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By C. A. Taylor
10 The Retreat
William arrived at the office almost an hour late on Monday. Greta, his secretary and Jeremy’s wife, looked up sharply as he came in, noting the shadows under his eyes. “Rough weekend?” she asked.
“Not enough sleep,” William replied truthfully. Pouring himself a cup of coffee he asked, “What’s on the schedule this week?”
“Just finishing up the Myerson paperwork. Oh, and you have a new client interview on Thursday.”
“See if you can move the interview to Wednesday. I’ll be out of the office Thursday afternoon and Friday.”
“Certainly,” Greta replied. “Would you like me to handle the credit report and background check? I’m sure I can get Stan on it.” If she wondered at his change in schedule, she was too professional to mention it.
“If you can get her to reschedule for Wednesday, plan to go ahead with the rest.” Together they worked through the mundane details lined up for the week, then William dived into the Byzantine processes that had governed legal proceedings for centuries.
By ten o’clock Thursday morning, he had his business affairs arranged so he could take some time off. In fact, he thought he might take the next week off as well, thinking that he might need time to recuperate from four days with the Mistress.
Satisfied, William headed to the gym for a workout, then grabbed a light lunch on his way home. By three-thirty he was showered, packed, and waiting for the Mistress’ arrival.
At precisely four o’clock William’s doorbell rang. Picking up his suit bag, he opened the front door. Standing in his doorway was a man. A very large man. Standing six feet five with shoulders so broad they filled the doorway, he was wearing a dark suit and a chauffeur’s cap. “You must be William,” he said with an easy smile. Holding out his hand, he added, “I’m Richard. Mistress Grace sent me.”
Automatically, William shook his hand while his brain tried to catch up to his reflexes.
Richard plucked the suit bag out of William’s hand, backed up and said, “I’m to drive you to the retreat. If you’re ready, we’d better go. The Mistress is expecting us.”
Bemused, William stepped outside, locked his door, and turned to see a black stretch limousine parked on the street. “Yours?” he asked.
“No. My Master’s,” Richard replied, leading the way and holding the back door open for William.
William paused, looked at Richard, and then said, “Any rule say I have to sit in back?”
“None at all,” Richard responded with a grin. “Actually, if you’re comfortable with it, sitting up front will be easier. The Mistress has asked me to sort of mentor you through the weekend. She said you might have some questions.”
Thinking that might just qualify as the understatement of the year, William nodded and headed for the front seat. Richard deposited the luggage in back, then settled himself in the driver’s seat and smoothly pulled away from the curb.
“What sort of questions did the Mistress have in mind?” William asked cautiously.
“Pretty much anything you wanted to ask about the BDSM scene,” Richard replied casually. “The Mistress said a couple of subjects were taboo, but I’m free to discuss most things.” Richard navigated the light suburban traffic, pointing the big automobile East as he headed for the beltway that surrounded Washington.
“What sort of things are taboo?” William wanted to know.
“Anything personal about Mistress Grace. I am also at liberty to choose what, if any, personal information I offer. Things like that. But don’t worry,” Richard grinned, “I’m not shy. I’ll answer most questions about myself.”
“Good,” William responded. “Because I really want to know about someone else’s experience with this scene. I’m still not sure what it is, or what I’ve gotten myself into. Would you tell me about your introduction to BDSM?”
“I could, but I don’t think it would help you much. You see, I’ve known about the BDSM community since I was a teenager. One of my first girlfriends was into bondage, and she took me to a couple of events. It took me a while to discover she had spoiled me for plain old vanilla sex, but once I figured that out, I knew where to go.
But, basically, it’s a community of people whose tastes in sex, and whose opinions about what sexual practices are acceptable, differ from the mainstream. It also appears to be a self-selecting community of open-minded, intelligent, civilized people, though, of course, there are exceptions.”
“All right, but that’s pretty general. Is there anything you can tell me about the Mistress that isn’t personal?” William tried. “Like, how long have you known her? Or how long has she been in the scene? Things like that.”
“By reputation, I’ve known of her since I joined. She’s been in the scene for more than ten years, and she is sort of a VIP in these circles. She set a record for sales price the first time she was on the auction block. Personally, I’ve known her for almost a year. You are very lucky to have her as a trainer. There is always a list of applicants for her, and she charges some of the highest fees in the business. In fact, since my owner had to be at a conference in Europe this weekend, she’s my sponsor for the sale.”
