Voyage To Submission (11 page)

His words caught her off-guard.

Andy gasped in surprise, while her heart
sped up and her breath came in short, staccato puffs.

“You remind me of a perfectly wrapped
present,” he went on. “While I can see how lovely and sweet you are all wrapped
and tied up with white and gold, I have no doubt what I find inside will be
amazing.”

Andy told herself to look away. Yup, that
was precisely what she must do. Don’t believe his sweet talk. It will only
break your heart. Instead, she felt her heart trip up to triple speed. Her
breath became uneven and the butterflies in her stomach suddenly developed
attention deficit with hyperactivity. Damn!

“Hey, you two!”

Gayle sat in the seat directly in front of
Andy. Ray looked sheepish as he flopped into the chair beside her.

Gayle twisted around to smile at Andy and
Jack. “Oh, my God! Andy, can you believe this stuff? I know my mouth keeps
falling open as I gape from one shocking display to the next.”

Ray glanced back over his shoulder. “Tell
me about it! I’m the one who has to keep closing it for her.”

Andy smiled, shaking her head. “You aren’t
alone. I came over here because the chairs were empty, and there wasn’t a show
scheduled for half an hour. I figured I could get some respite from being
embarrassed and startled, not to mention giving my feet a break from these
heels.”

“I’m glad I’m not alone in that, at least.
Medical school didn’t prepare me for this, but Ray is beyond being shocked,”
Gayle added, chuckling.

“He’s already seen it all,” Jack murmured a
moment later.

Ray reacted immediately. “I have not!”

Gayle winked at Andy. “Hmm, I think I’ll
not comment further.”

Andy smiled, truly enjoying the warm
feeling of camaraderie she experienced with these people who had been her
friends a long time ago. What surprised her was it had been so long since she’d
felt like this and she’d forgotten how special it was to share moments like
this with people you cared about, and had a common history with as well.
Feeling like her old self, she replied, “Sounds like he’ll be having a tame
bachelor party!”

As she and Gayle laughed, she saw the
affronted looks on not just Ray’s face but Jack’s as well.

“I’m in charge of the party and I think
I’ve just been insulted.” Jack scowled, looking from Ray to Andy.

Andy laughed. “Perhaps you could borrow a
piece of paper and pencil and make some notes.”

Ray guffawed loudly, turning enough to
punch Jack on his arm. “Dang! She got you with that one, dude!”

“Shh!” Gayle shushed her fiancé. “The show
is going to start.”

Andy settled into her seat, quietly pulling
out her small recorder. She didn’t know what she might see, but she didn’t want
to take the chance of missing or forgetting something. Beside her she was aware
of Jack moving on his chair, scooting it a little bit closer, and then putting
his arm along the back of her chair. When she looked sideways at him, he merely
gave her a small smile and then turned his attention back to the stage. Doing
the same and stop trying to second-guess everything would be her wisest course
of action.

Looking forward as the curtains swept open,
she saw a tall, gray-haired man come onto the small stage—

“Welcome, Masters and Mistresses, ladies
and gentlemen! I’m sure you will enjoy this little scenario. We now enter
The
Castle of Dark Pleasure
run by Mistress Danica. Enjoy!”

A tall, raven-haired woman walked onto the
small stage a moment after the gentleman left. She was dressed in black,
covered from the base of her throat to her toes, which were encased in black
boots. Other than the pale skin of her face and neck, she was black. Her hair
was back in an elaborate chignon. Her makeup was perfect, highlighting her dark
eyes and bright red lips. Moving to the center of the acting area, she removed
her gloves.

“Pierre!” the woman called out.

She was joined a few seconds later by a
tall, quite muscular—as evidenced by his bare chest—blond-haired man. He wore
black leather pants, white cuffs and white collar, with a black silken bow tie.
When he stopped a few feet from Mistress Danica, he stood with his hands behind
his back.

“Yes, Mistress Danica?”

She walked around him slowly, looking his
body over, up and down. “It appears you’ve forgotten I was to be greeted with
my preferred evening cocktail.”

Pierre lowered his head as he replied, “I’m
sorry, Mistress Danica. I was in the kitchen and didn’t hear you enter until
you called. I was preparing your cocktail when you sent for me.”

“Very well, but when you return, I want you
to also bring me your favorite whip.”

Pierre jerked in surprise, but nodded and
left quickly.

Mistress Danica turned to face the
audience. Sighing loudly, she spoke as if she were speaking to herself.
“Sometimes I think he deliberately disobeys just so he can feel the heat of the
tails across that fine ass of his.”

A short spate of tittering laughter went
through the audience.

A doorbell rang, and then a few seconds
later a redheaded woman entered. This woman was dressed in the traditional
French maid’s outfit. Her hair seemed to be pulled up and back, covered by a
frilly white cap. Stiff black bombazine material concealed her arms, from
shoulder to wrist, which was more of her body concealed than any place else.
The bodice dipped low in front so that nearly the entire top half of her
breasts were displayed surrounded by a one-inch frill of lace. The waist was
tight and flared into a short skirt, which ended at the top of her thighs.
There was a miniscule white apron, and beneath it all were several layers of
equally short white crinoline. Black thigh-high stockings and four-inch heels
completed the ensemble.

