Tasting Pleasure (12 page)

“God, Alicia, if I knew you were that good, maybe I’d have stayed straight,” she heard Jeffrey say.

She had been so focused on Maverick that she hadn’t even noticed when her ex-husband had arrived.

Not bothering to answer, Alicia looked up at her Master and said, “How else may I serve you?” From her peripheral vision, she could see Jeffrey’s jaw drop and felt a surge of perverse pleasure.

“Now, now, Jeffrey, don’t be catty,” Hector scolded. “Let’s just lounge here on the bed and enjoy the show.”

“Of course,” Jeffrey answered, sounding a bit unsure of himself.

“Stand by the pole,” Maverick directed.

Alicia stood, a bit wobbly at first, and walked to the centre pole. She faced it, feeling the weight of her hair and the cold thumping of the silver ring against the nape of her neck.

“Let’s just see how well Hector’s creation works,” Maverick said as he lifted the ring and attached it to the carabineer.

Alicia was grateful for the three and a half inch heels. Without these, she would have been stretched to her toes.

Maverick ran his hand over her bottom, feeling the raised markings left from the chair. “Lovely pattern. It’s almost a shame to muddle it with a paddle. Still, you have been naughty. Speaking before being spoken to, squirming in the chair when you had been told to sit still. You do agree, don’t you, that a consequence is warranted?” he asked.

“As it pleases you, sir, I stand in need of correction,” she responded humbly.
Please, please use me!
she silently begged. Her body craved the feel of leather.

“So it shall be,” he answered.

Alicia heard him walk towards the wall where the whips, paddles, straps and canes were displayed.

“Oh, my,” Jeffrey said quietly. “Is he really going to use
that
?”

“He certainly is,” Hector responded. “We should get more comfortable, don’t you think, duckie?”

Alicia then heard rustling on the bed and assumed the two of them were removing their clothing. She couldn’t be sure, of course, since the ring braided into her hair held her securely in place.

“You may grasp the pole,” Maverick allowed.

Not sure what to expect, Alicia held onto the cold metal with both hands. A moment later, she was grateful she did as the full strength of the cat bit into her already tender flesh. Maverick had only used the cat on her once before, and she had, after an embarrassingly short time, said ’Enough‘, thereby ending the session. Knowing that Mr. Devonshire was testing her obedience in front of her ex-husband and his lover, Alicia bit her lip and tightened her hold on the pole. Blow after blow rained down on her burning arse, but she refused to cry out. Despite the intense pain, Alicia stood rock solid, enduring, welcoming the onslaught.

“Good God! I had no idea she had it in her,” Alicia heard Jeffery remark.

“Let’s see what you have in you,” Hector responded.

Vaguely, Alicia wondered what they were doing, but she had a fairly good idea. Suddenly Maverick demanded all of her attention once again as he ran a hand over her bottom. Even this gentle touch was enough to bring a glimmer of pain to the surface. Judging by the heat, Alicia knew her bum would be glowing bright red by now.

“Nicely done, my dear. I don’t believe I have ever seen your lovely arse with this particular texture or colour. Quite becoming,” Maverick commented.

“I’m glad you are pleased, sir,” Alicia responded.

Maverick chuckled deep in his throat as he reached to release her from the pole. He grabbed her around the waist, pressing her burning flesh against him.

“Aren’t they a nice couple,” he said, indicating the two men.

Jeffrey lay on the bed, his head thrown back, hands in Hector’s hair. Hector lay between Jeffrey’s thighs, his mouth moving rhythmically up and down on Jeffrey’s penis. Alicia watched in fascination, feeling not the expected jealously or anger at her ex, but a sentimental relief. Despite his treatment of her, Alicia harboured no ill feelings for Jeffrey. By his half-closed eyes and his open mouth, Alicia knew Jeffery was in a ’zone‘. She smiled, watching with pleasure the beauty before her. Truly, Alicia found she wished nothing but happiness for Jeffrey. Their time together was over, and while it had ended badly, without her short marriage she would never have come to England and therefore would never have met Mr. Devonshire.

“Time for yours, my dear. Go to the horse,” Maverick commanded.

Alicia nodded as she confidently walked to the horse and leaned over it, grasping the legs, her arse high in the air.

“That’s my girl,” Maverick whispered into her ear.

He positioned himself behind her. He wiggled his penis against her well lubricated opening. Throughout the whipping, Alicia had gotten wetter with each blow. Torturously, Maverick dipped the tip of himself into her pussy again and again but refrained from full entry. Alicia squirmed in frustration.