“The what?” William demanded.
“Didn’t you know? This is the largest event of the year for us. There are two sales held annually, six months apart. One in the U.S. and the other one in Europe. The Founders must have had an ironic sense of humor, scheduling a slave auction on Independence Day,” he grinned.
“I’m going on the auction block for the first time,” Richard continued, “and this will be your national debut. The Mistress must have great confidence in you to want to show you off here.”
“Show me off? What am I, a piece of meat?” William demanded in disbelief.
“Well, yeah. You’re a sex slave, aren’t you?” Richard responded in confusion.
Richard paused, tending to his driving for a while. Then, “If you don’t mind my asking, how did you wind up as her personal novice if you know so little about BDSM?”
“I guess you could say I was recruited,” William responded thoughtfully. “She approached me with a proposition I chose to accept.”
“Wow! That’s really rare. And I’ve never heard of her doing it.” He grinned. “What’s your secret?”
“Damned if I know,” William responded feelingly. “You feel like answering some more questions?” he asked, deliberately changing the subject.
“Sure.”
“You said that Mistress Grace set a record for sales price. Does that mean she used to be a pleasure slave?”
“Yes. One of the best.”
“But now she’s a Mistress. Do most slaves eventually become Masters or Mistresses?”
“No. Most slaves continue as slaves. That is what they want out of the scene. However, the best Masters and Mistresses almost always started out as slaves.”
“Something else. I don’t know the rules or etiquette for discussing BDSM with others. I’ve only met two other slaves besides you. Is it appropriate to use names or discuss other people I meet or interact with? What sort of information should be kept private, and what is considered okay for casual conversations?”
“The general rule is that the names given upon introduction are fine for open discussion. Many people use scene names if they don’t wish to be “out” about the lifestyle. Details of personal interactions should be kept personal, but, of course, there are gossips in any group. And members vary a great deal. Some people live for public play, while others only engage in private play. Also, if you receive an invitation to an event, you’d be wise not to bring a guest until you know more about the local scene.”
“No problem there,” William laughed. “I can’t imagine going to any event without the Mistress.” At that, Richard looked at him closely, but didn’t comment.
He continued, “One ironclad rule is that if you see someone you know from the mundane world, do not acknowledge them until you are introduced by your scene names, and do not refer to your mundane associations in the hearing of others. Likewise, if you are introduced to a scene partner at a mundane event, don’t indicate you have met previously at a BDSM event.
“In the D.C. area, many of our members are public figures or at least locally known in business or politics. The BDSM scene in general has a very good record for maintaining the privacy of our members. People who don’t are quickly ostracized.”
“I doubt that will be a problem for me. I can’t imagine I know anyone else in the scene. Six months ago, I didn’t even know it existed,” William replied.
“You might be surprised,” Richard said mildly, then concentrated on his driving, navigating the rush hour traffic of the Washington beltway, as they headed north into Maryland.
“So, you spoke of a community. Is it like a circle of friends who get together for barbeques on the weekend, or what?” William asked curiously.
“Yeah. We sometimes barbeque,” Richard grinned. “You have to realize most of us have lives. We go to work, spend time with our families, pursue our hobbies, etc. It’s just that one of our hobbies is BDSM. For most of us, it’s just that, a part-time hobby. Although some people live it as a full-time lifestyle, and BDSM in general is full of alternative lifestyles.
“Oh, that reminds me. Another piece of etiquette for the scene. It is considered bad taste to criticize alternative lifestyles. It is fine if you are not interested, but you should recognize that other people have the right to make their own choices. It is also good manners to politely turn down offers or propositions you are not interested in without taking offense because you were asked.”
“You mean I get to decide which offers to accept and which to decline?” William asked.
“That depends on whether you are wearing a slave collar or not. Since you are not wearing one right now, I could proposition you, and you have the right to accept or decline. Once you accept the collar, however, your Mistress makes those decisions for you.”
“Are you likely to proposition me?” William wondered.
