Golden Wrists

10 Lost Liberty

It was not long before my roped feet and the rope itself were below water, making the binding doubly terrifying as though my feet were in the grip of a marine monster. Bound wrists forced me to stand while the water rose higher along my legs with each new surge. I searched around but found no one.

It seems useless to recount the agonies I endured as saltwater engulfed my knees, crept relentlessly up my thighs. By the time it took possession of my sex, I was a sorry girl indeed and could feel, or imagine, numerous small sea creatures exploring my flesh. I tore constantly at the binding on my wrist to no use. I stood there, a jerking, naked offering to Neptune, fearfully conscious that some beastly undersea creature would insert itself within my pussy lips. I had never felt more female!

Soon my belly and bound hands were taken by the tide, and almost instantly the cords upon my wrists seemed to shrink and bit in an ever-tightening embrace. As an extra strong surge of surf wet my breasts, I screamed and screamed without ceasing until a cheerful West Indian voice reassured, “Don’t take on so, Missy Durrant. You is in good hands, and I soon get you back them pretty feet.”

There was a splash as Jacob dived and then a knife was busy at my bounds. In a moment I was able to step back from the iron anchor to face my grinning rescuer who led me to dry ground but made no effort to free my hands. I did not care. I was so damned thankful I could have cried.

You can imagine my feeling as I beheld Uncle Andrew comfortably seated in a deck chair high up on the beach, viewing me through binoculars through which he must have viewed my whole ordeal. Jacob brought me to stand before the Master like a wet felon before a judge.

The tone of Andrew Everleigh’s voice was conversational enough for an English rose garden. “I don’t suppose you’ll ever forgive me, Diane,” he said gently. “But I simply could not give up the opportunity to watch you cope with the Caribbean. You put on a marvelous show.”

Suddenly I was on my knees, head bowed, weeping bitterly and uncaring of the words fighting for expression within my lips. The whole thing was involuntary to leave me without shame but knowledge of being possessed by this man with his power to sit quietly and survey a poor, wet, broken female as she though she was about to die. My relief and gratitude was beyond expression. But I had no doubt another ordeal was already planned.

After allowing me to sob myself out. Uncle Andrew wiped my cheek and raised my chin to plant a warm kiss upon my forehead. Thus encouraged. I asked meekly, “Could I have my hands, please? I feel an awful mess.”

“No hands for you, my girl. You make a beautiful picture the way you are. Right now you’d be a glorious subject for a camera. Don’t you dare get up.”

I didn’t want to get up, I didn’t want to move at all, but was content to kneel as if in homage to the man who’s eyes, less fierce than usual, was devouring my nakedness, the nakedness which I could not hide, and which, no doubt, belonged to Andrew Everleigh. I asked weakly, “Please don’t have me punished anymore. I’ve had enough.” Once more I bowed my head.

A silence grew, a silence in which I could feel Andrew Everleigh’s satisfaction with my condition but saw within my own mind a vision of my nakedness stretched tautly for the whip and several other assorted horrors. At that moment I would have found the solitude of the dungeon and chains a merciful blessing. I never wanted to see a man again.

“I intend to marry you, Diane,” said Andrew Everleigh.

I was jolted! I heard a voice from far away say, hopelessly, “You can’t marry me, I’m going to marry Hugo Markham.”

“Like hell you are!” Andrew Everleigh did not even raise his voice.

“Hugo and I have had an understanding for a long time. I thought you knew.”

“Understand, my arse!” Everleigh said coarsely. “That boy has never owned you the way I own you. Don’t tell me you’ve failed to guess why I bothered with such a contentious bitch?” He eyed me. “I’m not sure I understand why myself. You need your ass whipped at least once a week to keep you from reverting to torts, and statements of claim. But that can easily be arranged, along with any other disciplines you earn. I hope you’re flattered.”

Damn this impossible man! I actually did feel flattered in the way he took for granted. Married to Andrew Everleigh, I’d become one of the richest women in the world. I could well believe a multitude of young women would gladly suffer the permanent pains of sitting down as a small price to pay for the privilege of being rich. In evasion, I demanded, “Do you have to keep staring at my pubic hair?”

“It’s not your pubic hair, my gal, it belongs to me, and I’ll look at it as often as I like. I’ll keep you naked after our wedding long enough to get you properly adjusted to me looking at any bit of you I want. Is that clear?”

“I don’t believe any of this, it can’t be happening. If you ever did get me to the altar, you’d have to tie me tight and whip me into saying yes. I’m sure that won’t happen.”

“It can be easily arranged, if thats the way you want it.” Uncle Andrew chuckled. Then his voice became less stern, “But that’s not going to happen tomorrow. I’ve got several jobs for you to do first.”

