A Rose Called Miracle: Book 03, Pt. 01

A Rose Called Miracle: Book 3, Pt 1

Author's Note: This is the third book of 'A Rose Called Miracle'. This is fiction. All characters in intimate situations are over 18. Any resemblance to real people, organizations, or businesses is purely coincidence.

If you are uncomfortable with the subjects of control, restraint, discipline, and mild corporal punishment, please go no further. Likewise, this story is peopled with hetero, interracial, and LGBTQ+ characters and couples, and indirectly--incest; if you can't deal with that, leave now--you'll only be offended. Also, I apologize to BDSM aficionados--in this story I pretty much ignore proper BDSM safety measures as the characters develop their relationship. Please do not use these writings as a 'how to' guide.

Brett And Kari--A Master/slave story of Love and Loss

*****

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein

"For those who are willing to make an effort, great miracles and wonderful treasures are in store." Isaac Bashevis Singer

*****

***** BRETT NARRATES*****

PROLOGUE

I understand. You're probably wondering how did I, a respected businessman and retired U. S. Air Force Senior NCO approaching middle-age, become a modern-day slave owner? I don't have a simple answer; it certainly wasn't on my life's bucket list. The best I can do is relate the coincidences and events that led to my relationship with the beautiful Kari, whom I called 'Slave'; sometimes 'It' if I happened to be particularly upset with her; most often 'Pet'--as we navigated our way through the unusual journey that was our relationship.

I had noticed the unkempt woman loitering around the area near where I work, off and on, for a couple years. I'd never met her; never really gave her much thought. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, maybe 5'4", skinny, and bordering on malnourished. She dressed plain and drab, maybe a step up from homelessness; obviously not trying to show off her figure. She always had her mousy brown hair up in a bun. The one feature I did notice, were her eyes; large and almond-shaped. She never wore makeup.

We 'met' when we bumped into each other, literally, one day in the bustling business-district sandwich shop just down the street from where I worked. I used to go there a couple times a week for lunch. That particular day it was raining cats and dogs and I almost skipped the deli in favor of our cafeteria's vending machines but I wasn't that brave. At the deli, customers were packed inside rather than taking their lunches outside to one of the many tree-shaded benches. She had just picked up her food from the counter, and I was trying to get into the line. I zigged, she zagged and bumped into some guy who angrily shoved her away and straight into me. Crash! She managed to keep hold of her drink, but the sandwich flew out of her hand. I still had fairly good reflexes and managed to catch the flying sandwich before it landed on the floor. I grinned as the folks around us--except the angry pusher--applauded. I bowed to her as I handed it back to her, "Your lunch, Mademoiselle."

Her face flushed red, but she played along and curtsied, "Thank you kind sir." That was the first time I'd seen her smile or heard her speak. Her voice was like a soft, clear bell. Then she went looking for a place to sit and I got back in line to get my corned beef on rye. I thought that was the end of it. A moment of fun. Everyone had a good laugh. No big deal; certainly not life changing.

Since I'd hit the shop's rush hour, it took me nearly 15 minutes to navigate through the line and get my food. Then I looked for a spot to sit--yeah, right--the place was still packed because of the weather. I headed for the door, preparing to run back to the office and eat at my desk, when I spotted the woman waving at me and pointing to the empty seat at her table. I joined her.

"Hi, I'm Kari. I thought you might need a place to sit." She offered without meeting my eyes.

I sat down and set out my food, "Thanks Kari. I'm Brett. What kind of sandwich are you having?"

"Today I think they gave me..." She flipped open her sandwich and looked, "... yeah, its bologna."

"Just bologna?"

"Yeah." She blushed bright red again and stared down at the table, "When there are a lot of people around, I get... overwhelmed... and can't decide. The guys on the counter know me... so they just wave me along and throw something together. I eat what they give me. My favorite is turkey and Swiss--but I have a hard time asking for it."

"Do you work around here?" I asked.

She immediately lost her smile, and her eyes dropped, "Yeah." That's all she said. She obviously didn't want to talk about it. She finished her sandwich and took off without saying another word; not even goodbye.

"Bye Kari," I said to her disappearing back.

I took the final bite of my sandwich, "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" A beautiful, tall, statuesque woman with close cropped white-blonde hair, wearing a tailored scarlet-red business suit stood by the chair Kari had vacated.

I finished chewing and swallowed, "Huh? No, have a seat. I'm just finishing." I stood up and gathered my trash and started back to my office.

I have always had a 'thing', darn near a fetish, for platinum blondes; especially when their hair is very short. I was half-way back to my office before I realized I hadn't even tried to chat up the blonde goddess of my fantasies that had sat across from me after Kari left. I didn't even say hello. Instead, I was thinking about plain-Jane Kari. I must be crazy.

CHAPTER 1

A couple of months had passed. Kari and I had met at the deli several more times--at least once a week. She knew pretty much everything about me. I still knew little to nothing about her and asking about her job or life history always put an immediate end to the conversation. But that day I sat stunned, my lunch sat forgotten, "Kari, you can't really mean that? What you're saying is you'd gladly be... a... a... slave; a sex slave? I don't understand. Why?"

"That's it exactly Brett." She leaned forward and grabbed my hands--it was the first time we'd touched, "I'm tired of being scared all the time. I'm sick of decisions and responsibility. I need someone else to do that. The stress and strain of even the simplest decisions are killing me." She paused and sipped from her soda, then a tiny bite of the liverwurst sandwich she'd been given. I don't think she cared for it.

"You know... I haven't told this to anyone else," she continued without making eye contact, "But a couple of weeks ago, I got so desperate I stole a bottle of sleeping pills and a nearly full bottle of liquor from one of my roommates. I went into my bedroom Brett, and I was this close to swallowing all that crap and ending things." She held her thumb and index finger about a millimeter apart. "Do you know what stopped me?" Kari at last looked up and into my eyes.

I shook my head 'no'.

"I couldn't decide what to do first: take the pills or drink the whiskey." She shook her head, "I couldn't even kill myself right. How pathetic is that?"

She continued, eyes down now, once again refusing to look at me, "Brett I know this is sudden, but I've been thinking about it a lot--really, since that time you bowed to me. I need someone... Would you... no... I want you to make my decisions--become my master. Yes, I'm willing to be your slave--to totally submit to you--if you'll have me. I know it's a huge imposition... but please?"

At that moment I wondered which of us was more frightened. "Kari I'm flattered you feel that way about me... but you don't need a master. You need to talk to a professional and tell them what you're feeling."

"Yeah, right." She snorted as she let go of my hands. "Do you know how much that sort of thing costs? My crap job pays minimum wage. At least that's what they say; I'm lucky if I get paid at all and forget health insurance. This is the real-world Brett. I've already looked on-line; have you ever heard of the dark web? There are lots of Dominants out there searching for people like me. I've even received a couple anonymous e-mails--I have no idea how they tracked me down, I thought my searches were private.

I sat there, shocked and more than a little frightened by Kari's words. I'd had no idea how stressed and unhappy she'd become over the last few months. I couldn't imagine anyone being so desperate as to want to give all their freedom and decision-making powers to another, or worse to consider suicide.

"Kari... Please." I had absolutely no idea what to say... or do. "What about your family?"

"I have no family!" She snapped. "Please Brett. If you won't help me, I'm going to respond to those two contacts and see what comes of it."

I wondered if I was being set up or if she was truly so desperate. "Kari, think about it. Yes, of course I've heard of the dark web. What's on there? Ugly and evil things that people want to hide. Kari, you know that if you meet these people you'll be putting your life in danger."

"I'm sorry Brett. I'm at the end of my rope. I need..." She stopped speaking and began to rise from our table.

"Kari... wait."

"What?" She snapped back at me. It was the first time she'd shown any fire.

"Give me 24 hours. Promise me that you won't do anything until then. I need to think and do some research--maybe I can help..."

"No Brett. I can't wait any..."

I took my final shot, "Kari!" I snapped--louder than I intended, "I told you to do nothing! Meet me here tomorrow. 1:00. And don't you dare be late. Do you understand me?"

Kari stood straight and dropped her head, "Yes sir. I understand. Precisely 1:00 tomorrow."

"I will tell you then what I have decided."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir. May I leave sir."

"You are dismissed." Jesus Christ what had just happened? I couldn't believe I was even considering this. Neither could I believe just how easily I'd slipped back into my 'Senior NCO' persona; giving orders, expecting compliance, and worrying about the welfare of my people. And damn, I'd missed it.

*****

I went back to my office (think mid-sized, windowless closet) at Western Allegheny Mutual Assurance (WAMA). After struggling to put Kari out of my mind, I got down to work and read through a couple risk assessment evaluations from the client acquisition department. I approved coverage for a local, nationally-recognized, hospital. I conditionally approved the application of a mid-sized manufacturer with a not-so-great safety record; provided they agreed to the extremely high premiums we'd demand and follow our recommendations on improved safety protocols.

As the day dragged on, I found myself thinking more and more about Kari. I stayed off my office computer though. I absolutely did not want to risk anyone else getting a glimpse of the research topics I needed to look at. I examined my options: as Mr. Nice Guy, my instinct was to hug Kari and say everything would be okay. But I didn't believe that. I worried that the next time she got access to some pills and a bottle she wouldn't freeze up; or, worse, she'd succumb to the advances of some anonymous deviant and end up murdered. I began to think that if I confronted her as an in-your-face, abusive, military DI wannabe, I could shock her and make her understand the consequences of what she seemed determined to do with her life.

After work, I stopped and bought a few groceries. At the liquor store next to the market, I picked up a bottle of bourbon to sip on while I relaxed in front of my computer. I got home about 6:30 and threw a package of frozen lasagna into the oven. While it heated I stowed away the rest of my purchases. I put the bourbon over behind my bar and checked the freezer to make sure I had ice.

I finished dinner, cleaned up, and walked to my office at the back of the house. The wide windows gave me a nice view of the tree-covered rolling foothills that rose from the back of my property--I repeated my nightly prayer that the land I didn't own would stay undeveloped.

I sat down at my computer and logged onto my VPN. I searched carefully: regular web and, God help me, the dark web. Some of the things I saw made my skin crawl; the slavery fetish crowd... wow.

I jotted down a list of the foulest, most demeaning rules and demands I could find. I read about Master/slave contracts; bondage; punishments. If these things didn't scare Kari, I didn't know what would because they sure as hell scared me.

I organized and printed out my proposed 'contract' with Kari. I was ashamed of myself but hoped I could help my friend.

The next day I left work at lunchtime and headed for the deli. I checked my watch five or six times as I walked over; it was 12:58. I glanced inside but didn't see Kari. I feared she'd decided not to wait; I needn't have worried. She paced up the sidewalk at precisely 1:00 and we got in the sandwich line.

The deli was only a little busy so the line moved pretty fast. We got to the order window and Kari stood staring, "What do you want Kari?" The counter guy asked. She shuffled her feet and looked down at the floor without answering, "Kari's here! He shouted down the line, "We've got liverwurst left over--put it on white bread--put on some mustard."

"Hold It." I snapped, "Make Kari's sandwich a turkey and swiss on rye, with lettuce, tomato and mayo... my treat."

"You got it." He called the amended order down the line. I ordered my own roast beef and horseradish on a wheat roll and paid for both of us.

"Thank you sir." Kari said. She waited for me to choose a table and we sat down. She ate her sandwich quietly, once again not really looking at me.

"Thank you for lunch sir. You should know, though, that last night I was contacted by someone calling themselves Master Damien. They have ordered me to meet them in Oak Grove a week from tomorrow. He paid for my bus ticket."

"I ordered you to wait."

"I am sorry sir. I did not contact him. I believe he's one of the anonymous people that somehow tracked my web searches."

"Kari... Look at me damn it! If you truly want to go to this Damien character... I can't stop you. At least for now, you're still a free person. I should tell you, though, that last night I decided to take possession of you. But I have a condition."

"Sir?" She looked at me for the first time.

"I have prepared an agreement. I want you to take it home, read it, and decide if you can accept the conditions I'll demand."

"You want me as your slave?"

'Not no but Fuck NO!' I silently screamed. "That's right Kari." I answered.

"Oh! Thank you sir. Please, sir, may I see the conditions?"

"Not yet. Like I said, I want you to take it home and read it carefully every morning and night for the next six days. Memorize it and then decide if you can accept my conditions and rules. If you accept, sign the document, and meet me here, one week from today at exactly 1:00; if you are as much as one minute late, our contract is voided. Do you understand?"

"I understand sir. May I have the document?"

"If you accept my proposal, I will have other instructions to follow." I handed her the sealed envelope, "Do not open this until you are home tonight... and alone. Show it to no one else. And Kari... whether you choose me... or this Master Damien... make sure that you understand that you are giving up your freedom and will be subject to the whims of an owner. Please think about this carefully." I handed her the envelope, took a bite of my sandwich, waved her away, "You are dismissed."

*****

So now you're wondering what kind of perversions I offered her? Here it is--my copy of our 'contract'.

CONTRACT OF ENSLAVEMENT

Pursuant to the below clauses, I, Brett J. Noonan, hereafter known as 'Master', accept ownership of, and responsibility for, Kari Mathilde Jensen. The signers of this document agree to the following rules of enslavement for Ms. Jensen, Hereafter to be known as 'Slave'.

SLAVE'S RULES:

1. From this moment forward your name is Slave. You will refer to yourself only as Slave or It. Slave is forbidden to use the words I, me, my, or any other personal pronoun that indicates individuality. It is nothing more than another of Master's possessions. It has no past to remember, no future to plan for. It has only the present--this moment of absolute submission and perfect obedience to Master.

2. Slave will address its owner only as Master or Sir--there are no exceptions.

3. Master owns you. Master may sell you, trade you, barter your services, or otherwise dispose of you at any time for any reason. (Author's Note: I was trying to scare her with the word dispose)

4. All of Slave's money and possessions now belongs to Master.

5. Slave will memorize subservient postures as demanded by Master; it will never make eye contact unless Master specifically commands "Slave--look at me."

6. Slave's only purpose in life is to serve Master. It will obey all orders from Master. Slave may not refuse an order, nor may It hesitate before obeying.

7. As a mark of it's enslavement, slave will be fitted with Master's collar. The collar will be locked. It may not remove the collar for any reason.

8. Slave has no free will. Slave will not do anything without Master's permission. Its only privilege is to breathe--and Master will take that away if It misbehaves. It may not speak without permission--except to answer a direct question or to sound an alarm for an emergency.

9. When inside Master's home It will wear high heels, stockings, and Master's collar--nothing else. If there are guests, Master will decide what It wears--or doesn't wear.