Chuckling, Richard responded, “I’m not gay, if that’s what you’re asking. My orientation is firmly heterosexual. However, when you’ve been a slave for a while, the lines blur a little bit. You learn to appreciate sensuousness and sexuality in many forms. So, the answer to your question is no, I’m not likely to proposition you, but that doesn’t keep me from appreciating your good looks and overt sexuality.”
Quirking an eyebrow, William digested that for a moment. Then, “How long have you been a pleasure slave?”
“Almost three years,” Richard replied. “I’ve only been able to serve part-time, so my training has taken longer than usual. That’s why this is my first sale, and why Mistress Grace offered to sponsor me.” Richard was now driving smoothly through the Maryland countryside and turned onto Marriottsville Road. “We’re almost there,” he informed William.
“One last question, then,” William responded. “What do you do for a living?”
“I'm a private contractor,” Richard said. “I have a varied background in law enforcement, electronic surveillance, and security systems. I’m usually hired as a pilot, bodyguard, or chauffeur.”
Richard turned into a narrow lane that was barely visible from the road. Trees pressed close on both sides, creating a leafy tunnel overhead. After a quarter mile the trees gave way to lush, green pasture on both sides and the gravel road widened. The big vehicle continued through the rural setting, finally topping a rise that displayed their destination.
An enormous mansion stood at the top of the next hill. Surrounded by a brick fence at least twelve feet tall, it rose to four gabled stories, and covered the entire hilltop. William’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the vastness of the structure. Turning to Richard, he asked, “Is this a private residence?”
“Partially,” Richard responded. “It is a residence, but the owner allows the facility to be used for many different purposes. Everything from boardroom retreats, to educational activities. It’s rather impressive, isn’t it?”
“It’s certainly a little overwhelming,” William agreed.
Richard drove through the open black iron gates and up the circular drive to the double doors marking the front entrance. As Richard pulled the limousine to a stop, the Mistress disengaged herself from a group of people standing in the entranceway to the mansion. She joined them just as William exited the limo, and Richard immediately bowed his head. “Good afternoon, Mistress,” he said.
“Hello, Richard. Thank you for driving today. I’m pleased you and William arrived safely and in good time.”
Turning to William, she said, “Hello, William. It’s good to see you again.” William nodded, as she took out his collar and offered it to him. “William, I offer you this collar as a symbol of my pledge. While you wear it, I demand your obedience and submission. In return, I will treat you as my valued possession to guard, care for, and use as I see fit.”
A little surprised at how abruptly the collar was offered, William responded, “I accept your collar as a symbol of my bond. While I wear it, I offer you the obedience of my will and the submission of my body. I acknowledge your right to use me as you see fit.”
“William, do you remember telling me that sometimes when you feel helpless you realize there is nothing you can do about it, so you just relax and go with the flow?” She asked as he accepted the collar and locked it around his neck.
“Yes,” William responded, nodding.
“Much of this weekend will be very difficult for you. When you encounter those difficulties, instead of resisting, try going with the flow. Remember you are helpless, and therefore not responsible for what is asked of you, or what is done to you.”
“That sounds ominous,” William commented, brow furrowing.
“It’s not meant to be ominous. It is, however, good advice,” she replied. “Now, William, please strip.”
He goggled at her. “Here?” he demanded.
“Yes, William. No slave enters this building clothed. Count your blessings it is not January.” To his left, he saw Richard nod knowingly. “Now, do as you are told.” There was a slight edge to her voice, and William realized she was among her peers in the BDSM community. Whatever his private feelings, he would not embarrass her before he even got inside the building. Silently, he unbuttoned and removed his shirt, handing it to Richard as he reached for it. Efficiently removing the remainder of his clothing, he turned to the Mistress, waiting for direction.
Richard bundled William’s clothes up and placed them in the limo. “Thank you, Richard,” Mistress Grace said. “Please take care of the car, and then report to my room.”
As Richard moved to follow his orders, Grace turned back to William. Removing a brown leather leash from her handbag, she snapped it into the ring on his collar. “Come, William,” she said. A flush of embarrassment crept up his neck and face, but he obediently followed her into the mansion, hands at his sides, head up, and eyes cast down. He could feel the adrenaline beginning to pump through his veins.
