A Slaves Strength

Tom Chapter 11

The second time Tom presented the strap to Eleanor she pointed to the table. “Stand up facing the couch with your hands as flat as you can on the coffee table. Legs together.” This last when he tried to stand with his legs open.

One of Eleanor’s hands ran up and down his back. It was an oddly gentle gesture under the circumstances. “Why are you being punished Thomas?” She asked.

“I’m being punished because I swore Mistress.”

“True. But the proper response is ‘Mistress I have been profane. I humbly beg forgiveness or correction as you see fit to administer.’. Why are you being punished?”

The hair hanging down over his face his Toms blush. He understood the reasons behind the ritualized humiliation apart from what he suspected was Mistress’ own personal enjoyment. But it didn’t change the embarrassment that came with it. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the way his body and psyche both responded with such instinctive submission to  her either.

“Mistress I have been profane. I humbly beg forgiveness or correction as you see fit to administer.” He said.

“This is a first offense and I already struck you once so you will receive two stripes from the belt. You will count and you will thank me when I release you.”

Tom nodded. “Yes Mistress.”

The punishment was over in seconds. Two hard, painful cracks burned across Toms ass one right after the other. He knelt and thanked Mistress as instructed and waited for what came next.

Eleanor looped the belt around Tom’s neck and used it to pull his face up towards her. “I don’t enjoy using this Thomas.” She said. “You saw the toys hanging inside the closet door?” A collection of floggers, paddles and multi-strand whips rested on a portable high-gauge wire frame that hung hooks and bolts inside Eleanor’s walk-in closet.

Tom tried to nod but the leather strap kept his head from moving very much. “I prefer to use those on my pets. You understand the difference?”

“Yes Mistress.” Tom choked out. He could breathe but the belt was pressing on his larynx enough to make speech difficult.

“Tell me.” Eleanor eased up enough to let him speak.

“The toys are foreplay Mistress. They’re all meant to cause pain but in the context of you using me for sex. I don’t want to tell you what you’re thinking but I’m guessing you’re going to train me to enjoy being worked over with them.”

Eleanor nodded. “Just so. And this?” she tugged the belt.

“The belt is different. It’s nothing like anything else I saw in your collection. I’m betting you bought it specifically to discipline your last houseboy. If you tell me ‘Thomas fetch the green paddle with the black fur.’ I know you want to play and I’m probably going to get some affection along with the welts. If you tell me ‘Thomas, fetch the strap.’,” he chuckled at that “I think we both know what that means.”

“Enlighten me dear.”

“It means I’ve broken a rule or done something else to actually upset you and any kindness I get afterwards will be because you don’t seem the sort to ride a matter into the ground. See the problem, correct the problem, move on.”

“Very perceptive.”

Eleanor made him go through his entire morning exercise routine while she watched, adding little comments here and there. She pushed him a little too, telling him ‘Five more dear.’ repeatedly throughout the routine. By the time he was allowed to stop she had bumped up the regimen by a good twenty-five percent.

“If you stay, the numbers you just did will be your new levels Thomas.” She said as he knelt sweating and slightly winded. “Your work here will be much more sedentary than at your last job.” She gave him a proprietary smile. “We don’t want you getting out of shape now do we?”

Tom shook his head. “No Mistress. That’s very thoughtful of you.”

“Thank you dear.” She held up her glass. “Thirsty?”

“Yes please Mistress.”

Eleanor took a drink and motioned Tom towards her. It was obvious she was holding the tea in her mouth. When he said he didn’t understand Melanie explained that he was to kiss her and take the tea that way. Tom felt his eyebrows quirk up in surprise. That was a new one.

He stepped into Mistresses arms, put his around her. She took him gently by the hair and pressed her mouth to his. He nervously opened his mouth, afraid of what would happen if he let anything spill on the expensive beige carpet. Mistress kissed him, passing the drink into his mouth as she did. Tom coughed a little as some tried to go down the wrong pipe but he swallowed and nothing spilled. Mistress’ tongue played in his mouth and he returned the kiss. He felt himself getting hard. His hands wandered up and down her back as she petted him. He took a swat when one hand drifted a bit too low.

Eleanor pulled back eventually. She kissed his lips and guided his mouth down to her neck. Tom kissed and licked the soft, tan skin. He was tempted to use his teeth but didn’t want to get hit again. He noticed that Mistress wasn’t one of those women who went in for a lot of perfume. Mostly she smelled of soap and desire. There was something there, a little musky but not overpowering. He decided he liked it and relaxed into her.

“That was….very nice.” Eleanor said when she pushed him back to his knees. She was flushed and there was a faint sheen of sweat on her skin.

Tom smiled and bowed his head. “Thank you Mistress. I enjoyed it too.”

“I can see that.” She said. Tom blushed.

Eleanor gave him a considering look. “I have to tell you Thomas; I’m very interested in you. My only concerns are your tendencies for violence and willfulness. I don’t tolerate either one. If you stay I would expect you leave both behind you. Do you think you can do that?”

