!” He said, startled but excited.
“It’s right there in her file, you didn’t bother to read it, did you?” She sneered, taking delight in his being caught so off guard.
“Why should I? It usually doesn’t make a difference when it comes to the bedroom,” he explained.
“Ah. Well, that is where you’re wrong Xasper. You’re too young to recognize it yet, but it often does make a difference. At the very least, it’s often very telling…” Madam Suri hinted at something, the lost art of knowing the client, being able to anticipate their every sexual whim, want and desire. No matter how lascivious.
She knew that people were full of surprises when it came to their sexual behavior.
Xasper found her rhetoric to be old-school. It no longer applied really, not with the sort of enhancements he used to seduce his clients – exactly as they preferred. Nowadays, most just wanted to temporarily escape their real life and mentioning their career, work, trade or profession rarely ever changed his approach to pleasuring them.
Things had changed for pleasure workers. No longer considered prostitutes, theirs was a nobler profession. Respectable and esteemed.
Xasper pulled himself out of his reverie, “I’m going to get some pho, do you want me to bring anything back? Bubble tea?” Xasper asked right before he exited her office.
“Yes, the usual please,” Madam Suri requested, smiling.
Xasper knew his manners and always treated her well when he wasn’t so busy defying her and her old-school ways.
Someday, he’d understand better what she was trying to teach him. When he became Master of his own pleasure house. Watching him exit, she wondered what adventure was just around the corner for him. What it would entail and how it would happen.
His awakening.
CHAPTER THREE
(3)
Hannah had heard all about the culinary delights that made this region of the Asia-Pacific famous. Not only was it one of the ‘carnal capitals’ of the world, it was equally known for the local food and fare that had been influenced by the influx of international travel to the popular travel destination. Over time, all the many types of Asian food and culture had migrated and could be found in what was formerly known as Hanoi, Vietnam. A galosh and medley of every flavor in the region.
Space station food at Space Command had improved considerably over the decades with world-renowned chefs being brought on staff to feed the inhabitants and employees. It added much needed variety to the dining options for employees. In the meantime, everyone who’d visited Earth had said the same thing.
Go on an eating holiday!
Hannah was doing just that and was in line at a take-out spot that seemed as good as any other, from what she could tell, so far. Although she had her body-guard with her, assigned to her at the porting station when she’d arrived, she didn’t yet have an area guide who’d be assigned to her at Madame Suri’s Pleasure House.
Eager to try something, the yummy smells overwhelming and delighting her olfactory senses, she’d asked the body-guard to take her to one of his favorite lunch spots. He’d smiled and done exactly that. Hannah asked him to order for them both and was waiting to pay. English had long since become the international language of Earth, but Hannah still felt shy about attempting to communicate with the local people.
She needed more time to acclimate.
Although she’d spent her first twenty-four hours on Earth in recalibration care, gaining her earth legs back with the shift from artificial gravity to real gravity, she was still feeling dizzy from time to time. Something normal, from what she’d been advised, for at least the first week or two, while on her visit. It was one reason that Space Command typically wouldn’t approve anything less than a four to six week visit to Earth. Anything shorter was a waste of time.
As it was lunch hour, the place was busy and Hannah was entirely immersed in taking in the environment around her. Everything was new, foreign, different – almost overwhelming. But pleasantly and excitedly so. Just as she’d read, the people were polite, discreet and dare she say, somewhat sneaky. She could sense the kindly nature of the people was razor-sharp with cunning and wit. Warm but still suspect. A fascinating contrast that drew her in.
A few patrons ahead of her, in
line, there stood a young man with an amazing physique. He moved elegantly, almost sensually. Dare she say, even sexually? There was an interesting energy about him, something that tugged and pulled and lured one in. She felt her heart start to palpitate more and couldn’t quite understand why he was having such an effect on her?
Once he’d paid and turned around to step out of the line, their gazes locked with one another. His seemed to pour right through her, dare she say, even a flirtatious smile on his face. He had a penetrative gaze that seemed to know no bounds in carnal mischief. It spoke volumes and took her breath away.