Any bit of euphoria I felt vanished right there. Uncle Andrew’s ‘little jobs’ would almost certainly be painful, and the last thing I wanted at that moment was any more of the outrageous notions men have about what they want to do to females. When I was much younger I used to suppose a girl’s ultimate joy or degradation lay up inside the soft spot between her thighs. But Hugo and Uncle Andrew had shown me this was but a prelude to the main events, the last of which had placed me here upon my knees in shameful humility. I asked. “I don’t see why you bother with me. You’ve got a great big cage filled with girls much younger and more beautiful than I, and there’s those other girls on Plessious I expect Naomi would allow you to play with, should you chose. Compared to those little tricks at Rockley. I’m ancient.”

Andrew Everleigh heard me out, his voice became more reflective and tolerant. “You sell yourself short, Diane. When I first met that lady lawyer, all I wanted to do was cane her rump. Every action you took on Hugo’s behalf made me want to do it more and more.” He laughed down at the anxiety my face betrayed. “But the Estate got you involved in things you never dreamed of. You got yourself involved in all things which benefit a wench like you. You’ve been punished, imprisoned, shamed, and broken, and the effect of it all has been to put beauty in your face, and finely hone that lovely body into a man’s desire. Diane Durrant, you’re a beauty!”

I was mollified and wondered if what he said was true. Anytime Andrew Everleigh said something kind, I got shivers and thrills up and down my spine to a degree I despised. But the feelings came from someplace deep inside. I was still wet and messy from my trauma on the beach and said sulkily. “So, okay, you find me attractive, and you want to marry me and whip me the rest of my life. Does that make sense?”

Everleigh waved our discussion into limbo. Jacob helped me to rise then fell back respectfully as we made our way to the house. I felt shockingly untidy in front of this man who I knew I had to please, and who I wished to please if it didn’t hurt too much. Longing to tidy my hair, I asked, “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to untie my hands? I sure could use them.”

My plea was ignored. Uncle Andrew did not believe in females possessing their own hands unless performing chores. I was handed to Juanita who bathed and attended to me prior to delivery at the dinner table where Uncle Andrew sat in State. I was forced to my knees beside his chair, a leather collar strapped around my collar, and from it a leash attached to one leg of the table. It was a very short leash! My master thrust food into my mouth whenever the thought occurred, and as we ate he talked. If I would have had a tail to wag, I would have made the perfect pet.

“This young buck. Hugo Markham, he’s a bit of a nuisance,” my master said. “According to the advice I’d had, he’s due here this evening, probably after dark. I expect he has a plan to rescue you.” Uncle Andrew chuckled. “He’d call it a rescue but it’s pure theft. He’d be stealing my property.”

“You’re not going to hurt him, are you?”

“Just send him away with his tail between his legs, I’ll allow you time together if you wish.”

“Yes, please! I want that, I want that very much.” Kneeling, tethered beside his chair I dared not disturb the great man as he enjoyed his food. He passed me enough to keep me munching. There was a hidden something in his voice as he spoke of Hugo and I, but I knew it useless to ask. I’d find out soon enough, whatever this extraordinary man had up this sleeve. After dinner we took a brandy in the lounge with me still kneeling at his knee and sipping as he might choose. My master steered the conversation from dangerous ground to subjects which held my interest until, as darkness fell, Jacob came to politely inform, “All is ready, Sir. It is the time.”

The servant observed my plight with deep approval. The night air was warm as Jacob led me from the house and down the fine flight of stone steps to where massive stone pillars stood like sentries guarding entry. They were all five feet high, and to one of them was attached something I recognized all too well. Once again Uncle Andrew was going to score.

Jacob carefully clicked the collar shut around my neck. It was plenty tight and from it trailed the inevitable chain, just long enough to allow me to either stand or sit He felt called upon to explain, “Is special steel. Missy, very strong!”

“I’m sure it is, Jacob. Anything else?”

“No. Missy, you just enjoy the starlight and maybe go to sleep.” Alone, I tested my tether. It’s anchor was a solid ring about half way up the pillar, thus enabling the short chain around my neck to reach down far enough for me to sit, or up far enough for me to stand. But I couldn’t walk away. Disgustedly I sat, not bothering to think of escape. There would be no escape for Diane Durrant until her master chose to turn a key. For a few moments I considered trying to fray the cords around my wrists by rubbing against the comer of the stone but simply didn’t bother. What the hell was the use!

It was an hour before I discerned Hugo striding towards the house in the starlight, obviously a man with a mission.

I stood erect at his approach and, with his first exclamation of surprise, turned my back and flapped bound hands in a silent plea. When the cords were cut away, I turned and threw my arms around his neck, and whispered between kisses. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I knew you’d come.”

“What’s the silly old twit been doing to you now!” Hugo demanded angrily. “Don’t tell me he keeps you like this all the time!”

“It’s just a collar and chain, Hugo, dear. And, of course, tied hands. Uncle Andrew is a great believer in tied hands behind a girl’s back. You got Constance’s message?” We exchanged our news in hurried whispers as if it mattered. Uncle Andrew was probably watching us out a window, so what the hell! It was not long before Hugo said, “Let’s get you free of this damned chain. There has to be a way.”

I didn’t answer but my heart was beating fast and hard as male fingers explored the metal by which I was held captive. “I figured on something like this,” Hugo said. “I’ve brought along a pair of bolt cutters. I’ll soon have you loose.”

