Beginning

The first slap came as a surprise, fast and light, stinging Elle's pride more than her flesh. She had closed her eyes when she felt Ben pushing into her, his rules momentarily forgotten, briefly lost as reluctance bloomed into pleasure with each inch of her body accepting his.

That was her first mistake.

She had two smacks left before he would deliver on his threat to abandon her, leaving her aching and hungry for release.

It's true after all, she realized with shame. Before tonight is over, I'll be begging him for that gag.

*

"I don't think it's going to work out," Elle sighed, gratefully accepting the lilac-hued martini balanced precariously in Abby's outstretched hand. "I really like him, but he might be too nice."

She scrunched her nose then paused, debating. "Does that make me an asshole?"

"Probably," Abby shrugged, sliding into her seat across the table. "He's also really hot. And funny. And smart. So yeah, you're probably the asshole."

"Thanks," Elle laughed and took a sip of her drink, but she worried that Abby was right. She'd known the girl for most of her life and there was always some scrap of honesty buried beneath her typically deadpan humor. Besides, everything Abby had said about Ben was true. He was incredibly attractive, charming, and knew how to make her laugh. Uninhibited by the opinions of others, he would sing every lyric to some corny pop song as confidently as he might answer a round of trivia, and yet he was never sarcastic or self-deprecating about his interests. What you saw was what you got, as far as Elle could figure.

Well, everything except for one blaring mystery, the single piece he'd kept off the table.

Sex.

Ben hadn't tried to sleep with her yet. He was a perfect gentleman, attentive and sweet, the kind of guy who kissed her goodnight at her doorstep, but that was as far as it went. Like they were eighteen instead of twenty-eight.

No, Elle realized, even an eighteen year old would have wriggled his hands beneath her shirt to feel her breasts or fumbled with the zipper of her pants by now. What the hell was going on? She decided to grab a quick drink with Abby before her date so she could mull it over.

"I think you should give him another chance," Abby insisted, swirling a dark, liquor-soaked cherry around her glass before popping it into her mouth. "He's clearly shy when it comes to that stuff."

"Maybe," Elle considered, "but how good is 'shy' sex going to be? I don't feel like playing teacher. Or leading an expedition to my clit." She giggled, imagining Ben with safari clothes and a map, trying to translate various routes to the female orgasm.

"Dude, he could be a beast," Abby raised an eyebrow. "You never know."

A beast? Elle laughed. Not likely. A lovable puppy, maybe, but certainly no wolf.

One more date, she thought, bringing the cocktail to her lips, the concoction both sharp and sweet on her tongue. She set down the drink again, lightly circling her finger around the rim.

One last shot.

*

They'd met through mutual friends, occasionally running into each other at parties and bars. There was always a hint of mischief in Ben's otherwise innocent face which made it impossible not to smile while talking to him. Elle noticed that he was often surrounded by women, yet this ever-present and vivacious flock of birds never seemed particularly intentional on his part. There was simply something infectious about his energy, especially if you were looking to unwind and have fun. Elle had always been too preoccupied with her own life and relationship drama to spend much time dwelling on it though; she enjoyed Ben's company and certainly didn't mind looking at him, but she never took him too seriously until suffering through a particularly nasty breakup.

Elle was heartbroken and barely pulled herself together enough to leave the house, terrified she might run into her ex at a party that night. Fortunately the ex never made an appearance, but Ben made Elle a drink and let her talk his ear off about it, never once complaining. He even managed to cheer her up, to offer the welcome distraction she sincerely needed, and that distraction helped her see him more clearly. Yes, he knew how to have a good time, and sure, he might be a bit of a flirt, but beneath the obvious he was also a genuinely good guy. He seemed to truly give a shit about her, which caught Elle by surprise.

Had she been looking the wrong way this whole time?

She approached it cautiously, not wanting to rush into anything after her breakup, and eventually they started hanging out and making plans independent of their shared acquaintances. They'd watched a couple movies, grabbed tacos, hit up an opening in town.

But they didn't fuck.

Elle would have assumed she'd been friend-zoned if not for the way Ben looked at her and the fact that he kissed her first. So what was he waiting for? Did he have some embarrassing secret? She'd spent more time than she cared to admit wondering about it, not knowing whether to blame herself or to give him credit for being so careful with her. Did he think it was too soon? Why hadn't he tried anything else?

She didn't understand and was tired of guessing. He needed to make a move but she wasn't going to push it. That wasn't her style.

She would follow his lead.

*

Ben picked her up a little before seven, driving to a new fusion restaurant he thought they'd both enjoy. He looked handsome as usual, a casual plaid shirt rolled to his elbows. Elle kept staring at his forearms, imagining how they tightened as he jerked himself off. Was he as sexually frustrated as she was? She wondered if he touched himself after their dates or if the thought never crossed his mind. She masturbated immediately after most of them, but maybe he charmed women so easily because he didn't care either way.

She pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind, enjoying their playful banter throughout dinner, learning more about his family and friends. They were both transplants to this city, buzzing in with all the other bright-eyed college students then staying behind to work as most of their swarm dispersed throughout the country again. He showed her some of his latest projects and made her laugh with tales of his colleagues, letting her sample his entree after jokingly swatting her off. After the meal Ben took her to catch some new indie flick everyone seemed to be raving about; Elle was unfamiliar with the director but Ben promised her his other films had all been solid. The movie was surprisingly sad and beautiful, and occasionally Ben would reach for her hand or gently touch her arm, his clear affection towards her only solidifying her guilt over their inevitable breakup. By the time the credits rolled and he asked if she'd like to grab a drink, Elle felt so disheartened that she simply shrugged and announced she would probably turn in for the night.

She stole the occasional glance in Ben's direction during the ride home, but his expression was calm and he kept the conversation pleasant, seemingly oblivious to the unspoken ultimatum choked in Elle's throat.

Fuck me, or else...

Parking the car outside her apartment, a clear path through fallen leaves.

The sweet, damp scent of an autumn night.

Kissing Elle softly before stepping back down.

Waiting for her to say goodbye.

"Ben..." Elle began, disappointed that this was how it would end. Should she tell him right away or call him later? He deserved better than a text but it would be so hard to have that conversation on her front steps.

