The Principal: A Novel of Lesbian Love

Susanna Valent

Chapter One

It was her haughty little sniff that at once annoyed and amused me. Every day, it was the same scenario. I would go out to the flagpole in front of the high school at around 5:30 PM to lower the flag. As I was folding it, she would come down the broad, shallow front steps and head for her car, briefcase in hand, purse slung over her shoulder.

I would say. “Have a pleasant evening, Dr. Jeffries."

She would sniff.

That was it.

I don't think she even knew my name.

That didn't interfere with my enjoyment, that very evening, of one of many masturbatory fantasies about the principal of Windy Ridge High.

She sweeps into the room and removes her cape with a flourish, tossing it onto the leather sofa.

“Come here, Jane."

Her voice, soft and cultured, belies the toughness of character that is her trademark. At school, during the day, she never speaks to me. No one knows that we have even met. At night, in her office, it's different. Then, there, we indulge our wildest desires.

Naked, of course, I crawl across the floor of her office, scraping my nipples along the rough pile of her carpet. Finally my nose is bare inches from the toes of her high, black boots.

“Greet me."

Careful not to touch her leather with my hands, I pay homage with my tongue, covering her boots from sole to ankle with kisses. I'm not allowed to kiss above the ankles, either. Not yet, anyway.

“Enough."

She steps behind me and bends to shackle my wrists. Turning abruptly, she strolls behind her desk, leaving me facedown on the floor. I wait, paralyzed by my vow of obedience to her.

When she snaps her fingers, though, I respond. Two snaps means under the desk. I scramble awkwardly into the darkness and she rolls her chair into position. Flicking aside the calf-length skirt of her gray, cashmere dress, she sits in the enormous chair, flinging one leg over an arm.

One snap. The command to service.

I bow my head to her cleft. Dry at the moment, I will leave it steaming or my life won't be worth the pittance the Board of Education pays me. But I am not concerned, for I am the only one who knows how to pleasure this harsh, demanding woman. She herself has told me that no one else has passed her tests. No one else has demonstrated the willingness to submit, the staying power to return on command, the ability to make her come in great, volcanic surges.

It is a hard life, and hard to accept that I am nothing but a sex slave, and never will be. But I have at least reached one life-long goal, that of submissive to a capable dominant; a fair dominant, too, one who rewards me for good behavior, disciplines me just enough, and punishes only when warranted.

For now, though, my only concern is her pleasure. Whatever may happen to me is irrelevant. I lick her soft, smooth warmth, careful to keep a steady rhythm, a respectful pressure. A lapse of attention could prove disastrous, as any distraction can interfere with our mutual goal.

“Uhhhh… “she sighs.

I stifle an answering sigh of relief. Here in the cramped kneehole of her desk is not a good place to spend the night, precisely the punishment for failing to make my mistress come. It has only happened once.

“Steady… steady…” she warns, not that I need warning. My head continues to bob in her lap and I feel a casual touch on the back of my neck. I shudder. It is not loving, merely proprietary, yet I crave any contact with her.

“Slowly,” she whispers, and I can tell from this one word that her breathing is more rapid now. Her gloved hand presses down, the signal for me to lick harder.

Suddenly her hand is withdrawn, but I know where it is. Both hands grip the edge of her desk to keep the chair from rolling. My mistress approaches climax and growls as she draws closer. I continue my exact pattern without stopping, knowing better than to experiment, ever.

“Uh, uh, aaaahhhhhh!” she shrieks, rolling the chair tightly under the desk to keep my face in her boiling pussy. Some liquids escape; that can't be helped, but she enjoys a ferocious climax, and then another.

“Cease,” she breathes, and I withdraw slightly to clean up the oozing liquids I have coaxed from a reluctant and heretofore unloved cunt.

Eventually she backs the chair away and I fall on my face at her feet again. She leans down and releases the handcuffs, dropping them into the back of a desk drawer.

“Friday,” she says, rising to leave. “Don't touch yourself."

“No, Mistress,” I mutter into the rug. It is not unexpected. I usually come no more than once a week, and I know better than to cheat. The penalty for that is the loss of my position as her slave.

The door closes behind her, and I am alone once again in the darkness of her office.

I'm Jane Naismith, and at the time of that fantasy, I actually was a school janitor. I had been a lot of other things, and my mother would have been appalled at some of them, but she was no longer sharing my plane of existence. In fact, it was her death that had propelled me out of a cold and angry relationship and a dead-end job to live alone and write. But at the same time, one has to pay the bills. I moved from suburban Tampa to a rural setting fifty miles further away, far out in the country, a location not at all suitable to my lesbian lifestyle, but I had a plan. I would do my dull-but-dependable job by day or night (it hardly mattered which) and write during all other waking hours undistracted by culture, media, socializing, religion, you name it. I was going to stay in that job and write my books and mind my own business until further notice, or I won the lotto.

There was one other, tiny distraction I had to allow myself, both for the money and the experience, and frankly, to satisfy my physical needs without getting involved. I had had enough involvement to last me a lifetime.

The dungeon. That wasn't its official name; that was what we insiders called it. Located in a basement under an old cigar factory in Ybor City, it was, as far as anyone knew, the only D/s location for lesbians on the entire Sun Coast of Florida, and that was just fine with us, because we charged whatever the traffic would bear and profited handsomely. Not enough to provide health and retirement benefits for the entire staff, but enough to supplement our day jobs and have some fun.

I found it during the days of my mother's final illness, after my retired lover, sick of living with someone who was dying of cancer, ran off to Colorado, indefinitely, to visit her folks. That's what she called it.

“Call me after she's dead,” Lucille advised.

I never did.

But, back to the dungeon. Having stumbled across it while looking for a much more run-of-the-mill bar, and realizing no one there knew me, I stayed. I stayed and stayed and returned again and again, only lurking at first, then taking my first tentative steps into the hidden world of lesbian dominance and submission. There was always a nurse's aide or hospice volunteer at the house, and no one thought anything of my absences late on Friday night or Sunday afternoon. In fact, Lucille's sudden departure to Aspen caused more alarm and curiosity than my unexplained excursions. How they came to the conclusion that I was off being comforted by friends who never appeared at the house, I'll never know, but it left me some free time to get out of myself and away from my problems and come to a decision.

After Mom died, I put her affairs in order and discovered she had left me enough to make a break. I hired a lawyer, she contacted Lucille, I packed my stuff and Lucille sent me a check for my part of the house. With it and my inheritance, I moved to Windy Ridge (a misnomer, but never mind) and began my new life: school janitor by day, writer by night, dominatrix on the weekends.

Chapter Two

I think perhaps dominance appealed to me because in my personal relationships, I had always been at a disadvantage. My lovers had always had the upper hand, emotionally, financially and therefore, psychologically. I had had enough of being dominated, used and dumped because I was basically just a real sweet person. Mom raised me right, except I always took a beating. Never a physical one, but there are other kinds of beatings.

During my lurking phase, I watched the “other” dommes (Like I was one already! It doesn't happen overnight.) to see what to adopt, what to discard, what I might have to invent from scratch. Since being submissive was my “natural” role, I took that part first, to learn. In that role I was just one of many naked slaves, moving from cavern to closet to cell; wherever my many mistresses wanted me to go in the dungeon, doing whatever they wanted me to do. I had been told by one of the staff that no one becomes a dominant without spending some time as a submissive first, although the opposite was not true. Most of the submissives I've ever met not only wouldn't be dominant, they couldn't. Some of us could switch, most of us chose a role and stayed. I decided that if I could become dominant, I would stay put right there, where I felt safe and in control.

After learning all there was to know about the submissive mind-set, and it was dangerously comfortable for me, I approached one of the staff dommes for formal training before I lost my nerve. Her name was Beverly and I chose her because she was silent, reserved, rigid and absolutely not stereotypical. No stilettos, mesh stockings and bustier for her. Those things were rare among lesbians anyway. She barely said a word, most of her control coming from a look or a gesture. She wore a Nazi SS uniform, complete with jackboots, sidearm, swagger stick and dark glasses. It was perfect for her. At well over six feet tall, blond and with not a little of the Prussian about her, she pulled it off well. She wasn't a Nazi herself-far from it. The Nazis had wanted to wipe out homosexuals, after all. A Nazi officer was, however, the scariest thing she could think of, and I had to agree with that. Everyone agreed with Beverly if they knew what was good for them. She was the alpha domme, and no one even thought to challenge her.

I flat out told Beverly I wanted to become a domme because I was writing about the life and I was sick and tired of being taken advantage of. It had occurred to me by then that it could also be a part-time job and would keep me safely from real emotional involvements.

Beverly didn't give a shit why I wanted to do it. She took my money and ordered me face down on the cold stone floor to lick her size 12 boots, whacking my backside liberally with her swagger stick when I failed to lick hard and fast enough. Thus began my apprenticeship.

Several months of weekend nights later, when I was aching and sore from tongue to toes and had had every conceivable object inserted into every orifice, Beverly told me she could do no more with me. To begin with, she had thoroughly torn me down and when I was nothing, she began to build me back up into a domme after her own image. I emerged from my submissive chrysalis as a fledgling domme. Together we took on the subs, starting with the least experienced, working up to those who were inured to all but the most specialized and intense forms of pain. Having been the recipient of pain myself, and having gotten off on it, I was no longer squeamish about giving it. I needed very little pain to climax, myself. Mere verbal control and a completely authoritative manner were enough to excite me nearly to orgasm, and the delay or denial of orgasm itself usually sent me the rest of the way. Beverly had a lot of fun with that, and suggested that since I knew it so well, it would make an excellent specialty for me. I concurred and incorporated this behavior into my repertoire.

The costume, the role, came last, almost an afterthought. Having been tossed out of the Army before attaining the rank of major, I chose that as my title: The Major. I wore unrelieved black: combat boots, fatigue pants, dress shirt and suspenders, topped by a black military-style cloth cap with a high peak and a large brim. The gold leaf insignia rode below the peak of the cap. I carried a riding crop and wore dark glasses, like Beverly's. I had to, or my round, innocent good-natured baby face would have rendered me a joke. I hid my short blond hair under the cap so that I looked utterly androgynous-as long as you overlooked my big tits. In the dark, and anxious to be dominated, most subs didn't notice them at all.

As dommes frequently came and went, there was room for me on the staff as soon as Beverly pronounced me a graduate of her program. My shift was not the best, ending late Saturday and Sunday nights when I had to be up early for work on Monday morning, but I went along with it for the experience and slept in as much as I could on my other days off to compensate. Usually I was so jazzed when I got off work on Sunday night that I just stayed up until I finished work Monday, then crashed. It was annoying to have to spend the rest of the week adjusting to Sunday nights, but gee, the money almost made me contemplate not writing anymore. I admit, until I was done with my training and got used to the weird schedule, my writing went on a back burner, but, oh, the material I was collecting!

All week long I looked forward to Friday, when I worked eight PM to three AM. I loved my little outfit, I loved seeing the subs wet themselves for me, and I loved getting off on their faces. It was so much better than caring! What the hell took you so long? I would demand of myself. I swore I would never get involved again. I didn't have to.

Beverly and I weren't the only ones with costumes, of course. Almost everyone had one, although there was a lot of duplication. Among the dommes, there were police, military of every description, cowgirls, mechanics, clergy (yes, isn't that scary?) doctors, and dark-suited lawyer and broker types. Subs came in rags, slutty bimbo outfits galore, dressed as schoolgirls, or just plain naked. I had regulars and I had one-time visitors. The galleries were full of women in street clothes, either curious or contemplating a foray into the life.

All of the staff dommes had regular customers. There was no need for staff subs. Subs showed up by the carload every weekend. Any visiting domme who wanted one had a huge variety to choose from. It wasn't infrequent that a sub took a number to be with the domme of her choice for thirty minutes to an hour to all night. I didn't care how many I saw; the rates were the same regardless.

After a few months on staff, I knew all the regular subs and could do their routines practically in my sleep. Thus I discovered one of the drawbacks to being this involved: after a while, it isn't different enough to be exciting. Eventually I needed “fresh meat” to get off during a performance. That, or I would spend some time with Beverly, playing sub to her domme when time permitted. She wasn't the best for no reason and it scared me that I was starting to find her attractive and even necessary in my life. I used those interludes only as a last resort. I had the impression she would have liked more, but I loved that sternness, those boots, the silence until her orgasm, way too much not to be very scared of where it might lead. I just wasn't ready for more quite yet. Besides, I was supposed to be a domme myself!

Before that became a real problem for me though, something happened. Something happened to mess up my nice, carefully orchestrated life, and I didn't know whether to be pleased or pissed off.

Chapter Three

Friday afternoon.

“Good evening, Dr. Jeffries."

She sniffed. My day was complete.

On the way home to change, I thought about her. The little dynamo was both a mystery and source of amusement to me. She was cute as could be, but she hid behind a tough, brainy exterior that had the students, faculty and staff either on their toes or back-pedaling out of her way all the time. Just over five feet tall, and not one to bother with foolish and uncomfortable high heels to compensate, she could still silence a rowdy assembly or faculty meeting with one steely look. Most of the teachers, especially the men and not a few of the women, would have killed for a smile from her. No one stayed on her good side for long. No one was perfect enough for Lynn Jeffries, BA, M. Ed., Ed. D., Fulbright scholar, published author and sought-after lecturer. Did I mention she wasn't married? When would she have had the time?

I think if she had been nice to me, I would have adored her. I could have adored her. She was just my type, someone who would overwhelm me with her accomplishments, her money, her brilliance; the kind who would have brought out the submissive in me until I was defenseless, and who would then have dumped me for any or no reason. Fortunately for me, I was well along as a domme-in-training by the time I landed the job at Windy Ridge High. Had meeting her preceded my discovery of the dungeon, I would have pined away for her quite uselessly.

In any event, Lynn Jeffries wasn't that nice to anyone, not really. She was superficially pleasant but never honestly involved, never caring. Her infrequent smiles never reached her clear, China-blue eyes. Because as a janitor I was virtually invisible, people talked in front of me as if I weren't there or didn't speak English. It was easy to just wait and collect information. I never had to ask anything around that place. Rumors flew. Standing around, being a sponge, I soon learned all I needed to know about everyone in the place, but especially about Dr. Lynn Jeffries.

She was famous for saying things like, “Since there'll never be anyone to buy me things, I buy them myself,” and, “Since no one wants to go to these places with me, I go on my own,” and, “Since no one can stand to live with me, it's a good thing I have a dog.” It was a wall she put up, forestalling disappointment and rejection. I could almost sympathize. I mostly made do on my own, too, because when I allowed people to get close to me, I lost so much of myself; it wasn't worth the companionship, the comforts, the goodies. She must have had similar experiences. People don't just forswear all companionship all of a sudden for no reason. Human beings are social animals; we have to get hurt before we can make that decision.

When I was interviewed, and it certainly wasn't by Dr. Jeffries, I was told to steer clear of her and never to go into her office for any reason as I was the junior of the six janitors and obviously not to be trusted. Her office was so barricaded there wasn't much danger of that anyway. Two fat, grim secretaries sat guard almost all day long, and behind them was a wooden barrier reminiscent of a courtroom. Her office door was almost always shut, and just in case it wasn't, there was a folding mahogany screen in front of it.

This was not to say the principal was inaccessible; Dr. Jeffries just guarded her privacy, coming out or letting people in strictly on her own terms. She was always in evidence in the halls, especially between periods. She showed up everywhere, always without notice, even in gym classes and the cafeteria. Substituting in the social sciences was among her most effective methods of striking utter terror in the hearts of students. She had favorites among students and faculty alike, but not among staff. We were invisible to her. A doctoral candidate among the faculty or a kid headed to an Ivy League school was often found nestled securely beneath her Talbot-suited wing, only to be replaced by another temporary favorite before much time had passed.

In short, I didn't have a chance. It didn't keep me from fantasizing about spending the day under her desk, which I had never even seen, or of just hearing her say, “Thank you, Jane,” after I picked up an armload of books she dropped on her way home. The sniff was the only acknowledgement of my existence I was ever likely to wring from her, and I would be wise to let it go at that.

I was whipping a submissive, my mind on Lynn Jeffries as usual, my eyes more on the crowd than on the slave writhing against my boots. Soon she would beg to come on them, and after teasing her mercilessly, and interrupting her frenzy to make her pleasure me, I would give in, and she would go home happy, whoever the hell she was. If I got off, great. If not, I could go see Beverly, or maybe I would just go home and do myself, thinking of those big blue eyes, that dusting of freckles on unblemished skin.

I always watched the galleries. We had bets going all the time about who would cross over and participate, and when.

While my fourth slave of the evening was polishing my combat boots, Beverly happened by with a sub on a leash crawling beside her. The instant Beverly stopped, the sub attached herself to Beverly's left heel and started sucking. Beverly ignored her. “Upper left, in the long blond wig and shades,” Beverly remarked casually. “Been watching you all night."

“How much?” I inquired. I had seen her, too.

“Ten bucks on the next night she shows up. Not tonight, but soon,” Beverly predicted with a wink.

Personally, I thought this new sub-wannabe had a more hesitant attitude than most. I didn't think so. “You're on,” I agreed.

I won. The woman in the wig came back the next two nights but remained in the farthest corner of the largest gallery, sipping something non-alcoholic (you could tell by the color of the go-cup) and just watching. She watched all the dommes at first, finally settling on me, but she still didn't budge.

Beverly paid up without complaint. “I still say she wants you."

“Maybe, but I remember being right where she is. Making that first move takes a lot of nerve. Just coming here does,” I reminded my colleague.

“She's yours,” Beverly insisted. “Why don't you thrill her and talk to her?"

“Nah, she'll never come back,” I said.

“Just look at her directly a few times. She'll get the message,” Beverly prodded. “Wanna get it on, after?"

I looked at her jackboots, remembering. “Yeah,” I agreed.

I did look up at the woman, not that she could see my eyes behind my glasses, any more than I could see hers, but by the end of the night, she was gone. I stripped down to lick leather and Beverly's pussy and forgot all about the blond wig.

Chapter Four

On Monday afternoon, all I could think of was my bed. Some of the kids had gotten food poisoning and we had to clean up the cafeteria and nurse's office several times, and disinfect it all too. I was glad to get out in the fresh air to take down the flag, and was so distracted by the events of the day that I almost jumped out of my skin when she came up behind me.

“Get that trash, would you?"

A flyer of some sort had lodged itself at the base of one of the palm trees that flanked the entrance walkway.

I recovered quickly. “Yes, ma'am, Dr. Jeffries,” I said with a slight bow. I tucked the flag under my arm and went to retrieve the offending paper.

“Good,” she said, and with a brisk nod, she got into her silver BMW and roared off to God knew where. Well, actually, I knew where; a ritzy neighborhood just north of Tampa, a gated community where shipping magnates, tennis stars and retired generals lived in idyllic, if not authentically central-Floridian, lushness. Walt Disney proved you can improve on nature. I hadn't gotten so bad yet that I would stalk the woman, but I did have a map program on my computer. Enough said.

I was idiotically pleased with myself. I had not babbled. I had not blushed. I had not fallen at her Gucci'd feet in paroxysms of orgasmic ecstasy.

She still had no idea who I was. Garbage collector and mopper of puke to Her Majesty, and that was about it.

The next four days, all I got was the sniff again. I thought of letting pieces of paper fly loose as I went outdoors each day, so she could send me scampering after them like a crazed puppy. Eager as I was for her to notice me, I managed to restrain myself. Whatever way there was to get her attention, it would have to be a lot more sophisticated than that.

As I drove home in my aging Toyota, my mind jumped ahead to the dungeon. I wondered if that woman in the blond wig and dark glasses would be back, and if or when she might overcome her inhibitions and relieve the pressures I knew were building inside her. I didn't have to know anything about her except that she kept coming back. I had kept coming back. I had never left. We were all of a type, the D/s sisterhood. The love that dared not speak its name had mutated. Plain old same-sex sex was all but passe. Same-sex D/s was still uncharted territory to most of American society, and not because they thought it was cool and chic, either. Weren't we funny? Just about the time we were almost accepted, we managed to find a behavior to set ourselves apart all over again. If that isn't perverted… well, never mind. That thesis will keep.

By 11 PM, the place was jammed and people were taking numbers. When I punched up my next number, Blond Wig appeared, a crumpled ticket clutched in her trembling hand. In the half-light, I could see the ticket was fluorescent orange: a half hour of my time in private.

“All right,” I told her, “in the cell.” I pointed with my riding crop for her to precede me. So far, she hadn't said a word, and I knew she was one to be handled relatively gently at first, or she would bolt, not get her money's worth, and never come back. Bad for business.

Among the various paraphernalia in the cell were a high stool and a mat.

“Get down there,” I ordered her to the mat. “I want you kneeling with your hands behind your back. Chin up. Look at me."

“Yes, ma'am,” she whispered, and suddenly a chill ran down my spine. Before taking my own seat, I adjusted the lighting so it was almost entirely on her, hiding me behind a wall of protective glare. My voice would come at her from the darkness.

I paced behind her, the heel plates on my boots the only sound, and meant to intimidate. “What's your name, sub?” I demanded suddenly.

“L-L-Lolita,” she squeaked.

My knees almost gave out. I had to get her to talk more, but I already thought I knew who she was. “First time?” I proceeded, controlling myself.

“Yes, ma'am,” her voice no longer shook as much. She was relaxing, but I wasn't.

“Safeword?” I probed.

“Wha-what's that?” she quavered a little again.

“A word you use when you really and truly want to stop,” I said, making my voice as gruff as possible. “Nothing like, ‘No,’ or ‘Stop,’ or ‘Enough,’ because those are words you're likely to say even when you want more. A word you would hardly ever use under the circumstances, like ‘black,’ or ‘red,'” I suggested.

“Um, okay. Red,” she said.

I was right behind her now and I swatted her backside with the crop.

“Oh!” she gasped.

“Don't slouch,” I told her and immediately she straightened. Her posture gave me the last clue I needed. I was close enough to smell her musk, and she was close enough to smell mine. “You wait here. Don't move. You won't be charged for this… delay,” I informed her. I slipped out and ran to find Beverly.

Beverly had a sub on her back over a couple of sawhorses, legs spread. The woman was screaming with need, close to climax as Beverly desultorily whipped her pussy. “I need to talk to you right now,” I hissed.

Beverly heard the urgency in my voice and knew I was serious. “Hold it right there, slut,” she advised her howling captive, and we went to a dark corner to consult.

“The Wig is in my cell,” I told my friend. “It's my boss."

Beverly looked genuinely shocked. “That little bitch of a principal?"

“Yes! What the fuck do I do? I can't blow her cover. Should I do her?"

“Can you maintain? Do you want to?” Beverly asked.

I was shaking. “Hell, yes. I want her mouth on me so bad I've already half-creamed myself."

“Then treat her like any other client. Give her a good time, let her get you off, let her go,” Beverly told me. “Don't do it for revenge for the way she treats you."

“No, I won't. You sure this is kosher?” I asked,

“It is if you play the game as she expects it to be played,” Beverly reminded me gently, working to calm me down.

“Okay. Thanks. Sorry for the interruption, Frau Sturmbahnfuhrer,” I apologized.

“You vill be punished,” Beverly cracked.

“I understand.” I clicked my heels and bowed to her. I went back to the cell with a sigh of relief. This was going to be fun.

I stepped into the cell where “Lolita” was no longer kneeling upright, but sitting with her legs curled under her. Normally a sub would be punished for such a lapse, but she was new, she was about to be my lover, and I cared for her.

“Up on your knees, Lolita,” I grunted, keeping my voice gruff. God forbid she should make me as I had made her! I hated the name but I had to play along with it. “I should whip you for changing your position without permission, but I'll let you off with a warning this time.” I circled around to stand in front of her. “Why are you here, Lolita?” I asked. “Have you been bad? Do you need to be punished?"

“Yes, I've been bad. I'm always bad,” she confessed.

“How bad are you? What bad things do you do?” I pressed her, raising her chin with the tip of my riding crop.

“I… think of strong women using me, and I play with myself,” she whispered.

“Do you do it at home or at work?” I asked smoothly.

Some time passed and I snapped, “Answer me!"