Jack leaned close to Andy and whispered.
“I’d like to see you dressed in that little getup.”

Andy stiffened in her chair. Unnerving how
close Jack’s words mirrored her own thoughts seconds earlier. She wanted to
dress up to please, and certainly arouse, him! Without commenting, she stared
at the stage.

“Mistress Danica?”

Danica turned to look at the maid. “Yes,
Madeleine?”

“Monsieur Lascaux has arrived.”

“How delightful! Come in, Francois. You are
just in time for Pierre’s disciplining. Would you like to assist me?”

The dark-haired man bowed low over Mistress
Danica’s hand, kissing it lightly. “That sounds delightful. May I enjoy the
lovely Madeleine, as well?”

Danica lightly slapped Francois’ cheek.
“You devil, you! Very well, I know you won’t be happy until you’ve sampled her
wares. Would you care for a drink?”

“Scotch and soda, my dear.” Francois moved
over to sit on the small loveseat on the far left of the stage.

Mistress Danica directed the maid. “Prepare
Monsieur Lascaux’s drink, Madeleine. You may return with Pierre.” She turned to
look at her guest.

“Did you have something in particular in
mind for the girl?”

Francois smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll be
extra gentle. Are you saving her for someone else?”

“What makes you think she isn’t for me?”

“Because she looks like you’ve been
training her. Is she a present for someone? Anyone I know?”

Danica shook her head. “You shouldn’t pry,
my friend. Just be grateful you arrived before he has. Madeleine is wearing one
of my newest designs, by the way. You must let me know what you think of it.”

“Now you intrigue me even more.”

Pierre and Madeleine entered onto the stage
once more. Madeleine carried Francois’ drink on a small silver tray, which was
identical to the one Pierre held in one hand.

“Madeleine, please serve Master Francois
his drink. From this point on and until I say so, you are to serve him in any
way he desires. Is that clear?”

The redheaded woman gulped loudly, her gaze
darted from Danica to Francois and back. “Y-y-yes, Mistress Danica.” The quiver
in her voice as she replied sounded real.

Danica paused as Madeleine walked over to
Francois. She offered him the drink, which he accepted.

“Kneel down, next to the sofa, and face
me,” Francois commanded sternly.

The young woman hastened to obey,
staggering a little on her heels.

“Very good. Now assume the submissive
posture,” he added a moment later.

Madeleine crossed her arms behind her, one
hand clasping the opposite elbow. It bowed the body slightly backwards, thereby
thrusting her breasts out and up.

With his drink in one hand, Francois
reached forward with the other. He hooked three fingers into her cleavage and
pulled. The tearing of the sticky fastener sounded and the top part of
Madeleine’s costume came away in his hand. Immediately, her breasts were
revealed. He wasted no time in reaching out and cupping one breast, squeezing
and molding it. “Delightful design, Danica.”

Andy gasped as the fabric pulled away to
expose the actress’ breasts. In her mind, she’d been imagining herself kneeling
before Jack. Now, she wondered how it would feel to have his hands so blatantly
exploring her body?

Mistress Danica smiled and gestured for
Pierre to approach. She accepted her cocktail and sipped it slowly. “Delicious,
Pierre. Are you trying to earn fewer lashes by pleasing me?”

“No, mistress.”

“Hmm, very well. Hand me the whip.” With
her drink in one hand, she lightly flicked the leather flogger.

As it cracked, several people in the
audience gasped and jumped in their seats. This was followed by some nervous
laughter.

Mistress Danica finished her drink and
returned it to Pierre’s tray. “Now, Pierre. I want you to face the far wall and
hold the tray with my glass. If you drop the glass, you earn five more lashes.”

She moved around his body and repeated
Francois’ gesture of hooking the fingers. Only hers went into the back of
Pierre’s leather trousers. She pulled and the same sound that revealed
Madeleine’s pert bosom now heralded the appearance of Pierre’s very tight ass
cheeks. Very lightly, so it echoed throughout the small area, she slapped his
right butt. His muscles tensed, which only made his taut ass more impressive.

Gayle turned and looked at Andy. “I wonder
if he’s booked up the whole cruise.”

Ray glared at his fiancée and pulled her
back around in her chair.

Andy, still grinning and hoping her
excitement over what she’d seen didn’t show on her face, glanced sideways and
found Jack was glaring at her. Feeling a little chastised, she turned her
attention back to the stage. A moment later she turned back, whispering to
Jack. “What would you do if I slapped your bottom?”

She wasn’t prepared for the way Jack’s gaze
met hers. Flames seemed to burst forth and then his mouth barely curved up.

“I’d kiss your breath away!” he murmured
quickly.

Andy stared as he looked towards the stage
again. Suddenly it was hard to breathe. It felt like he had done precisely that
as she gasped for air. Jerkily, she shifted forward as well.

Mistress Danica had Pierre move closer to
the rear of the stage. “I want you to count the lashes, Madeleine.”

“Yes, Mistress Danica,” Madeleine replied.
“Excuse me, monsieur, but I will need to turn around.”