Before she could decide, his eyes met hers. Searching. Questioning.

"Can I come up with you for a bit?"

Hoping.

Elle's face flushed and the warmth spread instantly throughout her body. Yes. Yes, that would be alright. God, yes, that would be alright.

"Of course," she smiled, delighted, hoping he wouldn't notice the slight tremble of her fingers.

She led him up to her apartment, barely closing the door before his hands were turning her around. Bringing her lips to his.

Elle kissed him back, cautiously at first and then passionately, breathing in his scent, dizzy at the sensation of his tongue moving against hers. She pressed her hips against his body, unable to contain how desperately she wanted to feel him. How ravenous she was after holding back the last few months.

Ben's mouth was on her neck. Kissing. Biting.

His hand in her hair as his lips moved to her earlobe.

"Undress for me," he whispered.

Elle was surprised but aroused by this unexpected command, carefully lifting her thin sweater and unbuttoning her pants. Stepping out of them slowly.

His eyes travelled along her body, the deep emerald lingerie contrasting with her lightly tanned skin, memories of summer beginning to fade.

"All of it," he said softly.

She obeyed, feeling suddenly shy as she unhooked her bra and slid her panties down her thighs. She was fully nude now, naked and vulnerable in front of him, her pulse racing. He said nothing, but took a step back to admire her, her chest rising and falling with each anxious breath.

Ben reached out to brush a smooth brown wave behind her shoulder then drew his fingertips down her neck and collarbone, tracing the tan-lines accenting her breasts, her nipples dark and pink and tight. He circled one gently and cupped his hand around her, easily filling his palm with her pert tit. He gave a small tug on her nipple and she sighed, closing her eyes. She wanted to watch him as he looked at her but she felt inexplicably embarrassed, as though something was happening that she couldn't quite understand. She had never expected Ben to be so forward, to know what he wanted so surely and entirely. If there had been signs, she'd been too self-absorbed to see them. Now she felt at least two steps behind.

He moved his hand down along Elle's stomach, her heart pounding, ribs barely able to contain her expanding lungs as Ben's fingertips brushed the small patch of dark hair between her legs, moving lightly to her bare slit. This was the moment she loved the most, the moment he would part her and see how wet she was. How ready she was to be taken.

But he stopped just shy of opening her and feeling how much she wanted him. Maybe he already knew.

His fingers moved instead to his pants, silently unbuttoning and unzipping them. Elle didn't need to be told what to do, she found herself naturally, hungrily moving to prove that she was worth the wait. She helped release his erection from his pants and let out a small moan.

Jesus, Ben's dick was larger than she'd expected.

No wonder he was so confident.

She knelt down and brought his head into her mouth, tasting the salt of his smooth, warm flesh. Her hand moving to his shaft, tightening firmly around his impressive girth.

Sucking him was going to be a challenge, but Elle had always secretly loved the feeling of a cock in her mouth. And now Ben's cock was in her mouth.

Ben's cock. Her mouth.

She thought the words again as she throbbed, the juices of her arousal beginning to run. She sucked him greedily until he told her to slow down, to take her time, tilting her chin up to face him.

Elle flushed, embarrassed. She nodded, and slowed her pace for him, filling her throat steadily and deliberately with his thick penis, pulling her circled hand along his length.

Ben ran his fingers through her soft hair then began to push. He wanted it faster now.

"God, you're good at this," he exhaled. "You actually like it, don't you? It shows."

Elle couldn't respond but his words made her feel proud, fervent in her desire to please him.

"You're an incredible little cock sucker, Elle," he continued. Pausing as his breaths quickened.

She sighed around him.

"So perfect with my dick in your mouth."

Fuck, Elle squirmed. Every word from his lips as he watched her kneeling on the ground, pressing his body into hers like she was starving, only made her wetter. Her cunt glistened with her mess, the lubrication spreading down between her cheeks whenever she moved.

Ben moaned and suddenly pulled her head back, smacking his cock against her tongue, hot streams of semen hitting the back of her throat and lazily dripping down her chin.

Elle swallowed it gratefully, surprised once more. She thought maybe he'd only wanted her to tease him before they slept together, or maybe he recovered quickly. She wiped her chin gently and stood, praying he'd touch her again.

She nestled her head against his chest then kissed his throat, guiding his hand between her legs.

He pulled it back and brought it to her jaw.

"Look at me, hon," he told her.

Elle's eyes met his, bright and wide but always with that sparkle of mischief.

"I'm not going to make you cum tonight," he announced, a small smile spreading across his face.

Elle stepped back, confused. Did she hear him correctly?

"Why not?" She asked, realizing she may have severely underestimated Ben after all.

"You were going to break it off tonight, right?" Ben grinned. "Maybe even by text?"

Elle's face burned, she knew he could see the answer in the blush creeping across it, in the redness of her ears. She suddenly felt very aware of the disparity in their clothing as she stood before him, naked and dumb.

"How'd you know?" She asked quietly, her hands shaking again as she debated dressing, covering herself.

"Because you're impatient," Ben laughed, not cruelly but as though it was simply an amusing fact. "Almost bratty about it."

Elle was shocked. Nobody had ever called her a brat before. Hell, no one had ever talked to her like this before, period.

"I waited!" She countered indignantly. "I was patient with you, Ben. I waited a couple of months!"

"No."

He shook his head, still smiling.

"You waited because you're submissive, not because you're patient. You needed me to make that first move, no matter how badly you wanted it. I just needed to know."

It dawned on Elle slowly that he'd been testing her, that he wasn't waiting out of shyness but to understand her character better. To see if she was a fit.

She'd never been called submissive before. Aggressive, outspoken, bossy, but never submissive. Most people would have assumed she was the opposite. Was Ben right? How could he have known? She felt angry in that moment, exposed, eager to prove him wrong and to tell him to fuck off for tricking her like this.

He noticed she was glaring at him and he reached for her hand. She didn't pull back even though she knew that she should.

"Don't pout," he said softly, attempting to calm her while still clearly entertained. "Seriously, Elle, your total inability to wait for what you want is one of the things I like about you, and there are a lot of things I like about you. But you need to learn patience and obedience if this is going to work."