“Patience, my darling companion,” he said.

Alicia hung her head, bravely trying to control her own need.

“That’s it.”

She cried out as she felt Maverick pull completely out of her but gave another cry, this time of joy, as suddenly he buried himself deep inside of her. Rather than attacking her pussy, though, he had lubricated himself in her juices then pierced her arsehole. Both pain and pleasure ripped through Alicia’s core, causing her to scream her release. Maverick grasped her hips, impaling her, stabbing into her until he too cried out, releasing himself into her body. Feeling the warm liquid inside of her, Alicia lifted her head in time to meet Jeffrey’s eyes as he too found his release, Hector swallowing and gulping. Alicia again began to tremble and clench her muscles, brilliant colours swimming before her eyes. Finally, after years of discontent, Jeffrey and Alicia shared a simultaneous orgasm.

Chapter Ten

Cool Cuke Sandwiches

1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced and soaked in salted water.

1 loaf rye cocktail bread

1 8 oz. package cream cheese

Salt, pepper, paprika

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a slice of cocktail bread. Rinse all salt water from the cucumber slices. Pat dry with a paper towel. Place one slice on the cheese. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika to taste.

“Interesting do,” Ivory commented the next afternoon.

Alicia blushed and reached up to touch the looped braid. Mr. Devonshire had indicated that she was to retain this hairstyle for at least three days. Then he would allow her to release it and wash her hair. He might, or he might not, hire Hector to repeat the creation at that time.

“I’m getting used to it,” she answered, wiggling to find a comfortable position on her chair.

Ivory laughed. Alicia liked this woman. Tall, graceful with brilliant red hair and a quick smile, she had green eyes that flashed intelligence and friendliness. Paul had arranged for the three of them to meet over tea and, after shaking hands with the other woman, Alicia knew they could be friends.

“I don’t suppose you have a choice,” Ivory answered.

“You don’t approve?” Alicia asked, suddenly cautious and aware of the tingling along the skin of her aching arse.

“No, no, you misunderstand.” Ivory reached over and patted her hand. “I’m not here to pass judgment, but if I were, I’d say you look quite happy as Maverick’s companion—his favourite I might add. That lifestyle is not for me, although lately I have been wondering if I might not enjoy dominating someone. But a submissive—definitely not! Still, if you like it, go for it! After all, without you sub types, what would the Doms do?”

Alicia smiled.

“See,” Paul interjected. “I told you Ivory would be a fantastic friend for you.” He flashed both women a perfect smile. “Sadly, however, I must leave you. I have work to do.” He stood and dropped a kiss on both women’s cheeks. “Ivory, you will see that Alicia returns home?”

“Of course! Now run along. Sometimes a man is just in the way when girls want to talk,” Ivory responded.

Paul laughed and waved his goodbye.

Both Alicia and Ivory watched his retreating backside as he walked away from the café.

“Now that,” Ivory said appreciatively, “is one fine arse.”

“It certainly is,” Alicia agreed quietly.

“So at least you’ve got some backbone,” Ivory commented. “I think you will need it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you aware that Megan is also a model for Maverick?” Ivory asked, sipping her tea.

“No, Mr. Devonshire doesn’t talk much about his work,” Alicia answered with a frown.

“She’s a mean one. Maverick thinks he’s got her tamed, but he’s wrong.”

“Has she said something about me?”

“Hell yes!” Ivory stated. “She’s got something planned, but I don’t know what. Now I’m really not one to tell tales out of school, but I despise cruelty—physical or emotional. I know Maverick enjoys dishing out a good spanking—‘consequences’ I believe he calls them—but that’s not cruel, that’s just sex. Wonderful sex! Especially if the participants are all enjoying themselves. Megan, though, she scares me.”

Alicia nodded in agreement. She too had sensed a hardness about the other companion.

“Part of it is that Megan is smart. She sees Maverick slipping from her and towards you.”

“I’m confused,” Alicia admitted.

“Ever since you came along, honey, Maverick’s been different—in a good way. He’s happier, he laughs more—and he isn’t shoving fast food down his throat! But he’s also begun treating Megan like a model, not a companion. She used to stay naked on a shoot or kneel beside him. You know the drill, the submissive ‘beat me, I’m yours’ litany. He’d tweak a nipple, play with her arse, pet her head. Now when he finishes with her, he just tells her to put on a robe—just like the rest of the models.”

Alicia waited for Ivory to continue.