10. Slave must maintain Immaculate personal grooming standards. Effective immediately after Slave signs this document, it will: 1. Undergo permanent removal of all body hair--except on your head; 2. It will immediately dye its hair and eyebrows platinum blonde. Once Master chooses Slave's salon and hairstyle, Slave will be expected to rigorously maintain Master's standards. If Slave's hair is messy or roots show--Slave will be severely punished.

11. It will sleep in the cage Master provides; that is Slave's space--It must keep the space neat and clean.

12. It will not leave the house except on a leash and accompanied by Master. (Again, I had absolutely no intention of walking around in public with a girl on a leash; but I wanted her to realize what she was getting into.)

13. It will be responsible for cooking, cleaning, laundry, and household chores as Master orders. Unsatisfactory meals, dirty clothes, or an unkempt house will be punished. Punishments will include, but will not be limited to: spanking, whipping, binding and/or suspending, sensory deprivation, choking, or public humiliation--whatever Master chooses.

14. Using Slave for sexual release is Master's privilege--Slave may not refuse. During sex, It may not climax without Master's permission.

15. It will treat Master's guests with absolute respect, subservience, and silence.

16. During Its time as Slave, at any time It may use the phrase "Freedom Isn't Free". Its collar will be removed and it will be released. If slave uses the release phrase it will immediately and permanently leave Master's home.

MASTER'S OBLIGATIONS TO SLAVE:

1. Master will provide for Slave's nutrition, shelter, and clothing. Master will also be responsible provide for slave's medical and dental needs.

2. Master will decide on appearance improvements and upkeep as well as body modifications to suit Master's desires.

3. Slave will be trained for the behaviors Master will demand.

4. Master will punish Slave harshly for laziness, carelessness, misbehavior, or insubordination.

5. Master's guests may use Slave as a sexual plaything; however, Master will not allow guests to humiliate or abuse It--that is Master's privilege.

SLAVE'S SIGNATURE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

MASTER'S SIGNATURE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

*****

Over the next six days I spent every second of my free time doing research on being a proper slave owner--is there such a person? I found a dark web forum curated by other (alleged) slave owners. I discovered that, in my area, there was a full-service, though not publicly advertised, all-inclusive salon (i. e., hair, piercing, tattooing, branding(!), sex toys, etc.) catering to the Master/slave community. Similar links existed for no-questions-asked medical and dental facilities. I discovered a local welder who handcrafted 'dog crates' that just happened to be the perfect size to confine a 5'4" female slave. The crates were long enough to lay down, wide enough to turn around, and tall enough to kneel--what a lucky 'coincidence'.

The six days passed quickly. That week I ate lunch at the deli every day. I kept hoping that Kari would rush in, throw the contract at me, slap my face, and storm out. I would have accepted that. But she didn't. At 12:45 on the seventh day I walked over to the sandwich shop, found a table, and waited. Kari walked in at precisely 1:00. She walked over to where I sat and stood by my side. She handed me the envelope but remained silent.

I looked at her, but her eyes were focused on the table in front of me. I had a sick feeling, "You may speak." I whispered.

"Master, Slave acknowledges your ownership. It has signed the contract. Slave understands the rules."

'Ah Shit, she called my bluff!' I thought. "Lean down." I ordered. She kind of bent at the knees, "Slave!" I hissed quietly, "When you lean to receive an order, you will keep your knees straight, bend at the waist, and place your hands on your thighs. Do it again!" She straightened up then moved as I'd instructed. "Better. Now, your first task is to get our lunch. I want corned beef on rye with mustard. You will order the turkey and swiss with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Here's some money. Go! And don't slouch; Remember your behavior reflects on me now." Damn, I felt like such a jerk.

She blinked and I saw a moment of panic in her eyes, but she had her orders, "Yes sir. Slave understands." I watched as she made her way through the line. When she reached the ordering station I saw no sign of doubt, confusion, or hesitation. Her eyes and head were up. She got the food, counted the change, and returned. She stood by my side--waiting.

"Set out our food--neatly. Then you may sit--at attention--and eat. You may not speak."

She nodded once.

"Slave!" I hissed. "Lean down!" She did. "Don't you ever dare to nod your head at me!" I whispered. "You say yes sir or no sir. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!" She whispered; her eyes wide. I thought for a second she might use her release phrase but she regrouped quickly.

"Good. Now, finish setting out our lunch." She did, even making sure the sandwich's wrapping paper was set squarely.

"Clean the table." I ordered when we'd finished. "Then we'll go outside and talk." She gathered the trash, took it to the waste container, and returned. She stood waiting as I got up. "Follow me." I walked out of the deli; Slave followed close behind. I led the way to the small, grassy plaza near my office. I found an empty bench under a shade tree, "Sit down!"

"Slave, are you ready to receive your instructions for the rest of today? You may speak."

"Slave is ready, sir."

"First, quit your job. You will then go shopping. If you don't already have them, I want you to buy a pair of black heels--at least 3 inches, preferably higher. Also get several pairs of stay-up stockings. Next, go to where you stay and gather all your clothing; select one dress--it must be the most flattering one you have. Throw everything else in the trash, you won't be needing anything else. Gather all your financial information and your electronics. Meet me outside your apartment at 7:30 tomorrow morning. At that time, I will take you to my home. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

I handed her a pre-paid credit card with her name on it, "Use this only for the items I ordered you to buy. Return it to me tomorrow along with the receipts for your purchases."

"Slave understands sir."

I had her write down her address, "Good. Go--and don't you dare be late in the morning."

I watched her as she left. She walked down the sidewalk with such relaxed joy--she strutted away like the desirable woman she was, instead of the beaten down wretch she had been. I had trouble understanding her mindset; how her imminent enslavement brought her such pride. I shook my head and then took a minute to call out sick to my office. I had things to attend to. I got my truck and drove the 25 miles to the welder's place, paid cash, and picked up the 'dog crate' I'd hoped I wouldn't need. It was heavier and much more solid than I expected. The welder loaned me a couple small four-wheeled dollies to help get it into my house. I promised to have them back as soon as possible after I got my 'dog' settled. He winked as I waved goodbye. I got home and backed half-way into the garage. I unloaded the cage--scratched the hell out of my truck's tailgate--and got the wheel sets under it. I realized, too late to save the tailgate, I should have put a pad of some sort under the crate. I was glad I had the dollies; they made an impossible task merely difficult. I finally got the crate into my bedroom and placed it in the corner I'd cleaned out. I carefully measured the interior of the crate and then headed out again.

My next stop was a local craft store. I gave them the crate measurements and had them cut a slab of 6-inch heavy duty foam to serve as Slave's mattress. After that I found my way to the local hardware superstore and got several lite padlocks. I found a spool of lite decorator chain and had the guy cut 100 feet. In the tool section I selected a tool to cut the chain to size.

On my way home I returned the dollies to the welder. Once I had everything inside, I got the foam and fitted it into Kari's crate. I pulled a couple bedsheets, a pillow, and an old but warm woolen blanket that I'd bought as military surplus out of my closet. I started to make the bed, then changed my mind. I'd let Slave do it herself when she arrived; give her something normal to hold onto--and give me an excuse to 'punish' her if she did it badly. Maybe make her understand we weren't playing a game.

I couldn't think of anything else I could do to prepare. I grabbed a glass and two ice cubes. At my bar I cracked open the Knob Creek and poured a small shot. I sat and sipped while I watched a baseball game on the TV.

I finished my drink before the players finished their game. I showered and went to bed. I didn't sleep very well.

CHAPTER 2

In the morning I rose early; hopped into my truck and loaded Kari's address into the GPS. It took nearly an hour to get there. As I neared her address, I fervently thanked God, Yahweh, Brahman, Jehovah, Buddha, and every other deity or religious figure I could think of that I didn't live there--talk about urban blight--No wonder Kari considered suicide! I found the address, pulled over, and found Kari waiting on the sidewalk in front of a dilapidated 4-story building that looked as though it might collapse at any moment. She wore a short sleeved, black dress and she was barefoot. She carried a small briefcase, a laptop, and an upscale retailer's shopping bag.

I rolled down the passenger window, "Get in the back seat." She complied. "Fasten your seat belt." I got moving and got out of that soul-sucking area as fast as I could and drove straight home. Kari stayed silent. When I arrived, I drove into my garage and closed the door. "Get out. Gather your things. Follow me."

I unlocked the door and walked in. Kari followed. She started to glance around. I took a deep breath--it was time to make this real for her. "Freeze!" I snarled. "Drop the packages." I ordered. I walked around her--pretending to inspect her. I was silently apologizing for what I was about to do.

"Slave you are in my home. What are you supposed to be wearing?"

"I... Slave is required to wear heels and stockings... Master."

"Why are you still in a dress? Get rid of it... Now!"

She reached behind, undid the zipper, and stepped out of the dress. She returned to attention and waited. She was not wearing panties or a bra. "Very good Slave. But why did you not wear panties and bra? And where are your shoes? You may speak."

"Master ordered Slave to wear a flattering dress. Master did not give me... Slave... permission to wear underthings or shoes. All Slave's underthings and footwear were thrown away with its other clothes as Master ordered."

Okay, she had me there, "Well done Slave. Pick up your bags and come with me."

I led her to the living room for her next 'lesson'. When we got there, I skipped my usual recliner and sat on the long sofa. Without asking, Kari went to sit down next to me. As soon as her butt touched, I shouted "No!" I put a hand on her back and shoved her sprawling to the floor. "Slave, you never use furniture without permission. Your place is on the floor. Repeat that. You may speak."

"Slave's place is on the floor. It apologizes for sitting without permission. I... It has much to learn."

"Yes you do. That is three times you've used forbidden words. Get over here, bend over with your hands on your knees." She complied. I slapped her, fairly hard, three times on each butt cheek.

"From now on, remember to count the strokes... out loud."

"Yes Master. Slave understands. It apologizes for the mistakes and It will do better."

"Next, when you are with me you will assume the 'Present' position: kneel, spread your knees as far apart as you can, sit back onto your heels, place your hands--palms up--on your thighs, and keep your back straight. Present!" I ordered. She dropped, spread her thighs, and placed her hands. "You forgot to sit back on your heels. Stand up." I ordered. She stood still in front of me. The drab and baggy clothes that she always wore never hinted at the lovely body beneath. She had small, firm breasts, a flat belly, no sign of flab anywhere. Her pubic hair was thick and lush--the same shade as the hair on her head. Her fingers showed signs of serious nail biting. "Get your hair out of that ugly bun." I ordered.

She reached up and loosened the scrunchie holding the bun. Loose, it fell to just below the top of her shoulder. I snapped out, "Present!"

She dropped, spread, reclined, placed her hands. Perfect.

"Better Slave, but still much too slow. Stand up." I stood up also and walked around her. I touched her shoulder, she flinched, "Slave don't you dare move when your owner is inspecting you!" I slapped her ass once, not hard enough to leave a mark--just a reminder. "ONE! Thank you Master!" She blurted out. I touched her back next; her skin was baby soft and flawless. Without the distraction of her ugly wardrobe, she really was quite lovely.

"Present!" She dropped so fast it was as if her body simply disappeared, then reappeared in position on the ground. I had nothing to complain about. "Good enough Slave. Show me what is in your shopping bag."

She pulled the national chain shopping bag to her, without leaving the present position. I silently gave her credit for that. She pulled out a two packages of top-quality stockings first: one black, one neutral. I approved. "What else do you have?" She removed a shoe box. "Open it." I ordered. She'd bought some sexy 4-inch stiletto's, "Stand up. Follow me. Bring the bag." I led her toward the back of the house. I pointed to a door on the right, "This will be your bathroom. You may go to the bathroom if you need to. Put on the black stockings and shoes. Come back to the living room. From now on, if you need to use the bathroom you must ask permission. You must keep this room clean."

"It understands Master." She reached for the door, "No!" I commanded, "The door stays open at all times. You must earn the privilege of privacy."

"Yes Master. Slave understands."

It took her 10 minutes. Nude, and now wearing the heels and stockings, she formed as delightful and erotic a picture as I had ever imagined. "Slave, stand at Attention. Good. Go to the living room. Assume present in front of my chair. Wait for me." She strode away from me; she moved so easily and gracefully it was if she'd been born in those heels. I was going to have to be careful using my belt for punishment--her bottom was as perfect as any I'd ever seen.

I went to the bathroom--my bathroom. I took my time; I wanted to let her sit and think about... whatever the hell she thinks about. I stopped and grabbed my laptop and checked my e-mail. Had a message from my boss wanting to know if I was feeling well enough to return to work the next day. I messaged back and told him I doubted it--told him I could barely stand up.

After 45 minutes I went back to the living room. Her 'present' was perfect. "Attention!" I ordered. She jumped to her feet and stood motionless. "That was good Slave. I have a new position for you now; It is called 'Display'. You must stand, back straight, feet shoulder width apart, hands crossed above your head." I adjusted her position and made her stay for a minute or two. "This is the position you will automatically assume to greet me when I return home so that I can inspect you. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master."

"Good. Present!" She moved flawlessly. After that I moved her back-and-forth practicing 'present', 'attention', and 'display' several times. She got a couple slaps on the butt--she was sloppy controlling her elbows in 'display'--or maybe she just liked getting slapped on the ass. "Okay, you've got those positions. Come with me Slave. I took her to a corner I'd emptied for her with a small, upholstered pad on the floor. "This is your spot. If I'm not here and you've finished your chores you will come to this area, assume 'present', and rest. If I give the command 'rest', this is where you'll come. You may lean against the wall. Again... this is your spot. If I have guests, this is where you will remain, unless I tell you different."

I had her follow me while I showed her the house. In the kitchen I opened all the cabinets and the fridge so she could learn where everything was located. When we finished in the kitchen I led her down the hall. I pointed to my office, "You are forbidden to enter my office unless I am in there--you will always knock before entering. I pointed to the bedroom, "You may enter the bedroom as you need to."

"Yes Master."

I showed her the rest of the main level. "You will be responsible for keeping the house clean." Back in the main corridor, I pointed again, "That is the utility closet. All your cleaning supplies are in there. You are responsible for keeping track of the supplies and preparing a list of things that need to be replenished."

"Yes Master. Master? May It ask a question?"

"Need I remind you that you are not to speak without permission?" I demanded. She looked aghast, then confused, I could see the wheels turning. "Bend over, hands on knees." I repeated the three slaps on each butt cheek. She counted properly.

"From this moment Slave, if you feel the need to speak, you will assume the 'present' position and raise your right hand. If I feel like listening, I will give you permission to speak. Again, you do not need permission to answer a direct question or sound an alarm if there's an emergency. Understand?"

She looked unsure, like I was trying to trick her again, "Yes Master." She said quietly.