For the first time in her life, Elle was silent. There was so much she wanted to say, words flooded her mind but rushed by too quickly for her to collect any cohesive thought. She was stunned.

"Which is why you're not getting off tonight," Ben continued, taking advantage of her momentary speechlessness. "Not by me, and not by yourself. You don't cum unless I tell you to."

Elle pulled her hand away, incredulous, laughing.

"Seriously?" She crossed her arms, briefly forgetting her own nudity, her breasts squeezed together defiantly. "Why the fuck would I listen?"

Ben shrugged but he didn't frown. The question was rhetorical to him, the answer a simple fact of life. Something undeniable.

"Walk me to the front door?" He asked.

Elle had to laugh again. The night was so far from her expectations that she felt upside down, aroused one moment, then irritated, intrigued the next. But beneath it all, she still wanted Ben. She still cared about him.

And maybe.

Just maybe.

Maybe he was right about her.

Maybe he knew something she didn't.

Elle shook her head in disbelief but she was no longer upset, she was curious. She just needed time to think. "Alright," she relented, her voice thoughtful. "I'll walk you out, just let me get dressed."

"No," Ben responded quietly. "Like that. Just to the front door. Payment for questioning me."

He wanted her to walk him down the steps naked? He had to be kidding.

"I think I already paid you back for that," she retorted, reaching for her panties.

Ben took them lightly from her hand and smiled, casually running a finger between her legs. "I know you liked that as much as I did."

Oh, fuck it, Elle thought, exasperated and annoyed by how easily her body betrayed her. Frustrated by how badly she wanted him to push that finger inside of her and make her squirm, how voraciously she craved being filled by him. If this is what she had to do for more...

Here goes nothing.

She opened her door and waited for him to exit, but he lifted his hand and bowed a little.

"After you."

Elle gave him a small punch in the arm. Ben wanted to watch her ass, obviously. Fine then, she decided. She'd give him a show.

Elle proceeded down the shared apartment steps, terrified that at any moment one of the doors might open and reveal her nudity to a surprised neighbor. She knew nothing about most of them, and the idea that they might soon know every intimate detail and curve of her body was horrifying to Elle, but she didn't want to let Ben see that.

She finally reached the bottom of the stairs, the two floors below her seemingly stretching for miles. Ben gave her a light slap on her ass as she opened the front door for him. She wanted to close it immediately but he held it open, her nipples fully erect as the cool evening air made her increasingly aware of the wetness remaining between her legs.

He kissed her hard this time, as though he wanted to communicate every thought of that evening with her. Lust, affection, power.

Headlights zoomed by as a car honked.

"Fuck!" Elle squealed, covering herself behind the door and laughing. Ben was cracking up too.

"I'm sorry!" He laughed, the weight of the moment collapsing. "Honestly, I didn't think anyone would be out right now."

He was back to being the Ben she knew, sweet and caring. Eternally amused.

"To be fair though," he smiled at her, "You look fucking amazing. This was absolutely worth the wait."

Elle smiled, narrowing her eyes suspiciously as she peered out from behind the door.

"We'll see," she replied, pushing it closed once more.

We'll see.

*

The moment she was forbidden from masturbating, everything seemed to turn Elle on.

After Ben left she wanted to touch herself immediately, but for some inexplicable reason she couldn't. Achingly, she fondled her own breasts and touched her swollen lips, then plunged a finger into her soaked hole, imagining how it might feel stretched around his cock, but she couldn't bring herself to go any further. She eventually went to bed, tucked beneath the soft white cover with a pillow between her knees as usual, but she found herself incrementally pulling the pillow higher and higher, her legs wrapped around it. She moved her hips slowly, her hands pressing the padding harder against her body, shamelessly rubbing her clit against the fabric. God, she wanted to cum. Her face felt flushed and she let out a soft gasp, realizing how humiliated she would be if Ben ever saw her doing this, grinding her pussy against a pillow with such naked desperation.

Stopping when she realized how disappointed he'd be if he knew she hadn't listened to his instructions.

Elle flung the pillow at the wall in frustration. What the hell had he done to her?

Why was she even listening to him?

She listened though. And waited. He didn't call on Sunday, and left her waiting all of Monday too.

Finally, Tuesday, early afternoon, Elle received a text.

Throw your panties in the garbage, now. Show me when it's done.

Elle laughed abruptly, loudly enough that Rebecca in the cubicle beside her glared in her direction.

Well...?

Elle swallowed. She could do this easily enough. She rose from her desk and made the short trek to the restroom, scanning beneath the stalls for unwanted company. The bathroom was empty so she quickly pulled down her panties and stuffed them into the garbage can, snapping a picture to send to Ben.

Good, he responded. Now I need to tell you something...

Elle waited, obsessively checking her phone to see what he sent. Finally it chirped and his message flashed on her screen.

If we're going to be together, then you belong to me. Every inch of you. Every opening, whenever and however I want them.

Elle swallowed.

While she wasn't comfortable with some implications of that statement, she couldn't stop reading it.

Every opening. However I want them.

She imagined being Ben's fucktoy, every orifice of her body there for him to enjoy in whatever manner he saw fit.

She considered the things he could do to her.

Things she would never let him do.

Would she?

The longer she thought about it, the more her body responded. Her mind flashed through taboo possibilities without her permission, images of his fingers and cock in her pussy, her mouth, her ass. Tasting and violating each of her holes. Claiming them with different objects.

Doing it all over again.

That was it. She felt filthy but she needed to touch herself or she might actually implode. Staring at the mockup on her computer screen, she debated whether she had a moment to sneak back into the restroom to find the release that she needed, Ben's moratorium be damned. Elle checked the time.

Fuck. They had a town hall in fifteen. Where had the day gone?

She reached beneath her thighs discreetly, checking her skirt to see if she'd penetrated the thin material with her arousal.

She had absolutely soaked through it.

She glanced over at Rebecca, who would surely notice and bring down the inquisition if she stayed at her desk. She couldn't exactly stand up with such an obvious wet spot either. Panicked, she made a rash decision, her heart pounding beneath her breast.

"Shit!" She cried, knocking a mug of lukewarm green tea off her desk and into her lap.

Rest in peace, skirt, she thought as the liquid warmed her thighs. God, did Ben owe her one.