Who was he? What was he?
She realized she recognized him, which confused her. Then, in a flash, the profile of the pleasure worker that Trudy had pointed out, came back in her mind’s eye.
She watched him walk away, an easy-going gait that spoke of someone highly aware of their physical grace.
Her excitement grew. She was here for one reason and one reason only. To enjoy the very thing he was all about. What he was capable of offering and sharing. She was more than ready.
o ~ o ~ o
Madam Suri sat down at her computer, placed her feet up on the ottoman before her and sipped at her tea, blowing on it to cool it down. She moved like a geisha girl when she was having her tea, the delicate, feminine elegance of the art and practice of tea-time engrained into her from her earlier years.
Right on time, a call from the Commander of Space Command flickered as incoming. She swiped the ‘accept bar’ on the screen, ready and all smiles for him.
“Commander, right on time as always,” she purred approvingly.
“My pleasure. We’re a prompt organization. How are you today, Suri?” He asked, a firm but flirtatious smile on his lips.
“I’m well, sir. Quite well. All final arrangements are in place for our special guest,” she said softly, her voice switching to a more feminine and submissive tone.
“Good, good. She’s eager to be there. This is a very exciting trip for her.”
“As it should be. She will be getting the best of the best, sir.” Madam Suri assured him.
“Thank you, Suri. I’ve no doubt.”
There was a pause between them, a lull in the conversation that spoke of an intimacy that didn’t need or require conversing. It passed quickly with the Commander finding that, as usual, her effect on him was still the same as it ever was – reverently arousing.
He continued. “Please keep me appraised of any and all interaction between them. Anything at all that seems unique, different, unusual, odd – no matter it be good or bad.”
“Good or bad, sir? As in, a bad experience?” Madam Suri was confused, since he was being somewhat vague, just like the last time they’d spoken.
“Perhaps. I trust your instincts. You’ll know what I mean if something occurs.” He clarified.
Madam Suri decided not to push the issue. It was true, if something was off or different about this guest and her experience while there, Madam Suri would be the first to know about it. Not that she would need a spy-cam or any such tools and devices. No, she would sense it first.
Madam Suri was empathic. An empath.
She nodded her understanding and waited for the next phase of their session. Business first. Then pleasure. Theirs was a shared pleasure that was forty years in the making.
He said the word. Their word.
The one they shared between each other and only one another. The key to starting their interaction. One that would allow them to meet elsewhere, between the veils of space and time, in another place.
Madam Suri was the one who’d initiated the Commander into the e-e, the erotic-ether, a place of being that only required one’s astral and emotional bodies, fired up by the root and sexual core of existence.
She reached through the veil, extending her hand so that he could grasp it. Once she felt contact, she initiated the transfer and soon, they were facing one another.
So began their erotic exchange for the day.
CHAPTER FOUR
(4)
‘We nurture the entire human body. The sensual core, as we call it. In utilizing all the senses, from touch, taste, sound, scent and sight – to help us find our way into the intangible core. The center. Our internal flame.’
Hannah was listening to an introduction of the Sensual Way, by a pleasing feminine voice. Part of the initiation, she was expected to know the basics of the pleasure arts, how the practitioners strived to elevate their clients through body-centric bliss, care and sensual stimulation. The complete experience.
Everything about the place was serene, beautiful, clean, and zen. The feng shui was noticeably enhanced by placement of all elements within the space.
Slate-stone pathways with emerald green moss were what connected the buildings. A continuing, multi-layered and elaborate goldfish and koi pond was woven throughout the facility. The ever-present sound of gurgling water, gentle and simple waterfalls that allowed for varying levels of the pond to collect in fish-filled pools.
Orchids of every type were abundant, many hoisted in the air and gently swaying in their ‘air-pots’. There was the ever-present sound of wind-chimes, and varying types of incense that imbued the air with a spicy and enticing scent.
