Becoming a Submissive Ch. 17

-- Author's Note --

This is a novel-length story with well over a dozen chapters, and it often takes a long time to get to the smut. I strongly suggest you start with part 1, as there is a lot of character building and background.

Comments are greatly appreciated as they inspire me to keep writing.

---

Week 2, Late Saturday Night

Ashley absentmindedly played with the erect cock of the man sitting next to her in the Tesla she was riding in. It was by far the nicest car she had ever been in, and she was particularly enjoying the feeling of the leather seats against her nearly bare ass. Even from the back seat, she could tell her master, Jack, was taking full advantage of the opportunity, accelerating hard at every green light, and taking tight turns at each corner. The owner of the car was Lisa, riding in the passenger seat next to Jack.

Ashley paused and gave the cock in her hand another small squeeze, resisting the urge to bend down and give it a good lick. She wanted to hear him moan more than find out what he tasted like. Her master had helped her discover just how much bringing pleasure to others aroused her.

"Actually, the man with the cock in my hand is probably the real owner." She thought to herself with a wry grin. She couldn't even remember the man's name, and she couldn't see his face as his head was covered by a soft black bag.

They were not heading anywhere secret. No clandestine black site for spies like in the movies. The bag was purely to disorient the man. Part of his first day of submission training to his new Mistress: Lisa. Who was ostensibly his wife. "Which I suppose," Ashley thought to herself, "makes this luxury car Lisa's after all. Because a proper submissive owned nothing." That is what she told herself anyway. She knew full well that there were infinite varieties in how Dom/Sub relationships operated. But holding herself to the high standard warmed her heart. Knowing she gave herself to her master without limits. Twenty-four-seven total power exchange. They didn't even bother with safewords... so far anyway.

Ashley gave the cock in her hand another firm squeeze and looked past the bagged man towards Vic. A submissive in his own right, but unfortunately his mistress wouldn't be joining them tonight. But it wasn't a total loss. That meant tonight the cock to pussy ratio was 3:2, which pretty much guaranteed either her or Lisa was going to get to enjoy two men tonight. Of course Ashley hoped it was her. Her master had been edging her for days. Her own collaring celebration last night was particularly intense, but even that didn't end in getting the release she craved. Rule One was cruel. She was deliriously horny and would say yes to just about anything if it meant having her master inside her again.

She gave the shaft in her hand a firm squeeze and realized that was precisely why this man was here. Why he agreed to be a slave. He was desperately horny like her. Ready to agree to anything. Ashly was definitely enjoying being the bystander in this process more than she expected.

The car sped down I-94 completely ignoring the speed limit. It was well past midnight, and for once the highway that connected Minneapolis and St. Paul wasn't gridlocked. Snow from last night's storm still piled high on the shoulder, already taking on shades of brown and gray as sand and road grime sprayed onto it from passing cars. Jack and Lisa were talking about houses and architecture; Of course they were. Jack's house was a beautiful old mansion on Cathedral Hill that he was restoring and intended to sell for a tidy profit. And Lisa was a real estate agent who was more than happy to sell it. Their shared interest in old houses could keep them talking for hours, and any outside observer watching them would think they were the happy couple and the three in the backseat were "just friends".

Jack pulled up to the house, parking under the carriage porch that stuck off the side, connecting the detached garage to the main building. The location didn't offer much privacy from the neighbors, but it was late at night and the most scandalous thing anyone could see tonight would be a man with a bag over his head. Nothing like the many times Ashley has sprinted naked from the guest house to the main house on the deck above.

The party piled out of the car unceremoniously, but with one exception: Jack opened the door closest to Ashley and offered his hand to assist her. She loved these little gestures. She may have been his submissive, but he showed his affection for her in his own subtle ways. She was his prized possession, his submissive princess, and she was happy for it.

They all unceremoniously kicked off their boots and hung up their coats in the entryway. Then Jack turned to Lisa. "Well, madam, tonight you are the Mistress of the house tonight. Shall we retire to the bedroom, or would you like another look at the dungeon?"

Lisa smiled coyly. "Does this mean you're my submissive too tonight?"

Jack chuckled softly. "No. Think of me as..." He paused, thinking of the right description for himself. "... your mentor. You may use the house as you wish. I'm letting you set the agenda, and I'm going to offer advice and keep you safe."

"Safe?" She asked incredulously.

Jack gave a knowing smile and spoke authoritatively, "Oh yes. There are a few things in BDSM that are very dangerous if used in ignorance."

"Oh? That sounds absolutely delicious." Lisa said, her eyes gleaming at the thought of danger, "Can you show me?"

"Step right this way," Jack said and gestured deeper into the house. He led Ashley's by the leash as he walked through the kitchen, then held open the door to the basement. Lisa grabbed the leash dangling around Bill's neck and led him forward. Vic followed close behind. They descended the stairs and into the basement of the old house. The limestone foundation and big exposed beams supporting the floor above were a century old.

"This basement reminds me of W. A. Frost." Lisa said in awe, "It probably had a real wine cellar."

Jack waved his hands at his nearly finished dungeon. "It probably did. But I prefer my basements to be of the whips and chains variety; sacrifices must be made."

Soon they were in the middle of the open space at the center, an old Chesterfield couch next to one wall, an unfinished sauna at the other, with an imposing steel door labeled "Jen's Room" in between. With the flick of his hand after dropping the leash, Jack indicated where Ashley should stand. Back against the wall nearest the stairs. Vic took the cue and stood next to her. Lisa merely stood, keeping the leash on her husband short.

Jack went around the corner and returned with a duffel over his shoulder and a large foam mat rolled tight. When he returned, he set the mat under the nearest beam. "This might be my favorite part about this old house.", Jack said with a wry grin while pointing to the ceiling.

With a deft flick of his fingers, the strap holding the mat closed flung loose, and the mat unfurled. The dim lighting, old stones, and scent of sawdust gave the basement a dark, mysterious atmosphere. That atmosphere was completely lost when Ashley got a closer look at the image emblazoned on the mat: A giant cartoon frog.

Lisa let out a giggle. "Is that a floating pool mat?" She then giggled a bit more. "I expected something more goth and less children's pool party."

Jack grinned sheepishly. "Not everything can be acquired at sex shops." He then gestured to the room around him. "Some things you have to make yourself. I'll get around to giving it a vinyl covering eventually."

"Is the frog the dangerous part?" Lisa laughed again. Ashley wasn't sure if the woman was mocking Jack or using humor to hide her nerves.

Jack rolled his eyes, then pulled a tightly coiled length of rope from the duffel. "No, this is." Jack said with gravitas. Ashley knew what was next and her heart already started beating faster. With the tiniest hand gesture in Ashley's direction, Jack prompted her to join him at the center of the mat.

Lisa started to speak, but Jack waved a finger to shush her. "Strip," He commanded Ashley, and she obeyed without hesitation.