"OMG Elle, are you ok?" Rebecca asked, clearly delighted. Elle hated that she spelled "OMG" instead of just saying it, but she inhaled calmly, resisting any urge which might draw more attention to herself.

"I'm fine, it wasn't too hot," she insisted, bowing her head. "I think I'm going to work from home for the day though. I'll see you tomorrow."

God dammit, Ben! Elle texted her from her car, laughing. She told him what happened, the mess he'd both intentionally and unintentionally made.

I'll buy you a new skirt, I promise, he responded.

... glad it worked.

An ellipsis remained on the screen. She wanted to respond but she waited for him to finish. Patience. She was learning.

You can touch yourself now, it finally read. You earned it.

Elle bit her lip, I'm sitting in my car.

Even better, Ben texted.

I want you to finger yourself and show me how hard you cum. I want to see your fingers dripping.

Jesus. Elle glanced around. The parking garage looked empty, everyone she knew would be at the meeting anyways. She could pull it off.

Why not?

She shifted her hips and lifted the damp skirt, bringing her hand down to her pussy. She couldn't believe how wet his previous text had gotten her, the sheer amount of honey her cunt was producing for him.

She masturbated quickly, aggressively, unbuttoning her shirt enough to slip in a hand to tease her nipple, her face red. Sweat beading on her forehead.

Elle flung her head back and a soft cry escaped her lips. She whispered Ben's name as she climaxed, closing her eyes while each wave of pleasure washed through her. Breathless and disheveled, she thrust two fingers into her drenched pussy before pulling them back out, shining and wet. She sent Ben a photograph.

Good girl, his response read. Dinner later?

Elle smiled, her heart racing with nervous excitement.

If I'm free, she wrote back coyly.

You're free. My apartment, 8.

*

Elle knocked on Ben's door and took a deep breath, ears attuned to the sound of his steps pacing through his living room towards her. She crossed and uncrossed her arms anxiously, unsure what to do with her limbs, then adjusted the cardigan she'd worn over a simple burgundy dress, well aware of how innocent the combination made her appear. She hoped he would like it.

The door opened and Ben smiled down at her, leaning in to give her a kiss.

"Good day?" He grinned.

Elle was half tempted to lightly punch him again.

"It was interesting, that's for sure," she admitted, blushing a little before reminding herself that it was just Ben. She didn't need to feel self-conscious around him, and yet...

"I'm starving by the way, are we going out or ordering in?" She asked, rapidly changing the subject.

The sensation she felt being near Ben again was unexpected, as though she was suddenly bending towards some invisible force. Pulled by something dark and magnetic. Usually confident, she felt unsteady. Usually sarcastic, she felt shy. She kept picturing herself kneeling on the floor in front of him that night, naked, desperate to prove how much she could please him. She couldn't stop thinking about how badly she'd wanted it, how obvious it must have been to him, the way he'd belittled yet encouraged her. If he'd demanded to cum on her face in that moment she would have closed her eyes and let him paint every feature, marking her as his. All of this for a man she had thought was too sweet to fuck her, too scared to make a move. And now here she was, already beginning to follow his directions. Waiting for her rewards.

Wondering about his punishments.

She cleared her throat and tugged nervously at the hem of her dress. Get it together, she thought.

"I already ordered some Pad Thai for you," he announced happily, seemingly unaware of the projector in her head. "It's from that place you mentioned."

Elle couldn't believe he recalled some restaurant she'd spoken of in passing, a place they'd never even been to together, but Ben had always paid attention to details. It was one of the things she adored about him.

"God, thank you. That sounds amazing right now," she sighed wistfully, following him to the dining area.

The lights were dim but Elle noticed immediately that the table was only set for one, a pair of smooth, glossy red chopsticks set out beside the plate.

"I already ate," Ben said mischievously.

"Why would you do that?" She asked, confused.

He paused for a moment, then leaned in close.

"Because I want to feed you."

Elle nearly snorted. "I'm an adult Ben, I can feed myself."

"Not while you're naked..."

Another pause.

"... and bound."

Elle took a small step backwards and cocked her head.

"You want to tie me to a chair and feed me?"

"I'm not tying you to the chair," he replied matter-of-factly, "I'm tying your wrists together."

Right, she thought, I guess that makes all the difference.

Elle had imagined plenty of sexual situations throughout the day, but this was certainly not one of them. Being bound and fed didn't sound particularly arousing to her, although at the very least it sounded amusing. And if it would make him happy...

Well, she'd try most anything once.

"When in Rome," she smiled shyly, shrugging and reaching up to pull off her cardigan.

"No," Ben stopped her, soft yet unmistakably commanding, just as it was when she stripped for him before. "I want to undress you today."

He unbuttoned Elle's sweater slowly, slipping the soft cashmere off of her shoulders. Kissing the few freckles on her newly exposed skin. Elle closed her eyes.

"Open them," Ben insisted, his voice nearing a growl.

Elle complied without hesitation, watching as his fingers slid the straps of her dress down, trembling when she felt them teasing its zipper lower, pulling her clothing to the ground. He circled her like she was his prey, touching everything that he wished, watching her response. Noting each shiver and sigh, each sudden inhalation when he brushed against her nipple, kissed the nape of neck, trailed his fingers between her legs. The urgent glance and flush of her cheeks when he lightly pressed his thumb to her throat.

Ben unclasped her bra and tossed it onto the floor, hungrily appraising Elle's tits. They were average in size but perky, thrust forward for his attention. He gently rolled a soft and swollen nipple until it became stiff, then did the same to the other. Elle shifted her weight, squeezing her thighs together. It was obvious how sensitive her breasts were. He noted that too.

He hooked his fingers into her sheer cream panties and gave a leisurely tug, moving them downwards until her slit was exposed. He knelt as he pulled the fabric lower, touching her hips then softly kissing the smooth lips of her pussy, running his fingertips all the way down her long legs. He stood afterwards and walked around her once more, cupping his hand around her ass, smacking it abruptly, hard enough that it stung. Elle gasped. She liked it, and he saw that she did.

He was testing her once more.

"Stay," he ordered, momentarily leaving the room before returning with a small silk rope and a black blindfold.