As they crossed the threshold, they were met by a short, round man with a jovial face, a large, black mustache, and a pink bald spot hidden under an ineffective comb over. He smiled and held out both hands. “Mistress Grace, it’s so wonderful to have you here again,” he greeted effusively.
“Hello, Ray,” the Mistress responded, hugging him. “It’s good to be back. Ray, this is William. William, this is Master Ray. He is the majordomo of this establishment, and as such, all slaves fall under his authority. Please remember that and treat him with the appropriate deference while you are here.”
Looking to his Mistress for guidance, he caught her discreet hand signal, and dropped to his knees, bowing his head and clasping his hands behind his back. “Very nice, William,” Ray commented, caressing the back of William’s neck. “I’m sure you’ll get along fine here during your stay.”
Rising at the gentle tug on his leash, William followed a step behind the Mistress as she made her way through the foyer, greeting several people in passing. William noticed other slaves on leashes, which made him feel marginally better. Turning left, she headed down a corridor and through an enormous library. Once past the double doors exiting the library, she turned right and headed up a straight wooden staircase. William followed silently as she wound through a maze of rooms and hallways, finally opening a door into a large sunny bedroom decorated in soft browns and yellows.
Mistress Grace closed the door, then turned and unhooked William’s leash. “With few exceptions, when you are with me this weekend you will be on a lead. It is part of the protocol of this establishment. It is often used as a training facility, so things tend to be a little more formal.” Pointing to a large lambskin rug near the center of the room, Grace ordered William to kneel. He took the same position used to greet Master Ray and waited. Mistress Grace left him there as she moved into an adjoining room.
Ten minutes later, there was a diffident knock on the door. When the Mistress opened it, there was Richard, naked, on his hands and knees, and carrying a leash between his teeth. “Come in, Richard,” she said, taking the leash from him. Richard’s muscles rippled as he crawled across the carpet. William, watching, was surprised that such a big man could manage to look graceful in such a position, but he did. Richard showed no sign of being embarrassed or uncomfortable with his role, and merely stopped and knelt next to William, as directed.
Next, Mistress Grace bent down and secured a pair of leather restraints to William’s wrists, fastening them behind his back. “Rise, William,” Grace instructed, then pointed him to a padded bench at the foot of the king-sized bed. “Be seated.”
As William followed her directions, the Mistress said, “Richard, please attend to William.” Richard crawled over to William and knelt in front of him. At the moment, William’s erection was conspicuous in its absence, and Richard placed a hand on either thigh, spreading William’s legs wide. He then dipped his head and touched William’s sac with the tip of his tongue. William jumped and let out a yelp of surprise.
“William,” the Mistress said warningly.
A red flush crept up William’s neck and cheeks, but he held still. Richard proceeded to lave the tender skin, gently sucking his balls. He moved his hands to William’s inner thighs, and began kneading them. Slowly, William relaxed into the sensations, his cock swelling in response. Richard then took him into his mouth, rolling his tongue around him. He gently sucked him, and William hardened in response, sucking in air at his reaction.
Richard automatically began pumping his head up and down, stimulating William further, until Mistress Grace called him off. “That’s enough, Richard. Thank you.”
“William, please change positions with Richard and return the service,” Mistress Grace instructed. “Richard, please let William know what you like.”
At a complete loss, William tried to process her request through the anger that suddenly welled up inside him. While the order appalled him, it didn’t upset him as much as the casual way in which it was delivered. It seemed the Mistress had no idea she was asking him to do anything difficult or out of the ordinary.
In an effort to buy some time to rein in his temper, he decided to address another issue. “Mistress?” asked William levelly.
“Yes, William?”
“Why am I required to wear restraints when Richard is not? Don’t you trust me?”
Richard gasped at William’s temerity, but William’s gaze never left his Mistress.
“No, William. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It is that Richard has much more training than you do, and he no longer needs the reminder.”
Seeing the confusion in his face, Grace turned to Richard. “See if you can explain it to him,” she said.
William turned to Richard expectantly. “William,” Richard began, “you know the oath you swore a few minutes ago when you accepted the collar?”
William nodded.
“For us, that means that we are denied the right to object to anything that is done to us until the collar is removed. We are literally helpless in the face of any order from any Master or Mistress. Do you understand that?”