“Don’t turn your back on her, honey—literally! I’ve been around the block a few times—met most of Maverick’s companions, even participated in a few evening frolics, and let me tell you, Megan is not the companion type!” Ivory looked deeply into Alicia’s eyes before continuing. “She knows how to play the part when she wants to, but she wants control of Maverick. She’s jealous.”

“Of me?” Alicia was startled.

“Naturally! You are a true submissive, honey, and she knows this is what Maverick needs. From what Paul has told me, you truly enjoy your place as a companion. And honestly, I could tell that as well. Did you know you deferred to Paul before ordering your tea and sandwich?”

“I did?”

“Yep. You also looked at him before you began to speak, almost as if you were asking permission. It was all completely natural.” Ivory again lifted her cup. “Like I said, that’s not my choice in life, although I will admit that on occasion I do like a bit of rough play as well, but I respect your choice. By the way, try a little witch hazel in case you ever get any bruises. Helps them heal and cools the fire. It’s not an easy life you’ve chosen. In many ways, you’re much stronger than I am. I please myself, you anticipate and accommodate others. You must be very perceptive,” Ivory added with a note of admiration.

“Thank you, Ivory,” Alicia said, truly appreciative of the compliment. “And thank you for the warning. I knew Megan didn’t like me, but I didn’t know to what extent.”

“No problem. Say, why don’t we make a date to go shopping? Tuesday afternoon good for you? I’ve know Maverick a long time, bet I could make some lovely suggestions for clothing he’d like,” Ivory added, suddenly lightening the mood.

“That would be fabulous!” Alicia quickly agreed. It felt wonderful to have a girlfriend again, she thought as she bit into a cucumber sandwich. And now, thanks to Tasting Pleasure, she also had a bit of spare cash.

Chapter Eleven

Pan Seared Steak

1 Sirloin steak

1 teaspoon each ground mustard, garlic, chopped onions

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Season steak with spices. Heat Cast Iron skillet. Add canola oil and butter. Sear steak on both sides, cooking 5-8 minutes per side, depending upon personal taste. Salt and pepper as desired.

You will arrive at four p.m. precisely. Enter my home and proceed to the playroom. Remove all of your clothing except for the shoes. Attach your silver ring to the pole, back to the pole. Await my arrival.

                                                  
Mr. Devonshire

Alicia read the note twice. She glanced quickly at the clock—three-thirty p.m. already! By the time she cleaned herself—inside and out—and drove to his home, she would be late. Well, there was nothing to do but hope for the best. At least with her hair in this style, she wouldn’t have to mess with it. Still, she hated disappointing Maverick. The man worked hard. The least she could do was comply with his wishes.

Arriving at his home at four-fifteen p.m., Alicia rushed up the stairs towards the playroom, removing clothing as she went. When she made it to the room, she flung open the door and quickly went to the pole, reaching up to attach the carabineer to her silver hoop. Only when she was in position did she notice the other girl—Megan—kneeling on the floor, ready to greet Mr. Devonshire. Again glancing at the clock next to the bed, Alicia noted the time—four-eighteen. Eighteen minutes late.

Barely three minutes later, Maverick entered the playroom and walked directly to Megan.

“Greet me,” he commanded.

Megan immediately began removing Maverick’s clothes and greeting him—as any good companion should. Alicia watched in silence, aware of her tardiness and her still marked arse. Within a few minutes, Maverick gently pushed against Megan’s head and held out his hand. She placed her own hand in his and stood up. The two of them walked hand in hand to stand before Alicia.

“I understand you met with Ivory today,” Maverick said.

“Yes, sir,” Alicia answered.

“I’m glad. She is a good friend and a lovely model. I hope the two of you form a friendship,” he added conversationally.

“Thank you, sir,” Alicia responded, glancing at Megan and noting the malice in her eyes.

“When did you arrive?”

“I’m very sorry, sir. I was late. I did not arrive until four-fifteen, and I did not make it to the playroom and attach myself properly until four-eighteen,” she answered truthfully.

“Too bad,” he said with a smile. “Megan, what do you suggest?”

Alicia quickly looked at the other girl. Megan smirked a moment, seeming to savour her victory over Alicia.

“Well, sir,” Megan began, “a companion’s only purpose is to serve you. Alicia, obviously, has failed. She completely disregards your simple directives. This isn’t the first time she’s been late, is it? She has also made many other mistakes. She might be purposely rebelling against your authority. I suggest, with due respect, that she be severely punished.”