Tom gave that some thought. “I think Mistress might be seeing more than is really there.” He said at length. “I’m a violent person. I don’t deny that. But as I’m sure Mistress Marie will tell you I never once raised a hand to anyone at the center. After Agent French pulled his sick, sadistic little prank on my wives I could have killed him before anyone stopped me. I chose not to. And just so we’re clear I’ve never once hit a woman I was in a relationship with. The fact that I’ll be your property doesn’t change things. A man does not strike the woman he’s with. Ever.”

God knew Nici had inspired him plenty of times. If he could keep his hands to himself under her influence he figured Mistress would be easy.

“As for my willfulness; it’s selective. Everyone in this world has things they just won’t do. Mine happens to be anything involving non-consensual sex.”

“It isn’t non-consensual if the contract holder consents on the servants behalf dear.”

  Tom rolled his eyes. “Mistress knows as well as I do that’s a load of legal tap dancing. And you said it yourself Mistress; there’s only three other people in the system who genuinely consented to be here. Everyone else got dragged kicking and screaming. Often literally. And as much as I’d like to stay and serve you I won’t do it if that’s the price.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry but I’ve enough on my conscience as it is.”

Eleanor thought about that. The idea of a servant, free or not, dictating terms to her set her temper on edge. At the same time, Thomas really was a prime specimen. He was intelligent and charming and had made her laugh repeatedly during the interview. The play of his muscles under his skin as he exercised had been exquisite to watch. And for all his stubbornness there was a submissive core that rose to the surface at the slightest provocation. The idea of having that kind of strength and beauty at her beck and call might just be worth a small compromise.

“If I agree to that one point what would I get in return dear?” She asked.

“You’d get me Mistress. All of me. I’m sure there’s stuff I’d probably dig my heels in over but I’d do my best to push past it. May I please make an observation?”

When Eleanor nodded Tom went on. “You used some canine terminology earlier. Running with that it sounds to me like what happened was you went to the puppy mill and got yourself some high-strung, over-bred little toy breed that was so inbred it was practically it’s own brother or sister. And the mental little thing went and bit you.

Let me guess, your last houseboy was a teenager? I’m guessing a product of the suburbs, probably spoiled and overindulged. Then one day Mommy and Daddy either get themselves dead or overextended financially. The collectors come and little Johnny-what’s-his-name winds up in the system. I’m betting Mistress Marie set that one up too. Probably saw some kid who buckled like a belt under the first real discipline he’s ever known. Figured he’d be the perfect little lapdog for you. Only he gets here and old instincts, old habits resurface. He gets too far up on his hind legs and things go to…well someplace I’m not sure I can say without getting hit. Am I about right?”

When Eleanor nodded he pressed on. “Right. So now you’re at the shelter looking at this kinda scruffy looking rescue dog. Thing looks like a stray, a mutt. Odds are they picked it up off the street eating out of a dumpster. Which I’ve done by the way. You know he’s been knocked around and he sure isn’t going to fit in your handbag like the last one did. But he knows better than to bite the hand that feeds him and will probably chew the balls right off anyone who raises a hand to you. He’s a biter but he’s smart enough to know when to bite and when to show his belly. Question is; do you roll the dice on the mutt or do you take home the yappy little thing in the next kennel? Because hey, the last toy breed you picked up worked out so well for you.”

He made a good point, even if he did skirt the edge of insubordination. Eleanor thought a moment, tapping her right indeed finger on her lower lip.

“I don’t tolerate my dogs biting anyone I don’t set them on dear.”

Tom clicked his tongue against the side of his teeth. “That’s a real shame Mistress.” He said. He cut a glance to Mistress Marie. “Mistress Marie there seemed to enjoy it when I used my teeth.” He gave an impish grin, almost daring her to hit him. Marie blushed deep red at the remark.

“Thomas! You really are incorrigible aren’t you?’

Tom shrugged. “Laugh when you can Mistress. I learned that a long time ago.”

“Good advice dear. But you understood what I meant.”

Tom bowed his head. “Perfectly Mistress. If I stay with you I’ll keep my hands to myself unless you specifically tell me otherwise.”

“It won’t be as easy a life as you seem to think you know.” Eleanor said. “The toys in my bedroom are only a fraction of my collection. There is a large room downstairs devoted to that kind of play. You and I will be spending a lot of time down there and you will probably cry yourself to sleep after some of our sessions.”

The frankness of the statement shook Tom a little. Here was someone who was as matter of fact about who they were as he was. And here was him on the brink of seven years helpless under her. Still, a guy could do way worse.

“I can accept that Mistress. Provided you can accept my position on sex with other indents.”

After a moments tense silence Eleanor said “My office is across the hall from my bedroom. There is a laptop on the desk and a carry-case beside the desk. You may use your hind legs coming back down the stairs. And fetch the bag the strap was hanging behind as well dear.” Tom practically flew out of the room.