"Good. Now go to the kitchen. Prepare lunch: a ham and cheese sandwich on wheat with mustard and a slice of tomato, and piece of fruit for each of us. Go! And hurry up, I'm hungry." She took off. I decided to challenge her again. I went to my office, closed the door, and leaned back in my office chair. What would she do?

She knocked once and waited. "Enter." I called out. She opened the door, took one step in the room, dropped into 'present', and raised her hand. 'Well done', I thought. I let her sit there for a bit before I acknowledged her, "Speak Slave."

"Master, lunch is ready."

"Thank you Slave. Go to the kitchen and wait for me."

Just as I'd ordered, two sandwiches and two bananas sat neatly on the table at my place. Kari stood on the left side of my chair in a perfect 'wait' pose. I sat at my chair and checked the food. "Present" I ordered. While she dropped to the floor, I took a bite of my sandwich and a sip of water. "Slave, get me a knife and fork. Go!" She stood, went to the drawer, and returned to me. She placed the utensils on the table and dropped back into 'present'.

I took another bite of my sandwich and then used the knife and fork to cut a small piece of hers. I held it out to her, she reached, "Hands down!" I demanded. "I'll feed you what I want you to have."

I finished eating and gave Kari the last bit of her lunch as well. I stood. "Slave, clean up in here and then join me in the living room."

It took 15 minutes for her to clean up. I suspect she could have done it faster; but wanted to insure she didn't miss a speck. I decided to 'reward' her. When she came to the living room I stopped her before she could move to 'present'. "Come with me," I ordered and went back to the kitchen. I made a big show of inspecting the entire kitchen: running my finger over surfaces, checking drawers, and finishing by checking the floor. "Well done Slave. I didn't check it today, but in the future when you clean the kitchen--or any room for that matter--make sure that every surface is dusted."

"It understands Master." She seemed to stand just a little taller.

"Good. Join me in the living room. Bring us each a glass of water." I ordered.

When she returned to the living room, I had her put down the water and bring over her small briefcase and then assume 'present'. "What is in the bag?" I asked.

"Master, this is my financial information: checkbook, wallet, a complete list of my financial obligations, my savings account. There is also the notarized Power of Attorney, granting you full control of everything." I glanced over all the paperwork. Although she didn't have much, it was obvious she tried to be financially responsible and self-sufficient.

I finished going through her stuff, "Well... you certainly aren't rich; then again, I don't see any serious debt either."

She stayed silent; I realized I hadn't given her permission to speak. "One day next week, I'll take all this, pay any debts, and merge the rest into my account," I lied. I had no intention of co-opting her money. I was going to set it aside so that she'd have something available when she came to her senses. "Go rest." I ordered as I went back through everything and finished my water.

I gave Kari about 30 minutes to rest. "Slave come here. Inspection position." I said. She rose smoothly, got her elbows in the right position, and waited. I got up and walked around behind her. I touched her shoulder; this time she stayed still. "Yes," I teased, stroking the area of her shoulder blade, "I think a nice, big tattoo right here will look very good." Kari shivered. "What do you think?" I asked.

"Master. Slave is terrified of needles. Slave has no piercings, not even... it's ears. But if Master wants It to have a tattoo, or a piercing, Slave will accept the gifts gratefully." She spoke slowly; careful to avoid her forbidden word.

"We'll see then. I found a salon that specializes in slaves. It's called 'Dirty Dave's Slave Salon.' They will do your hair and all the other body modification I decide you need." I gave that threat a few seconds to sink in, then I continued. "Now, it's time for more training. Attention!" The word 'Attention' actually came out more like a slurred 'Ten-hut' courtesy of my 20 years as an NCO in the U. S. Air Force.

"From now on, in this house, you will march--not stroll. You will move only in straight lines and make only 90 degree turns--like this." I demonstrated right and left turns. "Slave, I do not want to see you ever make a sloppy turn--or cut a corner--again. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master."

"Good. Show me." I handed her my empty glass, "Go to the kitchen and bring me another glass of water."

She picked up her own glass and then accepted mine; I could see her eyes moving and plotting a course. "Remember, always start with your left foot," I reminded her. She made it, although not smoothly. She had to stop and figure out the moves before she got to the sink. She returned much more confidently. She came to attention in front of me. "That was pretty awful Slave." I gave her a slap on the ass, "Watch me again; try paying attention this time."

The second time she did much better. The third time she had the idea. Truth be told, she figured it out a lot faster than I did during my Air Force basic training.

"Good. Go to my bedroom. Remember--sharp, square turns." I followed her. She hesitated a couple times but made it. I took her by the arm and led her to the corner. "This is your crate. You will sleep here. Do you see the sheets and blanket?"

"Yes Master."

"Good. Make your bed. Then we'll fit you with your ankle restraints."

She paled, "Yes... Master."

I gave her a serious smack on her ass; this time I left a handprint, "Don't you ever hesitate like that again!" I smacked the other butt cheek--now she had matching handprints.

"Yes Master, Slave apologizes." She kneeled at the end of her crate and pulled open the door. She examined the foam pad before grabbing one of the sheets. She crawled into the crate and struggled a bit before she figured out how to work the sheets under the foam.

She went to 'present' and raised her hand.

I ignored her while I went over to the crate and checked her work. It wasn't up to my exacting standards, not even close. "Attention!" Her arm waivered, then dropped as she stood up. I tore up her poorly-made bed and tossed everything into the room. I walked over and gave her two sharp slaps; one on each butt cheek. "When you don't know how to do something--ask, don't guess. Present! You may speak."

She dropped. "Master. This slave apologizes for the sloppy bed. Would Master please show It how to do it properly?" Obviously her cage wasn't big enough for both of us, so I pulled out the mattress and had her practice on the bedroom floor.

Within forty minutes she was a pro. "Much better Slave. Present," I commanded. She dropped to her knees. I left the room and went to the garage, where I used the chain cutter to separate about 30 feet of chain and brought it back to my bedroom.

"I'm going to teach you a new position. This is called 'Floor'; I want you to lay down on the floor, face down, forehead on the floor. Place your hands behind your back and cross your wrists. "Floor!" I commanded. It took her a second, but she made it.

"Good. Bend your right leg at a 90-degree angle and stay still." She complied. I took one end of the chain and wrapped it around her ankle--snug enough that she couldn't remove it, but not tight. I secured it with a padlock. It was overkill, I know, but for the time being I wanted her uncomfortable. And the chain was so lite it was more of a fashion accessory than a security measure. If there was an emergency Kari could easily break it with a good sharp tug.

"Slave. Stand up and go to your crate. Test your mattress and decide which way you want to sleep. Move."

She walked the few steps to the crate--dragging her chain behind her. I sincerely hoped she would somehow begin to understand how important freedom and self-determination were and that slavery was not the answer.

She crawled in headfirst and laid back on the mattress. She looked at me with sad eyes; I silently begged her to tell me to 'Fuck off'. She fidgeted about a bit, then rolled over onto her knees and backed out. She stood and stretched before kneeling again. This time she backed into her crate and laid down with her head near the gate. She knelt again and crawled out.

She assumed 'present' position and raised her arm.

"You may speak."

"Master. Thank you for the wonderful bed. Slave would like to sleep with its head by the gate."

"Good. Floor!" She dropped and I released her ankle from the chain. "Attention!" She stood straight and still. "I have one more position to teach you today. I hope I don't have to use it too often. Come over here, Slave."

She joined me at the bare wall next to the walk-in closet. "This position is called 'Wall'. It is the position you will assume for more serious punishment. Spread your arms and place your hands on the wall. Higher. Now, move your feet shoulder width apart and backwards until your weight is evenly supported by your arms and legs. Keep going--step back a little further. That's right. Remember where your hands and feet are. I don't want you screwing around when I give you the command." I walked away and left her on the wall while I went to the bathroom. After I washed my hands, I came out. She was still on the wall, but her arms and legs were quivering.

"Attention." She pushed away from the wall, lost her balance, and almost fell.

"That was pitiful." I commented. "Wall!" I ordered. When she was in position I walked around to her right side and leaned down. "When I give the wall command you come in here and take this position. And you'd better do it fast... and you'd better do it right. Do you understand Slave?" I whispered in my most threatening voice.

"Yes Master!" Now, her arms and legs were really shaking.

"Attention!" She got it right this time. "Go to the living room. Rest." I ordered. She hustled out of the room. I went to my office and got my phone out of the middle drawer. I pulled a slip of paper out of my wallet and dialed.

"David's, how may I help you?" A woman with low, throaty voice answered the phone.

"Domestic workers deserve special care," I repeated the phrase suggested on one Master's forum.

"One moment sir. Master David will be with you immediately."

It took less than 15 seconds. "This is Dirty Dave; how can I help you?"

"I'd like to bring my domestic worker in for some enhancements."

"Excellent. You've seen a menu of our services?"

"Yes. I'd like her to have a new hairstyle and color. She'll need piercings: ears, nipples, belly button. Body hair removal. Also, I'm considering a tattoo on her shoulder blade; is your artist good?"

"Wanda is the absolute best. She's received several gold medals in competition. She's also a superb designer."

"Nice. What I have in mind is a butterfly; at least 5" x 5" maybe bigger; super colorful. Here's the kicker--I want the word 'slave' hidden in the butterfly--visible only to someone who knows it's there.

"Excellent. I like it. Do you want the butterfly realistic--like it appears in nature?"

"Not necessarily. Butterfly shape, lots of vivid colors, and slave."

"I'll have Wanda get to work on a design. Would you like to bring your domestic worker in tomorrow morning and we'll get started."

"Absolutely. What time."

"We open at 8:30." He gave me the address and I ended the call.

'Poor Kari,' I thought to myself. I walked out to the living room. I found Kari still in her corner resting. "Slave. Present." She snapped alert, rose, and came to kneel in front of me. "I just got off the phone. Tomorrow we have an appointment to begin the body modifications I've selected for you."

She flushed, her whole body went red. I thought I saw her nostrils flare; but she stayed silent. 'Come on Kari, get up and tell me to go to hell,' I begged silently. But she didn't. She kept her eyes down and waited.

"Slave, look at me." She did, but she had trouble making eye contact.

"Slave, how old are you?" I asked. I tried to keep my voice soft.

"Master, this slave is 32." I thought she was a lot younger than that.

"Tell me where you were born?"

"Master, Slave does not know. It was abandoned at birth and raised in foster care."

"Did your foster parents abuse you?"

"No Master. But the fosters took It in for the money. Other than when Slave's social worker visited, the fosters ignored Slave."

"Where did you go to school."

"Slave has never been to school. The fosters claimed I was being home schooled. They lied."

"And yet you've managed your finances quite well." I waited. Kari stayed silent. I realized I hadn't asked a question.

"You may speak."

"Once Slave taught itself read, It found other sites on the internet teaching essential skills. The fosters didn't care as long as It stayed quiet, did its chores, and didn't eat too much. They kicked Slave out the day It turned 18. When the state stopped payments; they stopped caring for it."

'Ah Shit,' I thought. I'd been thinking that a lot the last few days. 'What a fucked-up way to grow up.'

"Okay, Slave. Go rest." She moved to her corner and kneeled. I checked my watch; it was almost 6:00. I dug into my fridge and found a two-serving package of chicken pot pie. I threw that in the oven and prepared a salad. I glanced around the corner and Kari was in her corner with her chin resting on her chest.

While the meal heated I sent an e-mail to my boss telling him I still felt like hell--I'd see him Monday morning. I didn't see anything interesting on the computer, so I shut it down, and put it back in my office. The oven timer indicated 15 minutes until dinner. "Slave, get up and come here." She rose, approached me, and came to attention. "We have 15 minutes until dinner is ready. You have permission to go the bathroom and shower. Come to the kitchen when you finish."

"Yes Master." She turned and marched to her bathroom--perfect corners all the way. By the time she finished in the bathroom I had the pot pie out of the oven and on the table along with the salad bowl.

She came back and stood at attention beside my chair. "Slave, get out plates, cutlery, and glasses. Pour us each a glass of water. When you have everything, set the table."

She admitted that she was not familiar with the task, so I showed her the basic setting: plate, fork, and napkin to the left; knife and spoon to the right; water glass to top right. "Slave understands now. Thank you Master."

"You're welcome. Let's eat. Present." Kari dropped to her knees and waited. I fed her first. One of the Master forums I'd read suggested putting the slave's food in a dog bowl and making them eat with no hands or utensils. I couldn't do that. At least for me, this is about submission and discipline--not humiliation.

"You may speak." I responded to Kari's raised hand.

"Thank you for dinner, Master. Slave enjoyed it."

"You're welcome Slave. Take care of the dishes and then join me in the living room."

"Yes Master."

She eventually returned to the living room and went to 'present'.

"You've done well today Slave. Go get us glasses of water. Then you may rest."

She brought our drinks while I turned on the TV. I went to my bar and poured a finger of Knob Creek over an ice cube.

CHAPTER 3

Day 2--My alarm went off at 7:00. I rolled over and found Kari still in her cage. She dropped her eyes. I crawled from under my covers--forgot I was naked. I'd given Kari instructions not to look in my eyes, didn't think to tell her not to look at the rest of me. I bent over and opened the lock securing the cage and then the lock securing her leg chain--her ankle looked red and a bit raw where the chain had rubbed; I'd have to get her a padded, lockable, leg cuff--the damn chain didn't look comfortable.

"Slave! Get up! Go use the bathroom and clean yourself. Put on your dress, stockings, and heels and meet me in the kitchen. And don't you dare keep me waiting. We have a busy day today."

"Yes Master. It understands."

She was quick. She came out in her black dress and stiletto heels, hair down and combed to fan out.

It only took about 25 minutes for us to get to Dirty Dave's. Funnily enough it wasn't dirty or disreputable looking at all. It looked like a very nice, upscale salon in a reasonably nice part of the city. I parked the truck and led Kari inside and into a very normal, classy salon. I wondered if I had the right place, or if someone online had played a joke on me.

"We have an appointment. For Kari?"

The receptionist checked her computer--looked at Kari. "Yes, Sir. I see you'll be in the specialty salon today. This way, please. She led us through the normal-looking salon to a dark red door in the back. She pointed, "Right through there. Have a wonderful day." She paused and looked at Kari, "Good luck Sister." She whispered and touched Kari's shoulder.

We passed through the red door and entered a large space, divided into work areas by what looked like oriental screens. A large man, older and with a grey handlebar mustache, dressed in black pants, white shirt, and a red vest stepped from one of the areas. "Ah! Greetings. You must be Mr. Noonan..." He glanced carelessly at Kari, "Please come with me."

He led us to a small office. He pointed me to a seat. I sat and turned to Kari, "Present."