“How so?” Maverick questioned.

Megan thought for a moment then brazenly answered, “Brand her.”

“That is severe,” Maverick commented.

“She must learn her place somehow. With all due respect, perhaps you have been too lenient on her, sir,” Megan answered.

“Interesting.”

Alicia’s eyes widened and she shook her head in denial, but remained silent. Surely Maverick would not punish her so severely for being a mere eighteen minutes late!

“Alicia, what do you have to say?”

Alicia gulped. “I do certainly deserve a punishment, and I will abide by whatever you decide, but in truth, branding sounds far too severe! And I am terrified of being burned.”

“Still, are you willing to trust me to decide what is best for you?” Mr. Devonshire asked.

Alicia noticed a hesitation in his question and a glimmer of kindness in his eyes. Remembering her conversation with Ivory, Alicia considered a moment. Megan glared at her with malice-filled eyes, but Mr. Devonshire held the final word. Did she trust this man?

“Yes, sir. I trust you,” she answered.

“Megan, heat up the iron,” Maverick commanded.

Alicia allowed a small sound to escape as she watched Megan’s smile grow more menacing. The other girl opened a cabinet and took out what looked like an electric curling iron. On the end of the device, however, was a small emblem—MD—moulded in metal. Alicia remembered seeing the mark branded onto several wooden frames gracing Maverick’s photographs. Megan plugged the device into a wall socket and Alicia watched as the metal slowly turned red with heat.

“Do you want to use the safe word?” Mr. Devonshire asked.

Alicia met Maverick’s eyes. “I am yours. Do with me as you please,” she answered.

Maverick thought for a moment, then reached up to unhook her braid. Still holding the silver ring, he forced her to walk to the St. Andrew’s cross.

“Prepare yourself,” he commanded. “Megan, bind her.”

Alicia placed her wrists and ankles directly in front of the cuffs. Turning her head, she caught a glimpse of Megan’s demonic smile just before the girl bound her arms and legs so tightly that Alicia could not move.

Oh shit!
What have I gotten myself into?
Alicia wondered. With Ivory’s warning fresh in her mind, she trembled. She did not want to be branded! A stern whipping—well, that was one thing. But a branding! The pain would be incredible and the mark would be permanent. Surely Mr. Devonshire wouldn’t go through with such a thing.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Will you put the mark on her arse, sir? It’s used to being beaten, so a little more pain in that same area won’t hurt,” Megan remarked.

“Where I choose to place the brand is no concern of yours, Megan,” Maverick answered sternly. “Alicia?”

“As you will,” she answered in a trembling voice, tightening every muscle in her body.

She felt the heat between her thighs and she screamed. She smelled an acrid, burning scent and heard Megan’s gasping intake of breath. Shockingly, she felt no pain.

“Satisfied?” he asked.

“But you didn’t touch her! You just pressed the iron into the leather between her thighs!” Megan whined.

“As I intended. You have just failed a test, Megan. That makes twice that you have sought to harm Alicia. Alicia, on the other hand, was willing to accept this barbaric punishment if only to please me. Do you really think I am so cruel as to permanently mark another person without her express permission? Megan, I am terribly disappointed in you,” Maverick said, a note a sadness entering his voice. “Unbind her. Now!”

Alicia nearly fainted with relief. Once Megan had released her, Alicia knelt before Mr. Devonshire, tears flowing from her eyes.

“Sir, thank you. I must admit, I was doubtful for a moment, but thank you for your mercy,” she said quietly.

Mr. Devonshire reached down and, grasping the silver ring, gently tugged, raising Alicia to her feet.

“You’re welcome, my dear. But I do have a punishment in mind,” he replied.

“Of course, sir.”

“Bind Megan in your stead.”

Alicia looked quickly at the other girl who stood in shocked silence. Following his orders, though, Alicia did as requested and bound Megan face first to the cross.

“Choose your implement,” Mr. Devonshire commanded.

Alicia looked at him questioningly. “I don’t understand, sir.”

“This companion wanted to physically harm you. I expect my companions to be accommodating, gracious, adept and honest. I also expect them to be considerate of each other. She has failed at all of these simple tasks. You, my dear, will administer her consequence. Questions?” he asked.

Alicia shook her head slowly as understanding dawned on her. Walking to the implement wall, she carefully perused the display of whips, paddles, canes, floggers and cats. Fully understanding the effect of each device, Alicia chose a cat—one made of soft suede and lacking the end knots. If properly delivered, the lashing would leave Megan’s arse sore and red, but unmarked.