Elle remained silent as he tied her wrists behind her back, tugging to make sure the pressure was just right. She'd never been restrained like this before, and a small part of her was frightened by it despite her trust in Ben. Somewhere else, however, somewhere deeper, a part of her was excited, aroused by how completely powerless she suddenly felt. Was this part of her newly formed or had it been there all along, running through her veins, a need as vital as her own blood? Had Ben felt it in her pulse or was it simply a lucky guess?

What else could he feel?

"Sit down," Ben instructed, sliding the chair out as Elle obeyed. She sat, her body facing his chair.

"You don't have to blindfold me," she blurted, aware of her growing disadvantages.

"It will make everything better," he replied calmly, tilting her head so that he could kiss her. "Trust me."

Elle fidgeted but nodded, letting him slide the covering over her eyes. It could be fun, she thought. Like one of those restaurants where the diners eat in darkness, their limited senses enhancing the flavor and texture of every dish. She admittedly felt a bit like a baby bird at first, tilting her head upwards as Ben slipped each delectable bite against her tongue, but her complete dependence and helplessness began to grow into something more erotic. A nibble of food followed by a kiss to her throat, fingers brushing against her ribs. A sip of wine, cool and crisp, before the chilled glass grazed her sternum or the underside of her breast. She discovered her hunger had subsided and a different kind had grown in its place. Masturbation had done little to calm the desire she'd felt after the night she'd sucked Ben's cock so eagerly.

She let him feed her, savoring each mouthful, but Elle needed something stronger. A heavier touch, maybe. Something less delicate.

Ben understood of course, he was only making her wait.

She couldn't see when he turned the chopsticks around, but she felt him trail them down her breast, teasing the smooth red ends against her nipple.

"Ben," she started, afraid. "Don't..."

The word barely escaped her lips when he squeezed, clamping down suddenly, the tip of her nipple darkening in his grip.

"Ben!" Elle gasped, shocked and aching. "What the fuck are you..."

He tugged.

A small whimper.

He released her nipple and she felt his mouth, warm and soothing, caressing where he'd just inflicted pain. Elle was stunned. He'd briefly, but genuinely, hurt her. Still...

"Again," she whispered. Surprising herself.

She couldn't see him grin but she felt it.

Her body jerked as he abused her other nipple, holding her breath as he pulled it taut, sighing as he calmed her once more with his lips.

Sharp, then sweet.

Pain, then pleasure.

Again.

Elle simultaneously hated it and couldn't get enough, she felt objectified and adored, humiliated and intensely erotic. Her body was in his hands and he had made that abundantly clear. Ben could make her cum from this alone she realized, an embarrassing secret unwillingly revealed by her soft moans and writhing. She heard him laugh.

Fuck dinner, Elle decided. She was ready for what came next.

"I'm done," she announced.

Ben stood and cleared the table, then helped her to her feet. He kissed her gently, his hand on her hips.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" He asked.

But Elle did something else unexpected.

She lied.

"No," she responded, unsure why she was withholding the truth when it was so obvious to them both.

"No?" Ben asked, lifting her blindfold.

Elle held eye contact as best as she could, feeling slightly ashamed by how much she'd enjoyed having her breasts assaulted by him only moments before.

"Not at all," she exhaled.

"Look at me, Elle," Ben demanded as he moved his hand from her waist. Her eyes locked with his as his fingers parted her then thrust into her body, the small squelch of her arousal audible to them both. Elle's face turned red but she didn't look away as he began to fuck her with his fingers, her heart pounding.

God, it felt good.

"See what a slut you are?" He asked, still casually pushing his fingers in and out of her. "You can't hide it, and you sure as fuck can't lie about it."

Elle began grinding back against his hand. She was so goddamn close.

"Look at you, fucking my hand right now. You almost came just from having your tits played with, didn't you? Tell me the truth."

Elle shook her head no, hopelessly lying again.

Ben pulled out his fingers and wiped them down her arm, dragging a wet streak across her skin.

"Bend over the table, now."

"Please," she begged.

"Now."

Elle pressed her chest flat against the table, shaking, her backside completely vulnerable, wrists still tied. She felt Ben's hand grab her ass cheek, squeezing it. She knew how exposed she was when he pulled her that way, spreading her, and she moved to stand up when suddenly,

SMACK.

She let out a small yelp.

"You've got to stop lying, Elle."

Another caress.

Another sharp smack.

Elle gasped, her ass bouncing back against his hand, reddening with each hit.

Again, she thought.

SMACK.

Again.

"Tell me what a nasty little slut you are, Elle. Tell me how badly you want to get fucked. Tell the truth."

SMACK.

The last slap missed and stung the lips of Elle's pussy, making her moan and arch her back, widening her stance so he'd have a better shot.

Again, she silently pleaded. God, please again.

Ben slapped her pussy more deliberately this time and she jerked.

"Say it," he demanded.

SMACK.

"I'm a fucking slut," Elle gasped, breathless.

SMACK.

"I'm a slut and I want your cock so fucking badly. Please, Ben. Please just fuck me..."

SMACK.

SMACK.

Elle cried out. She was drenched, her juices dripping and coating Ben's fingers.

She'd never been spanked like this before.

She fucking loved it.

He pushed two fingers back into her warm, wet opening and began to rub. In and out.

In and out.

Elle returned the pressure and reared back, sighing, losing herself in the sensation of being finger-fucked by Ben.

He groped her ass with his other hand, spreading her, and began teasing it while his fingers kept thrusting in and out of her tight cunt.

In and out.

"You like this don't you?" He growled.

"Yes," Elle panted. She was terrified that he might take advantage of her position but the fear only made her push back more desperately against the rhythm of his hand.

In and out.

"You're such a pretty whore, Elle. Showing me yourself like this. I want you to know I appreciate it, I want you to cum for me."

Elle heard Ben spit but was still unprepared for the finger he plunged into her ass, moving it with the others.

In and out.

"Ben!" She cried out, shocked.

But it sent her over the edge. She squeezed her eyes shut, an indecipherable sound escaping her throat as she began to spasm around his fingers, moaning, cumming hard as he slowed his pace for her.