"Very well done. I'm Dave." We shook hands. "So. Per our discussion last night, we have your slave scheduled for a new hair style and color, several piercings, and a tattoo. Here is Wanda's butterfly design for your approval." He handed me an 8" x 10" sheet of heavy paper. The art work was exceptional.

"This can really be done?" I asked.

"Oh yes. Wanda's work is quite exquisite--highly sought after."

I stared at the image. The wings started with turquoise-colored panels at the top, divided by heavy black veins; almost like stained glass or a mosaic. The color gradually shaded to orange and purple at the bottom of the wings.

"I like this; but I'd like the black veins slightly less prominent. Also, don't forget I asked to have 'Slave' hidden in here."

Dave grinned, "I told you, Wanda is very good. She assures me that 'Slave' is there. But she refuses to tell me where.

I handed the drawing to Kari, "I'm going to have this put on your left shoulder."

She stared at the drawing, pursed her lips, then raised her hand.

"You may speak."

"It is a beautiful drawing. Thank you Master... Slave is honored."

"Excellent!" Dave boomed. "Let's start on her hair." He pushed a button and a few second later a tall woman--I think it was a woman--entered.

She kneeled, "Yes Master?" I know I'm being judgmental; but her appearance appalled me. She was covered--head to foot--with tattoos. Her face appeared blue. She was bald, but with all the tattoos covering her scalp one didn't really notice that. Her ears had been pierced; but the holes had been stretched and elongated--leaving a gap of over an inch.

"Good morning Andromeda. Take this Slave to Carla. Her owner wants her hair and eyebrows platinum blonde. He wants a style that's attractive, ultra-feminine, sexy, but easy for his slave to maintain."

"Yeth Mathter," This time I heard the lisp...'Jesus Christ, her tongue is split like a snake.' I thought. I don't know if I hid my horror or not. The word 'Abomination' came to mind. Then again, the way I was treating Kari--who was I to judge?

Andromeda touched Kari on the shoulder, "Come with me." She led Kari away.

"Before you think too badly of me," Dave began, "Andromeda came to us looking like that. When she had her tongue split, her former employer fired her. I put her to work as a 'gofer' back here in the private area."

"She called you Master?"

"That was for your benefit--and your slave's; Andromeda is an employee. My personal slave is named Veronica she's the girl at the front desk."

"She's lovely. She called my slave 'sister'?"

"Thank you. A lot of the female submissives and slaves address each other that way. And may I say, your slave Kari is quite lovely. If I might ask, how much did you pay for her?"

"Nothing. She is terrified of life. She decided she wanted someone to take control. She accepted my contract."

"Extraordinary."

"She is. I'm trying for force her to reconsider by making her life hell, without doing permanent damage. I figure that with the tattoo and conservative piercings, if she changes her mind--no big deal."

"Excuthe me, Mathter?" Andromeda was back. "Thir, Carla would like to thpeak with the gentleman."

I stood up and followed her back to another small cubicle on the right side of the space. "This is our hair stylist Carla." Compared to Andromeda, Carla was rather conservative: short honey-blonde hair, bright red lipstick, elaborate geometric tattoos on both forearms. Kari sat in the stylist's chair, glancing around.

"Thanks Andy." She dismissed the blue woman. "Sir, the reason I asked to speak with you is this: After I examined your slave, I don't think that doing her hair platinum blonde is a good idea. Her skin is so fair that with white-blonde hair she'll just be a ghost. I strongly recommend something different--she'd be stunning with auburn hair."

"Fine. I'll trust your judgement; although I do have kind of a thing for platinum blonde. Do you think you could put in some streaks or highlights?"

"Absolutely Sir. That will be amazing... especially with the hairstyle I've chosen. You'll like it--I promise. Let me get to work."

I walked back to Dave's office. "Sorry, bit of a crisis with the hair color I asked for. All sorted out."

"Good. Carla knows her business. I'd appreciate you keeping this to yourself; but a long time ago she had a serious substance abuse problem and lost several jobs. I finally convinced her to go into rehab and she got sober. I hired her with the provision that she agrees to random testing at any time I choose. She knows there will be no second chance. She's been clean and sober going on nine years now. I'm very proud of her."

While we waited for Carla, Dave and I discussed Kari's piercings. I repeated my request for ears, nipples, navel and, on Dave's recommendation, clit hood. He led me to a large sales area with a sign that read, 'Master's Market.' I stopped and stared at an evil-looking collection of whips, canes, binding rope, sex toys, and bdsm accessories in both leather and PVC. Dave pointed off to the back to the jewelry display. He asked what kind of clit piercing I had in mind; I opted for a simple vertical surgical steel bar with a sterling silver bangle. We found a matching navel ornament. For her nipples I selected basic horizontal surgical steel bars with silver beads. Matching simple steel studs with silver beads would go into her earlobes.

"When we spoke, I believe you mentioned that you wanted total body hair removal?"

"I did--except for her head, of course."

"Let me show you this new product. It's a hair removal lotion, produced by Miracle Pharmaceuticals. The nice thing is, after three applications, one week apart, the hair is permanently gone--your slave will never have to shave or wax again. You apply it, just like a body lotion, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off."

"Is it safe for the entire body?"

"Yes. Veronica, Carla, Wanda, and Andromeda all used it. They loved the results."

"I'll take it... give me enough for the three applications. Now I need a collar and a padded, lockable ankle cuff."

Dave nodded, "Collars are over here. Locking?"

"Yeah. But I want her to wear it like jewelry. I don't want a padlock or anything else hanging off the collar."

He nodded again, "Leather or metal?"

"Metal for the collar; for the cuff it isn't important."

"Flat or round?"

"What have you got?" I asked. He led me over to the collar display. I ended up selecting a highly polished, stainless steel Turian collar secured by a small hex screw. As I settled on Kari's collar, off to the left side I spotted the restraints. I pointed out a fur-lined, chrome cuff that could be secured with a padlock--exactly what I had in mind for her ankle, "That too."

By the time I'd finished shopping, I'd put a serious dent in my available credit. Not long after we returned to Dave's office, Carla brought Kari for us to see. Simply put, my slave was absolutely stunning. Carla had cut and styled her hair into a shoulder-length wavy lob and colored it a dark, rich, auburn. She'd framed Kari's beautiful face with a platinum blonde money piece. I stood up and faced Kari. I took her face between my hands and carefully ran my finger through her hair. It was shiny and silky soft. The money piece framed and highlighted her features exquisitely. Suddenly, I realized Carla was still talking. "I'm sorry Carla, what were you saying?"

"I said, I think it came out quite nice, she is truly lovely." Carla said, "I was tempted to take your slave very short--like a pixie cut--but I didn't think you would like that. Am I right? I also left your slave's hair long enough that you can tie it up out of the way during punishment if you're using a whip or a cane on her back."

"My slave is stunning Carla. I can't imagine her looking more beautiful than she is right now. Thank you." Kari blushed, looked at the floor and shuffled her feet. I forced myself to stop staring and turned to Dave, "What's next, the piercings or the tattoo?" I heard Kari hiss in a breath.

"Usually, we split it up. I'll do your slave's ears and nipples. Then Wanda will take over and ink in the butterfly's outlines. She told me, that with all the colors and shading, it will probably take two visits to finish. We'll schedule another session for two weeks from now."

He stood up, "Come with me Slave. The piercing area is this way." He got up from behind his desk and led Kari away. I followed. "Get on the table," He ordered her. Kari climbed up; she looked at me.

"Slave." I ordered. "You will stay quiet. If you embarrass me, you will receive five strokes of the belt for every peep, squeak, or shout that I hear. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master. It understands."

She raised her hand. "You may speak." I responded.

She turned to Dave, "Sir? Will you please begin? This slave will not be difficult."

"Your owner selected some very nice jewelry for you. I believe you'll like it." He placed the ear studs and nipple ornaments into a sterilizer while he put on gloves. In a couple minutes he used forceps to get the ear studs out and load them into a gun-like contraption. I heard a faint 'ping', Kari's nose flared. "That's one." Dave said, and picked up the second stud. I heard another 'ping' and hiss. "There. Your ears are all done. That wasn't so bad, was it." It was not a question. Kari stayed silent.

"You may speak," I prompted her. Dave nodded as if he approved of her discipline.

"Thank you sir. This slave feared it would hurt much more."

"Good. Now I need you to pull down your dress so that I can do your nipples. This tends to be a fair bit more painful. Stay in control."

"Yes sir."

Kari quickly complied and unzipped her dress and pulled it down, releasing her breasts. "Lovely. Just lovely." Dave commented. I felt a surge of jealousy as he tugged on and manipulated Kari's nipples; then used a fine-tipped pen to mark where the bar would be placed. "How do those look, is the placement okay?" Dave asked me. Kari tried to peek as well, but I warned her to keep still. As far as I could tell, the marks looked even and level. I nodded. Kari's hands were fisted so tight her knuckles were going white.

"Are you scared, Slave?" I asked Kari.

"Yes, Master."

"You know how to stop this..." I whispered.

She turned her head to Dave, "Please continue Sir. This slave will not move."

Dave pulled the jewelry from the sterilizer along with a forceps with teardrop shaped holes at the end. He clamped the forceps over Kari's left nipple. I could see her jaw clench. She hissed as Dave jabbed the hollow, large bore needle through her nipple. He slipped the bar through the needle and then removed the needle and screwed on the sterling silver beads.

Kari stayed silent--but she was breathing hard and a tear slid down her cheek as Dave repeated the procedures on her right breast.

"Very good Slave. Follow me to the tattoo area." Kari crawled off the table. She immediately dropped to the present position and raised her hand."

"You may speak."

"Master, may Slave have a drink of water, please?"

"I'll get it." Dave said and walked off.

"Come on Slave, let's follow Dave to the tattoo area." I took Kari's hand and led her out of the piercing room. Off to the left I saw Dave going through a curtained door. We followed.

"I'll leave you with Wanda. I'll be right back." Dave was off again.

Wanda spoke up, "Why don't you rest on the table--face down please. I'll just start drawing my outline for now--relax sweetie, no needles yet." Kari lay down on the table and Wanda immediately began to work. She turned to me, "Dave said you want this on your slave's shoulder, yes?"

I nodded assent. "I know you told Dave that 'Slave' was in the drawing, but I'll be darned if I can see it."

Wanda smiled happily, "Look right here..." She pointed to the top of the left wing and traced her finger over the image. Then I saw--she had formed the 'S' in the subtle color variations. I still couldn't see the rest of it.

"I give up."

She pointed again; the 'L' emerged from the butterfly's antennae. It took another hint before I spotted the "V" and "E" hidden, and neatly conjoined, near the bottom of the right wing. "Outstanding!" I enthused. "Slave, look at this. It will look beautiful on you. Don't you agree? You may speak."

"It's just my opinion," Wanda looked back at me, "But this design would look spectacular on her butt."

"Yes it would. But no. My slave's butt is spectacular just as it is. We won't be marking it--except with my belt when she misbehaves."

"Of course."

Wanda had just returned to her drawing when Dave came back with Kari's water. She sat up long enough to guzzle half the bottle, "Thank you sir. Slave appreciates it." She lay back down and Wanda finished the drawing. Kari's hands clenched the table tightly as Wanda's tattoo pen started buzzing. She declined my final reminder she could stop this. Instead, Kari took deep, slow breaths as Wanda started working--sometimes her hands flexed in time with her breathing.

"Okay, all set." Wanda sat back and did a last cleaning wipe. "Want to look?" She said. I stepped over and took a peek at her work. The black lines outlining the design were, as I requested, much finer than the original sketch. "Anyone know what time it is?" Wanda asked.

"A little after 12:15." I answered.

"Really? I thought it was later. I need lunch; why don't you two go across the street and grab a bite to eat. When you come back Dave will finish the piercings, and then I'll do some of the colorings, so there'll be less to do next time." She helped Kari sit up and placed a large bandage over the butterfly.

Kari stood and pulled up her dress. I reached over and zipped it for her. "Would you like lunch?" I asked Kari.

"Yes Master. Slave is hungry."

We left the back salon. As we approached the front, the receptionist nodded to Kari, "Sister, your new style and color are beautiful."

"Thank you," Kari answered quietly.

We walked out the front door. Kari took a deep breath of the fresh air. I spotted the small diner across the street. It wasn't busy. I looked at Kari, "Turkey and Swiss?"

"Thank you Master. That would be wonderful." She smiled.

"I'll order. Be careful sitting down, you're probably a little sore." Kari opened her mouth, but didn't say anything.

"You may speak."

"More than a little sore, Master. But I'm fine."

"I'm glad you're okay. Relax while I get lunch."

I was back with the food in just a couple minutes. I found Kari sitting sideways on the chair and sort of hunched over. "Are you alright?" I set our food on the table.

"It is fine, Master. Slave was careless and banged its new tattoo on the chair. When I... it jerked forward, its new nipple piercing bumped the table. Now it hurts back and front."

I couldn't help smiling, "I warned you to be careful. Here is our food. Set it out please." She moved cautiously; she'd learned her lesson. When she sat, she made sure not to let anything make contact with any of her tender spots. "Aren't you glad," I said as Kari sat, "That I didn't let them put the butterfly on your butt?"

The corner of Kari mouth twitched, she almost smiled, "Yes Master, very glad."

A forty-something woman stopped short as she walked by our table, "I'm sorry miss. Did you just call him..." She gave me a look that could curdle milk, "... master. Are you safe? Do you need help?"

"This slave is quite well, madame." Kari answered with an angelic smile. "My friend and I are just playing a game. We like to role-play and see how many nosy old busybodies try to butt into our conversation." The woman sniffed the air like she'd smelled a skunk and walked away in a huff.

I tried not to grin too widely, "Finish your lunch, Slave. You still have tattoos and piercings to finish." Her smile faded.

"Yes Master," She said quietly.

"Thank you for the quick thinking. In the future we must be more careful."

She looked around, "Yes Master." She whispered as she picked up her sandwich and bit into it.

We got back to the salon and Wanda immediately took Kari into the tattoo area. "Dave asked if you'd stop by his office for a few minutes while I work?"

"Thank you." I left them and went to find him.

*****

"Ah! Brett! You're back--have a seat. Did you have a good lunch?" His manner had changed. I was suspicious.

"Very nice, thanks." I said. 'C'mon, get to the point,' I thought.

"Excellent! Excellent! Look, I have a friend who is in the market for a new slave. And to tell you the truth, and not to be rude, but you strike me as a man unwilling, or at least unprepared, to be a master; and you're caught up in a situation you're not entirely comfortable with. Am I right?"

"Yes?"