The bolt cutters Hugo had were impressive, magnificent steel jaws and long handles. I began to hope as I thrust myself against the pillar to hold tight while he snared the topmost link of my chain. I heard him grunt as he exerted all his strength. Nothing happened!

“I’m afraid it’s some sort of special steel, Hugo,” I ventured timidly.

“I don’t care what it is, I’m going to get you loose.” Hugo readjusted the bit of jaws to the other end of the chain. “The dirty old son of a bitch!” he exclaimed as this effort proved equally without result. “I’ll see if the damned thing protrudes the other side of the pillar. Just hold your horses.”

It was all quite useless. Hugo tried every way there was even to the point of having me lay down and endure the pain of inserting the blade beneath the collar. The collar defeated him as did the chain. That effort broke the handle of his bolt cutters, leaving him cursing and me fingering the sore spot on my neck. If Uncle Andrew was watching, I was certain he would be laughing.

I suppose I’d never expected Andrew Everleigh to let me get away.

My disappointment was only half of Hugo’s anger. He threw the broken bolt cutters to the ground. “There’s nothing for it but the police. I’ll get back to the mainland and lay a charge against this old bastard and put an end to this damned fool slavery business for end. I’ve allowed it to continue too long already. Look, dear, if I leave now I can get back before daylight. Can you hold out?”

Poor, dear Hugo! I felt terribly sorry for him in his male impotence. He was seething with fury. With my arms once more encircling his neck, I whispered, “Hush, darling. It won’t do a bit of good to go to the police. They’ll never act against Andrew Everleigh, and he’s capable to turning them against you. Just let things drop and stay the way they are. He won’t keep me chained to this stone pillar too long. And, anyway, it doesn’t hurt and I don’t mind.”

“I’ve got to get you away from here somehow!” Hugo’s ego was fighting hard.

“All we need is to be patient. Hugo. I think Everleigh is going to take me back to Rockley, and I’d be surprised if I can’t slip away somewhere, sometime. What he’s doing with those girls and with me is utterly impractical. Please wait a little while.”

“Damn it, this is unreal! I have to leave the girl I love standing against a block of stone, collared and chained! I can’t believe it!”

Hugo ranted and raved while I did my best to try and make him understand everything would be all right. I wasn’t sure myself about everything being all right, but what could we do! After a while I managed to calm him down until he strode dejectedly away with my promise to join him forever as soon as one of my jailer lowered his or her guard. I wasn’t all that happy myself but felt guilty over being able to watch Hugo’s back vanish into the night without being torn in two with longing and regret. I knew I should be as angry as he, and even angrier with Uncle Andrew for watching out of the window as I was sure he was doing. Hopelessly I fingered the steel around my neck and knew myself a slave.

I fell asleep crying tears I could not wipe off. Silently on the ground beside me lay a broken pair of bolt cutters.

The penthouse of Mrs. Valerie Latimer spelt money. It also spelt isolation. No one would hear my screams. I took a deep breath as, clutching Uncle Andrew’s letter. I stepped from the private elevator to whatever fate I was now consigned to by Uncle Andrew’s mission. I was scared.

Svelte was the word for Valerie, an ageless beauty with sharp, shrew eyes and sensual lips. Her hair was drawn severely back to focus attention on finely chiseled features. Her greeting was impersonal. She read the letter then tossed it laughingly aside to say. “I suppose you know you’re a bribe?”

“Yes.”

“I can do Everleigh a favor so he does one for me. I’m a lesbian and something of a bitch. But in between us, we’ll probably enjoy ourselves. Let’s drink to it.”

This woman was simple and direct. I wished I were there to do business instead of offer my nakedness for whatever pains she might impose. Uncle Andrew had been brutally frank.

“She falls short of being a sadist, Diane, but she loves hurting girls, especially ones like yourself who are out of their teens. I’ve told her of your legal background so she can enjoy getting back at a lawyer the same way I enjoy it. I don’t know how much she’ll hurt you but that may pretty much depend on how you handle her. If you can handle her at all.”

Valerie Latimer said without emphasis as she poured drinks. “I wish to see you naked.”

Valerie was wasting no time but I knew it would come sooner or later and stripped myself naked without comment. Posing to show off my equipment. I was subjected to the closest scrutiny my nakedness usually enjoyed, almost a male’s curiosity even though there was nothing male about Valerie Latimer. She motioned to an armchair. “Sit facing me. Diane, keep your legs well apart. We can talk while I look at you.”

So far so good, it was pretty much routine. And I didn’t give a damned if this woman did find sexual interest in what I had to show.

“You’ve got a nice body,” she said sincerely. “You know I’m going to hurt it.”

“Of course.”

“I’m puzzled you’d walk in here like this. Bribes usually have to be delivered bound and gagged. And come up the freight elevator.”

“I’m paying off an obligation.”