“Both,” she managed to croak.

“You really are bad,” I said. “I'll have to whip your bare bottom for that. Pull your skirt up and your pants down, and bend over that stool,” I directed.

Lolita was panting now and I wondered if she had fingered herself at all while I was out deciding her fate. “Hold on,” I warned her, and I let her feel the crop, three medium strokes to each pretty pink cheek. And I do mean pretty. Lynn Jeffries, or “Lolita” as I now had to call her, had the finest fanny I had ever seen. Tight, muscular and beautifully shaped, I could have spent the whole night on my knees kissing it.

“Oh! Please! Major!” she yipped. Her voice was so high, she sounded a little like a poodle. Her ass had turned even pinker and I stopped to caress it.

“Ohhhh,” she sighed. “Thank you,” she said softly.

“Do you think a little slut like you ought to be allowed to come?” I demanded of her.

“Not unless,” she swallowed, “I earn it.” She stayed bent over like a good girl.

“Down on your knees on the mat, slut. Spread your legs and show me what you do… at work,” I decided. I moved the stool over nearer the mat. “You can lick my boots while you do it."

“At work,” she said hesitantly, “I sit in my big leather chair, and put my feet up on my desk. It won't look the same."

“Yes, but at work, you don't have a dominant telling you how to act, which is a pity. Just touch yourself the way you do at work, Lolita,” I clarified, sliding onto the stool. “And show me how you're gonna lick my pussy after I let you come."

“Yes, Major,” she said obediently. She bowed her face to my boot and I felt her tongue for the first time.

Now I was the one who had to hang onto the stool for dear life. As she rubbed her sloppy twat for me, and oozed out onto the mat, and licked the toecaps of my combat boots, it was all I could do to keep from touching myself!

“Good girl. Let me feel some tongue. Are you coming?” I asked smoothly.

“Y-y-yes,” she gasped.

“Stop!” I shouted.

“Oh, please, please,” she begged. “You have no idea…"

“I have more of an idea than you think, slut,” I said, opening my pants all the way back to the crack of my ass. I yanked her head up to my crotch. “Lick me. Both hands on my ass. Now."

Oh, God, it was heaven. Her mouth was so greedy. It was as if she had been starving for it. I had been there, too, so many times, even in my own marriage. When she threw her arms around me, she almost knocked me over. As scrawny as she looked, she was dense with muscle and I was excited and shocked to feel her strength. I had thought she would be a pushover. I was wrong and I was thrilled to discover it. I definitely didn't want her to stop, but the professional in me took over.

“Get off me, you scrawny little excuse for a woman! Fuck yourself right now! Come at my feet while you kiss my boots!” I hollered. They loved to hear the words that described their fetishes. For emphasis, I gave her fanny a couple of good whacks with the crop.

She yelped, dropped to her belly and crawled back to my feet, reached under herself and in about ten seconds, she was rolling around and screaming with release. “Oh, Jesus God! Oh, God, Major! Yes! Yes!” she howled. Her body was really a piece of work, and she looked so sensuous and healthy as she unconsciously showed it off to me. She was really in peak condition and for a woman her age, that was no mean feat.

I gave her about 30 seconds to recover and then yanked her head up again. “Finish me,” I demanded. “Get ready for me to come all over your face.” I backed to the stool and held her head in place. The pressure in my groin was amazing. I wouldn't let her breathe until I had bucked and spilled myself on her.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaagggggghhhh!” I shouted as I came. I had learned not to say names or anything like a plea or a sound of relief. Dominants were expected to sound authoritative even when we were feeling anything but.

“Get down on your back. Get down,” I panted. I quickly knelt over her and rammed my knee viciously into her pussy. When she was close to orgasm again, I sat and pulled her tight against the sole of my boot and held her there while she came on it. Her butt pounded up and down on the mat. If she had bought an hour, I would have made her lick up her mess, but her time was almost over.

“Lolita, you are a miserable excuse for a slave. You have a lot to learn,” I told her, although in fact, she was already quite well into the role. “Pull your skirt down now,” I ordered.

I rose and stood over the woman I had conquered. She lay face up, probably staring at me, panting and sniffling. “I suggest you return for further training, Lolita. You can make an appointment if you want."

“Yes, Major,” she nodded.

I could tell she was hooked. “Good,” I approved. I wiped my boots on her flimsy little skirt, and walked out.

Chapter Five

After I left Lolita, I went directly to the disco bar and ordered a double bourbon. I wanted to chug it, but after one swallow, I forced myself to sip the rest. Since Lolita had been my final encounter of the night, I had plenty of time to wind down and ponder.

It was there Beverly found me, staring into the middle distance.

“How'd it go?” she asked, leaning against the bar beside my stool. “Don't go overboard on that. You have to drive."

Her solicitousness was lost on me, but I remembered my manners. “I know. This is it, and I'll take my time.” I sighed. “God, it was glorious. Not what I expected, but glorious. She's magnificent."

“How do you mean?” Beverly probed.

“Well, you know, I never took her for a sub! I always thought she was totally dominant. I mean, at work, you should see her. If you can see her.” I paused for a sip. “She only gets close to people very selectively. You know how much contact I've had with her."

“But she's the principal of a huge school; you're a janitor, and she would normally have nothing to do with you in any event,” Beverly, a teacher herself, reminded me.

“I refer to the way she is with everyone. I mean, she isn't any way with me because she doesn't know I exist,” I said blandly, refusing to be ruffled, now that I'd had my unattainable boss.

“Well, just be careful. This is a tricky situation. You probably shouldn't have done her, technically, once you made her. If she finds out who you are, or if she realizes you know who she is, I don't know what might happen."

“You told me to go ahead,” I reminded Beverly, a little miffed that she had reprimanded me.

“I know. My fault,” Bev agreed. “I can do her next time if you want."

“No, I want her,” I said decisively. “I can control it."

“All right. You let me know if you can't,” Beverly warned me.

I nodded. “Yes, ma'am."

I gnawed some leftover pretzels thoughtfully on the way home.

I had fucked Lynn Jeffries and I was glad.

The following Monday on my way to work, I had to remind myself a dozen times to wipe the grin off my face. I was unique! No one there but me had had the principal. She hadn't been back to the dungeon that weekend, but I wasn't alarmed. Anyone who ventured into D/s for the first time needed time to process the experience.

As I passed through the main office to punch in, I heard a buzz of excitement. Something about Dr. Jeffries-I didn't know what at first, but I hung around looking at the junk I found in my mailbox. It was mostly flyers that had nothing to do with maintenance, stuff I would normally have tossed, but they gave me a chance to stay put and collect information. As usual, I went completely unnoticed by the administrators on the other side of the counter.

“Did you hear what she said?” one asked. “She said she liked my hair!"

“Did you see her face?” cried another. “I think she must finally have a boyfriend."

“No, I think she musta made some money on Wall Street,” the only man present said.

“Or maybe she got another book published,” someone else guessed. “You know how she gets off on royalties."

The supervisor summed it up, “Whatever it is, let's enjoy it while it lasts."

I slipped out, pleased as I could be. Since I was in love with the woman, how could I not be happy for her, too?

At 5:30, I went out to take the flag down. I turned away from the sun and folded it carefully as I had learned in the Army.

She came down the steps toward me and I looked up. “Good evening, Dr. Jeffries,” I said softly and respectfully, just as I always did.

She squinted at me oddly but then she smiled. “Have a good evening, Jane.” And with a slight nod, she got into her car and drove off. That was when it dawned on me that she had finally gone to the trouble to read the nametag on my shirt. She admitted she knew I was a person. And that meant more to me than the fact that we had become lovers over the weekend.

I went home and plunged into my latest science fiction fantasy in which a Terran exobiologist was heroically saving a planet on the verge of extinction. My character was definitely Lynn Jeffries’ alter ego, or perhaps I should say Lynn was my protagonist's heretofore-evil twin. Regardless, our two recent exchanges helped me flesh out and define my character better than ever, and I was able to make more progress than usual. I hoped to start flogging it around to agents in the summer. So far, I had only a couple of short stories and a porn novel published. I was really hoping to reach a broader audience this time. With Lynn's unwitting help, I would.

Cackling gleefully, I applied the seat of my pants to the chair in front of my computer all night, grateful all out of proportion to Lynn Jeffries who would have been horrified had she known about any of this.

Even so, I still allowed myself to be distracted by thoughts of having her again soon. I fantasized about unmasking her, which was unacceptable, or unmasking myself, and wishing for some sort of deus ex machina ending that would allow us to be revealed without any sort of penalty. In other words, unlike anything that ever happened in real life.

Chapter Six

Thanks to my writing and my personal fantasies, the week flew and Friday night I was early to work. I was in such a good mood, sure I would see my new lover, that I tried out some new pieces of bondage equipment on a couple of my usual subs who had been begging for more for weeks, but I myself hadn't been ready. I thought, “What if Lynn wants this? I had better be prepared.” So I practiced on them for her. I did everything for her that night, but she didn't appear.

I was disappointed and Beverly noticed. Even so, she was hardly sympathetic. “In the unlikely event she realized this isn't for her, at least you don't have to worry about a conflict of interest. You don't need that kind of grief,” she counseled.

“I'll try to remember that,” I said, hoping I sounded philosophical. But what I thought was, Easy for you to say.

Saturday evening, when I arrived at the dungeon, I saw that my last hour had already been reserved. Lolita!

I went to my locker to dress and found I was so breathless at the thought of loving her again that I had to sit down. I decided to practice on every sub again, the way I had the previous night. I forced myself through my usual routine of dressing in my costume, and decided as I did so that as long as I could possibly avoid it, I would not come until I was with Lynn. No, I warned myself, Lolita. It would be disastrous if her name slipped out.

Nipple clamps were my next thought. They don't have to be painful, just present to get the wearer's attention. I put the lightest pair in my pocket. None of my usual subs would even have noticed them, so I put heavier, weighted ones in my other pockets, along with clothespins, which I personally hate, but I do it. I have to.

Into my other pockets went handcuffs, a buttplug or two, dildoes and a ball gag. Everything I used had to be properly disinfected between clients. One of the things we sold along with anonymity was safe sex. I should probably have used a dental dam when demanding oral sex from Lolita, but I felt I knew her well enough to dispense with it. All the more reason to look forward to being with her. But for everyone else, all safety procedures had to be followed.

I went to the full-length mirror at the end of the locker room. Everything had to be perfect, everything in place for the demanding, the exacting, Dr. Lynn Jeffries. I saluted myself and went out.

I had a big, black woman under me when Lolita came in and sat in the first row of the bleachers. She was becoming bolder. I was glad, since I had yet to really accept her in my mind as a submissive. I think I was hoping at that point that one day, ultimately, we would be able to switch.

I ignored her, of course, although I knew she was watching me hungrily, and that realization made me sweat. I closed my eyes behind my glasses and pretended my African-American Amazon was Lolita. Slowly I drew out the woman's torture, making her beg and plead, refusing her and using her until she rolled off the sawhorses onto the floor and climaxed at my feet.

“MAJOR-MAJOR-MAJOR!” she howled as I permitted her to come.

I glanced down at her without a hint of emotion. “Whatever,” I said, and walked away.

Lolita's session would be private, of course. How could a woman who so carefully guarded every aspect of her life come in public, even if nobody knew who she was?

I had a few minutes during which to clean and prepare my equipment, and when I got to the door of the small room to which we had been assigned, she was waiting.

“Go,” I ordered, pointing with my crop.

She skittered into the room ahead of me, but the minute I shut the door, she fell to her knees and kissed my boots. I wanted to yank her up and kiss her, but understanding she needed to do this, I stood with my hands on my hips and looked down at her bobbing head, wishing I could run my hands through her soft black curls instead of the synthetic strands of wig hair.

“All right, that's enough for now,” I said, prodding her with my crop. I walked across the room. “Take your clothes off and crawl over here to the couch. On your belly."

She did it. She tore off the trashy fake mohair sweater and the velveteen skirt that more or less went with it. Her underwear was nice, though, some sort of ecru, silky stuff. I wouldn't have minded if she had left it on, but she threw it aside and slithered toward me. Her ass was perfection, creamy globes kept tight from some sport or other. Jazzercise? Tennis? She was so graceful and controlled at work, I could imagine she was a dancer.

She rested her cheek against my boot and waited. She was panting hard, and I wanted so much for her to love me.

“Kneel so I can reach you, slut,” I murmured, and when she was upright, I tipped her head back and took her in a kiss. I could tell she was startled because a slight gasp of surprise escaped before she surrendered, and gladly, sagging in my arms as though defenseless before me. Normally I would never have kissed a sub. Not only was it too intimate and too egalitarian, it was dangerous for health reasons. Again, I knew this woman. If anyone was safe to kiss, it was Lynn Jeffries. No germ would have dared get on her.

I luxuriated in the taste of her. She was the epitome of everything I found perfect in womankind. She was brilliant, successful and attractive. She lacked only for intimacy, I knew that already. I was sure if loved properly, her heart would open and allow her to love in return. I thought I had the answer to that problem, too, and then she really would be perfect. And mine.

“Oh, Lolita,” I murmured, pulling back. “I am gonna have some fun with you tonight."

She looked up at me. “That's what I want, Major. I want to please you. That would be fun for me."

“Then let's try these,” I said, showing her the clips.

“Will they hurt?"

“Does it matter?” I countered.

She swallowed. “No."

I grinned. “Good girl. Come up here,” I patted the couch.

Hesitantly she rose and obeyed. I looked at her thoughtfully. “I'd really like to be able to see your eyes, Lolita. It would help me tell if and when you might really be afraid or in pain. May I?"

She recoiled. “I'm afraid of being recognized. Do I have to?"

“No,” I said gently. “Maybe you'll just think about it for some other time.” I reached out and began to stroke her nipples lightly. She shuddered and the delightful brown nubs hardened.

“Ohhh,” she moaned, squirming. I leaned over her and sucked each one, not too hard, just to get them totally erect, and as she writhed under my touch, I very delicately applied the clamps and screwed them down just enough to stay on. She looked at them.

“Don't touch,” I warned. “I want those on for the whole hour."

“Yes, Major,” she nodded. She bit her lip and reached for her crotch.

I grabbed her hand. “Oh, no you don't.” I pulled out the handcuffs and easily turned her around to secure her wrists. “Lie on your back over my lap, Lolita, and bring your arms up over your head and out of my way."

With a sigh, she lay back and opened her legs even though I had not yet required it.

I stroked her bush lightly. It was soaking already. “Do you want to know what I'm going to do to you now?” I growled.

“You can do anything… anything you want,” she replied. Her ass ground into my crotch and I put my hand in her thatch to hold her down harder, tighter, against me.

“I'm going to use you for my own pleasure, and you're not going to come unless you please me for the whole hour. Understand?"

“Mmmm… mmmmm,” she moaned, biting her lips. “Please… use me,” she begged. Her hips moved as if of their own accord.

I slid my fingers inside her. She was so open already that I got three in without any trouble.

“Oh, please!” she screamed. “Touch my clit!"

“You demanding little bitch!” I laughed. I pulled out, stood up, and all but dumped her on the floor, although I would never have allowed her to be hurt.

“Lick my pussy, slut,” I demanded. Since her hands were secured, I had to open my own pants, but the minute I sat back down she was on me, and in me, and I let her have me.

I had held back from coming all night. I didn't hold back another minute. I took hold of that stupid wig and held her head in my crotch and just let her eat me. The build-up was quick, and I was gushing juices. She lapped at me frantically, just what I would expect from a submissive who never has a chance to perform. She held nothing back from me, and I could tell she was starting to let go and trust, although her wig and glasses were a pain. I had an idea about those, though.

Not that I was actually thinking at that point. I was a lot more interested in filling up my sub with my come, and in a very short time, that was precisely what I did. The spasms tore through me and I groaned with pleasure, remembering just in time not to yell, “Lynn!” and it was very hard. I wanted so badly to do that.

I shoved her back, because I wanted to be able to come again before the hour was up. I pushed her onto her back, rested my boot in her crotch and she began to rub herself on it.

“Slowly, Lolita. You don't have permission to come."

“Oh, I know. Don't let me come yet,” she begged, her voice dreamy. She pressed herself against the sole of my boot, moving slowly, gasping with need.

“Not a chance, slave,” I told her. She wasn't my slave, really. Not yet, anyway, but subs love to hear dominants talk like that.

“Please, I was so bad this week. Punish me,” she whispered.

“Tell me about how bad you were,” I instructed, waiting to get over the aftershocks of the pleasure she had given me.

“I was… mean to my staff,” she began.

I almost laughed. I knew that was a lie, for a change. “Mean in what way?"

She seemed to be considering. “I made them wait for me while I masturbated. I thought about you and I held up the staff meeting until I came and cleaned myself up.” She pressed tighter against my boot and just held still.

“You were definitely bad, Lolita. Get up and lean over the stool. I want you so your breasts are hanging free and you can feel the weight of the clamps pulling on them."

Silently she rose and went to the stool where she carefully leaned over until she was arranged as I had required. She was so short that her feet didn't quite touch the floor and I could tell she was uncomfortable. Too bad.

“How long did you make your staff wait for you, Lolita?” I asked. I had my crop out now and I was tracing the cheeks of her ass with it.

“Fifteen minutes,” she grunted. “I came twice."

“Then I'll give you 15 lashes, and if you take them well, you can come once,” I decided.

“Fifteen?” she shrieked, but the descending crop cut her off.

I wasn't hitting her that hard. Sure, it stung, because if it didn't, the sub didn't reach “subspace,” that mental condition in which pain and pleasure couldn't possibly be separated. Some subs could climax just from being whipped. You didn't even have to touch them. But I would touch Lolita.

She was wailing when I got to ten, so I stopped and left her over the stool while I went for some lotion for her bottom. Part of the deal was not only pain, but also caretaking, yet another form of control. I applied the lotion liberally and smoothed it on slowly while she panted with relief.

Then her wig fell off.

I had hoped it would. Being head-down in that position long enough, and sweating, gravity would have its way. With a yelp of surprise, she grabbed at it with her manacled hands, and her glasses dropped off, too.

Rather than returning the items to her, I helped her slide back to an upright position. She buried her face in my shoulder. “Please don't look,” she begged.

“All right, I won't, but you have the loveliest hair,” I remarked, running my fingers through it gently. “I'll take your cuffs off and turn away and you can put this stuff back on, if you want, okay? Then we'll continue."

She nodded and I did as I had promised. I wished I could have seen her eyes, but it wasn't as if I had never seen them.

“All right,” she announced, and when I looked, only the glasses were in place.

I must have looked surprised because she said, “Well, you've already seen my real hair, and the wig is hot. I can put it on before I go back out there,” she nodded at the door.

“I won't tell anyone about your crowning glory,” I told her. “Now, get down on your knees. I need a shine."

“Yes, Major,” she agreed quickly, kneeling.

I'm sure she thought I meant for her to shine my boots with polish, but I had a better idea. I brought a chair and a footstool, of which there were several of varying heights in the room. Putting my foot on the stool brought my combat boot to the level of her crotch. “Shine it,” I ordered.

“Wh-with what?” she asked, absolutely baffled.

“Your twat,” I snarled, “and if I don't like the way it looks, you'll lick it off."

She was on the boot in a heartbeat, maybe less. She was a small woman, but she packed a wallop in that hard, trim body. She grabbed onto my thigh and rode me like a real rodeo star. It took about six seconds for me to wet myself again as she squished her hot little quim all over my boot. I wondered if she might break my leg with her efforts, but her balance was excellent.

“Oh, God, oh, please, Major, let me come,” she whimpered.

“Not yet,” I told her. “I want you to shine both of them, so you had better slow down."

She did, looking up at me, all but worshipping me. I crossed my arms and scowled down at her, but then I relented and caressed her cheek with the back of my hand. “Slowly, sub. Make it last. And I want you between my legs before you come. Remember that."

She grunted with effort, changing boots at my command, and finally when I felt her pulling back, I knew she had had all she could take.

“Eat me, you cunt,” I said, my voice a low growl, and I felt her shudder.

I leaned back and raised my feet so she could get into my crotch, and then I rested my boots on her back while she went down on me. My hands were finally in those soft curls I had so longed to touch, and I let her finish me off twice before I permitted her to raise her head and breathe.

“You love it, don't you, my slut?” I demanded when I could breathe again. “All right, get on my boots. I know you want it."

“I want it, I want it so badly,” she agreed, her perfect grammar never deserting her even under this much duress.

“Fuck my leather,” I commanded, and I grabbed her hands and held her in place so she would have more freedom of movement.

Hanging onto me, depending on me, she squirmed down hard with all her strength, bouncing and groaning in desperation. Lolita's release was explosive, and she cried out and sagged, but I held her up and jiggled my foot so that she came again and again until she slumped bonelessly to the floor.

I devoured her presence, feeling strong and protective and utterly in her control, all appearances to the contrary. After a few minutes, she crept to my feet and began to softly lick my boots.

“That's not necessary,” I said. “You did a good job."

“I want to,” she whispered.

I let her.

Chapter Seven

I was beside myself with longing for Lynn Jeffries. I had to find a way to reveal myself to her without frightening her away or making her angry. I didn't say a word of this to Bev. Not only would she have disapproved, she would have found a way to stop me and she would have been furious. I don't know how many times she and others had cautioned me against becoming involved with clients, but I thought this case was different. Actually, most attachments were initiated by clients who fell in love with us. The answer to that dilemma was to pass them to another dominant. That answer wasn't going to work this time.

I realized I risked my position in the dungeon by proceeding against the rules, but Lynn Jeffries meant so much to me I didn't care. It wasn't my day job; it carried no benefits. The money was nice but the time might be better spent writing. I decided to write out some scenarios for my revelation and go with the one that sounded the most practical. So I put my exobiologist on the shelf for a week and worked on my approach to my sweet little sub.

When I went to the dungeon the following weekend, I had the framework of a plan in place. A lot depended on Lolita herself, and on whatever progress I could make encouraging her trust. I thought I would start with some apparently innocent conversation.

She was my last customer again on Friday, and as she rested on the mat on the floor between the bouts of exertion I had planned for her, I asked, “Why do you call yourself Lolita?"

She tensed. “It's my name."

I sighed, “No, it isn't, any more than I'm a Major, or any more than that wig is your hair. I'll go first,” I said, and I explained the origin of my title.

She rolled over and pressed her face against my boots, something she always did without being told. “I don't think you'd understand,” she said, sounding sad.

“You mean you think I don't know Nabokov, or I won't understand your personal reason?” I encouraged.

“You've read Nabokov?” She did sound surprised.

“Not willingly. In college, I had to for a lit class. I hated it,” I told her.

“Well, assuming you're a feminist, you would. You should.” She looked up. “Look, can I buy you a drink? I've been meaning to ask you that for weeks. I wasn't sure we were allowed to just talk.” She sounded vulnerable and shy and I was charmed yet again.

“Yes. Let me finish fucking you silly, you outrageous little slut, and then we'll have a drink,” I agreed. I lowered myself on top of her and did her with my knee until she screamed into our kiss, clawing at the back of my shirt. I let my whole weight rest on her while she caressed me to climax with her hand, and then I let her up so we could have our drink in the bar.

Once she had her club soda with lemon, we sat at a small table. Even in the dim lighting, we kept our dark glasses on. We were both protecting her.

“I call myself Lolita because I'm punishing myself for being a slut. It's the worst name I can think of other than something like Jezebel,” she said matter-of-factly, as if I had asked for her name, rank and social security number.

“Grisette?” I suggested helpfully.

“Very funny.” Her lips quirked into a grin. “I would love to know more about who you are, although I know better than to ask. I confess I had not expected anyone I found here to be well-read or erudite, and I apologize."

“No, neither had I,” I deadpanned.

She inclined her head. “Touche."

“Lolita,” I began, “I hate for you to think there's something wrong with coming here. It's not as if anyone is forced. We all chose this for various reasons. I began as a sub myself. I don't feel guilty, and I would hope you could eventually stop as well."

“Would you tell your parents about this?” she challenged.

“No, but not because I'm ashamed. Because they have no concept. They did well enough accepting my orientation. No need to strain their comfort zone any more than that.” And no need to tell her that neither of my parents were living anymore. Plenty of time for that later.