"I thought so. I showed my friend a picture of Kari. He is prepared to offer you $50,000 to take her off your hands. He'll give her the strict discipline and structured environment she craves, and you won't have to worry about it anymore."

"It's a very good offer..." I began.

"Good. I'll call my friend. He'll be right down with your money and take..."

"No! Kari is not for sale."

"I understand. Your slave truly is an exceptional beauty. But, c'mon Brett, she is only a slave. My friend is willing to raise his offer to $75,000." Dave smiled.

"No. But thank you. Kari stays with me. Excuse me." I got up and walked to the tattoo area.

I could hear the tattoo pen buzzing, "Relax Honey, you're all tensed up," I heard Wanda say to Kari. Kari didn't respond.

I pushed through the door and saw Wanda, with her tongue poking out in concentration, bent over Kari's back. "How's it going?" I asked.

"Just lovely. Your slave is an excellent subject; she doesn't whine, she doesn't complain, and most important, she doesn't move. She's making my job very easy. I think I'll be able to finish today--if I'm not interrupted." She hinted. I promptly sat in the chair by Kari's head. She reached up and took my hand, but otherwise stayed still. After that, it took Wanda just about three hours before she stood up, "Okay, all done. Perfect." Kari sighed and pushed up from the table. I chuckled as two inflatable plastic donuts fell away from her breasts. "Sore nipples need protection," Wanda said as she handed Kari a sheet of paper with the tattoo care procedures. Kari read the instructions while Wanda put a thin coating of antibacterial ointment and a large bandage over Kari's new butterfly.

I led Kari out of the tattoo area and back to Dave's office. He looked up when I knocked on the door frame, "That took a lot longer than I expected," He said, "Problems?"

"No. In fact the exact opposite; Wanda said Kari was the perfect canvas. She was able to finish the tattoo in one sitting."

"Really? Remarkable. So? Are you ready to finish the piercings now?" He asked me, not Kari. I nodded in the affirmative. "Good. I've got one bit of paperwork to finish. I'll meet you over in the piercing parlor in just a minute."

I led Kari over. She sat down, carefully, avoiding contact with her new artwork. "Kari, are you okay? It's been a long day. You may speak."

She gave me a curious look, "Slave is fine Master. The tattoo and piercings are painful. But... they make me feel... closer?... to my Master. Thank you for these gifts, sir."

"You're welcome, Slave. Dave is going to do piercings in your navel and clit hood. I've chosen some lovely jewelry for you."

"Thank you Master," Kari responded, just as Dave walked in.

"Okay! Let's get going." He slapped his hands together. I handed him the jewelry from my shopping bag. He opened the packs and loaded them into the sterilizer. "Okay Slave, show me your navel." He ordered. Kari first lifted her dress from the bottom; but couldn't get it to where Dave had access to her navel.

"You don't wear panties?" Dave asked. Kari looked at me.

"You may speak."

"This slave has not earned the privilege of underwear... yet, Sir." Kari responded with dignity.

She pulled down her dress and then dropped the top of her dress, exposing all of her upper body. "Good. I see you're an 'innie' that makes this much easier. Brett, can I speak to you for a moment while the sterilizer does its thing?"

As soon as he shut the door behind us he turned, "Brett. Final offer. My friend is willing to go to $100,000."

I simply turned and walked back into the piercing area. Dave followed. I looked at Kari. "Present!" I ordered. She blinked and dropped to her knees. "Slave, Master Dave has just offered $100,000 to purchase you." Her eyes went wide and her body started to quiver. Dave smiled.

From 'present' Kari raised her hand. It was shaking badly.

"You may speak."

"Master, Slave's contract of enslavement states that Master may dispose of it as he wishes. Slave accepts whatever Master decides."

"Good, it's decided. Attention!" I barked. Kari jumped up and stood straight.

"Excellent!" Dave boomed. "My friend will..."

"It's decided that my slave is not for sale--at any price. Let's finish the piercings so that my slave and I can go home." I saw Kari sag, for just an instant, before returning to attention.

Dave tried to look disappointed but I sensed no unhappiness. I wondered if he was trying to buy Kari for himself. Anyway, he stayed professional and in 30 minutes Kari had been pierced and fitted with her new belly button and clit hood jewelry. Carrying our bag, we left the salon.

"Remember Brett," Dave put in a last pitch, "If she ever pisses you off and you wish to be rid of her--please call me first."

"I'll remember. Thanks for everything. We'll see you in 3-4 weeks, that's how often Carla says slave's hair will need touching up."

I led Kari back to the truck and held the door for her while she tried to get comfortably settled. When I got in, she was still fiddling with the shoulder harness. "Tuck it under your armpit... that will keep it away from your nipples. I'll drive slowly."

She didn't respond... I realized I'd not given her permission to speak. "You did well slave. I'm very proud of you. You have my permission to speak until we're in my garage."

"Thank you Master."

CHAPTER 4

As I drove home, Kari sat and stared straight ahead. Even with permission she didn't say anything. Occasionally she adjusted her dress to relieve pressure on one of her piercings. We got home and parked in the garage. Kari got out carefully and waited at the door. I held it open for her and she walked slowly down the entry hall toward the living room. When I got there she already was on her knees and removing her dress. She folded it neatly beside her and then raised her hand.

"Speak."

"Thank you Master. This has been a wonderful day. May Slave go to the bathroom?"

"You may. Clean up and come back here. Take your time. I have one more position to teach you."

"Yes Master."

"And Slave, remember to keep your bandage dry."

"Yes Master."

While Kari was in the bathroom I had time to think. I wondered what kind of person offered all that money to buy another person. 'Male or female?' I mused. Could it be a trap--maybe some law enforcement sting? Maybe some kind of good Samaritan that wanted get her away from me and free her?

Kari returned, interrupting my thoughts. She was back in her home uniform of stockings, heels, and nothing else. Her newly auburn hair glistened. She kneeled in the 'present' position. She stayed silent. "You look quite beautiful, Slave. Are you ready to learn your next position?"

"Slave is ready, Master."

"Excellent. This position is called 'collar'." I showed her how to kneel, straight up not back on her heels, and pull her hair away from her neck, bow her head, and wait. "Collar," I ordered. She missed and left a fair-sized hank of hair hanging down her back. I gave her a slap on the ass, "Present." I had her practice it a couple more times before I reached into the shopping bag and pulled out the Turian collar.

I held it out and showed it to her. Her eyes got big. "This is the collar I chose for you. Are you ready to accept it?"

"Yes Master, Slave is ready," she whispered.

"Collar." I snapped. She took the position perfectly this time. I slipped the collar around her neck--it sat like a choker--and secured it with the tiny hex screw. Without thinking Kari reached up and touched the ultimate symbol of her enslavement.

She smiled, "Thank you Master. Slave will wear it proudly."

"You're welcome Slave. Go rest--be careful leaning back," I warned.

Kari smiled as she knelt on her pad, "Thank you for reminding this slave, Master."

*****

I stayed silent and let her relax for 30 minutes. "Slave? I'm getting hungry but I don't feel like cooking. Do you like pizza?"

"Slave does not know. It has never had pizza."

Unbelievable. "Slave, are you lying to me? Everyone eats pizza."

"Slave is not lying, Master. When It was young, whenever the fosters ordered pizza, they did not share. As an adult, Slave was so overwhelmed by all the options, it was unable to choose."

"I see." I sighed. Cripes, how hard could it be to pick a pizza topping, I wondered. "Tonight, I'll order a few different pizzas. You can try them all."

"Thank you Master. Slave will..."

"But there's a catch," I interrupted.

"Yes Master?"

"You will go to the door. Pay for the pizza. And thank the delivery person."

"Yes Master. May Slave get up to get its dress?"

"Slave. Where are you?"

"In your house, Master?"

"Correct. And what do you wear in this house?"

"Slave wears... stockings and heels." She understood what I was saying, she blushed furiously. "But... Yes Master. Slave understands." I could see she was not thrilled.

"Master? May slave go to the bathroom and comb its hair."

"You may. And put on lipstick. Look nice for me... and the pizza delivery person."

"Yes Master."

I made the call for the pizza; a place called Gianinni's that made spectacular pizza. I ordered one plain cheese, one pepperoni and mushroom, and one green pepper and onion. "Okay, Slave. Our food will be here in 30 minutes. You'd better hurry to the bathroom. Also put your hair up in a bun of some sort. I want you to show off your collar."

True to Gianinni's promise, the pizza arrived in a half-hour. As I'd directed, the driver went to the side door and knocked. I handed Kari the money for the delivery guy--plus a healthy tip.

"Remember Slave, greet him and be friendly. You are in your house... you are not ashamed of being nude. Now go!"

"Yes Master." I watched her straighten up and stride toward the side door.

"Hi!" She greeted the driver. "You got here faster than I expected." She giggled. I stepped around the corner--the driver's mouth hung open and he stared at the naked vision in front of him. Kari had to remind him to take the money. "Keep the change, Sir." She dismissed him and shut the door. Without thinking she leaned back against the door and laughed again.

"I'm hungry Slave. Quit screwing around," I snarled--while trying not to laugh. Kari strutted over to kitchen table and placed the pizzas. Without being ordered, she gathered plates, silver, napkins, and glasses, and set the table. She immediately dropped to her knees beside my usual chair. "Slave... join me at the table." She stood and went to sit in the chair across the table from me, "Wait! I don't want your naked butt on my chair. Go put on your dress."

She returned after dressing. She stood by her chair, "You may be seated, Slave." She sat primly while I flopped open the three pizzas. I watched her sniff and smile. She licked her lips but made no move. "Slave, when I allow you the privilege of sitting at the table feel free to eat and speak."

"Thank you Master. You're very kind." I snagged a slice of the pepperoni and mushroom pie, and watched as she slid a piece of cheese onto her plate. She picked up her fork and knife and daintily cut a small piece. She lifted it to her mouth and chewed carefully. She grinned widely, "This is delicious, Sir."

I lifted my slice and tore off a chunk. She cut another piece, "You know," I commented, "It's perfectly okay to use your fingers.

She shook her head slowly, "It wouldn't be right. Slave must remember its manners at all times."

"I see. If I ordered you to use your hands?"

"Master? Please. Slave cannot."

"Very well, Slave. I won't force the issue. But if you change your mind, feel free to use your hands on finger-friendly food."

"Thank you master. May Slave have... that one?" She pointed at the pepperoni and mushroom.

"Of course."

"She cut a less delicate chunk and popped it into her mouth. She closed her eyes and swayed in her seat. "Oh Master! This is so delicious. Wonderful. Thank you Master." She quickly chopped up and ate her pizza. I was pleased when, without asking, she served herself and ate a slice of the pepper and onion. "Master. Slave prefers the one with pepperoni. That is its favorite."

"I'm glad you like it Slave. Slave do you drink beer?"

"No Master. It can't drink alcohol; it makes Slave ill."

"Okay. Slave would you get us another glass of water, please?"

"Yes Master."

We sat quietly for the next 10 minutes finishing our water. Finally, Kari finished, "May Slave be excused Master?"

"You may. Put away the leftovers, clean the dirty dishes, and then you may rest."

"Yes Master." She stood up and stepped away from the table. I was just about to snap at her when she stopped and removed her dress--folding it carefully and setting it on the counter. She turned and moved in front of me and assumed the 'wait up' position--fully exposing her nakedness to me.

"Does Slave look satisfactory Master?"

I made a big show of eyeing her body top to bottom. I undid the bun and ran my fingers through her silky hair. I had her turn around so that I could remove the bandage covering her butterfly. I was briefly alarmed at the ink stains on the bandage until I remembered Wanda mentioning the possibility of leakage. I turned her again. Now, except for the occasional slap on the ass for discipline, I touched her for the first time. I gave each of her new piercing a slight pull. I lightly massaged her nipples and clit. Her breathing quickened noticeably.

"Slave, you look quite lovely. Now, finish your tasks and then rest." I dismissed her to her clean-up while I went to the living room and started sorting through my music collection. I was in the mood for classical; maybe some Beethoven tonight. I pulled out my LP of Furtwangler's incredible 1954 performance of the 9th Symphony. I'd found the album by accident--it must have been 20 years ago when I was stationed in Europe. I was on leave and driving around Germany with my Air Force roommate. We were in the city of Bitburg--home of an American airbase until 1994.

We stopped at a sidewalk sausage stand and ordered bratwurst for lunch. We walked for a while and stumbled on a small record store. A 'Going out of Business' sign--at least I think that's what it said, it was in German--covered the front window. That's where I found the Furtwangler LP--75% off. I don't listen to it as often as I'd like to--I don't want to wear it out.

Kari finished her work and strode into the living room.

"You may rest now." I told her as I put on the album. I returned to my chair and leaned back, took a small sip of my drink, closed my eyes, and let Herr Beethoven weave his musical magic. About 3/4 of the way through the first movement, I happened to open my eyes and looked around. Kari was in her rest position, staring at the turntable, with tears coursing down her cheeks.

"Slave? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" I asked.

She wiped the back of her hand across her face, "Nothing is wrong Master." She pointed to the stereo, "I've never heard anything so beautiful. What is it?" I briefly explained. "Slave, move your rest pad over here. The sound is better.

As she kneeled, the second movement began. She jumped as the first four notes, followed by the timpani, blasted out of my speakers. "Slave, you've never heard this before?"

"No Master!" She answered, "The fosters believed that music of any type was the work of the devil. They did not allow it in the house." By the end of the second movement, I was happy to see Kari nodding her head and tapping her hands on her knees in time with the music.

When 10:00 rolled around I led Kari to the bathroom to do her first hair removal session. Before that she removed, cleaned, and reinserted each of her piercings. I handed her the 1st bottle of the remover and told her to spread it everywhere from the neck down. She did; and I did the parts of her back she couldn't reach. She was getting a little twitchy toward the end of the 20-minute wait. She gladly hit the shower and rinsed the potion off. Afterwards I grabbed a bar of anti-bacterial soap and gently washed her new tattoo. Then I left and gave her some privacy.

When she came back to the living room she was walking funny. She marched over and presented herself for inspection. The only word I could think of to describe her was radiant.

"Slave?"

"Yes Master?"

"You are remarkably beautiful. But why were you walking funny?"

She blushed. "Master, with all its body hair gone and its... um... mound... bald, the dangling ornament is bouncing on Slave's... clitoris. Master? Slave has never felt anything like this before. It feels so good that I have trouble walking correctly."

"Slave! Your clit piercing is there as a mark of your enslavement. It is not there for your pleasure." I snapped. "Maybe I should remove the ornament?"

"Please Master, Slave promises to do better. Please let it keep the ornament?"

"Very well. Slave you used the word I. You know what that means?"

She looked horrified; her entire body sagged. "Yes, Master. Slave knows."