“Well, that’s your affair. I think I’ll enjoy you. Old Everleigh is a crafty bastard and stands to pick up about seventy million out of something I can do for him if you please me. But remember, the first time you act sulky. I’ll thrash your bottom and send you home. You’ve been well whipped so I don’t have to explain what that means to you.”

The drink was potent and I could feel its fire in my belly. Oddly, I was both scared and a little excited at the thought of what this woman would do to me.

“I haven’t known Andrew Everleigh all that long and I won’t pretend to understand him,” I ventured cautiously. “I don’t believe he’s interested in the things he does to girls, not sexually. I think his interest is more in the girls themselves. His thing is to put us in situations and watch us squirm. I’ve always believed him more interested in me as a person, the ropes and chains and whips being simply a means to an end, Just an opinion.”

“The old boy’s probably impotent. And those are the ones who think up these strange notions. And get more enjoyment out of them then they ever did from impaling a girl on their shaft. I don’t notice tendencies of submission in you?”

“I don’t see them in you, either.”

“They aren’t there to see. I have to admit, though, that when I’m hurting a girl, I do have a curiosity as to what it would be like to take her place. I’m not going to tell the old so and so, but if he asked me to submit to him for an afternoon, I’d be inclined to say yes just to get a good look at his technique.”

“He’d probably turn you over to an underling. He might not even watch.”

“If he watched, it would be good enough. I’d pick up his vibes. But that’s not going to happen so let’s drop it. If you’re thinking I might let you have a go at me, forget it.”

I sipped in growing content. My flesh was heating by the intensity of Valerie’s regard as much as by the potent drink pouring down my throat. She approved of Uncle Andrew’s gift, an approval to send shivers up my spine in foreknowledge of pending pain. The voice of the Mistress was brisk.

“Are you schooled to submission, Diane, or do you struggle when you’re hurt? I don’t mind either way because I know a few tricks and can easily get the best of you in a fight. If you want to test this out, by my guest.”

I nodded, not much caring either way. “I’m not submissive but I play the role. Let’s say I’m obedient.” Hopefully I added, “I hate being whipped.”

“If that’s a hint, Diane, you can forget it. I’ll whip you as often as I wish and as hard as I please. Run back to Everleigh if you’re scared, it’s your last chance.”

I accepted a second drink, feeling pretty certain I’d need it. She continued warmly, “I’ve got three play room, we’ll have a look at them when you finish that drink. And I, suppose we might as well get started.” Valerie Latimer’s grin had a quality of friendship. “This need not be our last conversation, I enjoy a good talk with a girl I’m hurting. A bit of pain brings out all sorts of moments of truth.”

There was something tongue-in cheek about this whole thing. I could not be sure of Valerie Latimer and considered it would be wise to turn and run but the hold Andrew Everleigh had on me was a powerful force I could not deny. And there was curiosity that told me I should see what was going to happen, even if it meant getting hurt.

We both rose and I felt very conscious of my naked skin contrasting with Valerie’s very sleek dark blue velvet dress. I followed her to something I could feel sure I would not enjoy.

The big room was unexpectedly bright and bare, but in the center was a box-like affair upon two trestles, disturbingly like a coffin. “Just step up and sit down inside, Diane,” Valerie invited disarmingly. “You’ll find it doesn’t hurt a bit.”

Figuring I’d passed the point of no return, I obeyed. The box was a pretty piece of work with nothing cheap about it but from which I could get no idea of its purpose. I sat upright with feet extended which just about took up its entire length, the box itself raising above my hips. Valerie Latimer was smiling.

“I feel an absolute fool,” I admitted, feeling the need to say something. “This is something new.”

“Apart from whipping you, Diane, I will strive for innovations. Hold still while I fix a couple of things.”

The ‘couple of things’ proved to be my ankles. They were slightly raised and clamped to the sides of the box by a couple of ‘u’ bolts which slipped into small holes in the wooden side. There was a clicking as each slid in, much like the clicking of a pair of handcuffs. Quickly my feet were securely fastened to the side of the box.

Next my knees! Steel encircled each in the hollow above the knee itself, clamping them to the wood walls. It was a bit of an uncomfortable stretch as my thighs were forced apart to allow the knees to be secured touching the sides of the box. Evidently Valerie Latimer maintained an interest in keeping a woman’s private parts open and exposed. I couldn’t have gotten out of that damned box if I’d tried. She could have kept me as I was and held me safe enough. But a neatly shaped and fitted lid now slid smoothly in groves to cover my imprisoned limbs and loins, encircle my tummy and lock it tight back as though I were a woman sawed in half. This whole trick reminded me of that ancient hoax seen often on the stage. Next it was my hands, drawn down on either side against my hidden hips. Once more there were clamps. I was now held helpless by steel at ankles, knees and wrists, but the show was not yet over. A stout upright timber slid easily into sockets to press against my naked back. To this and joined by but a single link, was fastened a metal collar instantly snapped around my neck. Fingers rearranged my hair.

Mrs. Latimer stood back and I could not be sure if she was examining her handiwork or Me. “You look absolutely charming, dear,” she praised sincerely. “I expect you’re curious.”