“Are you from a small town or a city?” Lolita demanded.

“New York City,” I told her.

“I'm from a small town in the Midwest. I have many more inhibitions to overcome than you do. But I don't mean to lecture. I kind of meant to thank you, and to tell you… how I feel,” she trailed off. “How freeing this has been for me. How much better I seem to be able to function in the rest of my life."

“It's a relief,” I said supportively. “A lot of people feel that way, myself included."

“Do people from here… ever continue their relationships outside?” she asked. Her hand shook when she picked up her cup.

I knew what it had cost her to ask, but I also had to tell the truth. “It's not encouraged, due to the promises of anonymity we make to you, and because for most of us who work here, this is pretty much a secret. I could probably get fired if my employers knew I had done such a thing. Drinking with clients is permitted, but nothing more."

“I would be dismissed from my job, that's for certain,” she nodded. “Well, then, let me say I only wish I had met you elsewhere. It took me… years to admit this need to myself, and even longer to take the steps to meet it. I wish…” She shook her head and I realized she was crying.

I stood up. “Lolita, come,” I said gently, and I led her down the row of private rooms until I found an unoccupied one. I held her against me. “Can you trust me? I want to share something with you."

She nodded, but I could see she was apprehensive so I took her by the hand and seated her in the large, throne-like chair on a carpeted dais, where dommes and subs played queen and slave games.

I knelt before her, pulled off my hat and fluffed up my hair. I looked up at her, removed my glasses and said, “I'm your janitor, Jane Naismith, Dr. Jeffries.” Then I bowed my head to the floor and kissed her feet. She wore crappy, plastic, high-heeled sandals and I prefer to kiss boots, but I really didn't care.

I looked back up to see that she was slumped on the throne. Her mouth formed the words, “Oh, no,” but no sounds came out. She was paralyzed, at least momentarily, and I was glad, because that meant she wasn't running from the room, screaming.

I put my hand on her knee and spoke my rehearsed lines as soothingly as I could. “I'm giving myself up to you. You can cost me both my jobs. No one would ever take my word over yours. You have complete control as well as my word of honor I will say nothing to anyone. You can continue this as we have been, leave and not return or anything of your choosing. You can have my resignation from my job at school. Anything at all is yours, okay? You're in command here.” I bowed my head and waited for her decision, or her response, if she couldn't decide right away.

“Oh, my God,” she finally breathed. “May I have some water?"

“Of course.” I rose and poured her some from the cooler, one of which we kept in every room because of the strenuous activities we all performed all night.

She took the glass and I sat down at her feet. A rustling sound got my attention and I looked up to see that she had removed her wig and glasses. She looked pale but lovely in the dim light.

“I guess these are… superfluous now,” she said. “I don't know what to do."

“You don't have to do anything. You have options, and I'll accept your decision, whatever it is,” I told her.

“When did you know?” she demanded, and she began to cry again.

“Last week.” I got up and found tissues in a cabinet. “I suspected the first time, but I had to go back and see you at work to be sure.” It was a lie, but better than the truth. “I told you because I felt we were forming an attachment and I find it very hard to live a lie. I did it for years in the Army and I will never do it again."

She was quiet a long time. “I live a lie every day. Now I have to live two, although it isn't your fault. I chose to come here, as you said.” She was quiet again, and I left her to it. “Before I knew who you were, I felt an enormous attraction. Now I'm not so sure."

“That's okay. I know it's a shock. I just had one last week myself,” I reminded her.

“Why don't you think I'm scum?” she cried. “How can you respect me anymore?"

“Oh, Dr. Jeffries, this has nothing to do with respect! This has to do with sharing and trust. My respect for you is undiminished because I already understand myself. I know where you're coming from. I feel the same. You're still my boss, an educator and a scholar. Who cares what kind of sex you like? It isn't anybody else's business,” I said, pleading with my eyes.

“I need to know more about you, and I need time to think, before I decide to take early retirement and run away to Tahiti,” she tried joking. “And I really think, that under the circumstances, you ought to call me ‘Lynn.’”

“Yes, ma'am, Lynn,” I said, loving her with my voice.

“Hey, you're the domme, remember,” she chided.

“You're my boss, and that's how I'm gonna treat you outside of here. I just want you to know. Are you going to be all right?"

She stared at me. “Be all right? No! Are you crazy! My janitor now knows more about me than my parents do. Absolutely not!"

I stared back, scared again. “So, what… what do you wanna do?"

She leaned over and got right in my face. “You're about to pull an all-nighter with me, Jane. I'm not letting you out of my sight until I figure this thing out. As you said, I'm the boss. You come with me."

Now it was my turn to be paralyzed. I don't know what I had expected, but it wasn't this. “Uh, uh, what about my car?"

“Leave it."

“Yes, ma'am."

We went to our respective locker rooms and changed into our street clothes. I could have escaped then, and perhaps she had meant it as a test, but I met her on the corner, as we agreed, not in front, so they wouldn't know we had left together. She now wore normal but expensive sandals, faded jeans and a white oxford shirt. I was enchanted.

We threw our bags in the trunk of the BMW. She got in and gunned the engine. In a few minutes, I understood what she was up to. We were headed for the beach.

Chapter Eight

“Jesus,” Lynn said. She was holding my hand and we were staring into the blackness of the Gulf of Mexico. She had parked in deep shadows so the cops couldn't see us without looking real hard. And we had our clothes on, which spoke well of us in case they did.

“What am I gonna do with you, Jane?” She turned her head to look at me and I was struck again by the intensity of her personality. It was as if the entire universe was feeding off the energy she produced simply by existing.

“I… I don't know. I'm sorry, I couldn't let it go on. And I knew you had feelings. I couldn't abandon you.” My heart was in my throat but I was glad she was still holding my hand. It was a warm, dry grip, the grip of a confident woman.

Lynn sighed. “When I thought you were a janitor, I had one image of you, and it wasn't flattering, believe me. When I thought you were a domme at the club, I had another image altogether, far more flattering, and I was falling for you. Trying to reconcile those two concepts is very hard. I don't know when I've ever been faced with such a challenge."

I said, “When I thought of you as the principal and my boss, I had two images of you, and one was flattering while the other wasn't. When you came to the club and sat in the bleachers, I thought you were someone else, too. It was a shock to find you're a sub."

“Looks like we have one another by the short and curlies,” she observed.

I laughed. “Where in the world did you learn to talk like that?"

“Never you mind. I'm old enough to be your…"

“Sister,” I cut her off.

“Oh, I don't think so,” she laughed.

“I know how old you are,” I said simply.

Lynn yanked her hand back. “You little shit! How can you? Have you…"

I cut her off again. “Your age is a matter of public record. You've published books. It's on the net. So is mine."

She sank back and held out her hand again. “You're right. I apologize."

I put my hand in hers. “You're upset. You have a right to be."

“How old are you?” she asked.

I told her.

“You're older than I am! Why are you a janitor, dammit?” She got agitated every three point five seconds, it seemed.

“You're a snob, aren't you?” I asked, amused.

“Damn right I am. I deserve better in my life than the school janitor, so you'd better have a good explanation.” She was all business.

I told her the story of my life, not every wrinkle, but enough to explain how I could be older than she, a janitor, well-educated, a writer, a domme, a lesbian, divorced, whatever. Everything she really needed to know, and no lies or half-truths this time. I could fill in the inconsequential details if and when she wanted them.

“Quite a path,” she mused. “Mine was a bit more… mundane."

“And look what you've accomplished. You're a success. I'm a non-entity,” I said sadly. I didn't deserve a woman like Lynn.

“You are a very interesting person. You have some unique talents and abilities, if you're telling the truth. I would love to see what you have written. Will you show me?” she asked, cocking her head in that cute way she had.

“All I've published so far is porn,” I warned her.

“Doesn't matter. I can tell from that if you're any good."

“Of course,” I agreed.

“But as to this relationship,” she went on, “I'm not sure exactly what to do."

“Shall I resign? I can look for another job,” I offered. “I mean, I would understand you not wanting me around."

“Let's put that on hold for now. I want to look at your resume, which I will do as soon as I leave you, and I have some… other issues. I… really don't want a relationship with a woman who has a whole lot of other lovers. It's dangerous. In fact, I'd like you to get an STD panel and show me the results for my own safety. It was foolish for me to even start, in retrospect, but it's best to find out right away if I have anything."

“I had one done last month for the club, but I'll get another. You should get one, too,” I pointed out the obvious.

“I will. I must insist you choose between me and the club right now. I will simply not tolerate additional partners. If things don't work out with us, you can always go back. And I don't know what might happen, or how soon we will know, but as long as we have any intimacy, you're mine alone, or not at all."

“I'll quit tomorrow,” I said. It was no issue at all for me.

“You do that. I want to see you tomorrow at the hours you're usually at the club to be sure. Understand?"

“I have to go there to quit,” I explained. “I have to clean out my locker."

“Be at my house by nine PM or I won't see you again, and you will resign,” she said seriously. Now I knew how her staff felt all day, every day.

“Yes, ma'am.” That sounded so good, so right. I knew she was dominant. I still wanted to get to the bottom of her “sub-routine,” but not that very minute.

But she had other ideas.

“Now I'll explain how I got here, and then we'll have a more mutual understanding of one another,” Lynn said, and she delivered her lecture. I felt I should have been taking notes, but frankly, it felt so great just being there with her that I wouldn't have cared if she told me she'd been hatched by Godzilla and abandoned at a monastery where she'd had a sex-change operation. I closed my eyes and thought about the fact that my hand was in hers and we were alone in her car on the beach in the middle of the night.

Lynn was saying, “My need for dominance got me into trouble with men. I'm divorced three times from men I thought were perfect for me. The first time I barely got out with the clothes on my back. It took me quite a while to learn that what I wanted just isn't possible. I thought I would control them except in the bedroom, where they would control me, and it would be magic. But it never worked out that way. They always wanted way too much of me, and at the expense of my time and commitment to my career. I finally understood that if I was to find the dominance I craved, it couldn't be with a man to whom I was married, but I knew myself well enough to understand I wouldn't be able to keep from marrying them. I started surfing the net for alternatives. I read a lot. That's how I decided to try for a strong, androgynous woman. And I found one. But again, not at all what I expected."

“I know, and I feel terrible for having deceived you, even a little,” I confessed.

“You were in an awful bind. You chose exactly the right way to tell me, and the right words,” Lynn said. “We'll work it out so neither of us suffers, even if we get no further than this.” Gently she released my hand. “I probably shouldn't be holding your hand, trusting you so soon, telling you so much. I should have been more careful before, and I'm not being careful enough now."

“This time, you won't get hurt. If anyone gets hurt, it'll be me. I can take ‘no’ for an answer, and I can guarantee you'll never see or hear from me again,” I said quietly.

“How can I be sure?” she asked, looking straight ahead. “Everyone has always hurt me, because I let them. That's why I won't let anyone near me at school or anywhere else. I never wanted to get close to anyone again."

“You have never been loved unconditionally,” I remarked.

“Yes, by my parents,” she objected.

“As an adult,” I clarified.

“That doesn't happen.” She stared out the window. “Everyone wants something, and always, always, more than I have to give."

“What I want is for you to be happy. If that means your life doesn't include me, I will deal with it. I don't ever want to be where I'm not wanted again. I made up my mind last time. If you dump me here on the beach and fire me, I will manage without bothering you. You can't know how important that is to me. Just take my word for it.” It was a longer speech than I had intended, but I was glad she had given me a chance to say it.

She looked at me carefully. “We'll see, won't we?” She turned her head and glanced out the rear window. “The sun's coming up. Let's get some breakfast, and I'll take you back to your car."

“Yes, ma'am, Lynn,” I agreed instantly.

She grinned and started the engine. “Very good."

I did a cowardly thing. After Lynn returned me to the dungeon and drove off, I went back inside. In the office, I found paper and wrote a note to Beverly that I was cleaning out my stuff, leaving my key, and would be gone indefinitely. I did, however, offer to see her in person and explain myself at her convenience. I thought I owed her that, but I wasn't ready to face her again that evening. Then I went home and slept.

Chapter Nine

Lynn's final instructions before dropping me off had been very specific, and I followed them to the letter. I was to arrive at her house with my equipment in a briefcase, dressed in khakis and a sports shirt to approximate the appearance of a Ph. D. candidate coming by for help with a dissertation. My car was to be washed and waxed. Thus, I would look acceptable and unremarkable at the gate of her exclusive development, and to her neighbors, who had seen that sort of thing before. If anyone asked, it was my cover story and a plausible one, with the second-largest university in Florida conveniently located in the next county.

I would arrive by nine PM but no earlier than eight because she worked to a strict schedule even on weekends. I was not to stay past eleven this evening, nor could I expect to stay overnight in the future because of the guards at the gate. I was never to touch her outdoors, such as on the patio by the pool, or even in the house if the curtains weren't drawn. Should anyone ever be in earshot, I was to address her as “Dr. Jeffries.” There were other rules, she informed me, which I would learn after I arrived. Her clipped, matter-of-fact manner while detailing all these requirements made me wet myself yet again.

I wondered how long any of her husbands had gone along with this, or if the rules had been different for them. Or if they had wandered longingly around in an advanced state of arousal 23 hours a day.

In any event, I was there by 8:15. I would have been earlier but I made myself drive around and around the unenclosed neighborhoods adjoining “The Barony” until I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled my spotless car up to the gate and gave my name to a beefy old fart of a guard who had the look of a retired NCO about him. He grunted, gave me a map and retracted the swinging gates.

I wound through shady streets for about a half mile until I found Lynn's house. It wasn't enormous or set amid rambling acres. It was really an average-sized house on an unremarkable lot. The residents here paid mostly for security and the cache of the name of the place. Later I found out the truly grand houses were much further back, separated from these “lesser estates” by a picturesque little canal with alligators in it. But no drawbridge.

Even so, Lynn's house was grand enough. She couldn't have afforded it on her salary alone, but her endless royalties, guest appearances and investments made it feasible. That, and no alimony and no kids-only herself to spend her money on. It was a sumptuous but isolated existence.

I took my briefcase and rang the bell. I stood there like a supplicant or a vacuum cleaner saleswoman for a good five minutes before she deigned to open the door.

“Come in.” She glowered at me as if to remind me not to steal a kiss, but I had no such plans.

The curtains were already drawn and she wore some sort of flowery silk robe shot through with gold strands that made her look like Middle Eastern royalty, except for her fair complexion.

“Good evening, Dr. Jeffries,” I said solemnly. I stepped inside and stood still, unwilling to make the slightest move that would displease her.

“Hm,” she said, closing the door and throwing the deadbolts. She also set the alarm. She walked around me slowly, inspecting, and I felt like an officer trainee on parade again.

“Very good. I like people who follow orders. This way,” she said, and she led me through the high-ceilinged great room and down a long hall past several closed doors.

We entered a book-lined room with the latest computer and communications equipment arranged on antique furniture. It was tastefully decorated in shades of green, and I was impressed. The wood was polished and glowing. I heard strains of Chopin coming from somewhere.

There was an enormous desk chair and she took it. “Sit,” she said, pointing to an upholstered side chair next to the desk. I sat. This tiny woman had the carriage and manner of a person in complete command. She would have looked well in uniform or at the head of a boardroom table, which was precisely where she sat when she convened various meetings. She was very sexy and she knew it. The only problem was, I knew she didn't love me like I loved her, if at all.

“You don't look well. What's the matter?” she demanded, peering intently into my eyes. “Didn't you sleep?"

“Yes, ma'am, I did, but I have the impression you're angry with me,” I said honestly.

“Ah. No, Jane, not at all. This is just the way I am almost all the time. I'm not warm and cuddly; in fact, I'm a prickly little bitch. It has nothing to do with you, so try to get used to it.” She picked up a folder. “This is your resume,” she remarked, settling reading glasses on her nose. She looked up at me over the glasses and smiled, and suddenly I felt a lot better. “I was very glad to see you didn't lie to me last night. I would have been quite angry."

I nodded. “Yes, ma'am."

“Did you bring a sample of your writing?"

“Right here,” I said, opening my briefcase and withdrawing a book.

She glanced at it and put it aside. “I'll look at it later.” She sat back in her chair and looked at me. “This is my study. Never come in here unless I invite you. In fact, don't open any closed doors. I may relax the rules later, but I prefer to be strict at first and see how we get along."

“Have you ever been in the military?” I inquired.

“I have not. Why do you ask?"

“It's what they teach you about taking command of a new unit. The very same thing,” I explained.

“I think it pays. You can't toughen up after things get out of control,” she said. Her voice was light and melodious, yet everything she said sounded like a royal decree.

“I understand,” I told her.

“Very good. Now I'll show you your room,” she said, getting up.

I rose with her. “My room?"

“Your room. Come.” She stood aside to allow me to precede her out, then shut the door firmly behind us.

Stepping across the hall, she opened another door. “This is the guest suite. In here, you will reign supreme, Jane.” We went in and as I looked around, she continued. “You will be the dominant and I will be your slave. If we want to play scenes in the other rooms, we'll adjust the rules. In here, you make all the rules, and I will disobey them at my peril."

The room, while very nice, classic wicker, very Floridian, was a bit sterile and obviously not a place in which much living went on. “Um, may I ask a question?"

Lynn smiled at me. “Of course."

“Do I have to call you Lolita in here? May I call you Lynn?"

She bit her lips, but then gave up and burst out laughing, and it was a marvelous sound, one I'd never heard before. She sat down on the bed and pulled me down beside her. Her eyes crinkled shut with merriment. “Oh, please don't call me Lolita any more! I want you to call me Lynn in private, except when you're controlling me and then you can call me all the vile, degrading names you can think of. If you like, you can use my middle name as well, you know, to show me you're serious."

“What is it?” I asked.

“Alexandra,” she smiled. “Do you like it?"

“Yes, it's really you,” I told her. “It's as special as you are."

Her mouth dropped open and she blushed. “Well, thank you, Jane. Now, I'll let you get ready. When shall I come back?"

“Give me 15 minutes. I expect you to knock and wait, and when I open the door, I want you on your knees."

Lynn lowered her eyes. “Yes, Major. Whatever you say.” With a nod, she got up and left the room.

I stood in the middle of the room and took a few deep breaths. The window treatments were all closed but I cracked the blinds for a peek outside. All I could see was some lush, dark vegetation and a corner of the pool, which was lit now that darkness was falling. I walked around the room and turned the bed down. In the bathroom I found towels, tissues, whatever we might need as things heated up. I opened my briefcase and dressed. It felt odd wearing the costume away from the club, but I checked myself in the mirror as usual, laid out some toys and waited.

When she knocked, I opened the door and found her not on her knees but flat on her belly. Acceptable.

“Crawl on in, sub, and let me see your ass MOVE!” I helped her along with a shove of my boot in the crack of her butt.

She grunted with pleasure at the touch. “Mmmm,” she moaned, and stopped in the center of the room.

“You think you're hot shit, with your fancy house and your expensive clothes, but underneath you're nothing but a slut with a sloppy twat. Show me how glad you are to see me, cunt."

She grabbed my ankles and licked my boots in a frenzy. She was no longer in her house, but moving into sub-space, where she belonged. And where, no doubt, she was happiest.

“That's good, Lynn. Good girl. But I still think you need a spanking for being such an elitist little snob.” I looked over at my equipment. The paddle.

“Bend over the bed with your ass in the air. I want you to count and thank me. Then I'm gonna fuck you up the ass with a nice fat dildo. I love to get off while you're screaming."

“Oh, please don't hurt me,” she whimpered as she got into position. But we both knew how much she loved it.

“Shut up, bitch,” I warned her, and I let fly with the paddle, alternating cheeks.

“Jesus! Major! One!” Lynn shrieked.

“Not good enough!” I snarled and gave her another.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry. That's two, and thank you. Thank you!"

“Better. Keep going,” I ordered, and I took her up to twelve while I reddened her gorgeous, perfect backside with my oak paddle, the one with the holes in it for less wind resistance. She grunted and groaned and cried, clutching at the bedclothes, but she made no move to escape. She never did.

I tossed the paddle aside and stepped close so I could caress the soft skin where I had stung her. “Ready to be taken?"

“Major, Major, please,” she hissed. “Use me."

“Be still."

I opened my pants just enough to put a dildo into my harness. She couldn't really take a fat one up her ass, but it sounded good to her when I talked like I was gonna hurt her. I lubricated her bunghole and the dildo quite liberally, and slid in. The base would massage me to climax as fast or slowly as I pleased while she writhed and screamed on the other end.

Once in place, I began to drive and grind into her sore, hot fanny. She groaned and pushed back, willing to take more.

“I'm gonna split you in half, you mean little fuck,” I told her. “I'm gonna come so hard you're gonna think a bomb went off up your ass."

“God, yes, do me hard. Come all over me,” she moaned.

“You're lucky it's what I want, or I'd just leave you here with a butt plug in you and your clit on fire,” I informed her, and so saying, I reached around and grabbed her for emphasis.

“Please! Please!” she groaned.

“Should I gag you so the neighbors won't hear?” I wondered aloud.

“Not yet, please, not yet, Major. I mean, they can't hear, but do what you want,” she clarified, bouncing around as much as I would let her. “Oh, God, plow me! Do me! Jesus fucking Christ!” She carried on like absolute street trash.

“I love fucking your tight little ass. You won't be able to sit down for a week when I'm through,” I threatened. “Oh, baby, I'm coming. Wanna feel me come?"

“Drill me! Do it to me! I want it so bad!” Lynn pleaded.

“Unnggghhh! Ahhhh! Uhhhhhh!” I grunted harshly as I came to make it better for her, to make her feel more used, and to make myself sound meaner. As a matter of fact, I hate dildoes. I don't feel male, don't want to be male, don't want to be perceived as male and don't think they come any better equipped than I do. But so many women who play at D/s seem to want this, so it was my job to learn to accommodate them, and I did it pretty well. So many women who had been hurt by men, or were afraid they would be, or both, still wanting to be fucked with a phallus. It drove them wild, and they didn't get hurt. Who am I to argue with success?

I pulled out and flipped her over on her back where she wiggled like a bug with all its legs in the air. “I need to come! I need to come!” she was screaming.

“If and when I get good and ready,” I panted.

“Fuck me! Fuck me!” she screeched.

I slapped her. “Shut up, Lynn. Don't you dare tell me what to do."

She moaned. I doubt she even felt it, but she subsided and watched me. “What are you gonna do to me?” she asked thickly.

I was changing to a large, gel-filled dildo that I knew she could take from the front, and that she would like. It would get warm and feel almost real to her. “I'm gonna have you the way I want. I don't do this for you. I don't care if you come. If it were up to me, you'd eat me till I explode and I'd leave you writhing on the floor. Now spread for me. Nice and wide."

Her legs flopped apart like a rag doll's and she reached for me. As the false organ slid in, she arched and made a sound deep in her throat. Her hands clutched at my ass and drew me in, and even though I was a little sensitive from my previous orgasm, it felt good. I kicked her legs further apart with my boots and settled in hard and deep.

“Slow, baby. Nice and slow. I want you to wait,” I told her, and I kissed her, for the first time that day.

Even though I had fucked her hard and rough, our kiss was gentle. I explored her with my tongue and I could feel her sucking me in, so deeply. I moaned with happiness. This was what I had really wanted all along. I wanted to be nice to her, but at the same time, I knew that didn't work for her. It wasn't what she wanted.

“Lynn, you sleazy little fuck. You're such an easy lay. You're so weak,” I breathed in her ear as I moved in her pussy, ever so slowly.

“I. Need. To. Come,” she grunted, trying to press up against me.

But she didn't move me. And it wasn't that I was so much bigger and stronger than she. Lynn was a lot stronger than most of the women I ever did. She chose to be passive, but it was definitely her choice. Yet, I hoped another strong woman was exactly what she wanted, because she was exactly what I needed.

“Ohhh, Major,” she breathed. “You're so demanding and selfish. You're so totally brutal."

Great, I thought. If this wasn't the most ironic screw of my life, I didn't know what was.

“Move, bitch,” I ordered. “Make me come."