"Wall!" I ordered, "I will be in shortly." She dropped her arms, turned left, and left the room. She marched perfectly. When she was gone I laughed to myself; imagine getting diddled by a clit ornament. I gave Kari 10 minutes to contemplate things before I went to the bedroom. She was in the wall position. I'm not sure if it was the position or fear of the belt; anyway, she was trembling. "Slave! Your feet aren't positioned correctly. That will be another stroke." I nudged her feet about a 1/2" farther from the wall.

I went to my closet and got my belt--1 1/2 inches wide, thick leather. I'd removed the heavy brass buckle that I'd bought in El Paso, Texas, during a cross-country drive to a new assignment--hard to believe it was 15 years ago.

"Slave. Tonight, you will receive two strokes of the belt. You will count out loud and end with 'Thank You Master'. If you yell, cry, or scream we start over. Do you understand?"

Kari nodded.

"Dammit Slave I asked you a question! I've warned you about nodding. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master. Slave understands. It apologizes for its rudeness."

"That will be three strokes. Let's begin."

I swished the belt and smacked the bed a couple times--watching Kari flinch. I wanted to make sure I could control the belt and not hit too hard: I wanted it to sting, not do damage or mark her.

I let the belt fly. Swish. Smack. "One!" Kari gasped, "Thank you Master." She whispered.

I let her think about it for a few seconds. Swish. Smack. This stroke landed about an inch below the first, "Two!" Kari shouted, "Thank you Master." I applied the final stroke a little harder than the first two and then stepped back and examined the three faint red stripes on Kari's perfect ass. 'Exactly parallel' I thought to myself.

"Well done Slave." I said after the third stroke. I set the timer on my watch for 10 minutes, "Slave, stay on the wall for 10 minutes. I want you to think about why you were punished tonight. When you hear the alarm you may rise. Go to your bathroom and apply the aloe vera healing gel to your bottom. When you're finished come to the living room. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master. Slave understands." Kari said firmly. I put my watch on the bedside table and left. I grabbed my laptop from my office and went to the living room. I poured myself one finger of the Knob Creek over an ice cube.

I figured--at least if I wanted to keep my job--that I needed to go to work the next day. I had to decide what to do with Kari. First I made a list of chores. I tried to think of enough things to keep her busy: vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms, having dinner ready when I got home--I wondered if Kari knew how to cook. I also considered the possibility she'd disappear as soon as I was gone.

Kari returned to the living room about 15 minutes later. She immediately dropped into her apology position. I looked at her ass; the belt marks were already faded and barely visible. "I accept your apology," I said to her, "Present!" She pushed herself to her knees, eyes on my feet.

"Slave, we need to talk. You may speak freely."

"Yes Master."

"First. Do you know how to cook?"

"Yes Master. The fosters insisted that Slave prepare their meals. Slave is good with recipes, but not very creative."

"That's very honest. I appreciate it. Tomorrow night, for supper, I'd like spaghetti with meat sauce. You'll find everything you need in the cabinets. I should be home by 6:00."

"Slave will have dinner ready Master."

"Excellent. Slave this is personal... but... um... when do you expect your period?"

"Slave is very regular Master. In the next 6-7 days."

"Okay. When I get home Tuesday we will go shopping for the supplies you need. We'll get you some clothes so you can be comfortable and modest."

"Thank you so much Master. Slave did not know how to bring up that subject. Slave was embarrassed."

"Slave, I will print you a list of chores. I expect you to keep the house spotless."

"Yes Master."

"Stand up slave." She gracefully rose. I reached into the shopping bag next to my chair and pulled out the chrome and fur ankle cuff. "Give me your right ankle." She lifted her leg and I propped it on the arm of my chair. I fit the cuff around her ankle and secured it.

"There. We can secure your chain to this loop. I think that this will be more comfortable than the loop of chain."

"Thank you Master. It is quite beautiful." She yawned.

"It has been a long day slave. If you are tired, go use the bathroom and go to your bed. I'll be in shortly to secure you."

"Thank you Master. Slave is tired." She bowed, "May Slave be excused?"

"Go." She marched out of the room. I took my drink glass to the kitchen and washed it. After that I went to my office and started printing up Kari's list of chores. After the list, I logged in the day's expenses and went through my e-mail. I didn't see anything worth my attention.

I entered the bedroom and found Kari kneeling in her crate. "Are you ready for sleep?"

"Yes Master," She presented her ankle and I secured the chain to her ankle cuff. She slipped into her crate and I secured the door. With the new piercings and tattoo, it took her a while to get comfortable. I went into my bathroom, stripped, and showered. I walked back into the bedroom and crawled into my bed.

"Still awake slave?"

"Yes Master?" She yawned loudly.

"Just a reminder. I have to go to work tomorrow. You will be responsible for your chore list."

"Yes Master."

"Goodnight Slave."

"Goodnight Master. Thank you for the perfect day."

*****

DAY 3--I rose with the alarm. I had a very brief flash of confusion, wondering what the hell a dog crate was doing in my bedroom, "Oh yeah." I remembered as I looked into Kari's staring eyes. "Good morning Slave."

"Good morning Master."

I got up, went over to Kari's crate, and unlocked the door and her ankle cuff. "Slave, go to the bathroom and then go prepare breakfast and coffee."

"Yes Master." She paused, "Master?"

"Yeah?"

"Slave does not know how to make coffee. Slave's fosters forbade it."

"Use my phone on the kitchen counter to look up the instructions. I like it medium strong. I need to shower and shave for work."

"Yes sir." As she walked away she reached back and tried to touch her tattoo.

"Don't scratch. I'll help apply your healing ointment after I shower." I needed to piss so I hurried into my bathroom.

"Yes Master. Slave will wait." Kari said to my retreating back.

I put on a bathrobe and pulled my suit out of my closet. I went to my office to get my laptop for work. In the corridor I stopped and sniffed: coffee. I smiled. It smelled like Kari had figured out the coffee maker. Good for her.

I went out to the kitchen and found the coffee just finishing. Kari had set out cereal, milk, blueberries, and sugar. As I sat down Kari brought the coffee carafe and set it on a trivet on the table. She stood silently beside me. "Present." I ordered. She kneeled and waited while I prepared the cereal.

I handed her a bowl and spoon, "You may eat. Do you want a cup of coffee."

She swallowed a mouthful of cereal. "Slave has never had coffee." I loaded a cup with coffee, extra milk, and lots of sugar and handed it to her. "Try this."

She sipped. Frowned. She looked at me and raised her hand, "You may speak."

"The coffee tastes okay, Sir. But Slave thinks it is much too sweet. Slave is sorry sir." I couldn't help laughing.

"Go dump that cup in the sink." She did and returned to her kneeling position. I poured another cup for her. This time I added just a touch of milk and one spoon of sugar, "Try this."

She sipped and smiled, "Much better, Master. Slave likes this. Thank You."

"You're welcome." I placed a sheet of paper on the table. "This is the list of chores I want you to finish today. Remember, I expect the house to be spotless and you to be immaculately groomed when I get home."

"Yes Master."

"Also, don't forget to prepare a shopping list of items you'll want during your period. I'll take you shopping tomorrow night."

"Yes Master."

"Good. I need to shower and get dressed for work. Check your list, if you have any questions ask me when I come out." She rose and came to Attention as I left the kitchen.

"Master?" Kari called to my retreating back.

"What?"

She dropped her eyes and blushed, "Would Master like Slave to scrub his back?"

"Thank you, but not today. Concentrate on your list of chores and your shopping list. Oh! And get the healing ointment for your tattoo."

"Yes Master." She sighed. I couldn't tell if it was relief or disappointment.

I showered, shaved, brushed, and got dressed. I strolled out to the living area and found Kari in her corner reading the chore list. She looked up and raised her hand.

"Speak."

"Master, Slave has three questions."

"Go ahead."

"First. Would Master like Slave to prepare a lunch for him to take to work? Master could save a lot of money that way."

"That's a good idea. Not today--there's no time. But from now on we'll try it. Next question?"

"Master, while you're not here... may... may Slave have permission to go to the bathroom as necessary?"

"Yes. Thank you for asking. Next question?"

"Master, if Slave has finished its chores, may it put on its dress and look around outside?"

"No. When I get home tonight I will inspect you and your work. If it is satisfactory I will allow you to dress and I will show you the property. Now, I need to leave for work."

"Master? I'm sorry I have one more question."

"Go ahead."

"It isn't listed on my chore list--may Slave eat lunch?"

"Yes. You may take a lunch break just like everyone else."

She bowed, "Thank you. Have a good day at work Master. Slave will not disappoint you."

*****

No sooner had I sat down in my office than my boss came strolling in, "Hey Brett! Good to see you back. How are you feeling?"

I almost messed it up, but I caught myself in time to 'admit' that I still felt a little tired and weak.

"I'm glad you're back Brett. I don't know if you heard, we had to let Jenkins go. We discovered she was taking kickbacks and bribes from customers. I'm going to need you to pick up some of the slack."

Crap. I knew, deep down, that Trisha Jenkins wasn't the sharpest tack in the box; but I didn't think she was criminally stupid. "Okay, boss, let me know whatever you need me to do."

"Thanks Brett. Over the next couple weeks, she has... sorry, had... two prospective new accounts; one is in-state...****** Corp." The boss checked his notes, "Your contact will be a Mr. Janovitch. I spoke with him on the phone... he seemed decent enough. I'll send you the folder."

"Got it."

"Also, there is a small gardening center, in mid-Maryland, getting ready for another expansion to their operations. We need an analysis of their situation--whether they're worthy of the risk, or, to be honest, big enough to be worth the bother. There, your contact will be either the owner, a Mr. Hellsen or the manager, Ms. Addison."

"Okay. Send me the folders, I'll get on it."

I spent the rest of the day collating and reviewing the info for the two prospective accounts. Western Allegheny's research department sent me what they had on the two businesses. I read the files and then did a search of public records on the internet--not my favorite activity. I preferred to read the final reports and completed inspection checklists and reach a decision--damn Jenkins and her stupidity.

The ****** Corp. had volumes of info available. The Hellsen Garden Center, not so much--in fact I thought it looked rather small for us. Plus, my search revealed a fairly significant claim from fifteen years back. But I didn't give the orders, so I began preparing my inspection criteria.

I left work on time and got home at 1800. As I pulled into the garage, I wondered what I would find inside. Before I even reached the door I smelled cooking aromas; garlic to be exact. Good omen I thought as I opened the door. Kari waited for me in a perfect Display pose. She was glorious. She'd pulled her hair back in a very pretty french braid so that her collar was on full display. I circled her slowly--pretending to inspect--really just soaking in her beauty. Her skin was flawless; I caught a faint scent of soap. Her butterfly tattoo had scabbed over just as Wanda had predicted.

I stepped close. I ran my fingers along her labia to check for stubble. Her skin was still hairless and baby smooth, as were her arms and legs. Kari shivered at my touch; her eyes closed. "You've done well Slave. You're very beautiful. Do I smell garlic?"

"Yes Master." Her eyes popped open and she took a deep breath, "That is the meat sauce. The pasta should be ready in just a couple minutes Sir."

I nodded, "Relax Slave. Let me see your chore list. Did you finish everything?"

"Yes Master. It was not very difficult. I checked off each task as I finished."

"Oh really?" Just then the timer on the kitchen stove sounded.

"Master? The sauce and pasta are ready, would you like to wash up while I put everything together?"

"I would. And I'd like it if you'd put on your dress and join me at the table."

"Yes Master. Thank you." She ran to the bedroom--I must admit I stared hungrily at her retreating bottom. She was back in just a minute. She ran past me and pulled open the oven door and pulled out a cookie sheet.

"What's that?"

"Garlic bread, Master. I hope you like it." She drained the pasta and mixed it with the sauce, then set everything on the table.

"Where did you get the bread?" I asked.

"I made it Master."

"You baked bread... from scratch?"

Kari started to look nervous, "Yes Master. You have all the ingredients. It is really very easy."

"I see." I snagged a piece of the garlic bread and took a bite. "On the one hand, you prepared this bread without my permission." Kari looked frightened. "But on the other hand," I took another bite, "This is really quite delicious. Relax Slave, let's eat our dinner. Remember Slave, when you're sitting at the table you may speak freely."

"Thank you Master. I've made the shopping list you requested. Also, I did a full inventory of my cleaning supplies. I've prepared a list for those things less than half full."

"Excellent. Be ready to go shopping when I get home tomorrow night."

"Yes Master. What about dinner?"

"Don't worry about that. We'll stop and get some takeout. Do you like Chinese?"

"Slave has never had that Master. But the Chinese restaurant Slave used to walk past smelled delicious."

"That's settled then. We'll call in the order when we finish shopping. Do you trust me to choose?"

Kari looked at me seriously, "Slave trusts you with its life Master." She bent her head and focused on her spaghetti.

Holy Shit! How does one respond to that? "I'm honored. But what about when I'm spanking you with my belt?"

She stopped with a piece of garlic bread half-way to her mouth, then put it down. She reached out and for the first time touched my hand, "Master. Slave expects and accepts punishment for her errors. That is how Slave learns."

CHAPTER 5

We ate in silence for a while before Kari spoke again, "Master?"

"Yes?"

"That music we listened to the other night, the 9th?"

"Beethoven."

"Yes Sir. Do you have other music like that, that Slave can listen to?"

"I have lots of music. Many different styles. We can listen to as many as you like. Promise me though, that you'll be honest about what you like and don't like. Okay?"

"I promise Master." She assured me when she'd finished her last bit of spaghetti. "May Slave be excused to start cleaning up?"

"Go ahead. Call me when you finish and we'll inspect today's chores."

"Yes Master."

I went to my office and flipped open my laptop--promptly zipped through my e-mail. Only spam, and not even interesting spam. I was immersed in a captivating game of solitaire when Kari knocked on my office door--just once as I'd taught her.

"Enter."

Kari was naked again as she entered the room, assumed 'present' by my side. She raised her hand.

"Speak."

"Slave has finished cleaning up. The house is ready for inspection Master."

I didn't have white gloves so I improvised and grabbed a pair of white socks from the bureau in the bedroom. "Let's go Slave. We'll start in your bathroom."

Kari led me to her room. I checked the ledge of the window--clean as a whistle. I reached up and swiped my hand along the top of the window frame--also spotless. The tub and basin passed easily, as did her toilet and bidet. I was about to declare the room perfect when I remembered a spot I got dinged for during my first Air Force CAFI (commander's annual facility inspection) when I was just a one-striper. I kneeled down and ran my sock behind the toilet basin. It came out black--just like during the CAFI. I showed it to Kari, she paled, "Filthy Slave, that's one stroke. Let's check the bedroom."