“Party pooper,” Francois murmured, but
suddenly smiled. He pulled Madeleine to her feet and had her sit astride his
lap. As soon as she was settled, both his hands cupped her breasts, once again
squeezing and pinching away.

The first lash came and struck right across
Pierre’s ass.

“One, Mistress Danica.”

“Very good, Madeleine. Don’t distract her
too much, Francois. I don’t want to give Pierre more than he deserves.”

The whip continued at a fairly steady
rhythm, continuing to raise a few red welts. Madeleine kept count until
Francois deserted one breast and slid that hand between her thighs. She gasped
and lost track of the number as he teased her clit to a quick response.

“Oh! Mistress Danica, I am so sorry!”

Danica turned to shake her finger at
Francois, who still had one hand between the maid’s thighs.

He merely shrugged.

The doorbell rang, interrupting Mistress
Danica’s next swing. She stopped abruptly. “Oh, dear. Playtime is over,
Francois. Quickly, Madeleine, up to your room and change into the outfit we
picked out for you to wear.”

Danica coiled the rope and set it aside.
“We’ll have to continue later, Pierre. Please let Monsieur le Comte D’Orsi in.”
She lightly slapped his butt as he walked by.

Walking over to Francois, she kissed him on
the cheek. “I am sorry for the interruption, my dear friend, but business
calls. Now, I will introduce you, but then you must leave. You may return
tomorrow if you wish.”

“I’ll always wish to return here, my lovely
Danica.”

Danica threaded her hand through his arm
and walked with him off the stage.

The lights came up and the audience
applauded.

The gentleman who had first appeared on the
stage came back. “Thank you for your appreciation. We will be performing the
second act tomorrow evening, if you wish to see what happens to the lovely
Madeleine. Good night!”

Gayle stood and looked at Andy. “I know
what I’m going to dream about tonight.”

Ray got to his feet slowly. “Hey! I’m
standing right here.”

Gayle giggled, looping her hand through his
arm, pulling him close. “I know, darling. I’m just teasing.”

“Let’s go back to the cabin,” Ray said,
trying to pull Gayle along. “I’m so horny right now I could burst.”

Gayle rolled her eyes, but she didn’t
resist.

Andy turned to look at Jack.

He grinned.

She spoke quickly to defuse the heat she
was still feeling after watching the little sex opera. “It’s really great to
see them still so much in love, even after all these years.”

“Yeah,” Jack murmured, but his eyes she saw
dropped down to settle on her chest. Her breath caught even before he went on.
“I know what Ray means. Watching that guy fondle the maid made me wonder what
you might look like in that kind of outfit.”

Andy jumped to her feet. She couldn’t
believe he’d put into words her own thoughts, which she did not have the
courage to express. It shocked her, but she wasn’t sure whether it was because
he echoed her own imaginings. Or was it because she found herself aroused and
she had not considered that a possibility. It was scary to think she might
harbor such dark longings. Was it possible she wasn’t as white bread in her
view of sex as she’d always thought? Coming on this cruise, she’d assumed she
would learn new things, but she had assumed it would be in a removed,
educational venue. Now she could see how foolish she’d been. Maybe she was
about to open herself to things she’d thought of as play, only to discover it
went much deeper.

Jack stood and took her hand. He didn’t say
a word, but started leading her towards the exit doors. There was no doubt what
he had on his mind, she realized, but not altogether surprised. She finally
managed to stop him a few feet from the exit. “We shouldn’t leave without
talking to Ethan and Margrit.”

* * * * *

Her logic was undeniable but this didn’t
make him any happier. He nodded in agreement, realizing how tense he was by the
jerking movement.

“We could split up to look for them,” Andy
suggested a moment later.

Jack couldn’t stop the bubble of jealousy
that rose up immediately. Perhaps she only wanted to separate so she could go
off and find that Duke guy. He spoke without thinking. “The duke has probably
already hitched up for the evening.”

Regret filled him even before he saw her
back stiffen. She had turned her face away, but he knew he’d hurt her by the
tensing of the little jaw muscle at the side of her lower cheek. He tried to
think fast, but nothing good was coming into his head. “Andy, I’m sorry—”

A moment later, she stepped away from his
hand.

Jack tried again. “That was a stupid thing
to say and I’m really sorry. Kick me, if you want.”

He paused, hoping she’d respond to his
humor. The Andy of old would agree and try to kick him. But this new Andy was
mysterious and, at times, he didn’t know how to act towards her. “Let’s go
together to find Ethan and Margrit. I just remembered they had mentioned
another party they were attending.” He waited until Andy nodded before he
gently took her hand and led the way back into the crowd.

* * * * *

When it was time to continue to the next
party with Jack and the Williams, Andy was ready to come up with a good excuse
to miss it. Her nerves were feeling frayed and she was tired after her
sleepless night. Instead, she’d stayed silent, merely nodding. Now that she was
at the party, she couldn’t decide if she was glad she’d come or not.

Before entering, Margrit had taken her
aside to show her how the women were expected to dress inside. Andy could
decide if she wished to comply, and no one would think less if she chose not to
participate.