She began to thrust and writhe under me, using all her strength. I didn't expect her to do all that work for us; it was just the idea that she had to please me or I would punish her, or worse, ignore her.

At the same time, I began to move with her, keeping it slow and steady. “Oh, God, yes, Lynn, that's what I want, just like that. Don't you dare stop. I mean it, Lynn; if you stop, I'll tie you up and not let you come for hours."

That did it. She heaved under me as the climax took hold of her and shook her entire body. A garbled scream tore from her and nearly deafened me, and her nails dug into my shirt and my back even through the fabric.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” she bellowed as she gushed all over the place. Lynn's almost involuntary flailings pushed me right into orgasm after her, and I pounded down into her as hard as I could to feel all of our pleasure combined.

Finally she subsided. I shuddered one last time and lay still on top of her. “Oh, that was great,” I said fervently. “Damn it, woman, you are the best!” We kissed deeply then, like lovers do, not like people who would rather be with someone else, not like people who pay for it. Like lovers. Her tongue was velvet, and I was gentle with her, as I had ached to be for so long.

I pulled back a little to look into her eyes. She looked up at me and a sly grin flitted across her features. Lynn had my heart firmly in her steely little grip, and she knew it, and what was more, she knew I knew it, too.

Chapter Ten

The rest of the evening passed conventionally enough, except that once we left my room, Lynn became dominant again. She shut off all the outside lights, ordered me to be completely quiet, and we went skinny-dipping in her pool, silently, in the dark. I swam up behind her, held her and kissed her in the thick, warm night, but she turned and shook her head to indicate I was to go no further. But when she sat on the edge of the pool, I massaged her feet, and kissed them, and she let me.

Lynn's dog, an extremely well-behaved apricot toy poodle named Paprika, joined us in the screened-in pool enclosure and watched, never making a sound. I have never seen a dog so controlled except for police and drug dogs in the military. I certainly liked Paprika, but she was a most unusual animal. Like her mistress.

When we went inside so I could change and leave, Lynn said to me, “So far you have met or exceeded my requirements, to say nothing of my expectations. I would like to see you again. Can you come again on Friday night?"

“I can, but I'd also like to invite you to my home,” I said. “I mean, if I show up here twice on a weekend, especially late at night, someone will begin to see a pattern. If you don't want that, come to my place. You can even spend the night."

“Intriguing. Would you be dominant the entire time?” she wanted to know.

I went to my knees and took her hands. “Lynn, you are my dominant, and not the other way around. I think we should be clear on that. I do what I do to please you. So if you visit, you set the parameters for who is dominant and when."

Lynn looked down at me for a moment, smiling as she enjoyed the feeling of power over me. Her customary professional mask had disappeared during our lovemaking, and she glowed softly. She ran her fingers through my hair, and then bent and kissed me while I knelt there, letting me savor my own submission for a change. She was very gentle, and very much in control. I couldn't imagine crossing her.

“Very well. On Friday night I will come to you, and on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you will come to me. During the week, I'm far too busy, and you should be writing. But I have very much enjoyed having you to myself here in private. Now, you must go, and get that STD panel. I want to see it. Understand?"

“Yes, ma'am, Lynn. I will.” I kissed her hands again. I didn't want to leave.

“I expect you to behave yourself at work during the week. I'll be watching you very carefully. I'm beginning to think I may be able to trust you. Don't let me down,” she warned half-playfully. “I can't take many more disappointments, as I explained last night."

“I won't let you down,” I promised, throwing my arms around her tiny waist.

She embraced me fiercely for a moment, then pulled me up. “Get out of here,” she growled. “I don't want the gate guard thinking."

She walked me out and watched me get into my car, giving me a little wave as I drove off. Then she went back in and closed the door.

It was a lot to handle emotionally, and I was almost glad I had Sunday all to myself to think about it, although had she demanded I return, I would have done so without a moment's hesitation.

All things considered, it had gone splendidly. Lynn had accepted that Jane the janitor was also Jane the dominant, but Lynn also needed to be very dominant. She was an extreme control freak and having been with that kind of woman before, it scared me to a certain extent. It could be a lot of fun, but when a control freak got into your medicine chest and your sock drawer and your wallet, it could also be extremely irritating.

The only way it could work was if she was kind as well as dominant, and if she continued to command my respect. The breakdown came when the dominant quit dominating. When the dominant gets sloppy or nasty or submissive or apathetic, it's goodbye, relationship. If the submissive becomes dominant or gets sick of it or wants something more, it also doesn't work. There's no reason a good D/s relationship can't be maintained for years, but it takes the same effort and commitment as any other marriage.

Now came the dance. Did she want something occasional or something permanent? Was I a toy, a lover, a friend or something else? She hadn't said, and I was sure it was by design, not accident. At that point, she may very well not have known herself. I would have to wait, and that was part of the role of the submissive anyway: to attend the dominant, to await her pleasure, to be compliant.

I had every intention of complying fully.

When I went to work Monday morning, I was unusually well-rested. For the first time in months, I hadn't been up all Sunday night. Instead, I had spent it reading, writing and figuring out my new budget, which would have to stretch to cover the loss of my second job. I could do it, but it wouldn't be pretty, and so I had all the more incentive to write like hell so I could get published and look nice if Lynn and I ever got as far as a date in public.

I usually spent Mondays washing windows on the outside of the building, weather permitting. Naturally no one wants to do windows, so windows are what the junior person does. I washed them, painted and repaired them. One good thing about windows was that I was left alone with my thoughts.

I was laying out my harness when my immediate supervisor came to get me. “Hey, Naismith, some butt-head kid pitched a rock through the principal's window over the weekend. Go fix it."

“Okie-doke,” I said, going for glass and my toolbox. My goodness, what a coincidence. A kid, huh?

I arrived in the drab outer office and announced myself to the slightly less fat and grim of the watchdogs, and after cooling my heels on a plastic chair for several minutes, was admitted with the warning, “Don't talk to Dr. Jeffries. She's very busy on the phone. Just fix the window as quickly as possible and go."

“No problem.” I hefted the glass and my box, knocked and went in.

She wasn't on the phone. Rather, the phone was off the hook so that it looked to her secretaries as if she was engaged. Instead, she had both feet up on her desk and her hands clasped behind her head. The blinds were drawn, even over the broken window, and they fluttered slightly in the breeze from outside.

“Close the door,” she mouthed.

I edged it shut. “Good morning, Dr. Jeffries."

“Come here."

I put my things down and advanced to the desk. She looked up at me for a moment, and I saw a glint in her eye.

Slowly she stood, looking up at me the entire time. She put one hand on my chest, the other behind my neck, and she kissed me until my knees buckled and I had to put my hand on her desk to support myself.

“Um… oh,” I gasped. My head spun.

She let me go and surveyed the remains of the damage. Most had been cleaned up, but there were still a few bits of glass on the floor and the rug. Folding her arms, Lynn looked at me. “Pretty good aim, don't you think? I missed my desk and my computer, and put that brick right in the middle of the room."

“You did do this!” I laughed. “I wondered. Did you know I fix windows?"

“No, I asked for you. I said I hadn't had a chance to evaluate your work yet. No one told me this was your particular specialty,” she smiled and smacked me on the butt. “Get busy."

“Yes, ma'am, Dr. Jeffries."

I laid out my tools, cleared away the shards and old putty, measured and cut the glass. Once the frame was prepped, I carefully puttied the glass into place. “There. Now I'll have to come back and paint that,” I began as I turned around.

Lynn had removed her crimson skirt and pantyhose and was reclining in her chair, still wearing her black silk shirt, fingering her slit. “Want this?” she asked huskily.

I swallowed. “Um, I take it you're still the dominant?"

“You better believe it, honey."

“Does this mean you missed me yesterday?” I asked.

“Down."

I knelt before her and bent my head to kiss her bush. Her fingers were in my hair and she yanked me all the way in. I put my hands under her ass and helped her.

She was so hot, and I realized I had not had the pleasure of eating her before, because as a dominant, I just didn't do that. She wiggled around and sucked me right into her twat.

“Oh, God,” I moaned as I began to need her touch, although I doubted she would have me. This was for her alone, and she had my enthusiastic support.

Lynn was whimpering and trying hard not to make noise as I lapped her thoroughly, inside and out. She was a sweet little thing, as healthy women most often are. Giving head was an enormous pleasure for me, and I lavished her pussy with every skill I had. Licking, probing, sucking gently, I brought her to orgasm. She came once, twice, three times, quietly and quickly, but intensely all the same. I sighed with contentment and cleansed her with my tongue as she lay panting in her chair, her legs over my shoulders.

Finally she released her grip and I leaned back. “Will that be all, Dr. Jeffries?"

She smiled down at me. “Yes, I think so. You can use my bathroom to clean yourself up."

“You mean wash my face?” I asked innocently.

“You know damn well what I mean. But be quick.” She winked and I got up and went into the tiny lavatory, which had been carved out of one corner of her huge office. Closing the door, I dropped my pants and did what I had to do in order to go back to work. With a groan of relief, I cleaned myself up, including my face, and went out.

Lynn was fully dressed in her power suit again and grinning from ear to ear. “You were saying you'll have to come back?"

“Yes, in a couple of days, to trim and paint over that putty,” I nodded, putting everything away.

“Then you'll be dominant, all right?” It wasn't a question.

“Yes, ma'am, Dr. Jeffries. What would be a good time?"

“Wednesday after three thirty. You're dismissed,” she said briskly.

I clicked my heels. “As you wish, my lord."

Lynne laughed out loud. “Oh, I like that. Get out."

I grinned. “Yes, ma'am.” I wiped the shit-eating grin off my face and let myself out of her office.

Chapter Eleven

I went casually back to my window washing, stayed at it all day, and hardly spoke to anyone until 5:30 when I went to get the flag. Just as I was folding it, she came down the steps, and I said, “Have a good evening, Dr. Jeffries."

She sniffed and drove off without another word.

I went home and began to plan what I would do to her Wednesday when I went back to finish her window. I would make her pay for being rude, all right, which was precisely what she wanted.

Whatever I did would of necessity have to be quick. Even so, I was used to working in half-hour increments. Dr. Lynn Jeffries would be very, very sorry.

Wednesday I wore the combat boots and black fatigue pants from my costume to work. As long as we wore our official work shirts, almost any clean, serviceable pants were acceptable. No one would notice.

Most afternoons I washed and waxed floors in various parts of the building, but no one cared when, where or how. It was entirely up to me to decide when to finish the window in the principal's office.

Therefore, I did as I had been commanded, except once the secretary waved me in, I was in control.

Once again, the phone was off the hook. Lynn was sitting up straight with her hands folded on her desk like a first-grader, looking scared.

“Get up, Lynn,” I said softly.

She blinked. She had noticed the pants and boots. She obeyed instantly.

“What are you wearing under your skirt?” I asked casually, taking her chair and opening my box on her desk. I was careful not to scratch it.

“Nuh-nothing,” she whispered, lifting it to show me. There was almost nothing, just a garter belt and stockings. All that mattered was exposed to me.

“Good. You were very rude to me Monday and Tuesday, weren't you, Lynn Alexandra Jeffries?"

“Yes, Major, I was. I'm a nasty little snob,” she confessed.

“I'm going to punish you now, Lynn. Turn around and bend over your desk so I can reach your asshole,” I directed.

“Don't hurt me, please. I'm sorry!” she begged as she did it. The scent of her musk filled my nostrils and I breathed deeply.

“You should have thought of that before you offended me,” I pointed out patiently. The greased butt-plug was ready in a plastic bag. “Spread your cheeks, bitch."

She did it, and she was trembling. I slid it in hard and fast. I couldn't spank her because it would make noise, but there were other things I could do to punish her.

“Uh! Oh, that hurts,” she hissed.

“Does it? Good. Turn around, sit on the desk and spread your legs."

When she was in position, I stuck a vibrating dildo in her, set low, so she couldn't come. She groaned and started wiggling around, trying to get more sensation.

“Stop that and get under the desk and eat me, Lynn. Spread your legs,” I ordered her.

“I-I can't! I'll drop the dildo,” she said, frantic.

“Better not,” I warned. I settled in her chair and pulled her face into my pussy, one leg locked behind her neck to keep her there.

Lynn groaned with heat as she pleasured me, and I made lots of little noises to let her know just how much I was enjoying it. I gave her all kinds of unnecessary instructions just to be brutal and demanding and get her all cranked up. Finally, I came all over her face, grunting with the effort of not crying out in ecstasy. She was just as good at giving head as she was at every aspect of education. I had never had better in my life.

But I wasn't about to tell her that. “Clean me up, you little slut,” I demanded, and I waited while her quick and skillful tongue worked me over until I felt clean enough to close my pants and get up.

I left her on the floor and took my tools and paint out to finish her window.

“What am I supposed to do?” she whined plaintively from behind me.

“Lie on your back, keep your hands out of your twat and think about how much you need to come,” I advised with a smile.

“Are you gonna let me?” she pleaded.

“No. Shut up."

She moaned and I could hear her writhing on the carpet as I worked. It didn't take long and soon I was able to clean up and leave.

I stood over her and very slowly and deliberately wiped the soles of my boots on her bush and her crotch. I did it several times and loved the feel of her squirming under me. She arched and opened her mouth in a silent wail.

“Kiss me goodbye,” I said.

She rolled over and licked my boots.

“After I leave, you can touch yourself, but leave the toys in until you get home. Clean them and bring them back to me on Friday night. Oh, and mind your manners,” I advised as she worshipped me on the floor.

“Yes, ma'am,” she said in a tiny, chastened voice.

“Good. Stop licking. Look up at me."

She did.

I winked, blew her a kiss and walked out past the clueless secretaries. Who could have guessed being a janitor would be so much fun?

Chapter Twelve

I told Lynn to bring her appetite on Friday, and I hauled out my old fondue set. I always thought the idea of lovers feeding one another fondue was sexy, even though I seldom got to do it. Lucille had complained it was “messy.” But then, she complained about everything. Mostly it was an effort I seldom had the motivation to fool with. Lynn suddenly made everything seem worthwhile.

During the week, I had a message from Beverly asking me to come to the club to pick up my last check. She had sounded very calm on the answering machine, and I was a little scared.

I had everything prepared when Lynn arrived with an overnight bag in hand. My house was small and cozy, in a working class neighborhood. Nothing special except to me and my dogs, Jay and Sallie, a couple of mutts whom I rescued from the pound right after rescuing myself. They were great friends already and excellent company for a lonely heart.

They greeted Lynn and sniffed her over, discovering the scent of Paprika on her. Much to my surprise, she threw aside her dignity as well as her bag and got down on the floor and roughhoused with them. Again, I was enchanted.

“So who's dominant?” I asked, watching them pile into her lap for love.

“I think they are,” Lynn grinned up at me.

“And then?” I persisted.

“How about neither of us, until we go to bed. Then you,” she suggested. Her eyes were shining and I could hardly believe it was for me.

“Good. I have fondue,” I said. “Hope you like it.” I went back to finish the last of my kitchen chores.

She got up, brushed herself off, and followed me. “Mm-hm. Haven't had it in a while. Hey, is my car going to be safe out there?” I had no garage, just a carport, and she was pulled up in the driveway behind it.

“Yes, although the neighbors may be curious and come have a look. We all kinda watch out for one another around here,” I explained.

“Okay, I know, I'm a snob,” she said, hugging me from behind. I was pleasantly surprised. It was as if there were no rules here in my home. She seemed very relaxed.

“Yes, you are. Would you like to pour some wine?” I asked.

“Glad to,” she said, spotting what she needed and doing the honors neatly.

We had our fondue on the couch while Mozart played on the stereo. The dogs curled up in the kitchen door, watching hopefully, having learned that good dogs get leftovers. By the time we got to the chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert, we were in each other's laps and kissing as much as we were eating. Fondue sort of lends itself to that.

Lynn began getting seriously amorous, so I took the leftovers and set them on the kitchen floor. The dogs would clean up for me and then let themselves out into the yard through their dog door. They were very low-maintenance children, for sure. Then I took Lynn's hand and led her into my bedroom.

“C'mere, you,” I growled. “Why are you so different here, tonight?” I asked as I undressed her.

She grabbed my hand and pulled it into her crotch. “Not my house. Not my rules,” she grunted. “Fuck me."

I took my hand away. “Not so fast, Lynn. You have to earn it. Where are my toys?'

“Oh, come on,” she pleaded, trying to get my hand back.

I made my voice steely. “Go get them."

She sulked. “Yes, ma'am."

I couldn't tell if she was putting me on or not, so when she got back, I made her kneel and hand me the items respectfully. “Don't you want me to be dominant here in my own house?” I chided.

“Yes, but I just thought, since we were getting along so well…” She seemed dejected, and I didn't want that.

“Oh, Lynn, it's not that important. I'll take you like a lover anytime. We don't have to play games every minute.” I offered her my hand, pulled her up and she looked at me expectantly. We kissed hungrily. I took her in my arms and into my bed, and pleasured her with my mouth until she was exhausted.

“Lynn, sweetheart,” I whispered to her as she lay curled against my side.

“Mmm, what, baby?” she mumbled, and my heart sang. An endearment.

I looked down at her, at that tiny bundle of demanding energy now at rest in my arms, at that glossy hair, and at her beautifully sculpted and delicious lips.

“I love you, Lynn,” I said.

She opened her eyes. “How can you?” she asked simply.

“I… I can't help it. You stole my heart, I guess,” I babbled inarticulately. “It just seemed right. I thought I should say it."

“I'm mean and cranky. No one loves me,” she said, looking pensive.

“Well, I do. Will you let me?"

“I just might. I'll think about it while I lick you out,” she joked. “Lie back. I do enjoy this, and the other day in my office wasn't quite enough. I've been thinking about it all week.” Now she was babbling to cover her surprise and discomfort, so I did as she asked, and after many delicious moments of teasing, she let my pleasure flood all over her. When she pulled back, she looked rather triumphant, back in control once again.

She crawled back up into my arms. “Okay, you can love me,” she said, and no more than a minute later, she was asleep.

I hadn't expected Lynn to return my affections immediately, if at all. For the moment, it was enough that she accepted mine. Those were the thoughts that occupied my mind Saturday evening as I drove into Tampa to see Beverly. I would arrive before opening so there would be no distractions or interruptions during our talk. Lynn had some soiree or other to go to and I would see her again on Sunday.

I knocked at the door of the manager's office. Beverly was neither the owner nor the manager, but rather a sort of supervisor of dominants and de facto manager for people we rarely saw, rich lesbians in Atlanta. Therefore, she would be the one to transmit my resignation.

“Come in.” She looked up at me and I knew she was angry.

“Hi,” I said, feeling a bit queasy.

She opened a drawer and put an envelope on the desk. “There's your check."

I didn't pick it up. “Can we talk a minute?"

“Why?” She wasn't in her complete uniform yet, just pants and shirt, and she was seated. Yet, I knew this imposing woman well, and I quailed at the challenge of trying to convince her I wasn't an irresponsible, flighty nutball.

“C'mon, Bev, I left a note. I came when you called, and I know I was hasty. I'm sorry about that. I'll explain it all,” I pleaded.

She glowered at me some more, then said, “Sit.” When I was more on her level, she said, “I expected more of you. I thought you were different, and I thought we were friends."

“God, Bev, we're more than friends. We've been lovers.” I was starting to cry.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, how quickly you put me in the past. Fine. Tell me. I need to know."

I pulled myself together slightly. “Okay, it's not about you, it's her. It's Lynn. I'm in love with her, Bev. I went through three sessions with her and felt like shit for not coming clean with her, so I did, but only after she admitted she wanted more than what we do here."

“Go on.” Even brown eyes can look cold sometimes.

I nodded. “I revealed who I was and that I knew her. She was upset at first, but I promised I'd go away and leave her alone. She calmed down and we talked and decided to continue the relationship. But she has a problem with the risk associated with multiple partners and asked me to give this up. I agreed."

“Oh, so I'm risky all of a sudden?” she snarled.

I sighed. I didn't blame her for her anger. “No, it's not about you, even though she doesn't know about you and me. She realizes I've been having sex with total strangers, including herself. So we both did STD panels, and we're clean."

“Does she love you?” Bev asked, suddenly looking plaintive, and less imposing and angry.

“I don't know. She hasn't said. But I told her just last night."

“Well, I love you, too!” Bev exclaimed. “Doesn't that mean anything?"

“Of course it does. But you can love me only so much and in one way. Come on, Bev, you have a spouse and a brand-new kid at home. You can't be there for me. They depend on you,” I reminded her. I remembered well how shocked I had been to discover this after several weeks in the dungeon, and had just barely been able to snatch myself back from the abyss of falling in love with the magnificent Teutonic dominant. After that, I had concentrated on the sexual aspect of our relationship and blocked out everything else. It hadn't been easy and I was proud of myself for having compartmentalized it all so neatly. Then Lynn showed up and I had felt free to become totally involved with her.

“But… you know Marta hates this stuff. I'm only allowed to come here and do this to keep from annoying her,” Beverly reminded me.

“I remember you explained how disappointed you were when she finally told you she could never do this, and it drove you here. Is that what you mean?"

“Yes, and while I do it with anyone who pays, I thought we had a bond. A special one.” Now it was Bev's turn to cry, and I decided to join her.

I stood up and went behind the desk, shoved the chair back and sank on Bev's lap. “I love you, Bev, I really do, and I probably would have loved you more if there had been room. But you have a spouse, and you don't need me. Lynn needs me more than she can even admit to herself. She's seriously flawed and tremendously lonely. I can love her regardless. There's room for me in her life that you just don't have.” I put my arms around my former lover and we just bawled like babies.

“Shit. I'm always gonna love you. You know that,” Bev sniffed. “If I had met you first, there'd have been no Marta, and no Juan-Samuel."

“I know, and I don't blame you. I'll always love you, too."

“If she ever doesn't want you, come back to me,” Bev said. “Come back."

I looked into her enormous brown eyes, now red with crying, and we kissed deeply. It tore my heart in two.

When we finally broke apart, I said, “You'll always be my special friend, Bev. I mean, if you'll have me as a friend, I'll always be here for you."

“Yes, let's be friends,” she agreed. “Life is too hard without friends."

“Thanks. You're the best,” I said, getting up. “I have never licked better leather."

She laughed at that. “Be good and be happy. I'll be all right, and I wish you the best with her. This won't be easy,” she cautioned. “Lynn didn't get that way overnight, and you won't easily convince her to love you if it's not something she's inclined to do."

“I know. But this is my big chance for a truly compatible lover. I have to try.” I picked up my check. I had to go before we ended up crying all night.

“Stay in touch,” she said.

“I will. I know I'll need advice,” I promised.

And after another ten minutes of tears in my car, I was able to drive home.

Chapter Thirteen

Sunday Lynn had me over for brunch, which was her excuse to spend several hours with me but still get rid of me in time to prepare herself for the week ahead. She had shown me her calendar once and she did more things in a week than I did in three months. I was amazed to discover she taught a graduate course one night a week on the Lakeland campus of the mega-university near Tampa.

“Should I call you ‘Professor?'” I had teased.

“No, actually, ‘Professor’ is a title and not a form of address,” Lynn lectured pompously.

“Yes, dear, I know that,” I said acidly. “I was looking for another way for you to dominate me."

Her eyebrow went up. “Oh, do I need one?"

“No, you scare me enough as it is,” I admitted with a grin. Then she distracted me with some delectable body part and I had forgotten about it.

Now we were on the lanai beside the pool and she had several chafing dishes on the table. Gourmet cooking was her hobby, and like everything else she did, it was perfect.

“You know, what we did at school was fun, but we really shouldn't take any more chances,” she began after she served the crepes.

“I know, and it's okay. I figured it was a one-time thing. You can't break a window every week,” I agreed.

“I'd like to.” Lynn gave me a sultry look. “I'm looking forward to being put through my paces today."

“What would you like?” I asked. “Anything particular?"

“I liked when you made me polish your boots with my pussy,” she said, flushing.

“I think that can be arranged,” I said. “I'm sure you need to be punished."

“I always need to be punished,” Lynn said to me. “I'm a very, very bad little principal,” she said, and then she threw back her head and laughed, because she thought she was the best educator on the face of the earth.