Everything in the bedroom was fine. I reminded her how to make a bed correctly--she'd made a good effort so I didn't ding her for it. I skipped my bathroom--I was sure Kari would take care of the trouble spot tomorrow. "Looks good Slave, let's see the living room."

I did the usual: ran my sock along the top of the window frames; along the top of my LP collection; behind my stereo. All was clean. Finally, I ran a finger along the top-inside edge of the lamp shade next to my chair--a huge black smudge came away.

"That's two. Let's look at the kitchen." The kitchen shined. But I remembered one place--I opened the fridge and tugged on the rubber seal. I ran my sock down the crevices and it came out filthy.

"That's three. We're finished Slave. Wall!"

"Yes Master." She marched away. I followed closely; I wanted to get the punishment over with quickly. I entered the room and she was on the wall. I grabbed the belt and swished it against the bed.

"Are you ready Slave?"

"Yes Master." She'd barely finished that when the first stroke landed, "One! Thank you Master." And then, "Two! Thank you Master." With the third, her voice was a little higher and shriller. I felt I'd been a little too harsh with the last stroke.

"Go shower and apply the aloe vera. When you're done put on your dress and join me in the living room."

"Yes Master." She reached back and rubbed her bottom, "Master? Slave apologizes for not finding those dirty spots. It promises to do better tomorrow."

"I know you will. Go take care of your bottom." I followed her out of the bedroom. I saw her checking her backside in the mirror. She had three bright red stripes. She was smiling. 'I'll be damned!' I thought, 'She enjoyed that?'

She entered the living room about 20 minutes later, dressed in stockings, heels, and her black dress. She'd brushed out her hair and it shone brightly. She approached me and assumed the 'Display' inspection position. I stood and circled her; couldn't find any faults--not even make believe--she was perfect. "Relax Slave. You look beautiful. Would you go to the kitchen and bring us two soft drinks and ice, please? Tonight, I want to watch a baseball game."

"Yes Master." She headed for the kitchen; she squared her turns perfectly.

"Yeah." I said softly as I clicked on the TV, "You smile when I give you the strap; but, you're doing your darndest to avoid it." I heard ice clanking into glasses in the kitchen. Kari returned carrying two glasses, "Here is your drink Master." She kissed my glass, presented it to me, and then kneeled at my side. 'Where the hell did she learn that?' I wondered.

"Slave wait." I stopped her, "Since you're dressed why don't you sit with me on the sofa. We can watch the game together." Tonight, the Pirates were playing the Phillies. I didn't care who won--my state loyalties lay with both teams. Okay, maybe I preferred the Pirates--just a little.

When the game ended--I don't remember the final score--Kari and I retired to our separate baths. I showered, brushed my teeth, etc. I put on my robe and walked across the hall to Kari's bathroom. She was standing in front of her mirror, wrapped in a towel, brushing her hair. I knocked and walked in. "Are you ready for the tattoo ointment?"

"Yes Master."

She handed me the tube. I squirted a bit on my finger and rubbed in a thin film over her butterfly. "Looking very nice Slave."

"Thank you Master. Slave was very scared of the needles; but it loves the tattoo and piercings."

"Are you keeping your piercings clean?"

"Yes Master--Slave sanitizes everything twice a day."

"Good. When you finish and are ready for bed, I'll be in the living room." I left her to her ablutions.

*****

DAY 4

I hurried home after a routine day of work. Kari met me at the door, naked except for stockings and heels; but she had her dress folded over her arm. "Slave is ready to go Master. It has made two shopping lists: one for the personal things Slave needs. Second, for cleaning supplies needed for the house."

"Very good Slave. Put on your dress and let's go. The faster we finish shopping the faster you get to try Chinese food.

"Yes Master." Kari grinned as she slipped the dress over her head and turned her back to me, "Master? Zip Slave please?"

Thirty minutes later we were at the local Supr Sav-Mart. We quickly filled Kari's sanitary needs. Then in the clothing department she picked out two pairs of black yoga pants, a pack of panties, and two sports bras. At my suggestion she got a pack of socks and a pair of sneakers.

We found the cleaning supplies on her list and then stocked up on a week's worth of groceries.

It turned out that Kari adored Chinese food--especially General Gao's chicken and egg rolls.

*****

DAY 5--

Since we'd already listened to the big, bold, Beethoven symphony, I decided to put on some chamber music this time. I pulled out my copy of Dvorák's String Quartet No. 12, the "American". After thinking about it for a few seconds I put away the LP and turned on my big screen TV and signed in to Youtube, where I knew there was an excellent performance by the New York Philharmonic String Quartet. I thought Kari might enjoy watching the music being performed.

She returned to standing and sat--warily--next to me on the small sofa. As we sipped our drinks, before I started the music, I explained the difference between the symphony and string quartets.

"Ready?"

"Yes Master."

I clicked the remote and started the video. I finished my soda and placed the empty glass in the built-in cup holder. I tilted back my half of the recliner and glanced at Kari; she was staring raptly at the screen as the four musicians on the screen melded their sounds together. The viola player began a short solo and Kari gasped, she turned and looked at me, her eyes bright, "That sound is amazing--so... so... rich and vibrant."

I nodded, "Keep listening. It gets better." She hurriedly gulped down her soda and got up. She grabbed my glass and took the empties to the kitchen. She returned and stopped in front of the sofa.

"May Slave sit Master?"

"Of course. Recline if you'd like to."

She sat daintily, hesitated, then reclined. I relaxed and let the music wash over me. "Look! Look!" Kari laughed. She grabbed my hand and pointed. The two violinists, playing in unison, were bouncing in their seats, bobbing their heads, and bowing their violins in perfect synchronization. For a moment they looked like two marionettes controlled by the same strings before the music took them in separate directions. I understood Kari's delight.

She sat next to me, still holding my hand. I glanced at her and her eyes were closed and her body swayed in time with the increasingly exciting music. I was fascinated--it seemed as though she was trying to mimic the movements of the violinists. When the piece ended, Kari was sitting straight up, staring at the screen. She blinked a couple times, almost like waking from a trance. Suddenly she rolled to her left and straddled me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me like I've never been kissed before.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you Brett. That was the most wonderful thing I've ever heard. I can't believe that the fosters think this is evil. I... Oh my God!" Her eyes widened in horror, "Slave is sorry." She jumped off me, stripped off her dress, and dropped to the floor in her apology position."

I had to take a deep breath. Her kiss and hug had aroused me beyond belief. If she had rubbed her body against me for another five seconds I probably would have... well, you know. "Slave! That was an unforgiveable display. Wall! Now!" She rose--tears already streaming down her cheeks--and ran to the bedroom.

My erection threatened to burst the zipper on my jeans. I took several deep breaths before I followed after her. I stopped just inside the doorway and stared at Kari shivering on the wall. She knew I was going to torture her for her behavior. I walked over to my closet and found another belt--I left on the traditional buckle. I slipped the tip of the belt through the buckle, forming a loop. I walked over to Kari's right side.

"Slave. Do you remember the rules you agreed to as a condition to your enslavement?"

"Yes Master," She whispered.

"Speak up!" I demanded.

"Yes Master. Slave remembers!"

"Recite Rule 8."

"Master, rule 8 states that Slave has no free will. Slave will not do anything without Master's permission. Its only privilege is to breathe--and Master will take that away if It misbehaves. It may not speak without permission--except to answer a direct question or to sound an alarm for an emergency."

"That's correct. Your only privilege is to breathe." I slipped the looped belt over Kari's head and snugged it against the skin of her neck--not enough to curtail her breathing, but a clear message. She jumped when I dropped the tail of the belt onto her naked back and butt.

I grabbed the tail of the belt and pulled, "Get up." I ordered. She came to attention. "Go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, and get back here--fast. Do not remove the belt."

She was gone less than five minutes, "Slave. I am not going to beat you." I grabbed the belt end and led her over to her crate and opened the door. I yanked out the mattress, sheets, and blanket. "Collar." She dropped to her knees, bowed her head, and pushed her hair away from her neck. I grabbed her chain and used a padlock to secure the chain to her collar instead of her ankle cuff. "Get inside." I ordered. As soon as she crawled in, I closed and locked the crate's door. "Go to sleep Slave." I kicked the sheets and blankets far enough away from the crate that she couldn't reach them.

I walked out of the bedroom, turned off the light, and shut the door. I went to the living room and turned off all the lights. I slept on the sofa that night.

*****

DAY 6--

"Good morning slave." I walked into the bedroom the next morning and found Kari curled into a ball at the gate end of her crate.

"Good morning Master."

"Are you ready to get out of your crate?"

"Yes Master, this slave is ready." I approached her crate and unlocked the gate. Kari crawled out, assumed 'present', and raised her hand.

"Speak." I ordered.

"Master? Slave apologizes again for its outburst last night."

"Apology accepted Slave. Collar!" As she pulled her hair out of the way, I unlocked the chain from her collar. She did not straighten up immediately. "Are you alright Slave?"

"Yes Master. Slave feels that its period will start any minute. Also, Master, its crate without the mattress is not very comfortable. Slave did not sleep well. Slave will remember last night in its crate for a long time."

"Good. In the future you must remember to think before you act. Go ahead and shower and get dressed so you are comfortable. I will prepare breakfast. I grabbed a shower and got dressed in a charcoal grey suit. I was ready before Kari, I went to the kitchen, started coffee, pulled down a box of blueberry flavored breakfast biscuits and a jar of peanut better.

*****

DAY 9--I woke up early; don't know why. I went to the kitchen and started coffee and then returned to the bedroom and released Kari from her crate. She yawned and stretched before dropping to 'present' and raising her hand.

"You may speak."

She rubbed her hand over her mons, "Master, this slave's hair is beginning to grow."

"I see. Thank you for reminding me. We'll do your 2nd Hair removal treatment tonight after dinner."

DAY 13--Another work day. Kari packed my lunch: Ham and cheese w/mustard--lettuce and tomato in a separate container; an apple; a reusable bottle of water.

As soon as I sat down in my office, my boss walked in and handed me more info on ***** Corp. and the Hellsen Greenhouses. I had about another week to prepare for my site visits.

That night Kari and I watched an old movie on TV. I noticed Kari leaning forward, staring at the screen. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing Master. Slave is just admiring that actress' jewel on the side of her nose... and the chain. That is so... so... Slave can't think of a word." She hesitated, kneeled in front of me and assumed 'present', "Master? Please, may Slave have a piercing and chain like that?"

"Seriously? You want someone to poke a hole in your nose?"

"Yes Master." She looked up and for the first time in two weeks met my eyes, "The word Slave could not think of was 'arousing'."

"Okay. Do you want to return to Dirty Dave's or go someplace else? "

"Master, Slave would prefer Master Dave's. He understands and accepts Slave's situation."

I nodded, "I'll call him in the morning and make an appointment for you. If he wants you right away, I'll call you on the house phone and let you know."

"Thank you Master." She rose and returned to the sofa--just in time for us to watch the movie's end credits. I leaned over and kissed Kari's cheek. She turned, her eyes wide, I placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She blinked a couple times, then with her eyes firmly closed she timidly returned the kiss."Slave, look at me." I ordered. She tried, but had trouble maintaining eye contact.

I stood up, offered her my hand, and helped her rise from the sofa. I stood there, holding her hands, "Slave, what is rule #14?"

She blushed and her breathing quickened, "Master, Rule #14 states that: Using It for sexual pleasure is Master's privilege--Slave may not refuse. Slave may not orgasm without Master's permission." She broke eye contact and dropped into 'present' and raised her hand.

"Speak."

"Master. Slave... It hasn't... Master, Slave is a virgin."

I wasn't expecting that. It was my turn to stare. "You're kidding!" I thought.

"No Master. Slave is serious." Okay, maybe I'd said 'you're kidding' out loud. "And Slave will be proud to submit to Master however Master wishes." She finished.

I kissed her again, and led her down the hall and entered my bedroom. "If you need to go to the bathroom and wash up, go ahead and use mine. Don't make a mess." I reminded her.

I sat on the edge of the bed and waited. A few minutes later I heard the toilet flush and water running in the sink. Kari came out of the bathroom. She looked calm. "Come over here and stand in front of me." I ordered. She paced over to me, kept her corners perfectly square, and assumed her 'Display' inspection position. I looked her up and down--didn't see any flaws. Well, maybe one: "Slave, why didn't you comb your hair?"

"Slave didn't have its comb. It did not think Master would want it to use Master's comb." She answered.

"Slave, look at me." I ordered. "You must understand that beautiful hair is very important to me--almost an obsession. You must keep your hair clean and perfectly styled at all times when you are in my presence. I will spare no expense to help you keep your hair beautiful--but you must do your part."

"Slave understands Master. It will be more conscientious."

"Bend Over." She bent, perfectly, placed her hands on her knees, and waited. I got up and stood behind her. I grasped the hem of her short, black dress and lifted it to reveal her beautiful bottom. I hauled back and gave her two hard slaps which left a perfect red handprint on each butt cheek. Kari dutifully counted and thanked me. "Stand up."

She came to attention. "Remove your dress and shoes." I ordered. She did and then stood there holding them. "Put your things away and return to me." She did so and once again assumed her 'Display' position. I stood up and walked around her. I stopped and ran my hands over her butt, admiring their firm muscling, baby-soft skin... and the bright red hands prints... my bad. Kari sighed and shivered as I stroked her rump. I stepped close to her and circled my hands around her; one to caress her breasts, while the other slid downwards and caressed her smooth sex. Kari gasped and began to breathe quickly. "Take it easy slave. I don't want you to hyperventilate." I cautioned her as I teased her nipples, nipped at her right earlobe, and slid a finger across her slippery clit. Her knees weakened and she slumped back against me.

"Master!" Kari cried. Her legs started shaking. "What's happening!" Her head started whipping back and forth. I slowed down and eased the pressure, "Don't you dare climax without my permission Slave."

"Maaassster!" She pleaded.

"Not yet. Control yourself. Remember this is about my pleasure, not yours." I lied as I increased the pressure of my touches again. She started humping against my fingers. "Stop that." I ordered. She groaned as I took my hands off her body.

"Turn and face me." She did.

"Undress me. And you'd better not wrinkle my clothes!" She carefully unbuttoned my shirt and slipped it off. She sniffed it and frowned.

"Needs washing." She muttered as she held it out to the side and dropped it on the floor. She kneeled and untied my shoes and slipped them off; then carefully lifted each foot in turn and removed my socks--which she immediately dropped on top of the shirt. Still kneeling she reached up and undid my belt buckle and the button securing my waistband. She took a deep breath and licked her lips before she pulled down the zipper.

She removed my trousers and then stood and took them to my closet and put them on a hanger. She quickly returned and kneeled once more. By this time, I was fully erect and quivering with excitement. Kari delicately grabbed my underpants and slipped them off; my erection caused her a moment of trouble before she realized she could push it up and out of the way. The underpants joined the pile of dirty clothes.

Kari stared. She licked her lips again. She glanced up at me, "It's the most beautiful..." She dropped her eyes and leaned forward and kissed the very tip of my cock. When she pulled back, a spider's web of my pre-cum trailed with her. She reached up with both hands and caressed me--but only with her fingertips. "So soft." She muttered.

She looked up at me and smiled, "Master? This slave does not want to be a virgin any longer. Please?"

I held out my hand, "Stand up, slave." Once she was standing, I ordered her to go to the bathroom and get a dark towel. She ran there and back and stood once more in front of me--shivering. I spread the towel on the bed before I reached out and gathered her to me. I kissed her as hard as I could, mashing our lips together. I grasped her buttocks and pulled her even tighter to me. My cock slipped down and rubbed against her clit. We both groaned with pleasure, as our lips parted and our tongues danced.

"Open your eyes and Look at me." She obeyed. I tightened my arms and lifted her enough to sit her on the bed. "Lay back."

She did as I ordered. At the same time, she held out her arms, "Please, Master." I was in no condition to delay or tease any longer. I grabbed her ankles and shoved her legs apart. Her pussy lips glistened with moisture. I leaned forward and lightly kissed her clit ring; I promised myself I would make an effort to taste her some other time. Right now, I was on a mission.

I crawled forward; I stopped only long enough to kiss each of her nipples. Kari lifted her knees and locked her ankles around my back. I slipped my raging hard on between Kari's labia and stopped. Kari hissed in a deep breath. I couldn't decipher whether it was pleasure, pain, or disappointment that I stopped. "Kari? Are you sure? I'm so aroused right now, once I'm inside you... I will not stop. Are you ready slave?" I moved myself back and forth, across the moist folds of her pussy.

"Yes! Hurry Master."

I slipped inside her until I met the virgin's obstruction. I didn't give her time to reconsider; I paused for just a split second and them forced my way through her hymen with one long, hard thrust. "EEK!" She squeaked and tightened her arms and legs around me.

I waited and let Kari adjust to my... intrusion. She'd closed her eyes again. I didn't mind. She wiggled a little bit to get me settled and then opened her eyes. She leaned up and kissed me. "Master, please go slowly at first?" I was surprised when one of her feet slipped down and began caressing my ass. That was a first.

I began a gentle and slow in and out thrusting rhythm--making sure to contact Kari's clit on every downward stroke. Eventually Kari began heaving her hips upward to match my down strokes. She had a soft smile on her face. I kissed her again, but warned her, "Remember Slave, don't climax without permission."

"Master!" She whined and tried to grind herself against me. I retreated until I was almost out. Paused.

She calmed down a bit and I began again--maybe just a little more assertive this time--until she began gasping again. I knew she was close, so I stopped again. She kept panting for a few seconds and then slowly thrust her hip up, drawing me inside her.

Finally, she understood, "Master, harder please. Please? May this slave cum for you?" She begged.

I instantly slammed myself down and began hammering her. I felt her arms wrap around my neck and her heels bouncing on my ass. I leaned forward as best I could and touched my lips to hers, "Slave," I whispered, "Cum for me now."

She groaned and shrieked and thrashed about with pleasure. Damned if she didn't bite my shoulder. I'd have to spank her for that; but, some other time. I was well beyond sated and too numb to move.

*****

DAY 14--

I don't remember setting my alarm that night, but it went off at the usual time so I must have. I jerked awake and reached over to shut it off--or tried to. I panicked a bit because I couldn't move or feel my right arm. With a few seconds of rational thought, I realized my hand and arm were pinned under Kari's sleeping form. She stirred as the clock kept buzzing.

"Kari," I said softly, "Time to wake up."

"Hmm... Don't wanna." She muttered.

"Slave!" I gave her butt a light tap, "Are you disobeying me?"

Her eyes popped open; I couldn't help laughing. "You'd better go shower and clean yourself. Take the towel--don't make a mess." She raised her body enough so that I could free my dead arm.

"Domestic workers deserve special care," I repeated for Dirty Dave's slave/receptionist.

"One moment Sir," The sultry-voiced slave responded.

"Mornin' this is Dave."

"Dave, this is Brett Noonan. How are you?"

"Good. Very good. How can I help you today Brett."

"I've decided to get my slave a nose piercing on the side of her nostril. Can I get an appointment?"

"Sure. When would you like to come in?"

"How about this evening--I get off work about 5:30ish.

"We close at seven."

"Okay we'll be there by 6:15. Will that give you enough time?"

"No problem. What kind of decoration will you want."

"I was thinking green to go with her red hair. By the way Carla was right--the red looks amazing. Anyway, something green, not too expensive, but looks like a gem."

"Gotcha. I'll have a couple options to show you. How does your slave feel about having her nose done?"

"Who cares?"

Dave laughed, "Exactly! I'll see you this afternoon."

As soon as I got off the phone with Dave, I called the house. "Noonan residence," Kari answered on the third ring.

"You're slow Slave." I responded.

"Sorry Master. Slave was in the bathroom brushing its teeth."

"Very well. We have an appointment for your nose piercing with Master Dave at 6:15; be ready to go by 5:30."

"Slave will be ready Master."

"Good. And Slave, I want you to look nice. Wear your dress, stockings, and heels. Since this is a special occasion you may wear panties--but no bra. And make sure your hair is perfect."

"Slave understands."

"One more thing Slave. While we're at Dave's I want you to behave as if you don't want the nose piercing. If you do it well, I will spank you right there. Does that sound like fun?"

"Oh yes Master! Slave can't wait." Her voice shook.

"Okay Slave. I'll see you this afternoon. Get back to your chores."

"Yes Master. Have a good day."

I spent the rest of the day at my desk. I'd finalized inspection checklists for Hellsen's and ***** Corp. I forwarded them to my boss; asked him to check for omissions--especially Hellsen's, as we'd never worked with greenhouses before. My computer beeped at about 3:30. My boss had sent back my proposal with several suggested additions to my inspection checklist. I agreed, he made valuable points. I made the changes to my checklist and loaded it into my tablet. After that I called Mr. Janovitch and scheduled the ***** Corp. visit. Next, I called and spoke with a Ms. Addison at Hellsen's. She said I could visit at any time that was convenient--except Sunday.

My day's work finished; I headed home at 4:45. Kari met me just inside the door. She was ravishing. My first instinct was to lean her over the back of the sofa--but I restrained myself. She wore her black mini-dress, stockings, and heels. She'd done her hair in an intricate bun/braid. Her hair, alone, gave me goosebumps. She'd also put on lipstick.

"You look lovely, Slave. Are you ready?"

Her eyes sparkled, "No Master! Please don't make Slave pierce her nose!" She whined. "Please don't."

"Perfect. Keep that up and you'll earn a nice spanking." I commented. "Are you ready to go?" I gave her a light swat on the bottom.

"Oooh! One! Thank you Master. Slave is ready."

We arrived at Dave's right on time. No one else was around. "Good evening Master Brett. Sister." Slave Veronica greeted us, "Master David is ready for you."

"Master! Please! Slave does not..." Kari started whining.

"Slave! Be quiet and do what you're told!" I snapped. "Let's go."

Veronica led us back to the red door. Kari made a fairly convincing effort to pull away as we passed through.

"Hey Brett!" Dave greeted us.

"Master! Please! I don't want to have..."

"Slave shut up. I don't care what you want. And what have I told you about the word 'I'?" I said in my best low, threatening growl.

Dave looked a little surprised at our exchange.

"Dave? Same piercing room as last time?"

"Right. I've got suggestions laid out for you to look at."

I had to pull the 'reluctant' Kari to the piercing room. I almost laughed. As we entered the room Kari used her free right hand to grab the door frame and refused to enter. "Master! No! Please!" She pleaded, "Not my nose. Slave begs you!"

I yanked her away from the door and slammed it shut. "Dammit Slave that's enough. Take off your dress. Now!" I growled. She gave me a dirty look and complied much more slowly than was acceptable.

"That's it!" I pointed to the door, "Wall."

Her eyes went wide as she looked at me for a split second before she quickly assumed 'wall'. I reached down and pulled down her panties, exposing her perfect bottom.

"Would you like a little privacy?" Dave asked. I don't think he really meant it.

"No! Maybe having a witness will teach her a lesson." I reared back and struck her left and right butt cheeks--hard. Kari counted and thanked me properly for each. I laid three strikes on each buttock; they were a nice shade of red when I finished. "Stand up. Put on your dress. Then go sit down and be quiet." I looked at Dave, "Sorry. I had to take care of that. What do you have to show me?"

He'd arranged a variety of green gem nose jewelry. That little hook-thing on the end made my skin crawl; but if that's what Kari wanted, well..." I looked them over until, at the end, I saw something fascinating. "What's this?"

"Ah!" Dave grinned, "That is a nose jewel--this one is a simulated emerald--connected by a chain to matching earrings.

"I like it..."

"Master, No. Please." Kari interrupted. She winked.

I shot her a dirty look that said 'Shut the hell up!'

"Yes. I think that's the one."

"Good I'll get it in the sterilizer. Wait. If I remember right, all her other piercings are silver?"

"Oh yeah. Tell you what, let's get some gold ornaments to match this one. But also give me a silver nose ring and chain to match what she has. I'm feeling generous." I sneered at Kari, daring her to say something. She just glared at the floor. Dave took off to get what I'd asked for.

As soon as the door close behind Dave, Kari dropped into 'present' and raised her hand.

"You may speak."

"Was Slave okay?" She asked.

"Perfect. I almost thought it was real. Now... I want you to get onto the table, face down and pull up your dress and pull down your panties. When Dave comes back I'll smack you a couple more times. Give some ridiculous high count and don't forget to thank me."

"Yes Master." She giggled like a silly schoolgirl as she climbed onto the table and lifted her dress up past her waist. I pulled her panties down to her ankles. Her butt was still a light pink. I gave her a light love tap, "Mmm. 27. Thank you Master." I gave her another, harder slap on her right butt cheek, "37. Thank you Master."

I heard footsteps approaching; I smacked her hard, Kari grunted, "48. Thank you Master." I hit her again, full force, as Dave opened the door, "49. Thank you Master." And one more while Dave stood there; the grossly tattooed Andromeda stood behind him. "50. Thank you Master." Kari sobbed convincingly.

"Stand up and put your clothes on Slave. We'll finish this when we get home." I snarled, "You have humiliated me for the last time." Kari jumped to attention, yanked up her panties, and smoothed her skirt. "Slave apologizes Master. It's just that the idea of a needle in Slave's nose is so awful..."

"Dammit Slave Sit Down and Shut Up! When I finish with you tonight, you're not going to have any skin left on your ass. I'm going to need a new belt by the time I'm done."

Kari's eyes went wide, but she sat down.

Andromeda did not look too happy; Dave simply smiled at me. "Andromeda has asked to be trained to do piercings," Dave said, "With your permission I'd like to let her observe." He went about getting his tools and the green nose jewelry out of the sterilizer. He put Kari's new gold things into the sterilizer to get them ready.

"Okay Master Brett, where do you want this to go?"

"Left nostril, where the nose begins to flare, about halfway."

"Excellent."

"Slave," I growled, "If you move or make a sound... When I finish beating you tonight I'll throw you naked out onto the back porch... let you sleep with the bugs and mosquitoes for the night."

"Yes Master. Slave understands. Slave apologizes for being difficult. Slave will be good for Master." Kari recited.

Dave approached her, but looked at me, "Do you want me to make it hurt?"

"No! Punishment is my responsibility." He turned and quickly popped the needle through Kari's nostril. She blinked and a tear slipped out of her left eye; she stayed still while Dave inserted the green ornament; Andromeda held a mirror so Kari could see how to do it for herself. With the nose jewel in place Dave handed Kari the matching earrings to put in and then showed her how to attach the chain.

Dave pulled the rest of the matching gold jewelry out of the sterilizer and handed it to me, "Slave take off your clothes and put in the new jewelry; I want everything to match." I ordered. Her entire body flushed pink as Dave, Andromeda, and I watched her strip and change out all her piercings.

When she finished, she stood and reached for her dress, "Attention!" I stepped over to her and inspected everything. I gently tugged on each of the older piercings to make sure everything was secure. She looked exotic and spectacular.

"So, Dave, I think we've got everything. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Well, the way your Slave was acting out today, I'd say she's a runaway waiting to happen. I'd suggest you have her branded so that people know she belongs to you." Dave had an evil smile. Poor Kari--her eyes went wide and she turned pale--but kept her mouth shut.

"That's pretty drastic. I think I'll wait on that. But if she acts up again. Well..." I looked at Kari and left the threat hanging. "Get dressed Slave. I'm hungry." I left the room with Dave to pay for his services and the jewelry. He reiterated the offer to buy Kari--convinced she was difficult--promised that her new master had a perfect record of breaking the will of recalcitrant slaves. I passed but didn't entirely rule it out--just to be polite. Besides, Kari still needed a place to have her hair done.

As we walked out of the salon and I unlocked the doors to my truck, I was surprised to see Dave hustling across the lot toward me. He came around to my side. "Hey Brett, sorry to hold you up. I forgot to give you this." He handed me a silver envelope. "It's an invitation to a private party for masters and slaves. Everything is explained in the invitation." He took off back to the salon before I could ask any questions.

Kari flipped down the passenger side sunshade revealing the mirror. She examined herself carefully; turning her head back-and-forth to see all angles. She turned to me, grinning, and raised her hand.

"You may speak."

"Does Slave's new jewelry please Its master?"

"Yes. I think it makes you exotic, mysterious, and incredibly desirable. I can't imagine a woman being more enticing than you are right now."

Kari smiled and chewed on her lower lip while blushing, "Thank you Master. Thank you for everything." She checked the mirror again; reached up and jingled the decorative gold chain draped across her left cheek; she grinned happily.

"Doesn't it feel strange?" I asked.

"No Master. It feels entirely natural. Maybe the chain tickles Slave's cheek just a bit, but it feels very soothing at the same time."

"Does your nose hurt?"

"The needle stung; but the chain feels so wonderful that Slave forgot about the hole in its nostril."

"I'm glad you like it. May I make a suggestion?"

"Yes Master. Slave is yours to command."

"Yes you are. I suggest that you remove the chain when you get ready to sleep. You don't want to accidentally snag it and tear your ear or nose."

"Yes, thank you Master, Slave had not thought of that."

End of Part 1