“Of course I am. In case you’re interested, I can’t move anything that matters.”

“Of course not, Diane, helplessness is of the essence. Have you ever been kept immobile for any length of time?”

“I’m afraid not. Is that what happens now?”

“I’m going to leave you now for a little while so you’ll have a chance to adjust. You can picture all sorts of horrors still to come. You’re not hurting, are you?”

“No. Except for my knees which you’ve stretched unnaturally apart. I can’t call it pain.”

“I’d like you to struggle, if you don’t mind. See what you can shake loose.”

Struggling wasn’t any crazier than the rest of the whole damned thing. I gave it all I had but managed nothing except to move my elbows a bit and make the one link, to my collar laugh metallically. “It’s no use,” I admitted, “you’ve got me foxed.”

For once being alone wasn’t all that bad. For all I knew this could be what she considered punishment. And if I were left long enough, I suppose that is what is would become. In the meantime I tried to figure out her next move. I cringed at thought of my breasts now on display and beyond my ability to protect. My arms had been drawn back just enough to make my favorite twins shockingly available.

My new owner did not leave me long alone. When she returned she was carrying something I at first mistook for a kitten but which turned out to be an active and affectionate skunk.

“Don’t be alarmed, Percy’s been deodorized. I’ll just pop him inside the little trap door you didn’t notice at the far end. He makes wonderful company.”

My stomach tied itself in knots of apprehension as I felt the furry tail and snout begin its first explorations of my person. Its owner went to the adjoining room wherein she keep the instruments for a maidens discomfort to return with a chair into which she carelessly reclined. “I’m going to sit and watch your face, dear,” she explained. “You’ve been an absolute delight so far. The last girl I fixed the way you’re fixed had to be beaten into submission. I want to see how you make out with Percy. If you feel strongly on the subject, I could exchange him for a few mice? Or a pet rat? Don’t bother to thank me.”

I gave no thanks, scarcely hearing her mockery. I could imagine the small wild thing with which I shared the box slowly exploring closer and closer to my private places. I also was speculating wildly on what he might do when he got there. Girls fear mice because of a silly notion they may get up inside us. But Percy was too big for such a notion, but had claws and a snout and a tongue, I suspected he had been used thus before because he took his time sniffing my legs and thighs on his way up. Realizing my features mirrored my thoughts, I gasped protestingly, “This isn’t punishment, it’s just plain horrible. Please, Valerie, get that thing out from between my legs.”

“You will address me as ‘Mistress’.”

“Please, Mistress, get that little beast out from between my legs. Please, please, please!”

“Don’t be silly, he likes it in there. Think of it, he’s got a lovely warm girl to himself.”

“Valerie ... I mean, Mistress, I’m frighten! He’ll eat me alive.”

“Struggle, dear, I love to watch you do that.”

For a while I forgot about Valerie as I concentrated against an enemy I could not see. I didn’t struggle because I’d been told, my struggles were terribly real but ineffectual. I was so damned helpless, the clamps and collar held me almost motionless. But in my struggles my breasts jiggled in a manner that I didn’t like but I’m sure was an interesting show.

“I’m so glad Andrew sent you to me. I can always rely on Andrew for something interesting. Please don’t feel I’m punishing you like a child today. Tomorrow I’ll whip you like an adult.”

By this time Percy had discovered the obvious. His first nuzzling brought froth a wail of anguish I could not contain. Once more I went into a frenzy of struggling that only made the steel by which I was held dig into my flesh.

I know nothing of the mating habits of the skunks, but my mind was vivid with imaginations about the half of me locked within the box and totally available for anything the skunk might want to do. As Percy thrust his snout against my sex, I screamed and screamed in horror, while Valerie Latimer watched and listened, loving everything I did.

It was a shrewd and clever torture, extracting the reactions of a girl who knew nothing of true possibilities. It was not until after my release that wounded wrists told me of just how hard I had fought. As Percy amused himself. I pleaded with agonized gasps, “Get me out of here! Whip me instead. Anything you want. He’s eating me alive!”

“I’m going to get a cup of coffee, dear, and I’ll bring you one.”

Valerie kissed my cheek and went away.

It should have been worse but wasn’t. Without watching eyes, I felt much less shame. But there was still Percy inside my box. By that time I had come to the hope that he would not eat me alive but content himself with sniffings and proddings with his snout. There were some tiny nippings and I could occasionally feel his tiny claws against my skin. I could not control the spasms of my flesh against this invasion, the limits of which it did not know. My sex proved to be his main interest, and he was soon licking parts of it with his tiny tongue. By the time Valerie returned I could show her only heaving breasts as evidence of what was going on below.

As Valerie held the coffee cup to one set of my lips. I could feel Percy shoving his snout between the lips of my sex.

“He enjoys your secretions,” Valerie said. “Enjoy him, he’s a real friend.”