So did I, but her ego needed no further stroking. “You're mean and cold and cranky and impatient. And I love you,” I reminded her.

“Will you love me more the meaner I am?” she asked sweetly.

“It depends. If you happened to be standing over me with your boot on my throat, I probably would. Got any boots?” I asked casually.

“Nothing with heels. Riding boots. Like those?” she asked, doing suggestive things with her lips and a slice of melon.

“Actually, I'm quite partial to riding boots,” I said as my heart rate speeded up. It was what I missed most since leaving the dungeon and my sessions with Beverly.

“I'll keep that in mind,” Lynn said. “Since I'm the real dominant, I know I have a responsibility to put you in your place once in a while."

“Yes, ma'am, please do."

“I will, but today is my day. Today you will use me until I scream for mercy. I mean, you will, won't you, Jane?” Her voice took on a pleading tone.

“Be careful what you ask for,” I said with a grin.

“Will you hurt me?” she wondered.

“Yes."

“Humiliate me?"

“Yes."

“Make me beg?"

“Absolutely."

“Make me wait?"

“Longer than you can stand."

She looked down and blushed. “I think I wet myself."

“No point in my being here if you didn't.” I put down my napkin and stood. “Clean this mess up, Lynn, and report to me in my room in ten minutes,” I ordered.

“I can't clean all this up that fast!” she protested.

“I don't care. Ten minutes.” I kissed her hard, pinched her ass roughly and walked off, leaving her to take care of the dishes and dribble down her pretty, shapely little legs as she thought about what was to come.

Lynn was right on time. I didn't care if she did the dishes or not. They weren't my dishes. It was just a ploy to excite her, and it worked. She all but leaped into the room, knelt and threw her arms around my waist. “Major,” she sighed, kissing my fly.

“You can't avoid your punishment so easily, Lynn Alexandra. You know that. Stand up,” I said, and I played with her breasts to make her nipples hard.

The clamps I used this time were a heavier weight, and she winced.

“I have half a mind to put a clip on your clit,” I remarked casually.

Her eyes bugged out with horror. “No,” she breathed. “No."

“Oh, yes, I think so,” I told her. “Lie on your back on the bed.” As I advanced toward her, she backed up until she hit the bed and toppled over onto it. I smiled down at her and kicked her legs apart. “Bend your knees, slut."

She whimpered and bent them, and I took a fairly loose, lightweight plastic clip from my pocket and held it up. Then I began to play with her pussy to make her clitoris harden and in no time at all, she was wetting the bed. “Oh, God; oh, God,” she gasped, wriggling.

“You'd better hold still,” I advised, and I clipped her.

Instantly she arched. “Ow! Ah! Oh!” she shrieked and Paprika started barking.

“Get up and make her be quiet,” I said.

Lynn roused herself from subspace, opened the door and growled some words that sounded Russian. The dog went silent, and Lynn came back to the bed. Without being told, she knelt and licked my boots. “I apologize for the interruption, Major."

“It's nice to know she can act like a real dog,” I joked. “Now, lay face-down on the bed. Let's see how you like the crop."

I took it out and swished it around a bit, using the noise to get her excited. I shoved it under her nose on the bed. “Kiss it,” I demanded.

She did it, moaning.

“Shall I gag you this time?” I asked.

“Yes,” she nodded. “Rika may start up again."

I had a very small ball gag and I stuck it in her mouth. “It's not secured because some people find it scary. If you need to spit it out, go ahead. But I suggest you bite down on it to keep from screaming."

Lynn grunted her assent, and I stepped back and whacked her tight ass several times without stopping.

She started with surprise at the intensity of the sensation, and soon she was twisting under the blows, but in a very sinuous and sexy way that really got my juices flowing. I began to moan with need myself. But we had barely gotten started.

“Turn over, Lynn” I told her after she had very happily taken 20 lashes.

She flipped herself and looked up at me adoringly, and I smiled. “Spread your legs."

Lynn didn't lose a nanosecond obeying, and I gave her six more sharp strokes on the insides of each of her thighs while she thrust up at me trying to get more. “Mmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmm!” she moaned through the gag, which she was not inclined to spit out after all.

I stopped and watched her skin redden. I bent and kissed the soft, hot skin and she thrust up at me, seeking more sensation. I pulled back and flicked her clip and Lynn bucked wildly on the bed. Juices ran freely from between her legs. I flicked it a couple more times and watched her dance and squirm. Then I slid her down onto the floor and put my heel in her bush and massaged her, careful to avoid the clip further down.

Lynn was going wild. The clip intensified everything and made her desperate for release. But she still had a long way to go.

In my briefcase I had spreaders to keep her legs apart, and I pulled them out and attached them to her ankles. Then I put a dildo in her, set on low like before, shackled her hands behind her back, and went away for a while. It would seem an eternity to her.

After perhaps ten minutes, I returned with a pitcher of ice water. I found Lynn writhing like a madwoman on her back, probably on the edge of an orgasm she couldn't achieve without my assistance or permission.

I poured two glasses of water, one for each of us, because I knew she was getting hot and tired. But before I let her have any, I lifted her legs up by the spreader bar, took an ice cube and shoved it up her ass.

“Let me know when that melts,” I said as she flailed around madly, stimulated so many ways and unable to get off. It was a riot. I could tell from her glazed expression that she had never been happier.

“Mmm-mm-mm. Mmm-mm-mm,” she grunted.

“It's melted? Okay,” I said agreeably. “Sit up."

I knelt and removed the handcuffs and gag. I handed her the water and she drank a few gulps. “Thank you, thank you,” she gasped.

I ruffled her hair playfully. “How do you feel, slave?"

“I ache, I need to come, I wanna eat you, I wanna lick your boots,” she recited, her eyes glazing with utter longing and sincerity. Or maybe just lust.

“In good time, you slut. Just think how helpless you are, how much at my mercy you are,” I told her.

“May I grovel, Major?” she asked hopefully.

“Of course,” I said grandly. “It's why you exist, slave. Get down and kiss my boots, and then I'll let you have my pussy. Watching you suffer is very stimulating."

“Oh, I'm glad,” she sighed, and then she was on her face, scraping her clips on the rug as she did my bidding.

There was no way I could stand to wait very much longer, regardless of what she felt. I knew her willingness to wait all day to come was unfeigned; not being sure of orgasm was so stimulating that she could tolerate it indefinitely. That's where your mind goes when you're a sub. How well I knew! However, as the dominant, I had a choice, and I was about to exercise it.

“Lynn, open my pants and lick me out. I want to get off on your face,” I ordered.

She popped up instantly and hugged my waist, then opened my pants and waited to see how I wanted it. I regarded her indulgently for a moment, then put the gag back in, reached between her legs and flicked the clip. She screeched through the rubber and fell over on her side, convulsing as pre-orgasmic spasms assaulted her. It made me wish we could trade places.

I sat on the bed and removed the gag again. I waited for her to collect herself, and then I pointed at my own wet, aching pussy. “Eat me, slave,” I said softly, and I lay back to allow her access.

“Mmmmm, Lynn, that is so good. Nice and slow,” I sighed as she made circles, entered me, retreated, and repeated the cycle endlessly. She had quickly learned what I liked, the pressure, the pace, and the strokes. I held her head down and caressed her scalp, loving the feel of that soft hair. “Ohhhhhh, Lynn,” I moaned. I was so in love.

Her hands were under my ass, squeezing, lifting, caressing me, and she was moaning, too, the realization of my pleasure pleasing her, as it should have. Pleasing the dominant is every bit as stimulating to the sub as are pain, humiliation and denial. Some subs live for their dominant's pleasure alone; they don't want anything else. I could get into that on a situational basis, so I understood. But not coming indefinitely was a tad too extreme. And it wouldn't have worked for Lynn, either. She was way too strong a personality for that.

Pretty soon I was ready to climax, so I began to talk about it for Lynn's benefit. “Oh, honey, I am so close. I feel so hard. I'm so damn ready… oooohhhh, baby, lick me. Suck up that honey, lover. Get every drop."

“Yes, oh, yes, Major,” she grunted as she licked. “Come on me. Please come on me."

I pushed down into her and used my boot heels on her bare back to drive her on. It made me wish I were wearing spurs. Maybe next time.

When I felt Lynn banging her pelvis against the side of the bed in desperation, it triggered my own memories of lengthy denial and shot me right over the top. I convulsed, came in her mouth, and she groaned deeply and buried herself in me, intensifying my orgasms and getting soaked in the process. I continued to thrust into her until I couldn't come anymore, and believe me, I didn't hold back a bit. I used her exactly as she had begged me to do. I was too weak to push her away, so I let her clean me with her tongue. It was my right as a dominant anyway, to be cleaned up by my slave.

“Lynn,” I mumbled. “Mmmm, Lynn, that's enough. Stop."

She withdrew and I sat up. “You give head like a real slutty little streetwalker, you know that?"

“Yes, I'm scum. Punish me,” she begged.

“You're not fit to lick my boots, much less shine them, but I'm going to let you do both,” I told her. “Stand up."

She did, and I flicked the clip on her clit. Her eyes rolled back and her knees buckled, but I caught her in my arms. I tossed her onto the bed and went hunting for a stool that would work for my next trick. Lynn had decorative little items all over the house and pretty soon I found one in the shape of a leather camel I thought would work.

She was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling when I came back. When I walked in, she slid to the floor on her face. “Please let me come,” she moaned into the carpet.

“You don't deserve to come,” I said cruelly. “Up on your knees now."

She struggled up and looked at me. She was so needy! I loved her to pieces for needing me. Looking into her eyes, I steadied her with one hand on her shoulder and very carefully and gently removed the clip.

Lynn sighed. “Oh, thank God."

“I wouldn't go that far,” I quipped.

“Even though I worship you?” she asked.

“Well, let's say my powers are limited,” I told her, and I kissed her deeply. She sagged and I caught her again. She was about at the end of her rope. I positioned the little camel and put my right boot on it. “Shine that, slut,” I said.

She squatted and let her weight down. She had no warning. As soon as her clit hit my leather, she exploded. “Ahhhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhh!” she shrieked. I had to grab her and hold her on my boot so she could complete her orgasm, but even so, I wasn't done with her.

“Do the other boot, bitch,” I snarled.

Lynn hesitated briefly, then rose and sank again onto my left boot. The resulting climax almost blew her across the room, but again, I was there to hold her in place.

I made her lick herself off my boots, and then I made her come on them two more times. Finally I picked her up in my arms. She was limp and almost unconscious. Her head rolled loosely as I laid her down gently on the bed. I tenderly removed the dildo, the clips, the spreaders, the gag she had to have in every time she came. I got alcohol and a cloth from the bathroom, gave her a rubdown, and she sighed and made happy little noises as I worked on her.

“Oooohhhh, Janie,” she whispered. “Janie, how do you do that? How d'you make me come like that?"

“Oh, so no more ‘Fuck me, Major,’ huh?” I teased.

“Jjust love me. Say you love me,” Lynn pleaded, touching my face. Words can't express how soft and vulnerable she looked.

I smiled, lay down next to her and held her. “I love you, Lynn. I adore you, like your husbands should have, but I'm glad they didn't."

“I was an idiot,” she observed. “Get undressed and hold me, please. Take that uniform off."

I did as she asked. “Why are you an idiot?"

“Was, not am,” she pointed out with a wry grin.

“So? Why?” I asked, pulling her close and kissing her hair as we lay naked on the bed. The fan turned lazy circles above us and I thought for some reason of Scarlet O'Hara napping before the ball.

“I was unrealistic. After my first husband, I should have realized that even in this supposedly enlightened culture, men can't bring themselves to be like you, a tiger in the bedroom and a kitten everywhere else. And I can't stand to be controlled anywhere but here."

“Outside of here, I'm your slave,” I reminded her.

“Are you really?” she mused.

“If you want. I have wanted to belong to a strong woman all my life. I don't care how selfish and demanding; but she has to be nice, positive, brilliant, well, everything you are."

“I'm not nice. Don't go thinking that,” she cautioned me.

“And if that's true, why aren't you?” I challenged.

Lynn was quiet a while. “Because when I'm nice, I get hurt,” she whispered.

“Not by me. Hey, you wanna go out next weekend?” I asked to lighten the mood.

“Go out where?” she asked. I felt her tense.

“A movie? Dinner?” I suggested.

“If we stay in, I'll rent whatever you want to watch, and I'll make you whatever you like for dinner,” she countered.

Okay, I thought. Why doesn't she want to go out? But all I said was, “Yeah, but then I can't stay over."

“Nope. Those are the rules, and as my slave, I expect you to obey them,” she said, sitting up. Clearly, our intimate little chat had come to an end, and she had promised nothing. She looked over at the clock on the dresser. “Hey, sweetie, I'm sorry, but I have work to do. You'll have to excuse me."

“Okay,” I said, trying not to sound dejected. I felt pushed away. She had thrown me the bone of the prospect of a pleasant night in together, but she hadn't said she loved me, wouldn't go out with me, and wanted me out of there that minute.

“Don't sulk, Jane. You have more of me than anyone else,” Lynn warned, and I heard the steel in her voice. This woman who had just come screaming on my boots was not to be trifled with.

I looked at her and then I sank to my knees on the floor beside the bed. I took her hand and kissed it and said, “Yes, ma'am."

Lynn's face softened instantly and she smiled. “Good girl. After you dress, we can discuss next weekend, all right?” She bent and kissed me lightly and let herself out.

When I left my room, I found her in her study with the door open. She had changed to a tank top and shorts. I knocked.

“Come in. Sit a moment. What do you want me to make for you next Saturday?” She had already spread out a bunch of folders and her monitor was on. Her reading glasses were perched on her nose. Paprika was curled under the desk at her feet, and I was irrationally jealous of the dog for a brief instant.

“Aren't you coming to see me on Friday?” I asked.

“I'd love to. I can barbecue at your house if you like, instead of here. What's your pleasure?” she asked.

“Ribs, but not the thick ones. And I'll pick up some movies. I know your schedule is tight."

Lynn cocked her head at me. “You're very responsive to my needs and very flexible, Jane. Please don't think I don't appreciate that.” She stopped a moment to gather her thoughts. “I hope we can come to some accommodation that's comfortable for both of us."

“Me, too, Lynn. I want very much to accommodate you. It's what I do, you know,” I said.

“And you do it well.” She rose. “Let me see you out."

In no time at all I was home again, wondering what in the world I had to do to make this difficult little woman admit she loved me.

Chapter Fourteen

I couldn't resist renting the classics Bound and Thelma and Louise. Nor could I imagine Lynn had seen either one. In case she had or couldn't tolerate them, I got a couple more up-to-date “chick flicks.” They were ready and the coals were smoking as I awaited my lover.

My lover. As recently as a year ago, I couldn't have imagined such an exotic concept, let alone an extraordinary person such as Lynn Jeffries to fill the role. I may as well have made plans based on winning the lotto, that's how foolish I would have been, flanked as I was by an angry spouse and a failing mother. And I never would have thought I would have missed my mother the more of the two, but there it was. In any event, I hadn't dared hope for any such level of fulfillment in my life.

But perhaps my successes had made me too bold, because now I wanted more. I wanted my lover to love me back. I almost thought she did, but I wanted her to say so without prompting. In fact, I had made a list of things I wanted, none of which were all that big of a deal, not for normal people, and all of which I thought would be just as good for her as for me.

1. I wanted her to say, “I love you."

2. I wanted to make love in her bed.

3. I wanted to spend the night in her house.

4. I wanted to go out with her in public.

5. I wanted to meet her friends.

6. I wanted her to meet my friends.

We were already making love in my bed, and sleeping in it together. I had already told her I loved her, and repeated it at her request. I had asked her out. Today I would ask her when she would be free to meet my friends, left over from my marriage. I had discovered Lucille didn't want them, and I needed them. They were very interested in my new lover and I wanted to get all my important people on the same page. I was hesitant about Bev because I was quite sure she didn't want contact with Lynn, but I would ask all the same.

Now, I wasn't insane enough to present Lynn with this list. It was more to remind me of my goals and mark my progress. After all, I had yet to even see her bedroom, and she had cleverly dodged my invitation, but that couldn't go on indefinitely.

Despite my misgivings, I was thrilled to see her when she showed up with all the goodies for the barbecue Friday evening. It wasn't yet too warm to be outdoors in the evening, although the days were already pretty hot. Another week or two and it would be too hot for this without a pool to cool off in, which I didn't have. If I sold a book, I could get an aboveground one, perfect for midnight swims and safe for Jay and Sallie.

Lynn busied herself cooking and I puttered around setting the table and bringing her whatever she demanded. I felt almost domestic, almost married again, but that, of course, was because I wanted this so badly. I hadn't minded being single long ago, and I had loved being newly divorced, but now I was ready to share again.

“I think these are ready,” she announced, and soon we were munching away on the screened-in patio with two very interested dogs in attendance.

“Lynn, you are the most magnificent chef!” I praised her. “What's in this sauce?"

“Aha! That's a secret, but it does contain bourbon and I made it several days ago. It needs time to blend, not to mention some things are added a little at a time.” She winked. “Kind of like good sex."

“Mmmmm, well, you seem to know all there is to know about both,” I told her. “And I don't need to know the secret ingredients as long as you make these every now and then.” I licked my fingers and reached for another rib.

“Be a good slave, Jane, and I will reward you appropriately,” Lynn intoned, and we both laughed.

We had our ice cream inside and started watching Bound. As I had hoped, the best scene, early in the movie, got Lynn excited. Soon she was pressed against my side. “Does one woman tie the other up?” she asked as one of them arched on the mattress and the sheet popped loose.

“No, that's later, and a man does it to them,” I whispered, kissing her.

“Pity.” She was quiet a minute. “Will you tie me up?"

“Want it bad, huh?"

“Tie me up and lick me,” she breathed.

“Oh, honey,” I said. I was already shaking. “I'll tie you up and keep you on the edge for hours."

“Make me beg,” she growled. “Refuse me."

“I'll do that, you little tart,” I told her. “You'll get what you deserve."

“Punish me,” she whimpered. “Put me in my place."

“Lynn, I'm gonna take you and do whatever I want with you,” I murmured. I turned to take her, but she took me in a voracious kiss, pushing me onto my back on the couch, mounting me, rubbing herself into my crotch. We lost track of the movie and were soon in the bedroom where she sank to the floor and began opening my jeans with her teeth.

I backed up to the dresser and fumbled around for some scarves. She undressed me with her quick little hands and then tore her own clothes off. I got hold of her and stroked her from behind, getting a handful of her juices. “Cunt,” I told her. “You have no shame."

“Uh… no, I don't,” Lynn grunted, thrusting. “Take me, you damned big bully."

“I oughta fuck you right up your butt,” I remarked. “But not now. Get on your back in the bed."

“I have to pee,” she resisted.

I don't do golden showers or anything like that, so I simply said, “One minute."

By the time she got back, I had the scarves in place. “These are slip knots,” I told her. “You can loosen them by pulling the ends. I never use anything permanent to restrain a sub in private. It's too risky."

“Good. Yes, okay,” she agreed quickly, zoning in on subspace. She tried her bonds slightly, but soon settled. I lit a couple of aromatic candles and started classical guitar CDs.

Then I crawled up between her legs and began to feed on my captive. She was the sweetest woman I had ever eaten, and incredibly responsive to everything I did to her. I moved up and caressed her clit with my nipple and when she realized what I was doing to her, she began to shake uncontrollably. “Janie, Janie, oh, God, lover, let me come on your tits, Jesus, yes!"

“You wish,” I told her, and I moved up over her and let most of my weight down between her legs. I sucked her tiny nipples to attention and I devoured her mouth, soft one minute, rough the next, while she strained upward to try to get some part of me to touch her clit.

“Janie, Janie.” Her voice had dropped to such a low tone it sounded almost guttural, and then I heard words I didn't recognize. Russian again. She must have had quite a passionate interlude with a Russian speaker, I supposed, because that was where she went when she was at her most helpless.

I covered her lips with mine and made her concentrate on me, and when I felt her surrender, I left her mouth and moved down the bed where I plunged back into her womanhood and gave her the stimulation she sought, but not the release.

Lynn groaned in the deep ecstasy that comes from lack of control and she pressed her flesh into me for more. She was approaching orgasm; I could feel her shuddering, so I pulled back.

“Janie!” she wailed, “Janie! Finish me!"

“Uh-uh,” I said. Instead, I moved up so that I was seated between her spread legs. I put my thighs over hers and inched up so our bushes were nearly touching. Then I plunged my hand into my own slit and began to caress myself.

Lynn could just about feel the motion from my hand against herself and she went berserk, thrashing in her bonds. “You can't do this to me! You can't!” she grated. Her bright blue eyes were insane with need.

“Should I gag you?” I asked, stroking myself. It felt so incredibly good.

“No.” She shook her head. “Save that for pain or those boot-orgasms. Not now. Please. Red."

That was her safeword and I nodded. “Don't worry. I know a better way to keep you quiet."

“Do it to me,” she demanded,

“It's so very simple, too,” I informed her, lazily pleasuring myself against her. I was near enough now.

I rose to my knees and released her right hand, then lowered myself full length on her, bringing her hand between my legs. “If you ever wanna come tonight,” I breathed in her ear, “Do a good job. Make me come all over you."

Instantly she was inside me, those tiny, graceful fingers doing things to me that I couldn't do to myself. I covered her mouth with mine and lay still until she made me come on top of her, jerking uncontrollably, writhing with blinding pleasure.

“Again.” She did me, and I came on her some more.

“Again!” I demanded.

“Again."

“Again."

Finally I couldn't come anymore, but Lynn was as revved up as she could possibly be. “Janie! Do me! I'm begging you, Janie! Have mercy, lover! Oh, Jesus God almighty!” She was almost in tears.

To keep her from plunging her greedy fist into her own crotch and robbing me of her pleasure, I went in headfirst, lapping up every drop she had spilled in our joining.

“Pleeeeeeeeeease!” she screeched as I nibbled her starving clit. I bore down with my tongue so she would come good and hard. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint her after making her wait such a long time.

When she came, her ass thumped the bed just like the “whump” of heavy artillery. She snapped my head up and down as her climax shook both of us and the bed so hard I didn't know if either of us would survive. I heard a garbled cry and raised my eyes to see she had stuffed her fist in her mouth. I was grateful for her discretion because here in our working-class neighborhood, that much evidence of my sexuality might have been just a bit too much information. I jammed my mouth and my jaw into her pussy and ground fiercely until a series of gasping sobs alerted me that she was done.

Quickly I untied her and pulled her into my arms where she cried like a baby. “Oh, Lynn, Lynn, Lynn, my love,” I murmured into her hair.

She clung to me like a tiny monkey, “Oh, God, I love you, Jane. I love you, love you, love you. Jesus Christ, no one else has ever done that to me. Don't you ever leave me, Janie. Don't you dare."

“No, lover, never,” I promised, and then it was my turn to cry. I had been sure I would have to beg and plead for some outward sign of her love. Lynn Jeffries never failed to surprise me, and as I mentally checked off the first item on my list, I yawned and fell asleep in the arms of my beloved.

Chapter Fifteen

The next morning we breakfasted on the bagels and pastries Lynn had thoughtfully brought along with the ribs.

“Um, about last night,” she began shyly, spreading cream cheese.

Uh-oh, I thought. Here comes the denial. I stopped breathing and just looked at her.

“I… I really meant it, Jane. I couldn't have said I love you if I didn't. I surprised myself, but, upon reflection, I find I mean it. I do,” she sighed as if a burden had been lifted.

I reached across, took her hand, and kissed it. “Bless you, my lord."

Lynn smiled radiantly. “Look how long it took me to find the right person. No, Jane, I am not going to let you get away."

“I really am glad, Lynn. Sometimes we say things in the heat of passion we don't really mean."

Lynn stopped spreading cream cheese and lanced me with a glare. “Excuse me?"

“I don't doubt you, love. I meant some people, not all people, and certainly not you,” I babbled.

“Quit groveling,” she ordered.

“I thought you liked groveling,” I said, picking up my bagel.

She stopped to think. “I love it. Actually, now that you mention it, you may grovel at any time. Acceptable."