"Good girl," she heard him exhale, carefully removing his fingers from her newly limp body. He left her that way, panting and tied, bent over the table as she struggled to regain her composure. She couldn't believe he'd done that, the way he'd spoken to her, the way she came for him. She wondered whether she should feel embarrassed but was still too surprised to feel much beyond a pure and encompassing satisfaction. Ben, her Ben, who was always so sweet, was someone else entirely when it came to sex. Someone she had never seen before. Had she simply missed the clues?

He returned to untie her, gently, rubbing her sore wrists with care.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Elle nodded, immediately self conscious. What did he think of her now?

"Let's go to the bedroom," he said softly, gently guiding her with his palm against the small of her back.

When they entered the room Ben turned on a small bedside lamp and opened the covers for her. Elle slid beneath them, wondering what came next. She watched as Ben stripped down to his underwear, the first time she'd ever seen his body. She felt a familiar ache between her legs at seeing him undress, silently hoping he'd take it all off so that she could see everything. He slipped into the bed beside her though, and despite feeling slightly disappointed, Elle suddenly realized how badly she'd been wanting to touch him. To casually feel his arms wrapped around her.

She snuggled up against him, savoring his warmth and cherishing the feeling of her smooth flesh against his strong body, kissing his chest and neck. She pressed her mouth onto his and he kissed her back, running his hand through her hair.

Elle started to giggle.

"I can't believe you did that."

"Did what?" Ben grinned, "Stuck a finger in your ass?"

"Yes!" Elle blushed.

"To be fair, I did warn you."

Elle recalled his text message from earlier and gave a small laugh.

"Yeah, you did," she had to concede.

She nestled in closer and they were both quiet for a moment, their breaths slow and comfortable. Aligned.

Elle broke the silence first, delicately. Tentatively.

"... what is this?" She asked, her voice soft and unsure.

Ben looked down at her.

"What do you mean? What is this, like, what are we? Officially?"

"No," Elle shook her head. "I mean yes, maybe. But what is this? The things we do, the way you talk to me during them. What are we doing?"

"You don't like it?" He asked, concerned.

"I do like it," Elle reassured him, "I really like it actually, I just have no idea what I'm doing."

Ben shifted so that he was facing her and brushed the hair away from her face.

"You want the honest to god truth?" His fingers traced her jawline.

Elle nodded.

"I don't know what I'm doing either."

Elle was in disbelief. The attitude, the orders, his confidence that she would always behave a certain way, all signs suggested Ben knew exactly what he was doing, and she said so.

Ben laughed, "I'm glad you think that, but I really don't. I just had a feeling about you. I guess whatever this is, it started a while ago. I dated this girl who was pretty obviously submissive, but I don't think either of us totally understood what it was at the time. There was a lot of talking dirty, aggressively, and she liked being told what to do, so I told her what to do and we both loved it. It kind of woke something up for me."

Elle nodded, this she understood. She let him continue.

"I've gone back to the usual since then but it's like there's always something missing. I liked being in charge. I liked having someone give themselves to me that way. I guess I got the feeling you might be looking for that too."

"But the blindfold, the rope..." Elle narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

Ben flushed red, his turn to be embarrassed for a change, and confessed, "I got those for you. I actually had to research how to tie that rope- most of what I know so far is what I've looked up. Seriously, if I saved my browser history I'd show it to you."

He let out another abrupt laugh, "I mean, you might be horrified, but I'd show you. Anyway, what I'm saying is that I'm new at this too. I'm learning."

Elle squeezed him and he pulled her in tighter, kissing the top of her head.

"Well, you're certainly full of surprises," she smiled mischievously, reaching her hand down between his legs and running her fingertips along his impressive cock. "I definitely wasn't expecting this."

Elle began jerking him slowly.

"I'm up for the challenge," she whispered.

"I'll bet you are," he laughed. "Can I ask you something about earlier?"

"Sure," Elle replied, still stroking his erection.

"Can you really cum just from having your nipples teased?"

"Oh god," Elle buried her face into his chest. Her ears burning. "Apparently I can. Is that weird? That's weird, right?"

"I mean, it's probably not super common," Ben acknowledged, circling her soft, pink areola, "but I don't think it's weird, I think it's sexy as hell. We should definitely get you a set of clamps."

"I think I'd like that," Elle admitted. "I think I'd like learning with you..."

She kissed his stomach.

"... but right now? Right now I think I'd like to suck your dick again."

Down to his waist.

Ben grinned, pulling out his cock.

"Then get at it you dirty little cumslut."

"Mmmmmm," Elle sighed, loving the sound of his voice degrading her.

Again.

*

The next morning Elle woke Ben up with her mouth wrapped around him once more, sucking as his soft dick became stiff and engorged against her tongue. He pushed her back onto the bed when he was close, finishing himself with his hand, and she squeezed her breasts together while he came, thin ropes of milky semen splashing against her nipples and running down her cleavage. She let him take a picture of her that way, wet and glistening, aroused by the idea of him looking at it later, thinking of her while he came. He fucked her again with his fingers, teasing her clit with the occasional slap, watching her writhe and tremble as she climaxed with his hand around her throat, breasts still covered in cum.

But they didn't fuck.

Elle thought about it all day at work, stopping herself when she noticed she was subconsciously rocking her body against her chair. Her face burned and she prayed nobody else had noticed. Ben was going to drive her crazy.

She needed to have sex or she was going to fucking lose it.

They weren't hanging out that night so she texted him, begging him for permission to masturbate.

Only if you imagine me pinning you down and fucking you from behind while you do it, came his response.

Elle couldn't think about anything else afterwards, and the immediate pleasure her vibrator usually brought seemed laughably shallow and delicate in comparison. She felt hollow where she wanted to be filled, to be stretched as far as she could take it. She wanted that tiny ounce of pain mixed in with the inevitable pleasure of Ben's cock pounding into her. She wanted to be pinned down, or tied up, to be groped and smacked and treated like an absolute whore who existed for no other purpose. And then, only when they were both completely exhausted and spent, she wanted to lie in bed with him again and nuzzle against his shoulder, to feel safe and adored.

To be understood.