Valerie kept me fastened as I was until Percy went to sleep. But before that his tiny tongue had found my most sensitive place and given it a good licking. It was a licking that created reactions in me I did not wish to have. My breathing became heavier, my breasts rose and fell with the panting. Little moans of pleasure escaped my lips as the excitement rose within my captive body. Finally I had to close my eyes to shut out the smiling face of Valerie Latimer. Even though I fought it. I was soon gripped by an orgasm of considerable proportions. With one loud cry and a stiffening of my body, I trembled into an unwanted and extremely shaming orgasm.

Percy must have been satisfied, too, for he curled up between my legs and went to sleep. Valerie was grinning when I opened my eyes again.

“I expect that’s all we’re going to get out of Percy for today,” she said consolingly. “I could get the mice or the rat, but I think it would be pretty much the same thing and I wouldn’t want you to be bored or think I was running short on ideas. I’ll let you loose.”

The lid of the box was withdrawn and Percy picked up, petted, and placed on the floor. My wrists were freed but only to pull them behind my back to lock them in the familiar grip of handcuffs. “I won’t trust you from now on,” Valerie explained. “I expect you’re obedient enough but why take chances! It’s nice for you, too, because it saves you from wondering if you should make a break for it or obey. I’ll get another chair and I’ll get you a fresh cup of coffee before we go on to number two. I might as well use you while I’ve got you. I’m pleased with you. Diane, you’re beautifully sensitive.”

Before I sat for coffee, my owner grasped a handful of my sex. I jumped.

“You don’t need to keep me handcuffed, Mistress. If you will let me have my hands, I’ll promise to be good.”

Valerie rose and looked down at me in grave appraisal until finally she smiled and used her key to free my wrists from the steel. I accepted a cup of coffee gratefully.

“He’s got you trained, hasn’t he?” she said with a touch of admiration. “I’m going to enjoy you. Your obedience is actually a new dimension I’ll explore. You do understand I’m going to punish you again?”

“Yes, of course. But first let me finish this coffee?”

She gave me lots of time to drink. When I was done she watched as I examined my pussy to make sure there was no damage from Percy’s teeth and claws. I was pretty much used to being seen naked by now and didn’t mind much. Fleetingly I wondered if my enslavement would ever end.

I was in no hurry to go on to number two and sat contentedly enough while Valerie Latimer told me of things she had done to other girls at other times, tales of horror or levity which I listened to in a mixture of laughter and shock. I wasn’t even sure she was telling the truth. Percy curled up on the floor and slept.

Valerie must have spent a lot of money. All her heavy stuff was on castors and could be wheeled back and forth with ease. I helped her roll Percy’s box into a store room and replace it with a massive “X” affair I didn’t like the look of.

“You can figure this one out ahead of time,” Valerie said as she busied herself with straps and the placement of an initial step on which I was told to stand. “Up you go, dear. I’ll strap your wrists first and then the rest will be easy.”

Standing on the step I watched with interest as leather straps bit snugly at my wrists and were buckled tight behind the stout timber. First one and then the other of my hands were immobilized. And then the straps did the same service for my elbows. Every bond was neatly contrived to be fastened out of sigh leaving only the smooth band of leather deeply indented within my flesh. When a broad width of leather buckled around the narrowest portion of my waist, I was fixed for sure!

I made an involuntary cry as the step was jerked away from my feet, to leave me suspended in the clutch of the cross and bit of straps. But, so cleverly were the straps contrived, that my weight was equally carried everywhere except on my legs. First my left ankle was tugged out to one side, strapped there, and then my left knee strapped to that member of the “X”. Then my right, leaving me with legs widely spread and a pussy wide open for inspection or anything else. I looked at the sleeping Percy and wondered if he could be invited to climb my legs. I could not move.

“It’s an interesting bit of bondage,” Valerie commented casually.

“You do have the most delightfully shaped sex, neat and tidy, and very, very female. Let’s see how it’s reacting to the stretch.”

There was nothing I could do to prevent the palming and kneading of that portion of myself. I was evidently reacting satisfactorily, for when she held her hand for me to see, it was wet. Miss Valerie Latimer compelled me to lick it dry. “If Percy enjoyed it, why shouldn’t you?” Her voice was deliciously mocking.

With my mistress once more reclining in her chair to once more focus on my sex, and whatever else there was about me she enjoyed. I began to feel in luck. Being bound as I was was severe and I was helpless, there was also the knowledge that my widely stretched legs were going to hurt before too long. I could already feel the stress in my legs. Her majesty began to chat, her tone pleasantly informal as though I, too, were reclining in a chair instead of being tautly stretched upon a massive wooden frame. “I want you to think about tomorrow, Diane. I said I’ll whip you, and I will. Is it traumatic for you or something you can cope with?”

“I manage to live, if that’s what you want to know,” I said without enthusiasm. “Every time I’m whipped I know I’m going to die, but I never do. I suppose I’ve never been well and truly flogged, that would be traumatic for sure! Mistress, please don’t whip me.”

“Well, well, you really don’t like it! Are you sure you don’t secrete for the first few strokes? I’ll bet you do?”

“Well, all right, so I secrete before I start to scream.”

“Tell me the various ways you’ve been bound for your whippings. I really am interested.” Valerie was a sleek cat, hungry for eroticism, seeking the pain of girls. She had shown me a streak of kindness in between and I could not be sure what was the dominant factor in her temperament. I was about to tell of being strung up by my wrists when something truly awful happened. The cross to which I was tightly strapped suddenly made a ninety degree turn to leave me fastened horizontally instead of upright. I cried out in alarm but was soothed by Valerie’s amused explanation. “The axis is controlled by a motor and a timer. It will flip you every so often, I won’t tell you how often. But it will be something for you to look forward to. Eventually you’ll rotate around and come up to where you started. After that you start another revolution. Naturally, I intend to watch.”

“It frightened me. And don’t you realize the next flip will put me upside down! I’ll die!”

“That dying bit is a fallacy, Diane. It might kill a seventy-five year old, but you could stand it for an hour or more. I left one girl strapped upside down an hour and a half once. There were no ill effects.” She laughed at my visible apprehension. “And how do you know you will be upside down? The mechanism is set to sometimes tilt you the opposite direction from the last time. It’ s a beautifully versatile ordeal, particularly adapted to young ladies who have their sex stretched wide open in full view. Gosh, you’re delightful !”

Valerie was undoubtedly sexual and I was half expecting the insertion of a dildo within my pussy which must indeed seem to plead for such attention. Mistress’ reflections continued as though everything was normal “I’ve got a compact model of a rack in the storeroom, dear. The name has a fearsome sound and evokes most appalling visions. Mine works electrically the same as the machine you’re fixed to right now. Perhaps we should try it sometime. Not enough to dislocate anything but to give you a chance to boast to having been on the rack. A girl changes shape entirely when she’s on it. You’ll see what I mean. By the way, did you ever read the story of Beatrica? The poor girl fell pray to the Italian Inquisition and was questioned under the influence of the what they used to call ‘the cord’. They simply tied the poor creature’s hands behind her back and raised her up by them high enough so that when they suddenly released the rope she fell as a dead weight which was suddenly stopped short to cause her arms to be dislocated from their sockets and for her to hang suspended in what must have been considerable agony. The story had it that a doctor was in attendance and when she was released, he relocated her shoulders so it could be done to her again on the following day. And the day after that... Would you like to try that?”

“Please don’t talk, of such things. I don’t believe you’re like that at all. And anyway it would make such a mess s of a girl you wouldn’t enjoy her afterwards.” My heart was thumping hard at the pictures she evoked.

Whatever it was my mistress said next was lost to me because the damned machine flipped me again and I found myself well and truly upside down, my hair falling towards the floor and my strapped feet upward. I was gasping for breath in disbelief. Being strapped upside down like I was is hard to describe. Everything is absolutely wrong. I don’t suppose I hung much more than right way up, but I thought I did and that’s what counts. I tried hard to struggle without success. I even tried to touch the floor with my hands. And I realized just how much my open pussy was exposed. It was perfectly positioned for any attention Valerie might wish to do to it. Carelessly Valerie Latimer rose and walked to me. First her fingers teased my pussy, thrilling and exciting nerves all along my most sensitive parts. Then her fingers stroked my clit, lightly, just enough to evoke the most delightful shivers down my spine. Suddenly her head was bent over me and her tongue lapping my wide open sex.

Quickly she brought me upwards towards a climax, expertly toying with my sex while her strong hands gripped my bottom cheeks and dug their fingernails in. Her work was quick and sure and I was soon teetering on the brink of an intense orgasm.

As suddenly as she had begun, she backed off and resumed her seat. I strained my body, aching for the return of that velvet tongue. But it did net return and I ached in frustration. It was truly amazing how fast I could work up to another orgasm after having had one in Percy’s box just a short time before. But I’ve heard that some women can hit multiple orgasms, one right after another. Anyway, her leaving me so close to the pleasure of satisfaction but not allowing me to reach it was torture of a different kind. I was thankful, after I cooled down a bit, that Hugo and Uncle Andrew were not inclined to such tortures It was very frustrating and shaming. I had never been driven so close to an orgasm by another girl’s tongue before. It was wonderful and terrible at the same time, I found myself wishing she would shove a dildo inside me to finish the job her tongue had begun.

“Please...” was all I whispered but that plea was ignored.

Valerie continued watching the contortions of my face. I hated my hair hanging down and the strange shape my breasts assumed under the wrong influence of gravity. I could well believe a girl would die if held like this long enough. I said so but was soothed by Valerie’s silken voice, “Don’t’ be silly, Diane. I’ve already told you of the experiments I’ve done, and I wouldn’t do this to you if it was dangerous. It’s simply something for you to suffer and a delight for me to watch. If you keep on complaining. I’ll whip your upturned pussy. Of course,” she mused, “that would probably drive you right into a climax, but we all have our little crosses to bear.”

It wasn’t until a long time later that I realized she had made a pun.

“Don’t you realize you’re beautifully stretched little pussy cat is positively begging for the lash? I have the nicest leather whip made just for that place.”

I shuddered. I was trembling in fear and getting small comfort from Valerie’s reassurances. I tried hard to not think of a whip crashing down between my thighs. I longed most ardently that the damned machine would give me one more flip. When it finally happened, my position wasn’t upright but horizontal and much better than being upside down. When the flip after that arrived. I found myself upright again and very thankful for it. I could have cried with gratitude, but my mistress had something else to say.

“You’ve had one full turn, dear, so you know there’s nothing to be scared about. I’m going to leave you alone for a while and I want you to count the turns you make while I’m gone. I want you to count every one and thank me for them when I come back.”

Strangely she kissed my nipples and went away. For a while I could swear my breasts were burning from her lips.

It was a hateful punishment, nothing to be thankful for at all, even during those times when I was vertical I was still a helpless prisoner anticipation the next flip. It was horrible but I will have to admit I did not suffer a single hurt. Only some bad times.

“I’ve been thinking about that obedience thing of yours, it intrigues me,” Valerie Latimer said as she set me free. “Anyone is foolish to believe a mature mind can fail to savor the agonies of decision you must endure every time you do as you are told. What you say we both go out to dinner?”

Once more Valerie was being kind amid the cruelties. But I said, “Yes, that would be lovely.” By that time I’d grown up enough to acquire a captive’s realization of the benefit of half a loaf as opposed to no bread. If I could get an hour or two of happiness in a public place instead of being chained or locked in a cage, or tightly bound with hurting ropes, I’d be crazy to refuse. I really was grateful. The afternoon hadn’t been all that much fun and tomorrow was tomorrow and far away. As though to reassure myself, I asked. “You’ll let me be really and truly free? Not even handcuffs?”

“Not unless you ask for them. Diane. I had a girl once who did. She said she felt naked unless her hands were joined. Would you like the handcuffs?”

“No thanks, but I’ll let you lock them on me anytime you want. Taking me out is really nice, a treat I could certainly use. Thank you.”

Valerie laughed at me and told me I was entirely welcome, and promised to resist the temptation to tell me what she would do to me after she got me home. The way she said it left me wondering if we’d be looking at TV or I’d be tied up in a cell. I didn’t ask, I didn’t want to know.

Valerie’s personality had pretty well erased Uncle Andrew from my mind. The restaurant to Which she took me was gorgeous and reminded me of Donatelli’s, and that reminded me of Hugo. Amidst the glamour and noise and good wine, I was suddenly aware of having made two promises, one of which I could not possibly keep. In that sense, the restaurant was a mistake. Valerie should have kept me securely bound back in her penthouse. Once a girl starts thinking irrationally there’s no telling where it will lead. Andrew Everleigh’s hints about marrying me now seemed like nothing more than whimsy. But I had made him a promise and I couldn’t forget the huge amount of money he’d handed over not so long ago. But memory instantly took me back to Hugo, the broken bolt cutters, and a collar and chain for which only Uncle Andrew held the key. Belatedly I remembered my promise to Hugo to slip away at the first opportunity and join him in New York. I’d been so positive the opportunity would occur and I would simply walk out. But now, as I sat across from Valerie in the candlelight, I realized I held freedom in my hand. I could simply walk away and she couldn’t stop me. From that point I had to be concerned about Valerie Latimer and wondering if my pledge of obedience was actually a promise, a promise I’d be a bitch to break. I was suddenly confronted by promises in all directions.

“What’s bothering you, Diane,” Valerie asked shrewdly. “As if I didn’t know.”

“Freedom!” I admitted frankly. “I don’t know if I can handle it.”

“I thought we handled that back at the beginning. I want to watch you torn in two by indecision! The things I’m going to do to you tomorrow won’t hurt half as much as now.”

“I didn’t think I’d feel like this, Mistress - or may I call you Valerie in public?”

“While you belong to me, you’ve got two choices: don’t call me by any name or call me ‘Mistress’.” She bestowed the sweetest of smiles. “If you want to run away, now’s your chance. If you don’t want dinner, get up and go.”

Valerie’s magic brought me at least half way back to where I wanted to be. Of course I wanted dinner!

“I’m grateful for you bringing me here, but this place and everything around is so normal that it’s hard to believe you’re going to take me back to the penthouse and whip me.”

“You should be able to cope with it, Diane. Parole was a well established custom years ago. Captured soldiers often gave their parole in order to gain time or get a favor. I don’t suppose it was ever easy for any of them to go back and be a prisoner again. The same with you. I love it!”

I don’t know what triggered the act but suddenly I was on my feet and saying, “Goodbye, Valerie, and thank you for everything.”

I walked away. I think it was instinct, for I had no plan. But a phone call and I’d be safely on a plane, heading toward Hugo.

I used a side door and was running towards the glitter of the main street when I bag went over my head, handcuffs clicked behind my back, and I was tossed into the back seat of a waiting car like a bundle of merchandise. I suppose that’s what I was.