The entire effect was replete with flowing robes made of nearly opaque cotton worn by the guests and extended visitors, so soft and delicate that it felt she was wearing next to nothing.
Already, the entire experience was proving to be everything she’d read and heard about. And she hadn’t even met her pleasure escort yet! She’d practically forgotten about him, having indulged so intensely in the embracing womb of the Pleasure House.
It made sense, actually. Being brought into a pleasing, calm and relaxed state of being before moving forward with the sensual caretaking of the pleasure providers.
Hannah was anxious to meet her pleasure provider and had been informed that they would meet today. It was explained to her that their initial time together was to allow her to feel comfortable, acquainted and familiar with him before they began her initiation into the pleasure arts.
She waited patiently, and sensed him arrive before she actually heard his soft steps moving towards her. She was admiring the koi and goldfish pond, entranced by the calming beauty and the pleasing sensual effects of the space.
“Hannah, it’s my pleasure to meet you. My name is Xasper,” said a strong and calm voice from behind her. Laced with audible seduction.
Hannah turned to face him, and smiled shyly. She was so used to being one of the guys at Space Command that she truly had no idea how to behave. She immediately felt foolish and embarrassed. Between them, the flash of recognition happened as they shared the moment of recollection, having encountered one another at the take-out restaurant.
“Hello,” she said, unsure as to what to say or do next.
“Didn’t I see you at the Pho Hut?” Xasper asked.
Hannah nodded, blushing. “I believe so, yes.”
“Did you like the pho?”
“Very much so. It was delicious.”
Xasper nodded, and studied her, blinking in surprise. Hannah wasn’t sure why that made her feel even more nervous, but it did. Heaven knew she spent plenty of time around men all day long.
Why should he have such an effect on her?
“Are you hungry?” Xasper asked.
Hannah nodded softly. “Yes, I am.”
She knew that they were to sit and have a meal together so that they could get better acquainted. Xasper motioned for her to take a seat at the low-lying, black-lacquered table. Its oriental style was beautiful and simple. On either side of it, opulent and bejeweled-colored pillows were available for them to sit on.
She slowly sat down, her breath hitched a bit when he sat down across from her as fluid as a cat. He had a certain physical charisma that she’d never encountered in a man before. She already knew part of the reason.
Xaspe
r wasn’t entirely human. He was part shapeshifter. They were typically exceptional pleasure providers.
She’d done her fair share of research and reading and was finding that she was grateful she’d done so. Otherwise, she would have been completely flummoxed by him and his unique energy signature.
It made better sense now why she’d responded so strongly.
He nodded to a servant who stood just outside the space, patiently waiting to be made useful. “Olly will serve us today. She is very good at being invisible, so to speak. She’s able to anticipate one’s needs. Do you understand?”
“Somewhat, I hope you don’t mind elaborating or explaining for me when needed?” She asked, feeling silly but wanting to be thorough.
“Certainly, Hannah.”
Hannah didn’t entirely understand. She’d read that the art of un-obtrusion was celebrated in this part of the world. Those who normally held a caste status so low, as to be deemed invisible, had recreated their role to be useful via service. It had been groomed into a social art-form and technique. Thus, moving them up the caste system. More servant than slave.
Hannah would soon learn that Olly’s gift to anticipate and tend to all of one’s wishes, desires and needs was how she would be made entirely comfortable for the duration of her stay.
Olly was Xasper’s shadow of sorts, in a utilitarian way.
As she slipped around and near them, she moved so calmly and quickly as to remind Hannah of the amazing martial arts of the region. Hannah liked Olly’s energy field. It was opalescent, pleasing and very gentle. She was indeed, practically invisible.
For the most part, Xasper and Hannah ate in silence with a minimal amount of conversation. she was tuned into the unconscious body language that they exuded and shared with one another. The awkwardness of being strangers was being brought forth and pulled out so that they could eventually relax with one another.
Become acquainted with one another’s energy. Developing a quieter intimacy. One that didn’t depend on conversation but more on observation.