“I didn’t realize I was required to take orders from anyone except Mistress Grace,” William replied, looking at her. “But, yes, I am aware that I don’t get to pick and choose which orders I will follow,” he continued.
“It takes a lot of self-control to not resist some orders,” Richard said. “And self-control is built like anything else, with practice. So novices are routinely restrained to remind them of their helplessness, and to prevent lapses which could hamper or halt the training of a slave.”
“I see,” William replied. Again addressing the Mistress, he said, “And have I exhibited any lapse in self-control lately?” he pursued.
“No, William, not recently. But your self-control has not been tested as severely as it will be this weekend. You will wear restraints whenever I think it is necessary. However, since you have made a point of it, I am willing to concede that restraints may not be entirely necessary in this situation.
“If you feel your self-control is equal to the task, I am willing to give you a chance to demonstrate that.” The Mistress nodded to Richard to remove the cuffs from William’s wrists, and then added, “And William? Do not challenge my authority again.”
Feeling petty and ashamed of himself, William realized he had struck at the Mistress to try to hurt her in return for the way she had ordered him to service Richard. He also realized, belatedly, that he had painted himself into a corner with respect to that order, and now he had no choice but to demonstrate his obedience and self-control by carrying it out. Accepting that, William clamped down ruthlessly on the gut-level homophobia that was trying to assert itself. He’d think about it later.
The Mistress watched closely as William’s predicament dawned on him. She couldn’t have arranged things better herself. His integrity and strength of character should now be enough to see him through this test. And, considering what was in store for him, the sooner William came to terms with the need to service men as well as women, the better.
Taking a deep breath, William moved to kneel in front of Richard. Sitting back on his haunches, William looked up at Richard and said, “So, what do you want me to do?”
“First, I want you to kneel properly, and cast your eyes down, slave. I did not give you permission to look at me,” Richard said severely.
Taken aback, William quickly adjusted his position, respectfully lowering his eyes.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, William,” Mistress Grace interjected, “Richard is a very rare type of slave. He is a slave who has been trained as a Dom.” Seeing his lack of comprehension, Grace added, “That means he has been trained to be a Master.”
Shaken by this discovery, and apprehensive of what was to come, William remained still and silent.
“Look at me, William,” Richard said in a calmer tone. As William met his eyes, Richard asked, “Have you ever done this before?”
William shook his head and lowered his eyes, not wanting Richard to see his fear and revulsion.
Smiling, Richard said, “I know. It’s difficult to overcome the homophobia that has been ingrained in us all our lives. But, William, it isn’t about a blowjob. It’s about seeking to please your Master.”
William looked up, trying to understand.
“Look,” Richard said. “You’ve performed intimate acts to please your Mistress, right?”
Again, William nodded.
“And at times she required things from you that were difficult, didn’t she?” Richard continued.
“Yes,” William agreed.
“And you complied with her wishes.”
“Maybe not enthusiastically, but yes,” William admitted wryly.
“Well, this is the same thing. I require your compliance, not your enthusiastic enjoyment.”
“Yes, but—” William began.
“If your self-control isn’t up to the task, I can use the restraints,” Richard added quietly.
With that challenge, William sighed, squared his shoulders, and looked up. “What would you like me to do?” he asked.
Going into teaching mode, Richard explained that there were basically two different approaches. Either start by licking and sucking the testicles, or by licking the penis. “Never just begin by trying to take a penis into your mouth,” Richard cautioned. “It can be seen as an aggressive move, which may have very unpleasant consequences for a slave.”
Richard continued to walk William through the basics, and William did his best to comply. He found out quickly that this was a more difficult skill to perfect than he had ever realized, and vowed to be more appreciative when it was offered to him in the future.
William also discovered the trick was to think more about pleasing Richard and less about what it was he was doing. By the end of the teaching session, the dull flush of humiliation had mostly given way to the acceptance that he was merely doing what was required of him.
When Richard pronounced himself satisfied with William’s first efforts, Grace recalled their attention. “Thank you, Richard. Since you will be serving tonight, please report to Master Ray.”
“Yes, Mistress,” Richard acknowledged, bowing his head. He then returned to all fours and quietly left the room.