“I thought so.” I gathered my courage. “Lynn, I was thinking of having some friends of mine over next weekend, frankly to introduce you. I was gonna do a barbecue again, but let folks cook their own. What do you think?"

She chewed as she considered my request. “Um, meet your friends? Well, I have to check my calendar and I'd really like to know exactly who they are before I commit. If they were, for example, parents of students, I couldn't. And there are some other kinds of people I frankly would prefer not to meet."

“Okay, like who?"

“Like anyone from the club. I can't possibly reveal myself to anyone from there,” she said firmly.

That eliminated Bev. “Anyone else?"

“I, uh, prefer not to advertise this to anyone in this county involved in education. I'll explain. In Florida, persecution of gay educators is cyclic. Periodically there are witch-hunts, and people who are merely suspected of homosexuality are dismissed, right along with those who actually are gay. I'm not ashamed, but I can't be out. I can't afford to be."

“Educators from other counties?” I asked.

“Possibly, depending on their position and orientation.” Lynn nodded.

“Well, they would all be gay,” I assured her.

“I can't promise you anything. Give me a list of names with a thumbnail bio on each and I'll get back to you. How's that?” She smiled as though she had done me some enormous favor, and I wasn't about to push my luck.

“I can bring it by this afternoon or tomorrow. When am I seeing you again?” I asked her.

“Oh, honey, you wore me out last night! Let's not have too much of a good thing. Tomorrow afternoon at four will give me plenty of time to catch up on my projects. All right?"

I almost laughed. Lynn's assumption was that I would never have a conflict with her wishes or her schedule. For the moment anyway, her assumption was 100% accurate.

“Absolutely. I'll be there,” I said.

“I'll have a nice surprise for you then, too,” she promised. She got up and kissed my forehead. “Walk me out?” Already her mind was elsewhere and I knew better than to fuss. We had been together over twelve hours already.

“Yes, dear,” I said meekly, helping her gather up her things, and she winked at me in that adorable way she had, letting me know my compliance met with her approval.

I put everything in her trunk and she backed out. Glancing around furtively, Lynn blew me a little kiss and roared off. I had been relegated neatly to my appointed slot, to be released only at her pleasure.

If I hadn't wanted to be Lynn's slave, this might have bothered me. I had different plans about how to be her slave, but I certainly didn't consider myself either her equal or her superior. For now, her strict control of our relationship was acceptable. She had to get to know me and see how far she could trust me. Then she could ease up. She said so herself.

Late in the afternoon she called, which she almost never did, and announced that she had found time to read my book.

“I was most impressed. What are you working on now?” she demanded.

I told her about my Terran exobiologist and her struggle to save a habitable planet for the outcasts of a pre-industrial society.

“Hmm. May I see what you have so far? Bring it tomorrow.” Subject closed.

“Yes, ma'am.” I was willing to be meek, especially in this regard. Her connections in publishing were incomparable. I didn't know a soul but my porn publisher. Lynn's name could open doors.

“Good, and don't forget those bios,” she ordered.

“Yes, ma'am. I'm working on them,” I assured her.

“Excellent. One more thing: you won't need your uniform tomorrow. See you then, honey. Bye."

“Ciao,” I said, but the line was already dead. I shook my head and grinned. Only Lynn could call me “honey” and hang up on me in the same minute. And since it was her demanding, imperious nature that had attracted me, I couldn't complain, so I went back to work.

Inspired by thoughts of literary success at last, I wrote all day, copied what I had onto a disk, and made up the bios as demanded. All of this went into my briefcase along with more toys that Lynn liked.

Everything seemed to be going according to plan, hers and mine. Therefore, I went to Lynn's house with the most optimistic of attitudes on Sunday afternoon, looking forward to the surprise she had promised. So far, everything she had done had been wonderful. As I rang the doorbell, I had visions of eating a banana split out of her pussy.

“It's open,” I heard her call out. “Come in and close it behind you."

I stepped in and shut the door. Lynn wasn't there, so I waited. She liked making me wait, I remembered. I put my briefcase down and stood patiently.

“Jane."

She had appeared without warning, standing in the archway that led to the bedrooms, attired in a formal English riding habit, minus the hat. My mouth went dry and I felt my knees wobble. Her high black boots glistened; her hair was perfectly combed. The white breeches were immaculate, the black velvet trim on her black coat like a starless night sky. Her brilliant white stock was decorated with a single pearl. In her gloved hand was a crop.

“Come here,” Lynn said, her chin high.

“Dr. Jeffries,” I breathed.

“Now, Jane,” she said.

I walked toward her, but she frowned at me so intently I gathered this was incorrect and dropped to my knees, crawling the rest of the way until I was prostrate at her feet. I felt a boot on my neck.

“Do you love me?” she asked.

“More every minute,” I mumbled against the Spanish tiles.

The boot was removed, but quickly found a new home on my ass. I began to wet myself. “Oh, God,” I moaned.

“That's a good start,” she said. She kicked my legs apart and I whimpered. I hadn't been in subspace since the day I fixed her window, and that had been a brief trip, however sweet. She slid her left boot up under me into my crotch and pressed down on my butt with her right.

“Ah! Please, Dr. Jeffries,” I groaned, writhing against her leather. It was marvelous.

“Get up, horsey,” she directed.

I scrambled to my hands and knees and she seated herself on my back, but gently, keeping in mind I was no spring chicken. Her weight was well down toward my hips where I could carry her safely.

She swatted me with her crop. “Giddyap."

“Um, where to?” I asked.

“My bedroom, down the hall,” she said. “Move it."

Looking ahead, I saw the double doors at the end of the hall were open for the first time ever, and I lost no time taking my mistress to her chambers.

I was panting by the time I got there, and sore, and Lynn got off me quickly. “You all right?” She sounded a little anxious.

“Yes, ma'am,” I told her.

“Have some water.” Lynn pointed. There was a large bowl of water on the floor near the bathroom.

I trusted her not to make me share with Paprika, so I crawled over and drank. I wondered if she'd make me go outside and pee in the grass when I needed to.

“Come here, Jane,” she called me, and I turned to find her seated in an armchair. Obediently I crawled to her and French-kissed her smooth, shiny boots. Ambrosia. I nuzzled her instep and rested my cheek on it. I could have stayed like that all night.

“You like that, don't you?” she asked. “I think maybe you like it too much. Take your clothes off. Animals don't wear clothing."

Hastily I removed everything and folded it under an antique dresser out of the sight of my mistress and waited on my knees for her next command.

“Look what I have for you,” Lynn said, holding something up where I could see it. It was my clit clip. She must have palmed it the other night at the house.

I smiled, “My lord is too kind."

“I am, aren't I? Lie on your back for me, slave,” she said, tilting her chin in that haughty way she had that just drove me wild.

I lay down immediately at her feet.

“Spread your legs wide,” Lynn said. “Around the legs of the chair."

It was a stretch but I managed it, thrusting myself up at her. I thought she would put the clip on right then, but she had other plans. She settled back in the chair, crossed her legs at the ankle and rested her heel deeply in my crotch. She picked up the remote to her TV and turned it on to some nature program or other. “Don't move,” she advised. Then she ignored me.

“Uuhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,” I gasped. The weight of both her legs was right on my clit! How was I supposed to hold still? I couldn't. I writhed against her boot.

She joggled her leg, sending waves of sensation through me. “Didn't you hear me?” she snapped. “What did I tell you?"

“You… you said not to move, but then you made me,” I whined, pressing against her for more.

Lynn snarled down at me, “If you move again, I'll take my boot away and put the clip on. I'll take my boots off and I won't let you kiss them or lick them again. If you want to feel my leather in your cunt, Cunt, stay still."

She let me feel her heel move again, and then she stopped and I lay in delicious torment under her boot, willing myself to motionlessness and concentrating on the sensation of her hard touch in my softest, most vulnerable place. I could feel myself oozing. “Oh, thank you. Oh, please, Dr. Jeffries, don't take your boot away,” I begged.

“Be quiet, you reptile. You don't deserve the touch of my leather,” Lynn remarked, and she shifted slightly so that the edge of her heel dug in.

“Ahhhhhhh!” I shrieked, but I was perfectly still. “Thank you!” I groaned. “Oh, Jesus, thank you."

“Aren't you ashamed of being so helpless and so needy?” she whispered, looking down at me over the toes of her boots. “What kind of person would beg to writhe under the boots of such a demanding bitch, hmmm?” she teased and she wiggled her foot again.

“Oh, don't stop, please don't stop,” I babbled. If she kept doing that I would come, but we both knew that wasn't going too happen.

She rocked her boots in my crotch and I moaned in ecstasy under them. “Oh, God, I love you so much,” I practically wept.

Lynn looked down her nose at me. “Oh, I know you do, but you're not going to come that way. Far too easy and way too soon. You have to earn it.” Without warning, she removed her boots from my crotch and I wailed with loss.

“Lick my heel clean, slut."

I turned over, grabbed her boot and licked it where it had rested in me. I was on fire. I hurt so bad, wanting her.

Viciously she yanked her foot away and rolled me over. Swiftly she knelt and clipped me, easily holding my arms out of the way, and then she lay full-length on top of me, devouring my mouth.

“Lynn, Lynn,” I muttered through a haze of longing. “Let me love you. Let me eat you, please, please.” My hips jerked out of control, the sensation of the pressure of the clip on my clit was intense. What was more, she still had her gloves on and her touch on my bare skin was extremely exciting.

“How dare you address me by my first name, you unworthy piece of trash?” she demanded. “Roll over."

I heaved myself onto my stomach and lay whimpering as she applied the crop to my bare ass. I hadn't been whipped in such a long time. The heat was delicious, as was the knowledge it was being applied by the dominant of my dreams. “Jesus, Dr. Jeffries, ma'am, oh, thank you!” I howled.

I don't know how many she gave me, but my ass was on fire by the time she got done, to match my pounding clit, and it was glorious. Tears of joy ran down my cheeks and I wallowed in her absolute authority over me.

I heard the sound of a zipper and then she was prodding me with her booted foot. “On your back."

Lynn knelt down on top of me, her knees pinning my thighs to the rug, her gloved hands on my shoulders. Her coat was off and her pants were down and I saw she wore no underwear. “Fuck me,” she ordered, and lowered herself between my legs so that there was contact between her thigh and my clip. I worked my hand up inside her and began to stroke her.

“Oh… yes,” she sighed, “Oh, God, yes, baby, do me. Mmmmm."

She thrust against me rhythmically, pushing the clip into me each time. I writhed against her. Maybe I could have thrown her off, but my only desire at that moment was to please her and feel her come.

“Ohhhh, Mistress,” I gasped. I had never called her that before.

“Oh, yes, I am that. I am your liege, your lord, your lady, your master, your owner, and more, and don't you ever forget it,” Lynn grunted in my ear. Her eyes were shut in concentration as she approached climax. “Fuck me, you sleazy excuse for a slave."

“What… do you like best?” I whispered. “What title?"

“Shut up, Jane, and get me off,” she commanded.

“Can I eat you?” I begged.

“Not right now.” Lynn was panting with need. “Inside deeper, and harder,” she gasped. “I wanna come so bad, all over you. I want you wet from my orgasms. Understand?"

“Mmmmmm, yes, ma'am, Dr. Jeffries. I love you, Dr. Jeffries,” I recited, stroking her slick, soft canal and the hard, throbbing organ to which I was truly enslaved.

“Yes, yes, yes, like that…” she coached me. Then she went still.

“Oh, Gods!” she screeched, bearing down into my hand with all her strength and all her weight. “Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” Her little hips jerked and thrust as she climaxed, and I felt her wetness, which was already considerable, spread over my thighs.

“Oh, Lynn, baby,” I murmured, quite sure she wasn't listening. “Come hard, lover. Come really hard."

She did so and made me feel every tremor through my clamped clitoris, which was enormously engorged in response to her passion and pleasure. I pushed up as she pushed down, and she screamed and squealed and moaned.

Finally Lynn collapsed on top of me, gasping for breath, and I caressed the back of her neck, which was wet with sweat. “Dear, sweet Dr. Jeffries,” I grinned up at her. “That's the title you like best, isn't it?"

She opened one eye. “Yes, I think so, and whenever I'm dominating you, that's what I want to hear. Remember that, if you want to come."

“I want to come, Dr. Jeffries,” I said sincerely.

“We'll see.” She pushed up. “Go get me some ice water from the kitchen, slave, and don't you dare touch that clip.” She sat back down in her armchair and started undoing her stock so she could open her shirt. I quickly kissed her feet and ran to do as I was told.

When I returned, I brought her the water on my knees and waited with my head bowed. Lynn put the glass aside and beckoned me closer. “Spread your legs wide, slut."

I was kneeling before her and between her boots now, and she reached between my legs and played with the clip.

“Oh, please, Dr. Jeffries, please touch me,” I whimpered as the spasms tore through my groin. I doubled up. “Oh, God, please."

“I should make you do yourself,” she remarked, looking down at me.

“Please let me feel your leather,” I begged. “Please."

Lynn reached between my legs again, caught the clip with her fingers and eased it off. “You know what happens now, of course. But only if I touch you.” She tossed the clip on the table and sat back, looking at me.

“What do you want me to do? I'll do anything,” I begged, desperate. I had been on the verge for what seemed like hours.

Lynn pulled me close and began to tease my nipples with her gloved fingers. I squirmed and wet myself even more as she tortured me ever so gently. She eased her tongue into my mouth and let me suck it. She did everything I wanted except to touch my clit, which felt hugely swollen.

Then she stroked, just once, and let go of me. The orgasm was like a shock wave and I collapsed on the floor at her feet. “Lick my boots while you come,” she demanded, and I slobbered all over them uncontrollably, smooth and slightly bitter to my tongue. I ground my hips against the floor and rolled back and forth as I gobbled her leather. I started to reach between my legs for more sensation, but she was quicker than I. She let me have a good swift kick to my bicep that felt like an electric shock and she warned me, “Don't you dare touch yourself. Get up!” As soon as I had struggled to my knees again, she stroked my clit once more and knocked me flat on my face to lick her boots again, and she did it to me again and again until I couldn't move, couldn't come, couldn't even breathe.

In those moments, she made me completely dependent on her touch, and made sure I knew that no matter how small she was, no matter how often she came to my room to be dominated herself, I was her property, and even my own clit didn't belong to me.

As I lay still on the carpet, blinking up at her, Lynn stood over me, rested her boot on my throat and said, “Never touch yourself without my permission, Jane. If I ever find out you've been masturbating, you won't come for a month. All of your orgasms belong to me. Is that clear?"

“Yes, Dr. Jeffries,” I told her, stroking her boot. “I belong to you. You're the boss."

Her smile was benevolent. “Good girl."

Chapter Sixteen

By Monday evening, Lynn returned the approved list of guests I could invite to meet her. To my surprise, all the people I had suggested were acceptable, but I guessed that was because I had cut it down myself. There were some people with whom Lynn just wouldn't be able to interact comfortably. She was just too high octane for the average person, period.

Her approval didn't mean I wasn't a nervous wreck about the whole situation. Just because Lynn was coming to meet my friends didn't mean it would be enjoyable. She was making a concession and wasn't at all certain it was safe or that these people were her intellectual equals. She was right about the latter. I had never met anyone who was. I had three computer experts, two social workers and a retired music teacher coming, and while they were all nice, normally intelligent people, I knew that in Lynn I had a genius by the tail.

So I warned my six friends, two couples and two singles, that Lynn was nervous and could be a bit of a snob and to try to just go with it, and we could dissect the whole thing later among ourselves. They were sweet about it, having all been closeted at some point in their lives, so that was that.

Saturday arrived, and in fact, Lynn had stayed over with me and we had had made love deliciously on Friday night and again Saturday morning. It seemed when she was there with me, all bets about dominance and submission were off. She seemed to prefer to do scenes in her house and just be lovers in mine. That was fine with me. It made for an easy transition into the afternoon's activities.

And Lynn was very gracious and welcoming, basically taking over and doing all the hosting, which was great as social graces are no strength of mine. My friends kind of gaped to find such an attractive creature sharing my space, running the show and being my lover. Out of respect for Lynn's privacy, I didn't tell any of them exactly what it was that brought us together.

Lacking a pool, I had some sprinklers and water cannon and we played stupid water games until Lynn called us to eat. I hadn't thought she would lower herself to play with us, and I was right.

Lynn served everyone's steak, burgers and chicken, and they were all perfect. Then she sat and amused us with stories of her travels or of teaching, listened to the others, cracked jokes or laughed at them where appropriate, and generally just charmed everyone. Finally, though, she excused herself and when I walked her to the door, she begged off seeing me until the next weekend because she had already given up so much time that she was behind in her various obligations.

“That's okay, Lynn. You spent a heck of a lot of time here, and Paprika was alone again. You do what you have to do. How about next Friday?"

Lynn nodded. “I need to check my calendar, but probably. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

“No problem, Mistress,” I whispered, and because we were still inside the closed front door, we kissed. “Mmmm, you were great. I think they're all very impressed,” I whispered in her ear.

“What matters to me is that you're impressed,” she growled. Then she pulled back. “I have to go, baby. I'll call."

When I went back outside, they were all waiting.

“Jane, you are so lucky!” said Nancy. She was in and out of a new relationship every month.

“God, yes,” Matt said. “Don't let her get away."

“She is gonna be so much better for you than Lucille,” Susan told me. “Just don't go and scare her off."

“Scare her off how?” I asked, sitting down beside her.

“Don't push her for a commitment. She is very much her own woman. If you really, really want this to last, take your time,” Susan advised me.

John, Matt's partner, was nodding. “You say she's been married three times, and to men. If this is her first serious relationship with a woman, she's gonna be very jumpy. Give her lots of space."

I agreed. “Lynn is worth waiting for and there's no rush. She can have all the time she needs.” Then we started gossiping about our other acquaintances and I didn't worry the least bit about my future with Lynn. What I knew, and they didn't, was that Lynn thought she was just as lucky to have found me.

Lynn called the next evening as promised, but she said, “I know I usually come there Friday, but would you come here for a change?"

“Whatever you say, Dr. Jeffries."

“Good. Shall we say 7:30?"

“Yes, ma'am,” I agreed. Whatever she wanted.

We chatted no more than five minutes before she made her usual excuse of work and hung up. I thought nothing of that or of not hearing from her for the whole week. That was quite normal for Lynn.

Of course, after only glancing at her for 30 seconds every afternoon, and no longer being allowed to touch myself, had me in quite a state by Friday evening. I had no idea if she masturbated, and frankly, I hoped she did because that would be her privilege.

Right before I left the house, she called. “I'm going to leave the front door open for you,” she whispered. “Close it and come back to my bedroom."

I almost wet myself on the spot. That meant she would be dominant, even though all my stuff was there and we usually did scenes in “my” room. “Yes, ma'am, Lynn.” She hung up and I drove very, very carefully to her home, my hands wet with sweat on the wheel, thinking about what she might do to me.

When I got to the house, only one light was on. It was eerie and very exciting. I practically tiptoed down the hall and knocked on the door of her bedroom.

The bed was made up with black satin sheets and candles burned on every surface. In the center of the bed reclined my mistress, also arrayed in black satin, including sling-back high heels. I fell on my knees in the doorway. “Oh, my God,” I breathed, and I prostrated myself on the floor.

Lynn was ravishing by candlelight, and she knew it. She took her sweet time about addressing her slave.

“Crawl here,” she finally said, a note of boredom in her voice. She looked down at me. “Did you touch yourself this week?"

I swallowed. I knew better than to lie, “Yes, but I didn't come."

“Were you wet?"

“Several times. I think of making love to you and I get wet,” I said, certain she was well aware of it.

“I thought of your tongue inside me and I came,” Lynn remarked. “Several times."

“I'm glad for you, Dr. Jeffries. I want you to come as much as you wish,” I assured her quickly.

“Good, slave. An excellent attitude.” She shifted on the bed. “Kneel and suck my toes while I think about what to do with you. You may have been obedient, but that doesn't mean you don't need discipline."

“Yes, Dr. Jeffries,” I agreed. I positioned myself so that I could remove her shoes, which peeked out from the hem of her gown, and I began to caress her feet with my lips and tongue. Lynn used her remote to turn her TV on and pretended to ignore my ministrations, although we both knew she wouldn't be able to pull that off for very long.

Soon Lynn's breathing deepened and the remote dropped from her hand. She began to twist on the smooth bedclothes. I lavished attention on each tiny toe with its groomed and polished nail. If ever one had to kiss feet, Lynn's would be the most appealing. Because she was so turned on by this, I couldn't help but be turned on, too. I looked up at her, arching, moaning, her skin aglow, and I knew there was no one more fortunate than me.

“Mmmmmm, Dr. Jeffries,” I murmured against the skin of her instep, and I tenderly licked the sole of each foot.

She flicked her robe open. “Get up here,” she growled, and when I complied, she yanked my face down into her pussy and kept me there for a very long time.

Lynn hardly moved and barely made a sound while she came. Each time she climaxed, she would shudder deeply and sigh, and then lie still until I brought her to orgasm again. Her pleasure filling my mouth was heavenly. Although I had not come all week, and she had, I was content to lie on my face between her legs and get her off for as long as she could stand it.

Eventually, however, Lynn gently raised my head from her soft folds. I looked up at her and she smiled. “Was that good for you?” she asked.

“Yes, thank you, Dr. Jeffries,” I said. Only she could understand how much it meant to me to love her like that.

“Good. Get down on the floor,” she ordered.

“If you want to come, you'll do it yourself,” she said. “Kneel, look up at me and masturbate. I'll give you, let's see, three minutes, and you may come as much as you can until your time is up."

I really, really wanted her to touch me, but I also loved the way she was exercising control over me. I spread my thighs, entered myself with my fingers and looked up into her eyes. I realized how idiotic, helpless and ridiculous I looked doing this, because I had made her do it in the dungeon. It was humiliating to be used, to not be touched, and then to be so desperate to come that I would do it to myself on my knees to my mistress in her bed.

It was also extremely exciting, and so very easy to come while I adored her. She had her eye on the clock on the VCR, so I rubbed my aching clit quickly and, although I almost fell over when the first orgasm struck me, I kept on going and released some more of the pent-up need I had been suffering with all week.

“Time!"

Instantly I yanked my hand out of my twat and knelt there, panting, head down, exhausted.

“Clean yourself up and then you may lie at my feet on the bed,” Lynn directed, turning the volume back up.

I did as she said, returning to her and lying down quietly, feeling the soles of her feet against my hip. I would have been glad to stay there all night, and as it turned out, that was precisely what she had in mind.

In the morning, Lynn used me the same way again, although we had done other things throughout the evening, including having supper and swimming. But she did make me sleep at her feet all night and pleasure her in the morning just like the slave I wanted to be. I loved it. I had finally spent the night in her house. That left only two things on my list of things to do: going out in public and meeting her friends.

That was why I asked her, after we made love and were eating breakfast, “So, when can we go out dancing?"

“Where in the world can women go dancing?” Lynn asked, laughing. She was new to the concept and didn't realize the extent of the gay community.

I told her about the various events and locations and suggested the first dance of the summer at the beach in a couple of weeks.

She was quiet for a while and finally shook her head. “Jane, I can't."

“You're afraid of meeting people who know you and who might out you?” I guessed.

“Yes, among other things,” she agreed.

“Dinner and a movie, then?"

“I… really don't see how I can explain that to parents and so on. I mean, why would the principal be socializing with the janitor? It would set tongues wagging. I can't afford that."

“Well, how about something here, where I finally get to meet your friends?” I tried.

“It's the same situation. They don't know I'm with a woman; I don't want them to know, and there's no other reason for me to have the janitor as my guest,” Lynn said. “Jane, you need to understand as long as we are in the positions we now occupy, our relationship can't go any further than this.” She reached across the table. “I hate to have to put it so bluntly, and I know it must seem cruel, but I'm in a bind. I love you and I don't want to hurt you, but this is as much as I can offer, at least for the foreseeable future."

I looked at my hand lying under hers on the rose linen tablecloth and then I withdrew it. “So, we're back to you being a snob again. Why can't you tell them you discovered I'm a writer, and we simply became friends as a result?"