She fell asleep that night with difficulty, lacking the satisfaction she needed to drift off wholly and peacefully. Counting down the hours instead of sheep, Elle imagined the sort of things her and Ben might do, the type of things he might say during them. She was surprised by how much she liked being demeaned and insulted, the occasional compliments he slipped in alongside them. She loved the contrast between how sweet and caring he was when they curled up next to each other, or went out for dinner or drinks, with how aggressive he was while they fooled around. It was like dating two different people, both completely attuned to her own conflicting needs. It was unexpected, and it was delicious.

Elle wanted to call Abby, to tell her everything and to gush about the secret Ben was packing, but she restrained herself. Whatever was happening, right now it was just between the two of them, and she liked it that way. To be perfectly honest, the idea that Ben was one person to the rest of the world and someone else just for her turned her on. She could glance at a picture of him out with friends and imagine him ramming his thick cock down her throat, telling her what a slut she was for enjoying it. A seemingly innocent expression became a memory of the way he smiled at her whenever he finally let her cum, the calm grin of someone in complete control.

She gave it to him gladly. Willingly.

He could take whatever he wanted.

*

After what felt like an eon, Friday finally rolled around. Elle was giddy all day, Rebecca even noticed and asked what had gotten into her. Elle wanted to reply that it wasn't what had gotten into her, but what was about to.

She chose her outfit carefully, chestnut hair pulled back, a thin black turtleneck and a short pencil skirt, no bra. He liked the way she looked without one. Stockings, thigh high. A little on the nose but fuck it, it was cold outside and they were a classic for a reason. He could shred them to pieces for all Elle cared.

She arrived a little bit later than agreed, hoping the disrespect might earn her another spanking, but Ben just smiled and kissed her and took her coat, eyeing her outfit approvingly.

"You look fantastic," he exhaled, his gaze lingering. "I got us both gifts but I don't know that I can wait until later..."

His hand grazed her breast, her nipples jutting out prominently against the dark fabric. Elle sighed. Ben reached for a box near the entrance, black with a matching ribbon.

"What is this?" Elle asked, gently untying the smooth satin bow. She lifted the lid off the box and cautiously lifted the folded tissue paper to reveal the contents beneath it. It was something resembling a dog collar, with two chains attached to a set of silver and black clamps.

"Take off your sweater," Ben instructed.

Elle lifted the turtleneck above her head, nervously smoothing back her hair. Each time she undressed in front of him felt new, like he was examining a present of his own.

Ben slipped the collar around Elle's neck and closed it. He adjusted what appeared to be small screws attached to the clamps and then told Elle to take a deep breath. She closed her eyes and he pulled her nipple taut, then clamped the rubber-coated metal down.

Elle winced. "Jesus, fuck," she gasped, bending over. The chain dangled from her breast, her nerves registering every tug and sway of it.

But god, it felt good.

She straightened her spine again, and exhaled slowly through pursed lips. Round two.

She thought she'd be better prepared this time but the initial pinch still caught her off guard, the following sensation registering between her legs as much as her breasts. How could this feel so horrible and incredible at the same time?

Ben gave a small yank on the chain, grinning, and Elle moaned. He rubbed her, fingering her sore nipples in a circular motion and watching as her breathing became heavier.

"Yeah," he laughed, taking in the sight of her- ponytail, chains, clamps and skirt. "This will work.

"Now take off your panties," he told her.

Elle complied gladly, tugging the thin, sheer thong down her legs, getting even wetter as the chains dangled and shook.

"Crawl to the couch."

"What?" She asked, surprised.

"Crawl," Ben repeated. His tone unmistakably conveying that he wouldn't repeat himself again.

Elle knelt on the floor, unsure of herself, and began to crawl.

"Slower."

She moved slowly, her chains hanging and her skirt riding up as she made her way to Ben's couch. She felt his eyes on her, and for a moment she wished she'd worn something longer then quickly realized she didn't care what he saw. The thought of him watching her down on the ground, obeying, made her clit throb as much as the attention from the clamps did.

"Lie down on the rug," he instructed her.

Elle turned slowly, and reclined back against the soft carpet, a pink hue spreading over her face and breasts.

"I want you to make yourself cum for me."

"Ben?"

"Now."

Elle swallowed nervously, and lifted her hips so she could slide her skirt over her ass.

"Look at me," he said softly.

Elle wanted to look away but she didn't. She fingered herself for him, the thin metal ropes shaking as her tits quivered with each movement of her hand. She suddenly pulled hard on the chain, surprising even herself, whimpering as it tugged at her swollen nipples. She was going to cum before long.

Ben watched as she teased herself with the clamps, her other hand busy assaulting her clit. He reminded her how pathetic she was, what a whore she looked like masturbating down on the floor like that.

His voice.

The chains.

Her fingers.

Elle threw her head to the side and stiffened, a low moan escaping her softly parted mouth. She'd done exactly what he'd asked of her. Her body relaxed again when she finished, when the small tremors had subsided, but she didn't move. She waited for his permission.

Eventually he told her she could get up and he helped remove her clamps, kissing each of her stinging breasts. His fingers tested her wetness, and satisfied, he slid them into her mouth to clean, locking eyes with her while she did it.

Then, like nothing had happened, "Want to grab a drink?"

No, Elle did not want to go grab a drink.

Elle wanted to get fucked so badly she could almost cry.

And Ben absolutely knew it.

He must have seen it in her eyes because he laughed and pulled her in close.

"I'm sorry, that was mean," he grinned, not seeming sorry at all.

Then, quietly, seriously, "If it's any consolation, I want this as badly as you do."

Elle gazed up at him, desperately, "Then you'll finally do it? Please, Ben. I'm going fucking crazy. I swear..."

He laughed and kissed her temple. "Yeah, I'll fuck you. Since you were so good yesterday and texted me before touching yourself. And because you looked incredible in that little skirt and those clamps. I'm going to buy you some to wear out. Jesus, that would be fucking hot. You in some kind of..."

"Ben," Elle interrupted. "On task. Your girl is dying here."

"Right," he smiled, "besides, there's another surprise for you in the bedroom."

Elle followed him to the back of his apartment, wondering what he had in store for her next, when she saw it, a band with a ball attached, propped up on one of the pillows.

"Is that a gag?!" She turned to him, tilting her head to the side.

"I told you I got a gift for myself too," he replied, raising an eyebrow.