“William, you will not be needed for the next hour or so. Please refresh yourself and then take a nap. You will be called when I require you.” With that, the Mistress left the room, closing the door to the adjoining area behind her.
William headed for the bathroom and followed orders. Then he lay down on the bed, pulled a lightweight throw at the bottom of the bed over him, and tried to relax. He had had the collar on for less than two hours, and was already troubled by the demands and changes in demeanor from the Mistress. With so much new and unexplained, he found he had been depending on her to guide him, and the absence of her attention, guidance, and understanding left him vulnerable in a whole new way. He did not like being dependent, and he liked not knowing the rules governing this weekend even less.
He was surprised, therefore, to wake to a gentle hand on his shoulder. He did not remember drifting off, and he was certain he had never seen the woman attached to the hand on his shoulder. He would have remembered her. ‘Buxom blonde’ came to his sleep-fogged mind, but that was just the half of it. Naked, she stood almost as tall as he did, with white blonde hair cascading over her shoulders like silk. Her ample breasts swayed back and forth as she leaned over him, and her lusciously curved hips and long legs were an invitation to every red-blooded male in the area.
“Hi, William,” she said in a velvet voice. “I’m Selena.”
William’s reaction was immediate, physical, and very visible under the light throw. She smiled as she saw his response, and he reddened like a schoolboy.
“It’s nice to know my job will be so easy,” she remarked cryptically.
“What?” William asked.
“Never mind. Mistress Grace asked me to get you.” Taking his hand in hers, she threw off his covering and urged him to his feet. “Quickly now, go wash your face and comb your hair. We don’t want to be late. And William,” she added, “empty your bladder. It’s going to be a while before you get another chance.”
Welcoming the excuse to escape, William headed for the bathroom. He made quick work of the required chores, then took a steadying breath, trying to orient himself. He walked out of the bathroom with several questions on his tongue.
Selena apparently saw that, for she said, “No time for questions. Come on.” Then, grabbing his hand, she led him through the door the Mistress had used earlier. It led to a room obviously used as both an office and a sitting room. Comfortable sofas and chairs were scattered around the large room, but Mistress Grace was seated at a large mahogany desk, working at a computer.
Both slaves immediately dropped to their knees as she looked up. “Ah, Selena. Welcome. And thank you for fetching William.”
Turning to William, she asked, “Did you have a nice rest?”
“Yes, Mistress,” William responded politely.
“Good. I’m sure you must also have several questions,” she smiled. “You always do.”
Reddening slightly, William responded, “Yes, Mistress.”
“We really are going to have to work on that,” she commented. “But not right now. You are always more comfortable if you know what is going to happen, so here is the program. There is a welcome banquet being held for guests tonight, and you and a few other novices will be introduced.
“You will again be placed on display, and Selena has been assigned to look after you. This is an opportunity for you to display your self-control, William, as you will not be gagged, but you must not speak to anyone except me, Selena or Master Ray. Understood?”
William nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”
“Well, that’s all for now. Selena will take you down to the banquet hall, and Master Ray will see you are properly displayed.”
William was shocked as the Mistress turned her back on them and picked up the phone, dismissing them without another word. He was surprised how much her actions hurt.
“Will I see you when I am introduced?” he couldn’t help asking.
“Yes, William, I’ll be there. Now, go with Selena.”
Once again Selena took his hand, and climbing to their feet, they left the room together.
Back in the bedroom, Selena asked William to kneel. She picked up his leash from the bedside table and attached it to his collar. When he made to stand, she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Since you are not in the company of your Mistress, you are not allowed to walk,” she informed him.
“But you’re a slave,” William retorted. “Why are you allowed to walk around without a leash if I can’t?”
“Because I belong to the Establishment,” Selena told him. Seeing his lack of comprehension, she added, “I work here.”
Reluctantly, William remained on his hands and knees and allowed Selena to lead him from the room. He knew he shouldn’t be surly with her. She was not the one he was upset with.
By the time they made their way downstairs, an experience William was not anxious to repeat on hands and knees, William had regained his equilibrium. His job was to do the best he could to carry out the orders he was given. At some point he was sure he would be able to speak to the Mistress and find out what he had done to anger her, and then try to set it right. He was dismayed, however, to find a knot in the pit of his stomach that just wouldn’t go away.
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