When Tom returned he put the gym bag on the couch beside Mistress and set up the laptop, placing it in her lap. The errand had been a challenge. It was tricky holding the handles of both bags in his mouth at once. Something had kept making an odd chink chink noise in the gym bag. It was almost as if there was a handful of loose change rattling around in there. Mistress kicked off her sandals and wiggled her toes at Tom as she started doing something on the computer. Tom obeyed the unspoken command, taking hold of first one foot then the other, kissing and licking while he massaged them. She giggled and twitched a couple times when his  tongue tickled the sole of her foot.

“Read the highlighted section dear.” Mistress said when she was finished. “I will be sending a copy of this to your lawyer. No doubt your girls will have it by the end of the day.”

Tom looked at the screen. The section mentioned was a new addition to his contract. It was entitled ‘Right of Refusal.’ . The wording was very simple and straightforward. ‘Thomas shall enjoy the right of refusal in regard to intimate service with fellow indentured servants or anyone he has cause to believe is not a willing participant. Intimate services that fall under this description may not be coerced by use of force, threat of force, restraint, chemicals or deception. Violation of this clause shall constitute grounds for termination of the contract. The party or parties responsible shall be liable for monetary damages in the amount of the full initial value of Thomas’ contract irrespective of the amount of time served on the contract at the time of violation.’

Tom looked up at her. “That’s….very generous of you Mistress.”

“Yes,” she said looking down at him. “it is. I expect your behavior to reflect it.”

Tom bowed his head. “You have my word Mistress.”

“Good boy. Now go back upstairs to the office. I printed out a set of the house rules as well as your responsibilities and privileges. Do not read them until I hand them to you.”

This time when Tom came back held the folded papers out for Mistress to take from his mouth. She made him wait a moment while she talked to Mistress Marie about nothing in particular. When she did take the printout she paged through it briefly before handing it to him.

Tom read the document quickly. Most of it was about what he was expecting. There whole thing really boiled down to ‘Do as you’re told or you’ll wish you had and by the way here’s your list of household chores to do when I’m not fucking you.’ . There were sections on manners, proper terms of address, basic rules and the proper term for violations of each. The two things that caught Toms eye both fell under the heading of “privileges” . The first was labeled ‘Allowance: Thomas shall receive $20 each week allowance to spend as he sees fit subject to the following restrictions; no weapons of any kind. No cigarettes or illegal narcotics. No incendiary devices or chemicals of any description.’ . That was a pleasant little surprise even though Tom had no doubt Mistress tipped more than twenty bucks during an average week of lunches.

The second one was such a shock he had to re-read it to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. “Mistress,” he asked. His voice was getting tight and his eyes wanted to fill up. “is this for real?” He showed her the section.

Eleanor barely gave it a glance. “Yes Thomas it is. Is there a problem?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. That’s….that’s,” he cleared his throat. “more than anything I’d hoped for when I set out on this road.”

“I thought as much dear. Just remember; that is a privilege not a right. If you misbehave it goes away.”

“Fair.” Tom said simply.

The section that had hit him so hard read ‘Visitation: Thomas shall be allowed one unsupervised visit home per month and one monitored phone call with his family subject to rules outlined separately elsewhere. The visit shall be no less than eight hours and no more than fourteen hours in duration. The phone call shall be no less than five minutes and no more than ten minutes in duration. Thomas will remember at all times that this privilege may be expanded or curtailed at Mistress’ discretion based upon the needs of his service and his behavior.’

A hand pressed the pages down away from Toms face. His chin was cupped and a thumb brushed across one eye, coming away damp with unshed tears.

“Look at me puppy.” Eleanor said. Her voice was soft, gentle but left no question as to who was the alpha. Tom locked eyes with his new owner. “I will never try to supplant your wives in your heart Thomas. I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to do that. But I will” her grip tightened until it almost hurt. “be joining them there. The sooner you let me in, the easier things will be for you here. I can accept that you will always be their husband. But you are my dog . Are we clear?”

When Tom opened his mouth to answer Mistress put her thumb over his lips. She pulled back her hand and held it in from Tom’s mouth, fingers separated ever so slightly. Tom went to kiss her hand only to have it withdrawn with a slight shake of Mistresses head. She put her hand back in front of his mouth again and gave him a questioning look.

Tom thought about what he had just been told. He opened his mouth and extended the tip of his tongue. When the proffered hand wasn’t pulled away again he licked the fingers delicately, looking up at Mistress to gauge her reaction. She was smiling. Tom felt his face burn in a blush as his rear end seemed to wiggle of its own volition in the closest thing he could manage to a wag.

After a few licks Mistress stopped him with a gesture. She raised her hand slightly. It took Tom a few seconds to work out what she wanted but when he thought he understood he pushed his head under her hand, petting himself with it. He whimpered quietly, just a hint of sound.

Mistress held still while Tom rubbed his head a few times against her hand. Then she began petting him of her own volition.

“That’s my good boy.” She said, caressing his hair.

At her feet, Eleanor’s new dog all but glowed under his owners praise.