"I am not wearing that," Elle insisted, laughing. "Nope, drawing the damn line."

"You don't have to wear it," Ben began. "If..."

"If?" Elle side-eyed him, arms crossed.

"If you can follow the rules. If you can keep your eyes open, and not make a sound, then no gag. But if you break one of the rules, you get a warning. After the third you have a choice- you put the gag on and you can be as loud as you want, or we stop fucking. Period. Simple as that."

Elle contemplated his instructions. It sounded easy enough. And how hard could it be, staying silent during sex for once? She heard some women did it all the time.

"Deal," she nodded.

Ben pulled off her skirt but left her stockings on, running his fingertips inside the elastic bands wrapped around her toned thighs, snapping them. Elle unbuttoned his shirt, kissing his neck, his chest, his stomach. Unzipping his pants and bringing his cock to her mouth to warm him up and to taste him again. She gazed up at him, her mouth opened wide, filled with his body, eager to let him know she hadn't forgotten.

Ben threw her back onto the bed and dove between her legs, lapping at her juices, reaching up to finger a sensitive nipple. Her hips jerked when he tugged it, and she ran her fingers through his hair, her neck arched back. It was a shame she needed to be filled so badly, the sight of him between her legs, fondling her abused breasts was pure heaven to Elle. But he rose suddenly and pulled her down by her waist, aligning the fat tip of his cock with her opening.

Elle lifted her legs to meet him, and braced herself. He teased his head into her, then back out, and repeated the movement, frustrating her endlessly. She suddenly realized he wasn't intentionally torturing her, he was hesitating out of affection and care, making sure he was properly lubricated so that he wouldn't hurt her.

Unaware that Elle didn't care whether he did.

Ben pushed into her slowly and Elle savored the feeling of her body opening for his, the initial reluctance giving way to such pure fulfillment, stretching, tightening then conceding her warmth to him with each small thrust. She closed her eyes.

That's when the first slap came.

His rules. She'd already broken one.

Elle's face burned from embarrassment more than contact, and she locked eyes with Ben as he continued moving into her body. She wanted to moan, to whisper his name but she stayed hushed, afraid of the next warning slap. His dick hurt her in a way she'd never felt before, she'd never had to wonder what her body could or couldn't handle, and she almost winced when he took the last inch of her for himself but she kept her eyes open, and watched him with lust and adoration as he claimed everything she had to give.

He moved in her deliberately, cautiously at first, controlling her body with his hands on her hips. Elle's eyelids fluttered, she couldn't believe how good it felt. Ben lost himself for a moment and pushed in more forcefully.

Again, she thought.

And so he thrust into her again, his face reddening, and Elle knew how hard he was holding back. She reached for his hand and squeezed, giving him a small nod.

Don't, it read.

Don't hold back.

Ben understood and began to fuck her faster, pushing into her again and again in small, fierce movements.

Then, without warning, he smacked one of her breasts as their bodies pressed into each other.

"Unnnngh," Elle gasped, and the second slap stung her cheekbone.

Again.

He pushed into her hard and when she thought she couldn't take it anymore he withdrew completely, leaving her empty and devoid of his heat and his girth.

Ben paused.

And smiled.

Then he rammed his cock back into her without hesitation and this time Elle cried out from both pain and pleasure, the single word burning through her mind and her cunt.

Again.

He slapped her while thrusting into her, and a small squeak rose from her throat. Elle closed her eyes. The final warning.

"Fucking gag me," she exhaled.

Ben was ready, carefully inserting the rubber ball into her mouth and fastening the band around her head.

Elle moaned loudly around the gag, biting down as Ben began to fuck her with abandon, shoving into her at his own pace, shaking her entire body.

He dug his fingers into her thighs and Elle heard the stockings rip.

Good, she thought. Tear us both to pieces.

She squeezed down on his arm when she was close and he kept his pace steady, his cock rubbing against her perfectly, her entire body tense, ready for it's inevitable climax.

She came wildly, crying into the gag, her whole body hot and shaking with tiny convulsions.

Ben gave her a second of slow, leisurely thrusts before he grabbed her and tossed her down onto her stomach like a rag doll, shoving his cock into her pussy from behind.

Elle raised her hips and panted into the gag. She'd never felt this full from anyone before. Her body bounced against the bed, the sound of Ben's body slamming against her ass filled the room.

Then he smacked it, hard, and Elle yelped.

Again.

Another smack, her own body helpless, her arm pinned behind her.

His little whore.

She thought of the things he'd said to her, the things he was saying.

How desperately she sucked his cock.

How he'd fingered her tight cunt while shoving one into her ass.

Smacking her clit.

Tugging her clamps.

Cumming down her throat.

Elle moaned, an uncontrolled sound escaping her chest. Something deep and animalistic. She tightened around Ben's cock as he slapped her ass one final time, thrusting himself into her, filling her with his seed.

Elle bit down hard on the gag while she contracted, breathless, the experience more than she had been capable of imagining.

Ben, her Ben.

Her Ben.

He pulled out and she collapsed onto the floor, his semen slowly dripping out of her. Ben sank onto the floor beside her, panting.

"Fuck," he exhaled, pulling her trembling body against his chest.

He brushed the hair from her damp forehead and kissed it, then carefully unfastened the gag, pulling the rubber ball from her mouth. Elle instantly swallowed, suddenly aware of how much she'd been salivating as he fucked her.

"That was..." she started.

"Yeah," he grinned. "It was".

He kissed her again, "Are you alright?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Dead, I think," Elle laughed, "I mean, you just destroyed me. But I loved it."

She kissed him back, then pulled off her torn stockings.

"Cuddle?" She asked, peering up at him nervously, embarrassed by her naked need for affection.

"Of course," he smiled.

Elle cleaned herself off then curled up next to Ben under a sheet, the bedcover haphazardly kicked aside.

She wanted to stay awake but found sleep soon calling to her, heavily pulling at her limbs and her eyelids. The kind of tired you have to earn with your body.

Her eyes closed, mind only steps away from a dream. "What are we learning tomorrow?" Elle asked softly.

"Oh, I've got a few things planned," Ben chuckled.

"Again?" Elle squeezed his hand.

"Again," he whispered, kissing her goodnight.

Again.

***