“No. They would expect me to mentor you but not to be your friend. I wouldn't even care if they knew I had a friend who is a janitor, but they wouldn't stop there. They would want to know more, or they would think they already knew, and word would get around, and suddenly I'm out of a job. I'm not going there. I worked too hard for this. I have too much to lose."

I could see by her heightened color that she was getting very agitated, but we had come too far to turn back. “So it comes down to choosing basically to be your slave in private, or be nothing,” I summed it up.

Lynn shook her head and reached for my hand again. I let her. “Jane, you're not just my slave. We are friends and lovers put in a nasty position by society. There are a lot of things we can't do, it's true! But why not concentrate on and enjoy what we can share?"

I moved my chair around to sit next to her. “Lynn, I told you I wasn't living a lie anymore. Lucille and lots of others got over this fear and you can, too, or else you move on to where you don't have to be afraid. I'll gladly move to another school so it isn't as obvious, and we can emphasize my writing over my day job. There must be a safe job for you somewhere."

“No! I'm established here. I've arrived. This is where I want to be; this is where I'm a woman of substance. I have authority, autonomy and a reputation I'm not going to give up. Accept it, or don't!"

She threw down her napkin and stood up. “I think you'd better go now. I have work to do.” Her eyes blazed at me.

“Okay, I'll go. You're angry and upset, but we did have to discuss it. Maybe we can work something out,” I tried offering an olive branch. “There must be some way we can take our relationship out of the closet and bring it to the next level."

Lynn was heading for the door to show me out. “I honestly don't see, at this point, how I can change enough to suit your gay-rights crusading mentality. I'm not even a lesbian. I'm just in love with you. Or, I was!” She yanked the door open.

I shoved it shut again. “I'm in love with you, too, Lynn. Let's take some time to cool off. We can try again later, okay?” Jesus! Here she was ending it and I had just slept in her house!

“Let me make it clear: this relationship continues on my terms or not at all! Is that understood? When you're ready to accept that, let me know. Now, please excuse me.” With that, she opened the door and I went out. I got into my car and drove home in a daze, and when I got inside my house, I sat on the floor with Sallie and Jay and I cried into their fur until I couldn't cry anymore.

Chapter Seventeen

I cried all weekend, too. When I thought of having to see her at work, I was panic-stricken, so when Monday dragged around, I took a personal day and went to the county employment offices where I applied for several openings in other schools. I went online and through the newspaper looking for boring, undemanding jobs with benefits that asked nothing of me beyond a 40-hour week. I applied for as many as I could by phone, fax and e-mail.

Of course, Lynn didn't call me and I didn't call her. I wanted to. I picked up the phone over and over, and then I imagined how our conversation would go. Either we would have the same fight again, or I would concede to all her demands and still be utterly convinced she didn't love me. So I put the phone down again.

On Tuesday at school, I asked if I could change to the early shift so I could avoid taking down the flag. That turned out to be impossible, so I got one of the guys to switch jobs with me and arranged to water the flower beds instead. Thus, I could avoid the front of the school at 5:30 PM.

Other than that, I hunkered down at home. I didn't write. I slept a lot. I called my friends and cried. Susan said I had pushed Lynn too hard, but I hadn't asked for a commitment, only the equivalent of a date. Susan and I ended up having to agree to disagree. I got a lot more sympathy from Nancy, who invited me to Orlando to hit the lesbian bars with her. Unfortunately, I just wasn't up for that yet. I was afraid of hearing love songs and I didn't want to watch other women in love.

I made up my mind to get out of Windy Ridge High and get Lynn Jeffries out of my heart. It hurt me so bad, I cried myself to sleep every night, and I woke up crying. Lynn was the way she was; nothing would change it. I wasn't going back into the closet; nothing would change that, either. My ultimate goal was apathy toward her. Hatred was too good for her. Too much energy and emotion had to be expended to maintain hatred, and she wasn't worth it. And every once in a while I would kick myself around the house for imagining, even for a minute, that a woman as accomplished and selfish as Lynn could ever really love me.

By the time the weekend arrived, I had myself convinced that Lynn had never intended to do more than play with me until the right man came along. He would be some very quiet and unassuming, yet sexually demanding, Harrison Ford type, as she told me she had always lusted after him until she met me. Like I could compete with that. What a joke! She had just been fooling around with me, trying out her bisexuality on me. Then, when I wasn't willing to take my place next to Paprika, I ended up on the sidewalk, as welcome as a homeless person on the streets of “The Barony.” I was sure that if I stuck around Windy Ridge long enough, I would see or hear that she had acquired my replacement, and I wasn't sure I could handle it.

It was Friday night and I couldn't stand to stay home where she and I had made love and spent hours talking about writing and literature and music when we hadn't been eating each other out.

I went to the dungeon.

After making a reservation for Beverly's last hour, I stayed in the gallery all night. I found I could treat it as a theatrical experience, and amused myself by critiquing the artistry of the performers. I won't say I didn't have a little too much to drink, but I knew Bev wouldn't let me drive after our session if I couldn't.

When it was my turn, I went to Bev and knelt, waiting for her command. I wasn't looking up at her, but I heard her make a noise of surprise. She recovered quickly. “This way, sub,” she grunted.

She led me into one of the private rooms and closed the door. I knelt again, threw my arms around her and cried so hard I thought I was going to throw up.

Bev made all the appropriate, comforting noises, stroking my hair and holding me against her. When I had calmed down slightly, she helped me up and brought me to an armchair where she sat down and pulled me into her lap. There she held me until I had cried myself out. “You didn't have to pay,” she murmured. “You could have called me or come to me anytime."

“I didn't know what I wanted until I got here.” I hiccupped. “Thanks for understanding."

She was nice enough not to say, “I told you so."

“Do you want to make love?” she asked me.

“Oh, yes, please,” I whispered.

“How do you want it?"

I told her. I stripped and she put me down on the mat on my back and opened her pants. She sat on my face, squeezing my ribcage with her booted legs until she climaxed repeatedly on my face.

It was so comfortingly familiar; I managed to lose myself for a while. Bev felt and tasted completely different from Lynn, whom I desperately needed to purge from my system.

“Oh, God, oh, God, Bev,” I muttered into her gushing pussy. By the time she had finished, I felt a lot better.

Bev stretched out on top of me and we lay kissing for a while. When she felt me squirming underneath her, she got up and sat in the chair again. “Bring a stool,” she ordered. I obeyed immediately and sank down onto her leather.

“Jesus!” I groaned. Her boots were so big! She was the largest and strongest woman I had ever seen, let alone made love with, and while she impaled me with her eyes and made me come on her boots, there was nothing and no one else in the world but her. The climaxes tore through me and I screamed and cried. Finally my legs gave way and I fell over.

Bev gave me half a minute to collect myself before she said, “Lick them.” I crawled back and did as she commanded, still crying but by now they were tears of gratitude and relief, not utter, abject misery. Somewhere deep inside, a little voice told me I would recover.

When I was done, I looked up at her and she gave me a hand. “I'll get changed and take you home with me,” she said matter-of-factly.

I knew better than to argue.

After that, it was easier to get through a day. Sometime the following week I got out my book again, belatedly remembering Lynn had that disk with the first 200 pages or so. But there was no need to ask for it back. I experienced a twinge of real regret when I realized her publishing contacts were now lost to me, but on the other hand, I was no worse off than I had been before we became involved. I would just have to deal with it. What else could I do?

I also had to struggle with writing about a protagonist based on someone I was learning to despise, prior to achieving apathy. I wondered if Lynn had read it or just threw it away, and if she would laugh, or if she would find it pathetic that she was the model for my hero. I decided that, had she even begun reading, she would stop, delete the file, and use the disk for something else. Whatever.

I still hurt every time I saw her silver BMW out front in its reserved spot. I still had to look away from her windows when I went outside. Inside, I went the long way around to avoid passing her office. Three weeks after our breakup, neither of us had made any effort to contact the other, and then I received news of a transfer to a middle school. I cleaned out my locker at school one Friday afternoon and drove away. That part of my life was over. I was free of it. We had nothing else in common. There was no way I would ever see her again.

On weekends, I returned to the dungeon, but not to work; only as a spectator, and to be with Bev. I only went once each weekend, because I didn't want to attach myself to her too closely, and then have to experience losing her to her own partner. But it was good to have a lover who helped create emotional distance between Lynn and me. Eventually I would be ready for someone else. For now, I was content to be in limbo, neither dying inside nor pursuing a mate. It was back to square one where I would just work and write. I figured another three weeks of writing and I could look for agents and publishers. All I had to do was keep myself busy and I was sure it wouldn't hurt so much.

Chapter Eighteen

I was so ashamed. I had done it again.

Despite my weekend trysts with Beverly, and no matter how hard I tried, I frequently found myself masturbating and thinking about Lynn. If she ever found out, I would die.

It was deeply humiliating. It had happened before with other lovers. I knew it was just a stage and it would go away, but at the moment I was stuck, and it was unbearable. I would think about being in her pussy, or think of her boots on me, and I would explode, and then I would cry, and spend the rest of the day hating myself.

But it was happening less often and I didn't know whether to be relieved or concerned that our love hadn't meant enough. She was slipping away from me. I was sure I was already less than nothing to her.

It was a sunny Saturday in the middle of the summer. I forgave myself, got out of bed, and took care of the dogs. I had errands to run and got them over with so I could apply my backside to my chair and write. I was coming to the end of my novel and was already thinking sequel. I had to have something to do while I tried selling Captive Planet.

As I put away groceries, I saw I had a message. Probably some giggling kid or confused elderly person.

“Hello, Jane. This is Lynn. I have your disk and I'd like to return it. Please call me. Thanks."

I stared stupidly at the blinking light. Why hadn't she just thrown it away? Some misguided sense of propriety about my literary assets? No, I decided it was some kind of closure she wanted, some way of telling me it was too late.

I picked up the phone and dialed. My hands were shaking as I rehearsed my little sound bite. “Lynn, this is Jane. Just toss…"

“Jane?"

“Um…” Shit! She never picked up. She had been waiting.

“Jane, let me bring it over. Let me bring your disk,” she asked, and she asked nicely.

“Lynn… I… I have been trying so hard to heal. Please… don't make it any harder. Just throw it away,” I begged her.

“I've been trying, too. I think this would help both of us. It isn't just the disk. I have something else. I have to… explain something. Please. Just for a few minutes,” she pleaded back.

My brain was screaming “NO!” but my heart desperately wanted to see her. I sighed. “When?"

“When is good for you?” she asked. “Now?"

“Uh… aren't you busy?” I stuttered.

Lynn was quiet a moment. “No, not that busy. Would you like to come here, or should I come there?"

I decided instantly. “I'll come there.” I didn't want any more memories of her in my house.

“I'll be here,” she said, and we hung up.

I found I had started sweating profusely while talking to her. I had to wash up and change. I sat still and tried to lower my heart rate, and then I got into my car.

By the time I got to Lynn's house I was shaking like a leaf, and I had to sit and try and calm myself again. It didn't work. I gave up and walked up to the door and, before I could ring the bell, it opened.

“Jane. Please, come in,” Lynn said, stepping aside. She closed the door and turned to face me. I saw circles under her eyes. She was so tiny in her shorts and tank top! I had forgotten. She had always seemed so much larger than life to me.

She seemed about to say something, then bit her lip and looked away. I waited for her to gather herself, but she couldn't. When she looked up at me again, her eyes were filled with tears. “I'm sorry,” she whispered. “I'm so sorry!"

I couldn't stand it. I embraced her. She wrapped her wiry arms around me and wouldn't let go.

“Oh, Lynn,” I said, losing control and letting my own tears fall. Now I would have to start all over. It was so unfair. With her solid little body against me, sobbing like a child desperate for a parent's love, it seemed she knew I couldn't resist her vulnerability. “Oh, fuck,” I sighed, resting my cheek against her hair.

I pulled back slightly so I could take her hand and lead her to the couch. There I sat down, let her sink into my lap and lean on me, and waited while she cried herself out.

Clearly, it wasn't closure she sought after all. She wanted something else from me, some continuation of our relationship. However, I wasn't going to chide or reprimand her for it at the moment. Obviously she had been having a worse time getting over us than I thought, and I remembered again how she held herself so far apart from everyone else, and how she may not have had anyone to express herself to while I had.

“I… I didn't lie to you. I do have something to give you. I have your disk and… something else,” Lynn finally said, her face still against my chest.

“Okay, take your time,” I told her. I was in up to my eyebrows already. A few more minutes didn't matter.

“It's in my study. I'll get it,” she said, slipping off my lap.

In a few minutes, she came back with an accordion file that she set on the coffee table. She sat down next to me and opened it. “Here's the disk,” she said unnecessarily, and then she reached in again and pulled out several business envelopes, all of which had already been opened. She looked at me for a moment and handed them over, all but one. “I know these are addressed to me, but they're actually yours.” She seemed very ill at ease for reasons I gathered went beyond our breakup and recent reunion.

“Okay,” I said, taking them. I turned them over and fanned them out. They were all from publishing companies. “What are they?"

Lynn took the first one from my hand, opened it and unfolded the paper. “These are letters expressing an interest in Captive Planet. Some editors are more interested than others. The top three are the best offers, I think."

“Offers? What have you done, Lynn?” I asked her, confused.

She chewed her lip and looked away. “I sold your book."

I looked at the letter. Someone in New York was thanking her for discovering me and asking her to convey an offer for an advance. It was in five figures. Okay, a low five figures, but even so…

“You mean, like an agent?” I was dumbfounded and noted with annoyance that my hands were shaking.

Lynn shook her head. “Not exactly. More like… an intermediary. I don't get a percentage. I just sort of formed a conduit between you and them, temporarily. I'm really not involved anymore. You respond to them as you wish."

I quickly opened the other letters. All were from houses I'd actually heard of, whose books I had held in my hands and sometimes even bought. They all wanted to see more, and the top three offered advances.

“I… I don't know what to say! When… when did you do this?” I asked. Like it mattered! I just couldn't seem to think of anything more relevant.

“Shortly after, uh… the last time I saw you, I started offering your manuscript to my contacts,” Lynn began slowly. “And of course, it took some time before I heard back from these people, as you can see by the dates of the letters."

I looked at them again. The last letter was dated two days previous. “I see. Well, I don't know what to say, Lynn. I mean, of course I'm tremendously grateful. But… why?"

She got up and walked to the window. “I wanted to give you some options. I thought your writing deserved a chance, and I wanted to show you I really do love you, Jane."

I followed her and hugged her. “No matter what happens to us, I will always love you, Lynn. But what options?"

“You don't have to always be a janitor, for one thing. You can be just a writer, and take care of your own benefits,” she explained, resting her hands on my chest.

I couldn't let her go. “You mean, you still don't wanna tell your friends you're seeing a janitor,” I pointed out.

“Okay, Jane, I won't lie. Yes, it does bother me. On the other hand, you could at least admit that you are not a professional janitor! It's what you do to pay the bills. It's neither a profession nor a cause. Isn't that true?"

“Workers of the world, unite!” I announced.

“Oh, shut up,” she said, and we both laughed.

“Lynn, you amaze me. I had no idea. You said nothing for so long!” I took her back to the couch to sit down.

“How could I? I had to have some results. I waited until I had all the answers,” she said, curling herself into my side.

I hated to ruin the moment, but something more had to be said. “But listen, Lynn, I'm still a lesbian, and you're still in public secondary education in a jerkwater county in Florida. You can't come out; I can't stay in. Except that I may be able to stop being a janitor, it doesn't change the basic problem between us."

“No, you're right. That doesn't, but this does.” She handed me the last envelope, the one she hadn't given me before. It was from CFU, the big university where she taught part-time.

I slid the letter out. “Dear Dr. Jeffries, it is with great pleasure that we offer you the appointment of instructor in the department of…” I stopped and looked at her. “You applied for a job? I thought you said…"

“I know, I know. Just listen to me. Don't say anything until I'm done,” she requested. Her eyes were filling with tears again. She was seriously stressed out, and I could relate very easily to that.

“All right, Lynn. Go on."

“I can take early, partial retirement from the county right now. I've been in the system long enough. This job at CFU doesn't have tenure, at least not yet, but it has benefits. I could retire again in fifteen or twenty years. Actually, you only need ten, but obviously, the longer, the more money. And if I work there, I can be out. You can still be a janitor, and nothing else will matter. So I'm leaving it up to you. Should I accept the position? If I take it, will you… be with me?"

“I… I don't think I should be the one making this decision,” I objected. But it was so exciting! “And you won't be the boss, you'll be a drone, and you'll resent me."

Lynn was nodding agreement. “I know what you're saying, but look, I have had two perfectly miserable months to figure out exactly what matters to me. I'm 45 years old, Jane. Do you know what the chances are of finding a husband after 40? How about for a cranky little bitch of a Ph. D. who wants to run the whole show? I'm looking at a cold, lonely bed and no one to share any of this with.” She waved her hand at the perfectly decorated great room in which we were sitting. “Teaching at a university is very respectable. I will still publish and present all over the world. I can eventually become a professor. I'm not giving up much but the corner office and the private potty. If all I have to do to get you back is walk down the hall to pee, I'll do it!” She pulled out tissues and went back to crying.

I rubbed her back, but I couldn't help laughing. “Well, it all sounds very nice and hard to resist, and you're frying my brain. I don't know what to say, but I don't think I should give you a final answer without thinking this all through."

Lynn sighed. “No, of course not.” She took a deep breath and began again. “When I found out you left the school, I was terrified you were gone for good. I called your house from a pay phone. I called my friends at the county to see where you went. When I found out you were still here, I was finally able to sleep again,” she related. “And then the application, and the letters to the publishers took forever, and I couldn't say anything until I was in a position to make you an offer. I was so afraid you would find someone else."

“In two months? Oh, Lynn! You're a lot harder to get over than that.” No need to tell her about Bev then, if ever.

Lynn shifted to look at me. “Really?"

I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. My lover was back in my arms and she wanted to stay.

She asked hesitantly, “Would you like to stay for… anything? Lunch? Dinner? Supper?"

“I would like to stay, yes,” I whispered, and I leaned down to kiss her.

In seconds, she was on her back, pulling me over on top of her. “Baby,” she sighed. “Don't you ever leave me again."

I rested there, totally unable to think. I didn't know exactly where we would end up, but this was a monumental breakthrough in her philosophy about our relationship. In effect, she had proposed. I would need something more specific in order to make changes and commitments myself, but this was an excellent start.

“Lynn,” I murmured, surrendering to her kiss, “I have missed you so bad."

Her tongue slid between my lips and we were quiet for the longest time, getting reacquainted, loving the feel of each other again. Although I had been with Bev just the night before, I was ready for Lynn. I had been ready for her for two months. I had taught myself to manage without her, but I had always been ready to return to her if she had given me any hope whatsoever.

She rolled us over. I slid my hands under her tank top and undid her bra. She helped me get it off and I tossed it aside. Her breasts fell into my hands as if they had never been anywhere else, and both of us groaned a little at the sensation.

“Do you want me?” Lynn whispered, thrusting her thigh between my legs and making me arch.

“Ohhhhh, God, yes,” I panted. “But I need you to take me. Be my dominant, Lynn. I need you that way, especially now. Please."

Her response was to drive my legs farther apart. “Pull my pants down,” she instructed, and when I had done so, she growled, “Pleasure me, slave."

“Mistress,” I whispered, reaching up into her.

“Mmmmm,” Lynn sighed, relaxing. But she only let me take her so far and then she was up and off me.

“Stay there until I call you, and get undressed,” she said, scooping up her things. She went to the back of the house and the door closed behind her.

I undressed and sat there, looking down the hall after her, torn between elation and terror. It was wonderful and beyond my wildest dreams to be back in Lynn's house and Lynn's life, but dreadful to be so dependent upon the whims of another for all of my happiness. It seemed this was what life always boiled down to: either being lonely and alone, or terrified of losing the one you're with. The third alternative, being with someone you don't love, was part of and worse than alone. How I envied religious people who managed to bypass the whole mess by devoting their lives to God. Unfortunately, I was too old and jaded to delude myself with anything like that. I was back in the reality where if I couldn't have Lynn, I would die. If she dumped me again, I was sure I would go over the edge and stay there.

Therefore it was with considerable trepidation that I rose to go down the hall to her bedroom when she called me. Try telling yourself at a moment like that, if it doesn't work out, you will just pick up the pieces and get on with your life. I knew damn good and well that losing her would be devastating, and that if I left now, before I made love to her, it would hurt less.

Knowing all that, I did it anyway.

Chapter Nineteen

Lynn looked magnificent. She had lit candles again and wore only her boots and gloves. She carried the crop and, as soon as she saw me start down the hall, she ordered me to my belly and made me crawl the entire distance until my lips touched the toes of her boots.

She let me kiss them as long as I wanted for a change, but when I felt her pussy dripping into my hair, even I realized it was time to press on. I began to kiss my way up her leg, where she had oozed from her thick, moist thatch to her thighs and her boots.

“Janie,” she groaned, because even though she was dominant, her legs were starting to tremble. As soon as I got high enough, she buried her gloved hand in my hair and all but dragged me on my knees to her bed where she sat and ordered me, “Spread your legs."

As soon as I had complied, she slid the handle of her riding crop up into my pussy and while I was writhing, said, “Lose that and you lose all hope of coming, twat-licker.” She drew up her legs and let me into her steaming pussy. My arms were around her hips in a flash, pulling her hard into my mouth. I could have died right then and there, and in fact, I began to cry as I licked her out. The crop handle provided the most incredible stimulation, and I squeezed it tightly.

“Oh, sweetie, sweetie, don't cry,” I heard her whisper, even though her thighs were wrapped around my head. Her heels rested on my back and that sensation alone made me grind my own hips in frustration, but it was a good, hard, demanding need I could endure for hours at her command.

“Dr. Jeffries,” I moaned. She had no idea how much I had longed to worship her again, just like this.

“Uhhhhhh,” was all she managed to articulate. Although she was enjoying this, I knew she wanted me to dominate her. That was the entire point, at least at the beginning of our relationship, and I would give her what she wanted as soon as I felt reassured enough, and this was the only way she could do that. She would have to make me her slave again before she could be mine. It wouldn't be long; I already knew that even as her honey pulsed into my mouth.

“Suck it, slave,” she purred. “Drown while I come on your face."

“Yes, Dr. Jeffries,” I wept, relieved beyond belief to have been allowed to return to her. The next day, no later, I would make this up to her. Then we would see how much more progress we could make, but now there was no rush. The only progress I was concerned with now was beating her all-time record for length, intensity and sheer number of climaxes.

I kept at her slow and steady, wanting it to last for a long time. If she wanted it faster, she would say so, and I would comply. Right at that moment, though, I could have knelt there, her boot heels digging into me as I made love to her, for an eternity. She held my head down with one hand, gripping the bedclothes with the other.

“Baby, baby,” she sighed, lifting slightly to push herself into my tongue. “Oh, yes, you know how I like it. Nice and hard and steady. Do me slow, Janie. Stay in me all day. Oh, lover, yes, oh, God."

I would never have stopped eating her if I had a choice. My idea of a perfect day would be to make love to her as soon as she awoke, to show up in her office at noon and get her off, and then to go down on her for three hours before bedtime. Then, if she felt like it, she might get me off once or twice, but she certainly didn't have to, at least, not every day!

I concentrated on the hardness of her clit, the swelling of her labia, her heat, the tensing of her hard, tight thighs around my head. I had found that to keep in such terrific shape, she fenced, played golf, and lifted weights. God knew where she found the time, but unlike me, she didn't sleep in on weekends. Now she was using that perfect body to control me and demand everything I could give her.

As always, I was completely convinced I didn't deserve her, and had no way to reciprocate except through the privilege of making love to her exactly the way she wanted it. How in the world some man hadn't managed to stick with her was beyond me! She was perfect! All one had to do was obey her. How hard could that have been in light of the payoff?