“Proceed,” Mr. Devonshire encouraged.

Reaching back her arm, Alicia delivered the first blow and jumped almost as much as Megan did.

Goodness! Being on this end of the whip is certainly a different feeling.

“How many stripes would you like me to deliver, sir?” she asked.

“As many as you choose. Just try to keep them even,” Maverick directed.

Alicia nodded and continued, enjoying the feeling of power she suddenly was wielding. After only ten blows—five to each cheek—Megan began to cry. Alicia ignored the girl’s rantings and continued until her beautiful arse glowed red. After fifty strokes, Alicia dropped the whip, exhausted.

“Release her,” Maverick suggested.

Alicia looked over at him, sitting in a wing-backed chair casually sipping a Bloody Mary.

Breathing heavily, Alicia did so then stood aside, awaiting further direction. She felt incredible. While she couldn’t say she
enjoyed
administering the consequence, she had experienced a surge of power, control.

“Come before me, both of you,” Maverick said.

The two women complied, one with tears streaming down her face, both with bowed heads.

“Megan, what do you have to say now?”

She raised her head and addressed him. “I’m sorry to have disappointed you, sir. I will do whatever necessary to redeem myself.”

Alicia noted she had not apologised for her actions but rather for disappointing Maverick.

“Good. I have a special assignment for both of you. It will take cooperation on both of your parts as well as a bit of research on yours, Alicia.” He set down his Bloody Mary. “I would like you to prepare a very special meal.”

“Certainly, sir. I’d be honoured,” she answered truthfully.

“You will prepare this meal for next Friday night. I will be expecting five guests, but you should prepare enough for seven since you and Megan will also be in attendance,” he continued.

“I understand,” she responded, though with an uncertain note in her voice.

Megan had also raised her eyebrows and cocked her head, clearly confused.

Mr. Devonshire leaned forward and began to tweak Alicia’s nipple while he continued his directives.

“The meal will be made up entirely of aphrodisiacs. I know the scientific world does not support the validity of such foods, but even if their value cannot be proven, the psychosomatic effect will, I’m sure, prove to be quite interesting, don’t you think?”

“Yes, sir, I do.” Already Alicia’s mind was spinning with possibilities. “I’ll need to do some research, but I believe I can do it.”

Maverick continued to twist her nipples into erectness while never taking his eyes off of her face.

“Mr. Devonshire,” Megan asked quietly, “what will be my role?”

Maverick shifted his gaze to her and said, “You, my dear, will serve the guests—in any way they desire.”

Megan lowered her eyes quickly and nodded. “Of course, sir.”

“You are dismissed, Megan.”

Megan’s eyes flew to him and she began to open her mouth then obviously thought better of it. She nodded once and turned to leave. Alicia kept her focus on Mr. Devonshire, barely noticing the sound of the shutting door.

“Did you enjoy the consequence?” Mr. Devonshire asked, his fingers continually rubbing the pink buds.

“No, sir, I can’t say that I did,” she answered truthfully.

“Then why continue as long as you did?” He released her left breast and ran his hand along her side.
   

“Because,” she whispered, “a good companion must learn her place. She must admit her mistakes,” she gasped as his hand found its way to her clit, “and willingly accept reprimand.” She closed her eyes, allowing the warmth to circulate throughout her body.

“Go on,” he encouraged.

“Megan erred. Besides,” Alicia fought to formulate words with the delightful distraction of Maverick’s fingers probing inside of her, “she has a lovely behind. I knew you would appreciate the sight of it nicely reddened.”

“Very interesting,” he said, nibbling on her ear. “So even in the dominant position, you sought to please me.”

“Please, sir, please,” Alicia begged, “take me.”

She heard a low chuckle deep in Maverick’s throat. Suddenly he stood and swept her up in his arms. Alicia’s cry of surprise was swallowed in the deep kiss Maverick drew from her. He carried her to the bed, gently placing her onto the soft mattress. He moved on top of her, positioning his legs between her thighs. With excruciating slowness, Maverick eased himself into Alicia’s welcoming tunnel. She tipped her head back, a primal sound growing in her throat. Not one to waste an opportunity, Maverick swooped down and ran his tongue along her neck, moving his hips to meet hers. Alicia felt the world dissolve. She no longer felt the cold silver hoop pressed against her back. Her still tender arse, gripped by Maverick’s strong hands, no longer hurt. The features of the room faded as Maverick took a nipple into his mouth, sucking it to life.