Ashley started with her top; in a single swift motion she pulled the fishnet top over her head, thankful she had pasties on over her nipple piercings so they wouldn't snag. She then unfastened the button holding up her skirt and let it fall to the floor. With pinched fingers on either side of her thong, she pulled the bow knots holding it on away, letting that fall to the floor as well. In three swift motions, she was nude except for the tape covering her nipples. Just a few inches above Ashley's vulva was a fresh tattoo: The word "Owned" in gothic script. It took Lisa a moment to realize it was an ambigram. A word that read the same from the top and upside down. It was elegant, and Lisa was just a bit in awe of the submissive's dedication to her role. A tattoo was far more than she would expect of anyone. She wouldn't even demand that of her cheating husband, but she saw the appeal. Lisa let her gaze work upwards until she saw Ashley's face, and the girl was beaming with delight and anticipation.

Jack then pulled the tape off Ashley's nipples, exposing a pair of barbell piercings. Reaching into his pocket, Jack produced a pair of small bells on clips and affixed one to each piercing.

"Ohh, bells. Like a cat." Lisa said, still in amazement at the scene being produced before her.

"Just so." Jack said with a fond smile, "I particularly like hearing her come down the stairs in them."

Master Jack gave one bell a quick flick, setting it ringing before he uncoiled the rope and began looping it around Ashley's midsection, over her arms, and back again. As he worked, Ashley bit her lower lip in anticipation. Being tied by master Jack, naked and with an audience, no less, was her favorite part of being his submissive. Sure, the sex was amazing, the parties were excellent, performing acts of service was rewarding, but restraint and exhibition were her happy place. She just closed her eyes and listened to Jack speak, letting him do his magic and letting her body fall into a trance.

Jack was speaking to Lisa as he worked the rope, "A lot of people try rope work at home and get themselves hurt. I would be happy to teach you, but if you want to restrain Bill, I suggest starting with normal cuffs and avoiding rope."

Lisa nodded along attentively as she spoke, "I must say, I see the beauty in it."

"I know," Jack said with a smile. "Especially with a muse like this one". As he said this, he let a hand glide down Ashley's skin and ran a finger over her exposed sex, sending shivers down her spine.

"As I said, I would be happy to give you private lessons," He spoke, his voice dripping with innuendo. "There are also multiple rope groups in the area with people far more talented than I. We can always go together." Jack then lifted Ashley's leg and tied it behind her, then the other. She was now hanging from the rafter, slowly turning and swaying. Her knees spread apart, exposing her eager sex for all to see.

"Hmmm..." Lisa purred. "Both sound tempting, but let's focus on tonight. "Can you tie the men too?" I want to see all three of them in a line.

"As you wish, Madam," Jack said in his perfected, silky-smooth voice. It was the same one that he used to seduce Ashley. She didn't mind Jack using it on other women. She didn't mind that he slept with other women. He was hers. That was the strange dichotomy of their relationship. Ostensibly, she was his submissive, and he was her master. But by giving herself to him unconditionally, she had ensnared him. She didn't control him; that was impossible. Instead, her submission created an unbreakable bond; an invisible tether running from her heart to his hands. She could see it every time he looked at her. She could see it in his unconscious glances in her direction when he touched other women. Seeking her approval so subtly only Ashley could see it.

Jack motioned for Vic to step forward and stand next to Ashley. With a nod, Vic stripped and was now as nude as Ashley. Ashley stole a glance at Vic's manhood and discovered he was soft, but firming rapidly. He seemed to be anticipating what was next as much as she did. With practiced hands, Jack took a new length of rope from the bag and put Vic in the same tie Ashley was in: Arms behind the back, Legs off the ground. A Frog tie with heels to ass, his hardening cock exposed.

As soon as Jack completed, Lisa brought Bill up by his leash to stand next to Ashley. "Strip!" She commanded, and surprisingly Bill obeyed without question. Ashley could see the man was still firm from her administration in the car, and she imagined that Bill watching her dangle naked kept him in the mood.

Bill stood naked on the mat, ready to be suspended as Ashley was. The man was rather plain-looking; nowhere near the perfect physique of Vic, nor the toned and trim look of Jack. He had a dad-bod; a little overweight but still handsome. Jack looked the man up and down but didn't say anything. He began his work as Bill stood in silence, keeping his eyes fixed on Lisa. She couldn't see what, if anything, he was trying to communicate to her. Maybe it was just nerves.

Soon All three submissives were dangling from the beam overhead. Vic on one side of Ashley, Bill on the other. They were placed so closely together their outstretched knees were touching. No one could swing freely without bumping the other.

"Mmmm," Lisa purred. "I do like the look of this. I think I understand you a little better now, Jack." Lisa took the opportunity to run the tips of her fingers against each of the men's bodies. First on their chests, then running her hands on the men's cocks. Giving each a firm squeeze. She let out a slight gasp when she grabbed Vic's rapidly hardening member. Not realizing the full extent of his endowment until now.

"I will take that as a compliment." Jack soothed back, "Do you notice anything different about your husband?"

"I do!" Lisa said with a mocking tone. Feigning more surprise than she really meant, "You keep your slaves hairless from the neck down. My Bill here is... fuzzy."

"Yes, that is Rule Four: No body hair below the neck," Jack said authoritatively.

Lisa again walked among the suspended slaves, letting her fingers roam as if inspecting a fine piece of furniture. "I must agree; after seeing hairless Vic here, slaves should be shaved." Lisa put her hand on Vic's cock again, letting it stay just a bit longer than the last time, then let a hand run along Ashley's ass, giving it a firm squeeze. "Even Ashley here looks magnificent as always."

She then paused with a hand on Bill's balls, massaging them gently as she asked, "Then I must ask, what are these rules?"

"Every Dom/Sub relationship has their own rules to suit their needs. I know a few that have no rules at all. Mistress Cristina and I happen to share almost the same set of rules. It is quite convenient."

"No rules?" Lisa asked, with mock curiosity. "Then how do you punish your slaves?" Ashley wasn't sure if Lisa actually cared about the answer.

Jack smirked while he moved next to Lisa, letting his own hand caress Ashley's ass, sending a fresh wave of arousal through her. Then he spoke, "My thoughts exactly. Rules make my expectations clear."

Moving her hands up Bill's member and giving it a squeeze, Lisa asked the obvious question,, "If being shaved is Rule Four, what is Rule One then?"

Jack flashed his most devious smile, "No cumming without permission."

"Oh, my," Lisa said in mock shock. Ashley now suspected she knew the rules already, and this entire performance was for Bill's benefit. "That must be very hard for men, who, shall we say, can't control it."

"For the first week or two living like this, yes," Jack said with a knowing smile. "But it doesn't take long for a man to develop the techniques to hold back." Jack moved behind Lisa, pressing himself against her back and running his fingers along the seams of the costume bodysuit. "Vic here can outlast anyone. His mistress makes him practice regularly."

Jack paused and looked directly at Lisa. "Plus keeping a man well satisfied helps." This last part was directed at her, and Lisa didn't miss the meaning.

Lisa took another pass among the slaves, letting her fingers roam where she pleased, then decided to change the topic slightly. "When they are like this, can you... Make them fuck each other?"

"In theory, but it's way less fun in practice than in your head," Jack said, with a slight sadness in his voice.

Lisa raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious this time. "Oh?"

Jack shook his head, "When on a bed or the floor, you can reposition. When suspended, you're stuck at whatever height the rope was tied at."

"You speak like an expert on the matter." She asked matter-of-factly.

"I must admit I have made the attempt a few times," Jack said with a wry grin.

"Will you demonstrate the futility for me?" Lisa asked, already knowing the answer.

With a slight nod, Jack said, "Gladly," and he moved over to Ashley and started repositioning the ropes. With a changed knot and a tug, her ass went up in the air while her head went down. Jack moved her slowly and methodically until her head was at the level of Bill's firm and waiting cock. Ashley knew what was coming next; everyone in the room did, and she started breathing faster in anticipation.

Jack tapped her chin and commanded, "Open." Ashley eagerly opened her mouth. Jack then rotated Bill around until his cock was facing Ashley's eager lips. Jack lifted Ashley's head and placed her mouth over the cock. Bill and Ashley let out a moan of pleasure together.

Jack kept one hand on the back of Ashley's head as he began speaking like a university instructor giving an anatomy class, "See how Bill's cock doesn't quite line up with her mouth? How the tip is stopping at the roof of her mouth, and she can't take him in any deeper?"

"Hmm, yes, I do, professor," Lisa replied, playing along with the theme. "And the other side?"

Jack patted Ashley's ass as he spoke, "Same problem. Her ass is now too high and at the wrong angle for Vic to penetrate her."

"I see," Lisa said. She then put a hand around Vic's cock and helped align it so that, while not penetrating Ashley, it was grinding up against her exposed pussy, eliciting a fresh round of moans from her. "A real shame, that."

"Yeah," Jack said with a genuine sigh but still keeping his professorial air. "Fantasy doesn't always live up to reality."

"What should we do then? Seems a waste to have these beautiful people naked and moaning like this."

"Shall we test how well they handle Rule One?" Jack said rhetorically. They both knew the answer.

Lisa smiled and spoke mischievously, "My Bill is a total newbie. Your slaves are total sex addict freaks. He won't stand a chance." Ashley may have been eagerly tonguing the tip of Bill's cock, but she was still listening to the conversation. Her master hadn't given her a good orgasm in days. If Vic actually could get inside her, she might not be able to resist cumming on her own.

"You sound like you don't want an excuse to punish him?" Jack asked as he kept lifting Ashley's head up and down over Bill's cock. Bill continued to moan, barely able to control himself. The bells attached to Ashley's nipples rang softly with each stroke.

"Oh, I do. But let's give Bill a fighting chance." As she said this, Lisa walked over and started stroking Vic's cock. Not placing her hand completely around the shaft, just pressing it harder against Ashley's pussy while using her other hand to gently tease his balls. In response, Vic moaned with pleasure. He was very well practiced at holding back, and had multiple orgasms the previous night. He was at no risk of losing control. But he wasn't going to tell Lisa that.

Meanwhile, Ashley moaned more and renewed her teasing of Bill's cock with her tongue. Jack was right; the angle was terrible, but she was enjoying the effort nonetheless.

Jack moved his hands from the back of Ashley's head to her swaying tits. Alternating between teasing her nipples and gripping and massaging her breasts. The other hand he placed around Lisa's waist. Pulling her in close and slowly working a finger under her top until he could touch Lisa's bare skin.

"Mighty forward of you, professor. You touch all your students this way?" Lisa said while sliding her own hand into the back of Jack's pants. Giving his ass a firm squeeze.

"Just the pretty ones," Jack said coyly.

Bill moaned, and his hips flexed; he held his breath, trying his best to hold back the orgasm. He tried to pull out of her mouth, but his suspension from the ceiling made that impossible. He couldn't move his hips. Ashley decided to show the man mercy and attempted to remove her mouth from his cock, but to no avail; she was as stuck on his manhood as he was inside her. She gave the tip one last tease, then Bill gave out a pained moan as he flexed his hips. He had finally lost control and let himself release. His came in her mouth, long and hard. His load hit the roof of her mouth and pooled on her tongue. Bill went limp immediately and was able to extract himself. Ashley swallowed, not bothering to wait for permission, and took a deep, welcome breath. Her first breath unobstructed by Bill's girth in several minutes.

As soon as Bill was exhausted, Vic was pulled away from Ashley's eager sex. She was spread wide, her labia blooming in desire. She flexed her hips in mild disappointment, but not regret. It was brief but very enjoyable. She knew night wasn't over yet. The three returned to hanging, all three facing the same way towards where Lisa was standing. The men were upright, with Ashley still horizontal.

Sensing Ashley's desperation, Jack placed a hand on Ashley's pussy and squeezed her clit between his index and middle finger while sliding his thumb inside her. She gasped and moaned, getting the attention she desperately needed. She knew it was going to take all her willpower to control the orgasm already building inside her.

Then when his practiced hand was in the perfect position, he gently squeezed his fingers and thumb together as he pulled her backwards. His grip wasn't strong, and he let his hand slide out of her, but he put just enough momentum into her from the motion to set her gently swaying. Ashley exhaled with relief and disappointment at the loss of his warm fingers.

Then Jack repeated the process: Slide fingers in, grip, gently tug, slide out. Again, she moaned in pleasure and this time held her breath while he was inside her. As he completed the next cycle, she was swinging on the ropes just a bit more. She exhaled at the release. She resolved to focus on her breathing to keep herself from cumming. Inhale when he was in, exhale when he released.

As Jack started the next cycle, he finally spoke to Lisa, "But suspension isn't just for show. It's possible to have a very good time with it. This is one of my favorites." He turned to Ashley as he rubbed his other hand on her ass. "Are you having a good time, my pet?"

"Yes... Master... thank you." She spoke each word in between breaths. Trying not to lose her breathing cadence.

Jack reached a hand out to Lisa. "Care to try?"

"I think you know I'm not into women as much as you are. But..." Lisa paused and tentatively put a hand on Ashley's buttcheek, adding to the rocking motion, "... her moans are certainly stimulating."

Jack removed his hand from Ashley's sex, and Ashley let out a sigh of relief. Her inner turmoil of wanting an orgasm and holding it back was paused for just a few moments. Then Jack took Lisa's hand, wrapped his own hand around hers, and guided her into Ashley's pussy. Lisa had two fingers inside her, while Jack kept his fingers outside, teasing her clit and labia.

"See? Nothing to it," Jack said with a sly grin and wrapped his other arm around Lisa's waist. Lisa moaned softly in response. "I can maybe get used to this." They worked Ashley together for a short while, then he moved around behind Lisa, pressing his hips against hers and letting his hands wander up her chest. It was only Lisa's hand massaging Ashley now. And while she didn't have the practiced fingers of Jack, her timid and inexperienced hand was still pure joy as far as Ashley was concerned.

Lisa was starting to breathe heavier, her own breaths in time with Ashley's. She was enjoying touching Ashley far more than she cared to admit. Jack was letting his hands roam along Lisa's skin under the bodysuit. Letting one hand wander low between her legs while the other teased Lisa's nipples. Finally, in between deep breaths, she asked, "She won't cum until you give her permission?"

"Oh, she will lose control eventually," Jack said in between deep breaths of his own. "You want her to cum right now? With your fingers inside her? I need only say the word. She is more than ready."

Lisa abruptly pulled her fingers away. Much to Ashley's disappointment, Ashley moaned in protest. Lisa was suddenly a bit disgusted, but that too, she would never admit out loud. "No." She turned and purred, offering her wet fingers to Jack. "I want your pet to suffer just a bit longer."

Jack smiled and licked Lisa's fingers clean with two slow, sensual passes before speaking, "Then maybe it's time to punish your pet for his infractions?"

Lisa smiled and carefully, sensually extracted herself from Jack's embrace. "Shall I punish my wayward husband for being unshaven?"

"Hardly fair, being that even you didn't know the rule until now." Then Jack paused and looked at Ashley, lust and desire written all over his face. "On the other hand, on Ashley's first night as a sub, she was punished for violating the same rule. It's only fitting."

"Or punish him for cumming without permission?" Lisa countered as she circled Bill's hanging body like a shark.

"I don't know", Jack said in mock disagreement. "You never ordered him not to cum."

"Maybe I should punish him because I can." She turned to Bill, who was watching the conversation intently. "Shall I punish you?"

"Yes, Mistress. Punish me." Bill stated flatly. His cock was still limp, but surprisingly, the man was still eager.

Ashley's master grinned eagerly as he took a long cardboard tube from the duffel on the floor and presented it to Lisa. "I got you something," he said nonchalantly. Trying to underplay the moment.

Lisa tilted the tube, and a leather riding crop slid out of it. Green and Black braided cord with a flat leather paddle on the tip. It was clearly brand new, without a scratch on it.

"To create new fond memories with," Jack said as Lisa gazed upon her gift.

"Very fond memories," Lisa said in a slow, deliberate cadence. Then she leaned over and kissed Jack on the lips. "Thank you."

Lisa approached Bill, her crop in hand. Bill's legs had been forced slightly apart by the ropework, leaving his balls and cock an easy target.

"Now, Bill, my cheating husband. Your punishment begins." Lisa said in a truly angry tone. Ashley could sense the slight personality shift at once. Lisa had shifted from playful to predatory.

Lisa gripped her new crop firmly and lashed out at Bill with an underhand swing. Striking his balls. Bill let out a yelp. Then he grinned. He enjoyed it.

"Now repeat after me." Lisa said with confidence, "These are your new rules to live by." Then Lisa flexed the crop before giving Bill an overhand strike, hitting the top of his cock. "Lisa is my mistress."

Bill gasped, then repeated after her in an eager tone, "Lisa is my mistress."

Crack, Lisa struck again, this time hitting his inner thigh. Then barked her next command, "My Mistress controls my life."

Bill repeated her words, his will unbroken; he did it willingly.

Crack. Lisa struck his hardening cock, then spoke her next command, "My mind and body belong to my mistress."

With each strike, Bill flinched, and Ashley felt his reaction as their skin barely touched. Being so close to a beating was exhilarating all its own. Again, Bill repeated her words.

Crack. She gave him an underhand swing, hitting his balls. Lisa licked her lips, enjoying his pain. "I will keep no secrets from my mistress."

Bill gasped, then repeated her command. Ashley, watching Bill's rising excitement, was just a little jealous she wasn't getting the attention. On the other hand, she suspected having the crop hit her exposed pussy would hurt more than any previous punishment she had received so far.

Lisa flexed the crop menacingly, then gave it her full strength, striking him just to the left of his manhood. "My mistress chooses who and when I fuck."

Crack. She hit him with another underhand swing, striking his balls for the third time. He was fully erect now. "When I have failed my mistress, I will be beaten."

"When I have failed my mistress, " Bill moaned, either from pain or from pleasure; Ashley wasn't sure. But she could sense his excitement. "... I will be beaten."

Lisa came down with a high swing, missing his cock and hitting his thigh again. Crack. Undaunted, she continued, "When I have pleased my mistress, I will be rewarded."

Bill moaned and took a few seconds before repeating her words, "When I have pleased my mistress, I will be rewarded."

This time, Lisa raised to strike him, but held back. "Consider this your first reward."

"Master Jack, would you kindly put the slaves on the ground? As you demonstrated, there are limits to the fun when they are suspended.

"Gladly." Jack walked over to Bill and produced a set of shears from his pocket. Rather than let him down gently, he simply cut the rope. Bill dropped the two and a half feet to the ground with a thud. The pad beneath them absorbed all the impact.

He glanced down at Bill, checking his condition before doing the same to Vic, who also hit the floor with a muffled thud. For Ashley, it was different. He carefully untied a single knot and slid her down to the floor a few inches at a time. She beamed up at him. They locked eyes as she descended to the floor. A silent "thank you" passed between them.

"Extra care for your pet, eh?" Lisa smirked. Noticing that Ashley was clearly first among equals in Jack's eyes.

"Yes. But also these men are both 200 pounds or more. Ashley is half that. I can support her weight." He then gestured to the men on the ground. "Them? Not so much."

Then Lisa turned and pulled Jack close, and whispered in his ear. Ashley strained to listen in, but couldn't make out a single word.

Jack listened intently, nodded, then spoke. "I have just the thing." He then reached down into the duffel and took out a smaller bag that had been packed inside it. He rummaged around for a few moments and paused before pulling out a large strap-on dildo.

"Is this what you were imagining?" Jack asked, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Yes," Lisa purred, "This is perfect."

"Every use one before?" Jack asked, as he untangled the straps and held it open and ready.

"Me? No." Lisa paused, thinking of the right thing to say, "I've... heard stories."

"Are you looking to peg your husband to seal his submission to you? If so, I approve." Jack said, his question more of an encouraging suggestion, his face unable to hide his own excitement.

"You are partially right." Lisa said with a wicked grin of her own, "I want Ashley to wear it."

With this, Ashley's eyes went wide. She wanted to speak, but knew better. This was something new. And like Lisa, she had never tried one. But unlike Lisa, Ashley had seen strap-ons deployed in porn regularly. She knew well enough that porn wasn't real, but a strap-on wasn't complicated. Insert Phallus A into Hole B.

Jack walked up to Ashley, holding the strap-on with one hand, and lifting her up to her feet with the other. "Present," Master Jack commanded, and she obeyed.

Ashley dutifully spread her legs. Her arms were still tied behind her, but she arched her back, showing off her breasts and setting the bells jingling just the same.

Jack placed the strap-on between her legs, making sure it was positioned correctly, before cinching it into place. As soon as it was on, Ashley could feel it rubbing her pussy in just the right way. It had a series of ridges on her side of the phallus that were meant to ensure the pleasures of it were not one-sided. As if reading her mind, Jack gave the rubber dildo a stroke with his hand. "Fit nicely?"

Ashley purred, "Yes, Master."

Turning to Lisa, Jack asked. "And how would you like my slave to fuck tonight?"

"Precisely as you suggested." Lisa said sternly, her anger at her husband still showing through, "She is going to fuck my slave."

Bill's head whipped over to Lisa reflexively, wordlessly begging her to change her mind. But Lisa chided him, "We already established you will fuck how and when I please. And right now it pleases me for you to take a dildo up your ass."

Bill let out a deep sigh. Consternation and hesitation were all over his face. He looked over at Ashley, sizing her up and down. She tried to look encouraging without violating protocol by speaking. She flexed her hips, setting the phallus wiggling while doing her best to look seductive. She wanted to say "Trust me, this will be fun," but she didn't even know if that was true. Ashley had ample practice with anal. But she had ample training and practice. Without training, it could very well be quite unpleasant.

Undaunted, and uncharacteristically helpful, Jack asked, "Shall I set that up for you?"

Lisa leaned back against the wall, and casually flexed her new crop. "Yes, please do."

Jack turned Ashley around so the strap-on was facing Bill. Bill was sitting on the floor, his head at the perfect height for the strap-on. "Suck on this dildo and coat it with Saliva as best you can."

Bill opened his mouth; there was no doubt he wasn't particularly fond of the motion being implied, but he told himself it was just sucking on a piece of plastic. He did his best to well up ample amounts of spit over the phallus as he worked his mouth over it.

Ashley, meanwhile, was enjoying this process far more than she expected. With each bob of Bill's head, the backside of the dildo pushed against her sex, rubbing her already soaking clit and sending waves of pleasure through her. "I need to do this again sometime," She thought to herself as she relaxed into the new sensation.

While Bill's mouth worked, Master Jack undid the knots binding Ashley's arms. She flexed her shoulders to get the blood flowing, and immediately moved to take advantage of her newfound freedom. She reached out and grabbed the back of Bill's head, forcing him onto her artificial cock. She knew this isn't exactly what a man felt, but she enjoyed the dominance of it. Of feeling someone impaled on her. Bill's head skewered on her false anatomy, her hands preventing him from pulling away.

Lisa came up behind him and whispered, "Next time, it's going to be a real cock down your throat."

Bill gagged a bit in protest to Lisa's plans for the future, yet he continued to work the strap-on in his mouth.

"Don't believe me?" Lisa purred into Bill's ear, "Jack tells me this little minx you're sucking off was straight just a few weeks ago. Now look at her. Lusty, eager, perfectly willing and eager to have a woman stroke her."

Lisa wasn't entirely wrong. When Ashley was horney enough, which was practically every night these days, a touch of another woman was far more than a bit alluring. She enjoyed it, but she doubted Bill felt the same about men. But at that moment, she didn't care. With each stroke of Bill's mouth, she was pushed further into ecstasy. She pulled his head down even further onto the phallus in response. Making Bill gag and driving it into her own sex even harder.

Then Lisa reached between his legs and began stroking his member. "Yes." She purred, "This is your future. But you will be rewarded." Bill moaned again on the phallus. Not quite in complete rejection of his fate. Having his cock stroked made him temporarily forget he was gagging on a rubber cock.

Lisa then stood up and moved next to Ashley. Kissing her on the lips deeply. Ashley meanwhile took her hands off Bill's head and wrapped them around Lisa's waist. She breathed in deeply, taking in Lisa's scent, pressing her naked breasts against the bunny-suit corset Lisa still wore.

Lisa pulled herself away, taking a look at Bill's face to see if he enjoyed watching his wife kiss another woman. Then she spoke just loud enough for Jack to hear, "I think it's time."

Jack stepped forward, with a towel in one hand and a bottle of lube in the other. He motioned for Ashley to kneel behind Bill. Meanwhile, Bill, his arms still tied behind him, was pushed forward so his head and shoulders were on the mat, and his ass was up in the air. Jack then took a squirt bottle of lube and had Ashley start lubricating Bill's anus.

Lisa took the crop with one hand and rested it upon the back of Bill's head. "Begin." She commanded. Jack nodded and helped guide Ashley into Bill's waiting asshole. Slowly, gently, fractions of an inch at a time. Bill let out a moan of pain. He clearly had never had anal before, but was too proud to admit defeat or that he was feeling pain. Ashley wasn't sure if this was devotion to his wife, legitimate masochism, or sheer hubris that gave Bill the strength to persevere. Fortunately, it was a particularly large phallus. Ashley took a hand and reached around and started stroking Bill as she worked her way into him. He was hard, rock hard. Perhaps this is what was giving him the endurance to persevere through the pain. She kept stroking. She reached out with her other hand to Jack, who put a liberal glob of Lube in her palm as she began using both hands to stroke Bill's cock.

She was fully inside him, and now his moans of pain were transitioning to moans of pleasure. Jack knelt behind Ashley. He propped her up so that she was partially sitting on his thighs. Doing so kept her in the right position to keep the Strap-On firmly inside Bill's anus. Then Jack's hands began roaming. He started to massage her breasts, setting her nipple bells ringing and kissing the back of her neck. She could feel his cock through his pants. She let out her own moan of pleasure from the attention. If she was honest with herself, pegging Bill wasn't that enjoyable. But the moans he was making, the pleasure she was drawing from him. How she could feel his body shift as it accepted the strap-on inside him. That part she enjoyed quite a bit. The act of penetrating someone, the control it gave, the dominance, it was alluring.

Lisa stood on the mat in front of Bill, watching his face contort in pain while lightly tapping the riding crop against his exposed skin. Vic knelt motionless behind her. He knew his time would come; he had the patience of long experience.

Then Lisa began taking off her clothes, letting them fall to the mat one by one. It wasn't elegant; costume pieces rarely were easy to work with. But in short order she was nude, with a wide predatory grin on her face.

"Now, my little slave." Lisa said, "You're going to watch me fuck this man here. A man who is far more endowed and better looking than you."

She walked over to Vic, pushed him onto his back, and took him inside her without preamble or foreplay. To Lisa, he was just a cock to ride, to use for the moment, then forget him. But at this moment she was enjoying every inch of him. She rode Vic with her back to him and facing Bill. Gyrating up and down on Vic slowly and methodically. She wrapped her arms up on her head, balling up her hair and let out her first real moan of the night.

Bill was utterly transfixed with watching his wife fuck another man. At this point in the night, with all they had done, it wasn't surprising. He knew it was coming. But the sight of it still sent emotional shockwaves through him. He knew their relationship was forever changed. Lisa knew he had cheated on her on their vacation. What she didn't know was that he had cheated on her many times before. But tonight, he wouldn't need to cheat on her anymore. Not because he had agreed to be her submissive, nor because they were in a de facto open relationship. It was because suddenly Lisa was a sexual being again. She wanted sex again. It just needed to be on her terms, and that was something he could live with.

Ashley quickened her strokes on Bill's cock, and he continued to moan in the mix of pleasure and pain that Ashley knew all too well. Her master elicited those same moans from her regularly. She didn't know if Bill was going to be Lisa's permanent submissive, but she knew he was enjoying being a bottom tonight. She felt she could read his emotions through the cock in her hands. She knew he would ask for this again sooner or later. She was feeling him transform right in her hands.

Lisa rode Vic until even his practiced and trained orgasm control was having a hard time holding back. They didn't change positions or do anything particularly exciting. Just slow, rhythmic gyrations that slowly sped up until Lisa's moans turned into a series of staccato yelps while Vic grunted in time with each bounce. Ashley kept her hands firmly on Bill's cock, her lubed hands making a wet fapping sound, and she moved down the full length of his shaft. He was so aroused he was twitching, but she always paused long enough if it looked like he was going to lose control.

"Cum for me, Vic. Fill me." Lisa demanded, and with a moan for relief and pleasure, Vic came, filling Lisa with his seed. As soon as he did, Lisa came on her own. But Lisa didn't take even a moment of rest to enjoy the afterglow. She lifted herself off Vic and moved her dripping pussy over to Bill.

Jack understood Lisa's intent before Ashley did. He pulled her out of Bill quickly while simultaneously placing the towel under him as the phallus exited his ass. Jack rapidly unfastened the strap-on, wrapped it in the towel, and gave Bill's ass a quick wipe before setting the towel aside. Finally, he gripped the ropes still binding Bill's arms and pulled him up to his knees. The man was still moaning in a delirious state of confusion between pain and pleasure. Meanwhile, Ashley moved back a bit and let a hand slide between her legs, letting her fingers continue what the strap-on had started.

"Time for sloppy seconds for my devoted husband and slave." Then Lisa wrapped both legs around Bill's waist and began grinding against him. Her tits bouncing in his face and her arms wrapped around his head. She began moaning again, but she didn't ride very long before Bill came inside her.

Lisa spoke softly to Bill, but loud enough for everyone to hear her, "Good, my little slave. Did you enjoy it? Being second? Feeling another man's cum drip down your cock while I rode you?"

"Yes", He said hesitantly. He wasn't sure if that was the truth. A part of him knew he was lying to himself. And like everything else he agreed to that night, he was too horny to say no. But now that he came for the second time tonight, his head was finally clear.

Then Lisa stood up and spoke in a commanding tone, "Now, my slave. Lick me clean."

"What? Eww, no." Bill, the arousal drained out of him, had finally had enough.

"Well," Lisa purred. "We found your limit. One day I intend to break it." Lisa turned to Ashley, then gave a sigh. "Demonstrate to my husband what kind of submissive you are."

Ashley didn't need to be told twice. Unlike Bill, she was still deliriously horny and eager for anything. She crawled forward and placed her lips between Lisa's legs. She began eagerly lapping up Bill and Vic's cum that was dripping out of her. Running her lips between her thighs, her labia, everywhere she could find. Lisa had rejected this particular service last time. Ashley wondered if her opinion had changed, or if her desire to embarrass and train her husband overpowered her aversion to it. Much to Ashley' disappointment, it didn't take long before Lisa pulled her away.

"There. See how easy that was?" Lisa admonished Bill. While Ashley was cleaning Lisa with her tongue, her master had untied Vic. Ashley also noticed Jack was the last person still dressed in the room. She realized he was being unusually attentive tonight. Working silently in the background to make sure things went without a hitch rather than making demands and commanding the room.

Lisa finally took a seat on the mat and stretched, flexing her muscles and enjoying her moment of post-coital glow. She was clearly exhausted, even if she didn't admit it.

Jack stood, attaching the leash to Ashley's collar and guiding her to her feet. He then spoke matter-of-factly, "I think this is the point where we take our leave. Find your way to the master bedroom on the upper floor whenever you are ready. Vic knows the way." Jack then handed the shears to Lisa. "Cut the ropes off Bill before too long. Don't fall asleep with them on."

"Yes, dear." Lisa purred, "Where will you be?"

"My pet and I are retiring to our private area. She needs some..." he paused, then smiled at Ashley. "Release."

Jack led Ashley upstairs across the snow-covered deck and into the guest house. She was still naked, but it was well past midnight; the early spring still had the chill of winter. But she was too flushed to care. The last couple of hours of constant arousal had her so warm she didn't even notice the cold.

Then, when they were inside, Jack turned to her. "Kneel," he commanded with the seductive and smooth voice she loved so much. Her body obeyed before she even knew the order was given.

He then stepped forward and ran a gentle hand against her face. "Did you enjoy tonight?"

"Yes, Sir, I did," Ashley spoke back to him as she pressed her cheek against his hand.

Her master smiled back at her, appreciating her attentiveness. "Not going to fall asleep on me?"

"No, Sir." She was far too aroused to even consider sleeping. "But Master, may I ask a question?"

"Of course," He responded with a raised eyebrow.

"Why didn't you fuck Lisa tonight? I know you wanted to." She asked while grinning up at him from the floor. "You already had once. I was looking forward to watching you again." Then she paused and looked mischievously at him, "... with me in the room this time."

"Because tonight was for Lisa. I made sure she got what she wanted. It wasn't about me"

Ashley inwardly chuckled, then blurted out, "You surprise me, Master. I didn't think you could be in the background."

Jack grinned wistfully, "I must admit, it was a challenge. I think Lisa came into her own tonight, don't you agree?"

"I think so. She definitely knows what she wants." Ashley smiled back as she pressed her cheek against her master's loving hand. Letting her own hands work their way up her master's legs.

He peered down at her, loving her adoring attention. "But now.. What do you want?"

"Me?" Ashley asked, her voice with just a bit of mock confusion. She knew what she wanted; she was more surprised Jack was asking her.

Jack put his hand under her chin, forcing her to lock eyes with him. "Yes. Tonight, right now. No commands, no order. What do you desire?" His lips formed a thin smile. "I am feeling generous tonight. I shall grant you a boon."

"I..." Ashley paused, thinking hard. "I don't even know anymore." What she wanted was to be bent over the side of the couch and fucked until she passed out. To have her mouth around her master's cock and Vic in her pussy; shut her brain off and ride the waves of pleasure. To be suspended from the ceiling and have a dozen men use her as a fucktoy until they left her a dripping, drooling mess. But she knew Jack was offering more than just sex. But she couldn't fathom asking for anything. It left her utterly frozen with indecision.

He could sense her hesitation and spoke, "Then let me help." He carefully removed his shirt. Then he slowly and carefully removed his belt and pants. Stripping naked in front of her. Then he placed one finger under her chin, guiding her to her feet. He pulled her in close, her leash dangling loose between them. She could feel his cock against her skin. It was hard, and the tip was wet. Then he asked again, "What do you want?"

"I want you inside me, Sir," Ashley said, lying to herself. Speaking only to hide her blank mind.

"Is that all?" Jack asked knowingly.

"Yes," Ashley confirmed, speaking slowly to buy her mind more time, "I have simple desires."

Jack picked her up and carried her onto the futon couch against the back wall. He placed her back on the couch and positioned himself over her. He held back, the tip of his manhood just touching her sex. Teasingly close. "Simple desires?"

"Yes." Ashley took the leash that was still attached to her collar and looped it behind her master. Pulling it tight, and in doing so, pulling him into her. He kissed her neck as she whispered into his ear. "I love you, Master."

He kissed her back. He started to speak, to say the same back to her. But Ashley didn't want him to. Instead, she pulled the leash again, pulling him into her for another long stroke. Finally, Jack said, "If there is anything you ever want. You need only ask."

"I..." She paused as she moaned, and she wracked her brain to say something, anything. To bring herself to make a single demand of the man she had given everything to. Then a thought came to her and escaped her lips before she even finished thinking about what she was saying, "I want to live in this house with you, forever."

"Oh," he said while moving with slow, deliberate strokes, "As you wish, my pet. But you must understand I will have to go back to having a real job."

Ashley moaned hard as Jack pushed himself deeper before he withdrew slowly, stopping with the tip of his cock just touching her clit. Then he spoke again, "But I will do it for you."

"And..." She made a gasp as she tightened the leash, pulling him back into her.

"A second demand?" Jack said, his eyebrows raised, incredulous that she would be so bold.

The words came rushing out again with little heed to planning or thought: "I like having guests over. I want to serve them as I serve you."

Jack smiled with barely contained mirth, "Kinky guests?"

"Of course..." Ashley paused; she was about to say 'master', but changed her mind. She wanted to try something new. "... my love. I live to serve you and our friends in every way my body can."

He noticed her new name for him, but he didn't comment on it. "Then it shall be so." Jack kissed her under the neck again. In reply, she pulled on the leash, pulling him back inside her.

"Thank you, Master." The words escaped her lips unbidden as he thrust into her. She let go of the leash as her legs and arms contracted around him. She could feel the orgasm building.

"Thank you." She spoke so quietly that Jack heard her only because his ear was almost touching her lips. He gave her his full weight in a long, deep stroke. She curled her toes and dug her nails into his back.

"Thank...." she trailed off as she breathed. Unable to complete the sentence. She arched her back and convulsed again. She couldn't hold back any longer.

"Cum for me," Jack whispered to her. Giving her the release she had been craving for days.

"Thank you, Master." She said one last time as her whole body spasmed. Her orgasm was hard and long. Soaking the sheets and the bed as days' worth of edging was released at once. Jack kept up his slow, rhythmic thrusting and she trembled with aftershocks at the apex of each drive. Finally, Jack gave himself his own release. He filled her and held himself inside her as his body stiffened. He flexed his muscles as he put all his effort into draining himself into her.

Her master pulled himself off and lay back on the couch. Relaxing from the effort of lovemaking. Ashley reached between her legs and collected the cum that was dripping out of her. She flexed her abdomen, trying to get every drop into her hand, then leaned forward and spread Jack's own seed against his chest.

He looked back at her, curious what her intentions were. She then bent down and started licking Jack's chest clean while stroking his cock with her free hand. He smiled back in amazement. At both her energy and her enthusiasm. When every last drop was licked clean, she tilted her head up and said softly, with a loving smile, "I don't want to go to sleep with the taste of another man in my mouth. But I will be very disappointed if you're the only man I ever taste."

Jack smiled and kissed her, fully aware of all the fluids that still clung to her lips. Then he spoke softly, with all of the affection in his heart. "I don't deserve you."

"I know," Ashley said as they laid her head on Jack's chest. Jack stroked the back of her head, enjoying the view of her naked body as she fell asleep on top of him.

Week 3, Sunday Morning

Ashley woke up curled up in her master's arms. The guest house was warm and comforting, but Jack's arms were even more so. She could feel his naked chest against her bare back, and she just lay there for a few moments listening to his breathing, savoring the intimacy of it all. Something about waking up next to him after a night of multi-couple debauchery always made her feel closer to him than normal. No matter what happened the night before, no matter who caressed, kissed, fondled, or even fucked, she was right back in his arms the next day. A true test of her loyalty to him, and his to her.

Monogamy seems silly to her now. The idea that she could declare someone her "boyfriend" and that he was expected to remain faithful to her and no one else under penalty of breakup wasn't a commitment. It was an emotional hostage situation. No, her submission to him was more real because it was unconditional. Their commitment allowed for unbound hedonism that they could enjoy together; explore the world together and everything it had to offer.

Ashley had given up her name for him. She didn't have a smartphone, money, or even an ID. She was totally anonymous. Master Jack had allowed her to slip through the cracks of the modern world and exist in a more primitive, peaceful state. No need to go to work, pay bills, or fill out paperwork. Her greatest concern was what to make for breakfast.

This last thought coincided with a small rumble of her stomach, and she resolved to solve that problem immediately. She carefully uncurled herself from her master and kissed him on the forehead before sneaking across the room. This was a familiar pattern for her now: She put on her big puffer coat she kept by the door, leaving the rest of her body nude. This was how she preferred to be these days. Just enough clothing to protect from the elements or enhance her beauty. No modesty. Her body was her master's, and he deserved to enjoy the view. She bolted across the deck to the main house barefoot. The cold snow under her feet woke her up and sent a short thrill through her.

She worked her way silently through the house and into the kitchen, using the hidden servants' stairs that ran through the backside of the house. Donning an apron, she began cooking. She wasn't much of a cook, but she was getting better. She decided to keep it simple today: bacon and eggs. She was craving pancakes, but she knew carbs were no way to keep her trim figure. Thankfully, the kitchen was large and well stocked now, thanks to Ashley's gentle encouragement to undo her master's ascetic monk-like dietary needs.

Soon the kitchen was filled with the smell of cooked bacon and her Master wandered in. Fully dressed and groomed, ready for the day. Ashley was still wearing nothing but an apron. She didn't intend to wear much more until dinner time. Jack took a seat in the breakfast nook and poured himself a coffee. He sat there silently, just admiring her. But his reverie was soon interrupted when there was a knock on the front door.

Jack cocked his head to the side; from his expression, it was obvious he wasn't expecting any guests. He motioned for Ashley to answer it.

"Like this, Sir?" She asked, lifting the side of the apron to expose that she had nothing on beneath.

"Of course. You're covered enough. Give whoever it is a nice show and then show them in."

Ashley gave her master a small curtsy and moved to the front. She opened the door without checking the front window. But then she let out a small shriek and stepped back when she saw who it was on the other side. Two Minneapolis police officers. Their faces were stern despite seeing Ashley's barely dressed form.

"Master! There are police at the door." Ashley shrieked and stepped away from the door, leaving it hanging up.

"What?" He asked, genuinely surprised, and not sure he heard her correctly from across the house.

The officers let themselves in, but didn't go past the front entryway.

Jack came into the room; Ashley retreated to the doorway to the kitchen, covering herself in the doorframe, but poking her head out to watch. Apparently there was a limit to Ashley's exhibitionism.

"John Jackson?" One officer said as Jack approached.

"Yeah, but I go by Jack." He said in reply, cautiously.

The officer continued, "Owner of a Red Nissan, license plate HTT-420?"

"Yeah. That's my car." He said with a feigned shrug. Trying his best to seem nonchalant. Ashley could see from his body language that Jack was well outside his comfort zone. "Do I have an unpaid parking ticket or something? Couldn't you send a letter?"

"No." The officer replied sternly. "Your vehicle was involved in an incident last night. Can you tell me about it?"

"What incident?" Jack's voice was now suspicious. He was starting to choose his words more carefully. He knew he had loaned his car to Paul last night to drive Jen home.

The two officers looked at each other, as if trying to decide if Jack was lying. "Where is your car, Sir?"

"I gave my keys to a friend to drive another inebriated friend home. I can get his phone number for you." His reply was careful, and his tone helpful, but Ashley knew Jack was being deliberately vague.

"That would be helpful." The first officer said while taking out a notebook. "Would you mind coming with us?"

Jack raised an eyebrow at this demand; he had seen enough police dramas to know where this leads. "You mean to the police station?"

"No, Hennepin County Medical." The officer remained stern, but his tone shifted to being slightly more apologetic.

Yet Jack grew a bit more suspicious and asked, "What kind of incident are we walking about here?"

"A female body was dumped outside HCMC ambulance entrance early this morning." He said indifferently. As if a body being dumped was common. Ashley realized in their line of work, it probably was.

Then the other officer chimed in, "With your car."

"Body? Whose body? And..." Then the realization hit Jack immediately. He had a strong suspicion whose body it was. "Body as in deceased?"

"Yes." The officer said with a nod. He maintained his indifferent demeanor.

"Yeah, I'll go," Jack said, genuine sadness in his voice. It was like his entire body deflated. Ashley realized she had never seen him sad before. Every other emotion, but never sadness. Jack turned around and spoke to Ashley, "Get Vic, take an Uber over to Cristina's house. We better be the ones to let her know. Wait for me there."

The other officer perked up. "Cristina? Are you referring to Cristina Petersen?"

Jack turned, startled. "You know her?"

The first officer scratched his head. "The body was wearing a coat; inside the coat was a driver's license for Cristina Petersen. But the body in question didn't match the ID. She has already been informed of the situation."

"Did you take her downtown to..." Jack paused, working up the nerve to say the next part out loud, "identify the body?"

"No. She started crying and hung up the phone. We came here shortly afterwards. We still don't know who the body is."

"I do." Jack let out a long, deep sigh. "Ashley, get Vic and get over to Cristina's ASAP. Take Lisa's car. Don't wait for a cab."

The second officer, suddenly aware of the situation, made a call for a wellness check on the radio, giving Cristina's address.

Ashley stood in the doorway, still dumbfounded.

"Go. Now!" With that last command, Ashley finally acted. Fearing the worst, but not fully understanding the situation turns and ran up the main staircase. She started to suspect who the body was while she rounded the newel post on the second landing. She burst through the master bedroom door. Waking Lisa, Vic, and Bill, who were a tangle of naked bodies on the bed.

She rushed forward and started shaking Vic awake. "Vic, something has happened. We need to go to Cristina's right now."

"What? Why?" He said, groggy and confused.

"The police are here. I think Jen is dead. Jack is being taken downtown to identify the body. Christina was already told, but she wouldn't talk to the police. We need to go, now."

"I'll drive," Bill said with calm determination. For all the man's faults, he was the kind who could be relied upon in a crisis. The group ran downstairs to retrieve their clothing from the basement. Ashley was thankful Jack and the police officers had already left as they streaked through the living room.

"God damn, I wish I brought a spare set of clothes." Lisa exclaimed, "I'm going to be wearing a Playboy bunny suit all day, aren't I?"

Vic glowered at her, "Less whining, more dressing." They all dressed as fast as they could, with little regard for shirts on backwards or inside-out socks.

They piled into Lisa's car, with Bill at the driver's seat. He started the car and turned up the heat, then paused. "I... I don't know where we are going."

Vic spoke up. "I will direct you. Get onto I-94 and go east." Without more prompting, Bill put the car into gear and drove fast through the neighborhood, then even faster once he was on the highway. But he wasn't blatantly ignoring the speed limit; he was fast but methodical, just slightly faster than every other car.

"Can't you go faster?" Lisa asked derisively.

"Nothing slows you down quite like a speeding ticket or an accident." He paused as he made a rapid lane change with only a cursory turn signal, "Trust me."

In between Vic giving directions, Ashley relayed the conversation Jack had with the police.

When she concluded, Lisa spoke up, "I don't know who any of these people are." Then she sighed, "But I can see you're very upset."

They arrived at the house in record time. Vic and Ashley rushed out of the car; Bill started to follow, but Lisa grabbed his hand. "Let's sit this one out." Then she looked down at her ill-fitting bunny suit. "And I'm dressed like this."

Bill rolled his eyes at his wife, but he understood. He kept the car running, and they waited in the driveway. Watching Ashley and Vic rush to the door. He adjusted the rearview mirror to watch as a police car pulled up behind them.

Ashley barely recognized the place in the daylight. A police officer was knocking on Cristina's door.

Vic opened the door with his personal key and pushed it open. Cold water was flooding from the ceiling and pooling in the living room. The drywall on the ceiling sagged, as if the whole thing could come down at any moment. Water was pooling on the living room floor, yet Vic was undeterred and ran past the rushing water and went upstairs. Ashley followed closely behind.

Vic reached the bedroom and stopped short; Ashley bumped up behind him and looked past. He attempted to block her view, but failed. Her small frame easily pushed under his arms and past him. The large clawfoot tub that dominated one side of the bedroom was filled to the brim and overflowing; Both faucets were set to full, and an open razor lay on the floor next to the tub.

Cristina was lying motionless in the tub, head just barely above the pink-hued water. The color reminded Ashley of roses, but she knew the truth. Cristina's skin was pale, and her lips shone with bright red, freshly applied lipstick. She looked beautiful as always, relaxed and peaceful.

The End