Well, they weren't there and I was, and I responded to each gasp of pleasure as if it were a directive from God herself to continue or alter whatever I was doing. When she went completely rigid, and I knew she was about to burst with pleasure, I ground my entire face into her pussy so she would come like thunder, pound my back with her heels and demand even more.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! Jane! Janie Janie Janie!” she screeched, and I knew I had succeeded in pleasing her. “Do it! Do it! Oh, fuck, DO IT!” she bellowed as I continued to lick her hard and fast, so that the orgasms would just keep coming without a break, tearing through her until she couldn't breathe. She rolled back and forth on the bed, dragging me with her as I pursued her throbbing center with all my might.

Finally her leg-lock on my head loosened and she lay still. “Clean me, slut,” she directed, and then she was silent except for whimpering as the aftershocks hit her.

Lynn was the most delicious woman I had ever had the pleasure of devouring. Her healthy life-style made her as sweet as ripe fruit. I wished I could somehow have licked her off my own face. But Lynn finally recovered enough to pull me up beside her and took care of a lot of her own juices while kissing me and torturing me with her gloved fingers and her booted legs. She held my legs wide apart, so wide that it hurt, and she didn't give a damn that it did, either.

“Ow, Lynn!” I yelped as she braced me.

“Ow, what?” she snarled, pushing even harder.

“Dr. Jeffries! I'm sorry! Don't hurt me!” I begged.

“Don't you bullshit me, you little cunt. You want to be hurt even more than I want to hurt you.” I looked into her flashing blue eyes. I saw nothing but contempt. Lynn was so into her role that I actually believed she could torture me to death just for laughs.

“Have mercy, Dr. Jeffries,” I begged her sincerely. “You'll tear me apart."

“Kiss me, you slut. Kiss me like your life depends on it,” she ordered, and I obeyed because I believed it did. I kissed her as submissively as I knew how, keeping my tongue out of her mouth, licking it as it invaded mine so far I was almost afraid of choking. She was so utterly dominant it made me tremble all over and my insides churned with delicious fear.

“Give up any ideas you have of coming,” Lynn suggested meanly. “I'm only stimulating you for my own pleasure. When you're about to come, I'm going to put you in my twat and come all over you again."

“Yes, please use me like that. I only want to please you, mistress. Don't punish me. I'll behave. I promise,” I babbled.

Lynn's leather-covered fingers plunged deeply into me, forcing me into an arch that competed directly with the grip she had on the rest of my body. Little as she was, I was in no position to struggle. I could barely move or breathe.

All I could do was moan with terror and pain so terrible that it was fantastic. “Dr. Jeffries,” I groaned. “You're killing me. It hurts."

“Does it? Good!” she laughed, and she turned the screws even tighter, grinding her gloved fist into my pussy.

I writhed, looking into Lynn's eyes. She leaned down and kissed me gently, probing with her tongue in my mouth even as her fingers tortured my clit. I gasped with pleasure and pressed up into her. A smile spread over her face. “You're really enjoying this, aren't you?” she whispered into our kiss.

“You're in an excellent position to know,” I grunted. “You love this stuff, same as me."

Her answer was another kiss. Sucking gently on her tongue, I found it hard to believe we had ever been apart. I already knew I would do whatever she demanded to stay together. I think we all know when we have found the perfect person. No one is perfect for everyone, of course, but some are more perfect for each of us than others. Above all, no man could tolerate Lynn Jeffries for more than a few months. Lynn was made for submissive women, me in particular. I made up my mind, as I looked into her eyes, that she would never have reason to regret her decisions about herself, her career, and us.

I don't know what she saw in my eyes, but the next instant she sped up that delicious grinding against my clit and sent me hurtling toward orgasm.

And then she yanked me back. Just as I was howling to come, every muscle stretched to the limit, she jerked her hand out, grabbed my head and shoved my face between her legs again. With her crop still firmly planted in my vagina, I began to gobble her passionately, not giving the slightest thought to my lost orgasms, only to hers, which were imminent.

Lynn used her boots to ride me like a bronco, leaving marks I knew would last for days and which I would cherish. When she wanted more or different, her order was emphasized with a jab of her heel or toe to my ass or back. I groaned aloud and gave her what she demanded, and what she deserved.

She screeched with ecstasy when she began her second set of orgasms, yanked my head down and pounded herself into my face. I ate her furiously, trying to keep her climaxes as intense as the first ones had been. When she finally moaned, “Stop, enough,” I felt more used and neglected than ever, and I knew she had done it for both of us. I licked her clean, trembling with my own needs, but extremely reluctant to say anything. Lynn knew what I needed, and how, and when. I didn't want to come unless she wanted me to.

After she had enjoyed my caresses for a while, she said, “Turn over on your back and lie with your head down at the foot of the bed. Then spread your legs."

I did as I was told, anxious for more torture or whatever pleased her. She looked down at me to make sure I had done as she wished. Slowly she slid the crop out of my twat, making me arch in agony. “Good. Hold yourself up, just like that,” she ordered, and she slid the handle, wet and slick, up inside my asshole as far as it would go. “Like that?"

“Yes! Yes!” I gasped, my eyes wide with amazement. She knew every trick in the book.

“Good. Lie down.” She stripped her gloves off, fluffed up her pillows and picked up the remote for her TV. “Slide up until my heel is in your cunt, bitch."

Eagerly, I positioned myself as she had prescribed.

“Hard,” she said. “Harder."

Had she been wearing high heels, which was extremely infrequent anyway, I would have been impaled, but even so, she was grinding my clitoris under her boot.

“Don't move."

“Please, Dr. Jeffries,” I panted. “That feels so good."

“I know it does, and if you move, you won't come. That's a promise."

“If I'm good, will you let me come?” I implored.

“We'll see,” she grinned, and she winked at me. She gave her foot a wiggle and I gasped, but I held still. “Good girl. Let's see how long you can be a good, quiet, obedient slave."

With infinitely small movements, Lynn slowly brought me to the edge of climax, just moving her heel slightly now and then. Spasms of need shot through me as I balled the bedclothes in my fists. “Ohhhhhh, Dr. Jeffries,” I murmured. “You're killing me."

“You love it, my little boot-licker. Don't you?” She prodded me with her boot.

“Yes! Yes!"

“You'd rather lie there like this for hours than actually come, wouldn't you?” she inquired.

“I'd rather please you no matter what,” I responded.

“Yes. I know,” she smirked. “And I'd rather you please me as well. But I can't come any more right now."

“Well, whenever you can…” I began.

“Rest assured I will use you until you collapse whenever I want,” Lynn said sternly.

“Yes, Dr. Jeffries,” I sighed. “I love you, Dr. Jeffries."

“I love you, too, Jane,” she said. “You know I prefer to be submissive, so if I take you as my slave, that should tell you a lot."

“Yes, ma'am, I know, and I'll make it up to you,” I promised, shuddering with pleasure as she slowly moved her heel.

“When?"

“Tonight? Tomorrow?” I suggested.

“Not tonight.” She moved her boot again, looking down at me. “I've come enough to last a month! But I think I can be ready again tomorrow afternoon."

“Whatever you say, my lord,” I groaned, concentrating on the tiny movements she made with her heel. “Oh, God, you're so good to me."

“And don't you forget it,” she warned, punctuating each word with a slight pulse to my clit.

By now I was just vibrating, I was so close to orgasm. But I lay there looking up into her eyes, adoring her, worshipping her, not caring if I came or not as long as it pleased her. Lynn looked down at me with complete disdain, but the love in her eyes was just as evident. She was able to make herself into a completely domineering, demanding, inconsiderate bitch just to stimulate me to the absolute maximum, yet we both knew what a soft place she had in her heart for me, that she was willing to change her whole life.

“Lynn,” I whispered.

“Hmmm?” She smiled at me, slowly moving her boot.

“Oh, God!” She made me gasp by all but stomping my clit.

“What, slave?” she demanded.

“Thank you, Lynn,” I sighed. I closed my eyes and relaxed.

With that, she nodded and began to pump her heel regularly against my clit. I went rigid, holding my breath, not daring to hope, and then the orgasm blossomed in my groin. I wailed and arched up to meet her boot. She did not punish me for moving, but held me down with all the considerable strength in her leg and let me spend my passion against her heel. And having been trapped between her heel and her crop up my butt, there was considerable passion for me to expend, especially after those hours of subjugation to both her demanding pussy and her boots.

I lay on my back seeing stars, pressing against her as dozens of aftershocks ran through me. I heard her laugh and tried to focus on her face.

“Lick my boots clean, and then you can rest,” she ordered.

I rolled over on my face and cleaned my juices off her leather. Then Lynn let me remove her boots and stretch out against her bare feet.

“Tomorrow,” she whispered, “I expect to get as good as I gave."

I nuzzled her sweet little toes. “It's a date."

Chapter Twenty

I made a brief run home that evening to see to Sallie and Jay, but I went back to Lynn's house to spend the night, complete with omelets and skinny-dipping in the dark. We couldn't make love anymore; we were exhausted, but we didn't want to be apart, so we curled up in her bed and watched old movies, and then went to sleep in each other's arms. Although I enjoyed sleeping at her feet, that was nice, too.

Lynn didn't say anything, but I gathered she was so close to making her decision, she didn't care if anyone knew she had an overnight guest again. I was pretty close to making mine, too. I loved her so much, I was ready to tell her to go ahead and take the job and I would be with her. I just wasn't sure what form “with” was going to take. First of all, Lynn hadn't said anything concrete and I wasn't about to invite myself into her life any further until she did. Second, I wasn't about to set myself up for another disaster. If she backed out, I needed to be ready to protect myself. My plan was to wait and see, but also to be cooperative. She had made a wonderful overture and I would respond in kind as quickly as possible.

She made us a delicious brunch on Sunday morning and then I told her to report to me in my room after she had cleaned up the kitchen. I kissed the back of her neck and was pleased to see I could make her shudder with anticipation. I gave her gorgeous, tight ass a caress and went off to get dressed.

I had wracked my brain for something special to do to her in light of the previous evening's virtuosa performance. It might not be a whole lot different from what she had done to me, but as long as it was what she craved most, it would work. And we both knew what that was.

I dressed in my black uniform and practiced severe expressions in the mirror until Lynn knocked on the door.

“Come in!” I said harshly to set her up for the scene.

The door opened and Lynn peeked in, looking apprehensive. She was naked, of course. I pointed to the floor at my feet. She did a nosedive, prostrating herself with her face to my boots. I knew she wanted to kiss them. I could see her trembling with excitement.

“You may greet me, slut,” I grunted.

With a groan of relief, she threw her arms around my legs, opened her mouth and began licking my boots in broad, hungry strokes. It seems I could almost feel the warmth of her breath and tongue as she attempted to eat my boots right off me.

“Oh, God, Major, I missed you so much,” she said, and I realized she was crying, just as I had when she received me as her slave the day before in her bedroom. It was a wonder we managed to switch at all, so great was our need to be submissive, and to have someone strong to whom to surrender completely. No wonder, however, that neither of us had been able to give up on the other. It would seem that love does find a way.

“It's all right, Lynn. Take your time,” I said gently. Dominance isn't mean, it's a kindness to those of us who need it.

She licked and kissed until she had calmed down and was purring happily, her face against my instep. It was time to lead her further into subspace.

“Up on your knees, Lynn,” I ordered, gentle as ever, and she responded gracefully, waiting patiently for my next command.

I took out a thick black bandana, folded it and used it to blindfold her. “This should be tight, but not uncomfortable,” I said.

She reached up and tested it. “It's good,” she confirmed.

“Now Lynn, you've probably been very bad since we were last together. I'll bet you've abused your staff and made sarcastic remarks to students and ignored parents and a lot of other nasty, bitchy things, the way you always do when you don't have enough discipline. You probably spend hours masturbating in your office when you should be working. Don't bother to confess them all to me; it would take all day. I'm just going to administer the punishment we both know you deserve. Come here,” I said, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. I positioned her across the bed on her stomach and took out my paddle.

“Do you recognize this?” I asked, tracing her ass cheeks with it.

“Is it… the paddle?” she asked breathlessly.

“Very good, and now I'm going to spank your beautiful little fanny until it blisters,” I said, and I let her have it.

I had her bouncing all over the bed, wriggling and squirming under the assault of the polished wood. Her backside reddened nicely to a rosy glow and I could smell her musk.

“Oh! Ow! Please stop, Major! I can't take any more. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't beat me! I'll be good! Ow!” She screamed and begged, but we both knew how much she was enjoying it. Lynn never came anywhere near using her safe word when she was getting a good paddling. In fact, I thought if I kept on long enough, she might have come just from being spanked, but she did have to be able to move with relative ease and sit down at work the next day. Time to switch to a new tactic.

“Get down on the floor, Lynn,” I told her.

She slid to her knees and waited, panting with exhilaration and arousal, to see what I would do next. From the bathroom, I brought out a large, coarse terrycloth towel and yanked the bedclothes down. She looked confused at the sounds I was making. I spread the towel on the sheets and ordered her, “Open my pants, slave."

Lynn crawled right over and did it by feel, kissing my pussy without permission, but I let it slide. “Get in bed on your back,” I said. I mounted her and began to grind my hips down into her, which in turn caused the rough towel to scrub her hot, sore backside.

She yowled. “Oh, Jesus, that hurts!"

“Too bad. Get me off, and do it nice and slow, so you can feel that towel scraping the skin off your ass.” I kissed her harshly, making her writhe with desire. Lynn's hand worked up between my legs and she began a slow, sensuous massage of my clit with her fingers. I sighed and she calmed down a bit, making me think she wasn't suffering enough. I got up.

“What's wrong?” she asked, sounding scared.

“Oh, I just don't think you're getting your money's worth this way. Too easy on you.” I pulled my harness out of the dresser drawer and strapped it on, inserting my largest dildo. “What are you doing?” She was more apprehensive than if she had seen the thing, although it was a whopper.

I got back on top of her and eased it in slowly, although Lynn was so wet and open there was no chance of causing her any discomfort. She welcomed it, and then I began to hump and grind, slow enough to make it last, hard enough to make it hurt. As she moved and moaned under me, I realized I was missing a good deal by not being able to see her eyes and I removed the blindfold. She blinked and smiled up at me, making my heart contract with love. I knew there were women who were technically, classically, more beautiful than she, but I didn't want any of them, only Lynn. I stayed away from her clit so she wouldn't come, and I would. Would I ever! And I would make her feel every spasm in her pussy and ass.

“Move! Make your ass rotate like it's full of ball-bearings,” I told her. “Do a good job and you may get to come sometime this week."

She put her hands down flat on the bed and began to hump up against me. Her eyes were glazed with lust, and it was a beautiful sight. I leaned down and kissed her, letting her do all the work, barely moving except to remind her what she was there for. I gave her a good, hard thrust once in a while, to make the chills run up and down her spine as if I might actually let her come. But she knew better, deep down, nor did she want to come so soon.

“Oh, Jesus, Major,” she groaned. “Oh, I wanna feel you come. Fuck me… fuck me… mmmmm… oh, pleeeeease."

I had that wonderful feeling once again that I was just what she had always wanted and I moved enough to keep her excited and moving. I mostly gave her a lot of the tiniest of thrusts and jabs, but occasionally I dug my toes in and rammed the dildo into her. Each time I did that she would arch up to receive it, eager but not frantic, because she wanted it to last.

However, I couldn't last with all those lovely wiggles going on under me, forcing the base of the dildo against my clit. And there was no reason for me to hold back, no reason at all.

“Lynn… Lynn… I'm coming,” I told her, looking down into her enormous blue eyes. “I want you to feel my come. I want it to make you ache. Feel it, Lynn. Feel me exploding, way down deep inside. Come on, honey, push up hard and take my come,” I urged her.

“Make me feel it. Make me feel it!” she babbled, her ass jumping all over the place.

I climaxed and my hard bucking motions made her grit her teeth as she pursued her own release, which I wouldn't allow yet.

“Ah! Lynn! God! That's so gooood!” I screamed as spasms made me writhe out of control. I was really grinding her butt into the bed with my pleasure, and I was vaguely aware that she was also screaming from pain or frustration, unable to join me but forced to endure my ecstasy. She clutched at me, trying to get more contact with her clit, but even in the throes of orgasm, I leaned back away from her and wouldn't let her have it.

“Unh! Unh!” she grunted, trying to make me give her an orgasm, but I held her still until I was ready to get up, then I pulled out of her and took off the dildo. She rolled back and forth, keening in agony. I knew how close she had been, because she put me there all the time herself.

“On the floor, Lynn,” I said, closing my pants. I would come again, and definitely before she did.

She slid out of the bed to the carpet and licked my boots. “Please let me come,” she pleaded. “Please please please."

“Bring your stool over here and shine my boots with your pussy,” I said as though she hadn't said a thing.

Lynn jumped up and hustled to do as I said, then knelt and looked at my boots hungrily, quivering with the effort of waiting for my command.

“You really want it, don't you?” I inquired idly, sitting on the bed and putting my right boot up on the stool.

“Please, Major,” she whimpered.

“Put your pussy on my boot, but stay still. If you move, I'll make you get off again, and I won't let you back on until you shine them with polish. That takes half an hour,” I informed her.

“Yes, ma'am,” she said and carefully rose to reposition herself on the leather. “Oooooooooh!” she groaned, her eyes squeezing shut as her clit made contact. She gripped my boot with her thighs and held very, very still, panting with the effort.

“Now, don't you dare move,” I reminded her, and I began to raise and lower my foot just enough to drive her crazy.

She began moaning and I knew how much she was loving it. “Hold onto my leg if you want, Lynn,” I invited. “Just make sure you don't move."

“Thank you, Major. You're so good to me, and it feels… wonderful!” Lynn enthused. Her thighs were trembling with the effort of remaining upright and not moving, but she managed to obey me.

“Now, I'm going to let you move, but just for a few seconds at a time, and if I tell you to stop and you don't, I'll punish you some more,” I told her.

“Are you ever going to let me come?” she pleaded.

“Do you deserve to come?” I demanded.

Lynn shook her head. “No,” she whispered. “I'm a very bad little principal. I get off all day in my office.” She actually looked sad and I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing.

“Then behave. You can move now, but stay on my boot. Don't break contact."

She began to move slowly on the leather, sighing with relief. I let her go about ten seconds. “Stop!"

Lynn quit in mid-gyration, and held on, breathing with difficulty. She whimpered under her breath and looked up at me. I moved my foot, but she didn't waver. I caressed her cheek and she shuddered. She was very ready.

“Good girl. You can move another few seconds. But don't you dare come,” I warned her seriously. She nodded and began to slide on my boot again.

It was really quite delightful, controlling her like that, and her sensuous movements made my heart pound. I was getting wet again. I gave her a few more periods of movement, interrupted by orders to be still, and soon I was ready to get off again, flat on my back while she knelt on the floor to service me.

But there was one other thing to do first.

“Stand up, Lynn."

She rose quickly, but I could see she was aching and disappointed.

“Spread your legs and hold your labia apart with your fingers,” I ordered, and then I slipped the clip onto her clit. Her knees buckled and I caught her easily.

“Major…” she groaned.

“Don't worry. You won't come until I permit it.” I lowered her to her knees on the floor. “Open my pants and eat me until I come on your face,” I said to her. I sat down, lay back and draped my legs over her back as her tongue entered me. “Very, very slowly,” I added. “I want both of us to enjoy this."

I tugged the pillows over, fluffed them up and relaxed completely, giving no further orders. Lynn knew exactly how I wanted it and that was how I was going to get it. One great thing about Lynn and I together was that we both knew we would always come easily. Whoever was on the receiving end didn't have to think, concentrate or fantasize. All we had to do was live. Each of us was getting it precisely the way we needed to get off. Even though neither of us really wanted to be dominant, it meant so much to each of us to be submissive that we did it to totally please one another. I knew she needed me to come on her face, and she would make me do it, and I would enjoy it right along with her, and then I would give her the stimulation she needed in return. What a change from not getting it or having to do it with strangers!

Lynn was making all kinds of happy little noises, whimpering and sighing as she went down on me. Her strokes were accurate and perfectly timed. She would get the clitoral explosion she was after, the one that would make her own clit swell to bursting, and she knew without a doubt that once she was at her limit, she would come, even though I never gave in and said as much. It would have spoiled all her fun.

I confess my mind wandered back to what she had done to me the night before, though, and suddenly I was climaxing in her mouth, and she was squealing with delight, and I was screaming, my legs wrapped around her beautiful soft black hair. Her hands were under my ass, holding me against her face as several orgasms threatened to tear my legs off. By the time I was done coming, I was gasping for air and I thought I heard her giggle. But then she was licking my thighs and genitals clean and clearly enjoying the taste of me. I could understand that. I could never get enough of her, either.

“Lynn, baby, you are so good. You are one fantastic twat-licker, even if you are a mean little bitch of a principal,” I said fondly. I pulled her up onto the bed and kissed her while fondling her clip, and she began to jerk helplessly in my arms.

“Wanna come?” I teased.

“Ohhhh, Major! Yes, please let me come,” she begged nicely, her cheeks all rosy and her eyes sparkling with fun. It was impossible to imagine ever loving anyone else.

I fiddled and fooled with her clip a few minutes more, kissing her, cuddling her and making her twist and ache. When I judged her ready, I helped her slide on her back to the floor. “Legs in the air, ya little slut!” I ordered.

Lynn was confused, but she obeyed. I sat on the edge of the bed, reached down and took the clip off her. A sharp little gasp escaped her and her eyes were wide. Then I took one ankle in each hand and, sitting on the edge of the bed, raised my boot and began to lower it slowly toward her red-hot, swollen clitoris.

“Yes!” she shrieked. “Stomp on me! Please!"

Of course I wasn't going to stomp her, but I did crush her slowly under my heel, just like she wanted, and she heaved in ecstasy as her orgasm finally escaped. “Janieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” she shrieked, out of her mind with pleasure. I held onto her legs and bore down into her pussy with my boot. Her ass pounded the floor and Paprika started barking, but there was no way Lynn could hear her over her own deafening yells.

Lynn came several times over the next few minutes, her ankles in my grip so she couldn't have stopped even if she'd wanted to. She didn't want to. Her eyes rolled back in her head and her jaw went slack. I was briefly concerned she'd passed out or had a stroke or something, but then her eyes came back into focus and she croaked, “Oh, God, Janie, that was wonderful."

I took my wet boot out of her pussy and lay down on the floor with her, my hand in her now, gently bringing her down. Finally she curled into my side and began kissing my face and neck. Tears were running down her cheeks. “Sweetheart, darling, love of my life,” she murmured. “I will never let you go."

I believed her.

Epilogue

I still believe her. It's been years now since we became “Dr. and Mrs. Lynn A. Jeffries,” our joke about who's the boss. Lynn is, of course, and we're both thrilled with it. We tell other people that we're both such strong personalities that we argue over everything and take turns winning, but it's all hogwash so they won't think I've lost my mind. I'm her slave and there's no doubt about it. I never wanted to be anything else from the moment I saw her, and she won't tolerate it any other way. I fully expect to be on the floor kissing her feet when I have to use a walker and wear a hearing aid.

I get up whenever Lynn does and I see her off to work. All she has to do is put down her empty coffee cup and I refill it instantly. When she comes in the door at night, she gets a foot massage. I respond very well to a raised eyebrow or a cleared throat from my mistress, and she can still make me shudder just by pinning me with that steely glare, or licking her lips.

I didn't move in until my first book was on the shelves, and I still own my little house to this day, renting it out to nice lesbians whenever I can. I am reluctant to ever give up my financial independence, but Lynn has demanded, and gotten, everything else I have to give. She has adjusted very nicely to not living alone. “Just do everything exactly as I tell you,” she said with a smile the day I came to stay for good, “and we'll get along just fine.” She still maintains a certain distance, and I treat her like a queen. She won't permit anything less.

Jay and Sallie have meekly succumbed to the pleasures of living with Lynn as well. Her leftovers are better than mine, but she hasn't washed a dish in five years, and she never will if I can help it.

I cringe to think how my life would have turned out if I had given up on passion. When she comes home in a little while, she'll put on her boots and summon me to her room. I'm already wetting myself as I sit here writing.

I hear the garage door going up. Please excuse me. Lynn doesn't like to be kept waiting.

Content

The Principal: A Novel of Lesbian Love

Susanna Valent Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue