Lorelei: So you’ve said. I assume you talked about safety protocol?
Alena blushed in the privacy of her home. She’d gotten an ear-blistering lecture on being honest about pain levels and discomfort. It wasn’t an experience she wanted to repeat, let alone admit to someone as nice and professional as Lorelei.
A1star: Yeah.
Lorelei: Are you going back next week?
A1star: Yes.
Lorelei: Do you feel comfortable with that?
Alena didn’t know how to describe her feelings, but “comfort” wasn’t the word she’d choose. Thrilled, nervous, excited, worried…yes. Comfortable? No.
A1star: I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell anyone this, but she’s giving me a lot of money.
Lorelei: As part of the modest living stipend?
A1star: Yeah.
Lorelei: That was the original condition of the arrangement, yes?
A1star: Yeah, but I didn’t know it would be this much.
Enough for Alena to stop churning out potboilers and to begin work on the lengthy, not-very-marketable literary fiction novel she’d wanted to write since college. She could live on Raven’s monthly allowance alone, and her meager royalties could fund the Margaret Booth obsession.
Lorelei: Is that a bad thing?
A1star: What if something goes wrong? What if I start counting on the money, and she and I don’t work out? I won’t have my usual money coming in.
Lorelei: You’ll be dependent on her.
A1star: Yeah.
Lorelei: That’s what scares you, isn’t it? Not the absence of a safeword.
A1star: I’ve gotten this far on my own. The money’s nice, but is it wrong to take it? It feels like taking advantage, somehow.
Lorelei: Look, sweetie. Raven is paying for 24 hours, uninterrupted, in which you will obey her every command. I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t end up giving you homework of some kind for the days you aren’t with her. A normal work week is 40 hours. Consider this your almost full time job.
A1star: To let her spank me?
Lorelei: She could hire a professional submissive if that’s what she wanted. No, dear. She wants your heart.
A1star: But if she’s paying for it, then…
Lorelei: She’s freeing you from economic obligations so you can devote your heart and soul to her. Maybe it will work out. Maybe not. But for now, you are taking on nearly the full time responsibilities of being Raven’s girl. Don’t expect it to be easy.
Alena shivered.
A1star: But it’s a lot of money.
Lorelei: I doubt it’s more than she would pay for a session or two with a professional.
A1star: Sigh. I suppose I sound ungrateful.
Lorelei: Ungrateful? No. You’re wise to consider potential issues. Speaking of issues, does Raven mind that you talk with me?
A1star: Um. Should she?
Lorelei: It’s up to her. You’ll have to check.
A1star: Why do I have the feeling I’m in over my head, and the over-my-head part has nothing to do with spanking?
Lorelei: Because you’re a smart girl.
A1star: Thanks, Lorelei. You know how to give reassurance.
Lorelei: Speaking of reassurance, I’ve got a naughty girl who needs some.
A1star: Sex?
Lorelei: That, too. Go get some writing done, brat.
A1star: I’m not a brat!
Lorelei: That’s right. You’re Raven’s girl now.
Chapter Twelve
A1star: Oh! Um, hi. You use your real name here?
Raven: Yes. Did you arrive home safely?
A1star: Sorry, I had to finish another conversation. Yes, thank you.
Raven: Don’t let me interrupt you.
A1star: No, it’s fine. Actually, it was my friend Lorelei. I mean Mistress Lorelei, who talked to you.
Raven: Go ahead. I only wanted to say hello.
A1star: Um, she’s gone. Her wife woke up. Actually, Lorelei wanted me to ask you something.
Raven: Did she? Does she have concerns for your safety?
A1star: No, nothing like that, although she was glad you talked to me about responsibility and stuff.
Raven: Good.
A1star: Well, she said I should ask if it’s okay for us to keep talking.
Raven: You and I? What is she worried about?
A1star: No, I mean. She and I. Like…do you mind if we talk?
Raven: If you and Lorelei talk?
A1star: Yeah.
Raven: Is she bothering you?
A1star: No! I mean…I don’t know. She just said I had to ask you if it would be okay. But it doesn’t matter.
Raven: Okay, something isn’t right here. What exactly did she tell you to ask me?
A1star: Never mind. What did you want?
Raven: Answer the question, young lady.
A1star: Wait, what?
Raven: When I ask you a question, I expect an answer.
A1star: But it’s not Friday. Or Saturday.
Raven uttered a phrase that would have shocked her mother. Why was conversation so difficult? She’d practically gone on bended knee to make amends, and now the silly girl preferred verbal fencing to a simple exchange. Hi. How are you? Fine. Everything okay? Yep. Great, just wanted to check in.
Why did this girl make everything so difficult?
Raven: All right, let’s start this conversation again.
A1star: Okay.
Raven: How have you been since last weekend?
A1star: Fine, thanks.
Raven sighed. Well, it was something.
Raven: Is everything all right?
A1star: Yep.
The clock tick-tocked while Raven pondered her response.
Raven: How is your friend Lorelei?
A1star: Fine, thanks.
Raven: Alena!
A1star: What?
Raven: Is something wrong? Why are you so terse?
A1star: Well, you seem kind of mad.
Raven took a deep breath. Frustrated, yes. Mad, no.
Raven: I’m just trying to make conversation to see whether you made it home safely and if you’ve been doing all right since then. It’s your first week after an encounter, after all.
A1star: Okay.
Raven: Well?
A1star: I’m surprised, that’s all. I thought I would see you on Friday, and it’s only Monday.
Raven: Would you prefer that we not have contact in between Fridays?
A1star: No! It’s just…
Raven: Yes?
A1star: If you talk to me now, does that mean I can’t talk to other people?
Raven: Such as Lorelei?
A1star: Well, maybe. She thinks you’ll say I can’t talk to her.
Raven: Is she threatening you, violating your boundaries, or harassing you in any other way?
A1star: Omg, no. She said I shouldn’t feel guilty about taking money from you, and that it’s like working a full-time job. Or at least almost full-time.
Raven: It is. I expect you to treat it that way, too. But why would I mind that you talk to your friends?
A1star: I don’t know, but Lorelei said you might. Or that I had to ask if you were okay.
Raven: Ah! She thinks I may view her as a potential threat?
A1star: Huh. Maybe? I have no idea.
Raven: Do you intend to jilt me at the altar and run off with her?
A1star: LOL! No, she’s married.
Raven: Well, then. What’s the problem?
A1star: I have no idea!
Raven: From Saturday when you arrive home until Friday afternoon when my driver picks you up, your time is your own. It’s your life.
A1star: Lorelei thought you might give me assignments during the week.
Raven: Really? Hmm, what does she think you should work on?
A1star: Uh, nothing. How have you been?
Raven: Nice try. Look, it’s been our first week. I’m not going to push you. Plus, our deal was very clear.
You don’t have to ask permission when you’re on your own time.
A1star: What if I have to go out of town?
Raven: What would you do if you worked at an office job and had to miss days?
A1star: Ask in advance?
Raven: Yep.
A1star: What if I’m sick?
Raven: I’d ask some serious questions about how well you’ve taken care of your health.
A1star: Oh.
Raven: Don’t worry. It will be fine.
A1star: Um, what if I’m under a deadline and have to finish a project?
Raven: What would you say to your boss at an office job?
A1star: I see. You’re serious about this being like a job.
Raven: It is your job. And, yes, I am serious. I expect you to be, too.
A1star: Okay. So it’s not like you’re giving me a lot of money and I do whatever I want. I have to earn it.
Raven: More or less. Does that bother you?
A1star: No, it makes me feel better. I don’t want to take handouts. But I am a little worried about the no safeword thing. What if you tell me to do something and I really can’t do it?
Raven: When you’re with me?
A1star: Yes.
Raven: Remember when I gave you that spanking with Blackie?
A1star: Ouch, that awful little paddle? I’d rather not.
Raven: What did I tell you then?
A1star: Honestly, it hurt so much I’m not sure.
Raven: I hope I won’t have to repeat the lesson again this weekend.
A1star: No, thanks! You said my first lesson was honesty.
Raven: If something hurts, if you are afraid, if you are uncomfortable. I expect you to communicate with me openly and honestly while we’re getting to know each other, so I can assess your needs and limits.
A1star: But if I don’t get a safeword, why does that matter?
Raven: Silly girl. If you’re not allowed to safeword, it’s far more important for me to know your limits.
A1star: Like if something hurts too much?
Raven: Exactly.
A1star: Is that why you said it was a warning?
Raven: The spanking with Blackie? Yes. Your first mistake was trying to hide how much the audition hurt. I need honesty from you, not what you think I want.
A1star: Okay, but it’s embarrassing.
Raven: Admitting that a spanking hurts?
A1star: No, um…
Raven: Yes, dear?
A1star: Just…
Raven: Yes, dear.
A1star: Thinking that I, oh, I don’t know. That I might want. Or that it seems like a good thing, or…I don’t know!
Raven: That it might feel good for someone to take care of you?
A1star: Yeah.
Raven: And it embarrasses you?
A1star: Kind of.
Raven: Because you think you’re too old and independent and mature for discipline?
A1star: Maybe? Or that I should be?
Raven: We are many things, but we rarely are what we should be.
A1star: You mean that we’re wrong, somehow?
Raven: No, my dear. On the contrary, that we are right. We are who we need to be, and “should” doesn’t matter. If this feels good and right to you, it is.
A1star: Does it for you?
Raven: Time will tell, dear. But for now, yes. Oh, yes.
A1star: I wish Friday would hurry up and get here.
Raven: Me too, my darling. But you have a book to write.
A1star: Sigh.
Raven: Work hard, and I will prepare a surprise for you.
A1star: Yay! And okay. I better get going. Hugs.
Raven: Hugs back, and a wicked little spank. :-)
A1star: Ow! *giggle*
Chapter Thirteen
A1star: Thank you! Thank you!
Raven: It was my pleasure. Really.
A1star: The dress, the necklace and shoes, dinner, museum, botanical gardens, the play…wow! I thought I was supposed to be *earning* my way.
Raven: It’s proper to court a lady before spanking her, isn’t it?
A1star: *blush*
Raven: How sweet. You’re still blushing. Top and bottom, I presume?
A1star: What? Do you mean…
Raven: Oh yes, my dear. After that last spanking, you should be at least pink for the rest of the day.
A1star: I’m in my own house with no one to see me, and I’m still squirming as if you were next to me!
Raven: Do tell. Are you still sore?
A1star: This is so embarrassing.
Raven: Only embarrassing if you’re ashamed to receive the discipline you need.
A1star: No, not ashamed. Just…wow. My head’s still spinning. I’ve never been on a first…I mean…
Raven: A first what?
A1star: Um…
Raven: Surely, you haven’t had other mistresses before?
A1star: No. But it felt like a date. You even helped me into the car yourself. I feel like Cinderella or a princess.
Raven: I wonder if Cinderella’s godmother spanked her. I should do some research.
A1star: You do have to keep saying that word!
Raven: Spanked? You mean that I turned you over my knee, pulled up that lovely dainty dress, and spanked your bottom until you wriggled and cried like a little girl?
A1star: Ack, stop! Please stop!
Raven: Didn’t I say there’s no safeword, dear?
A1star: *giggle* Wow, you’re so different.
Raven: In what way?
A1star: More, I don’t know. Friendly? Approachable? Not so scary.
Raven: Ah, the terrifying domme syndrome.
A1star: I didn’t mean to say you were—
Raven: That’s okay. If I’m not slightly terrifying at least once in a while, I’m not doing my job. I’m supposed to discipline you, not spoil you.
A1star: Feels more like spoiling. Not that I’m complaining.
Raven: That might change.
A1star: Aw, come on.
Raven: I’m serious.
A1star: What? Why? We’ve had such nice weekends together.
Raven: Oh, yes. I’ve loved every minute.
A1star: Then why will it change?
Raven: Might. This is our honeymoon period, so to speak. You do whatever I ask because it brings pleasure to you, too. I’ll wager that your response will be different when obeying means making a sacrifice.
A1star: Uh. What kind?
Raven: Relax. Not human sacrifice.
A1star: That’s reassuring.
Raven: :-)
A1star: That wasn’t funny.
Raven: It won’t be funny when the discipline gets serious, either.
A1star: What do you mean? I only go to you one night a week. You give me everything I’ve ever wanted. Fridays can’t come quickly enough. I wish I could see you every day.
Raven: Do you, really?
A1star: Oops. I didn’t mean to say that.
Raven: But do you?
A1star: I suppose I wouldn’t get my writing done, but I miss you in between weekends. You’re so different from anyone I’ve ever met.
Raven: Oh, you are, too.
A1star: Hey, was this the surprise you promised me last week?
Raven: When?
A1star: You said if I got my writing done, you’d have a surprise ready.
Raven: Oh, that! Yes. I thought you meant…well, something else.
A1star: The night out, the special entertainment.
Raven: The spanking throughout the night.
A1star: *Please* will you stop saying that word?
Raven: *laughs* Does it bother you that much?
A1star: Not exactly, but I keep wondering. What if my mom sees it? Or if I’m the victim of a crime and the police search my laptop?
Raven: Then they’ll find out you’re a naughty young lady in need of spanking. Oh, I’m sorry. You didn’t want me to say spanking. Shall I say whipping? Flogging? Beating?
<
br /> A1star: *sigh* I suppose you’re saying that you’ll call it what you like and I have to put up with it?
Raven: I am the mistress, after all.
A1star: Lorelei said—oh, wait. Do you mind if I talk about Lorelei?
Raven: *laughs* I have many faults, my dear, but I’m not jealous. What did your friend say?
A1star: She said D/s isn’t all fun and games, and that I’ll be surprised to learn it for myself.
Raven: Did she? Does that worry you?
A1star: Honestly, a little. She teases a bit like you do, but she also is serious. Sort of a be careful what you wish for thing.
Raven: That’s true.
A1star: But you haven’t been like that so far.
Raven: Do you remember what I told you last week about honesty?
A1star: Ouch, yes. That I have to be honest at all times.
Raven: Well, there’s no need to tell me if you don’t like the shade of my lipstick.
A1star: Duly noted, ma’am!
Raven: When this discipline becomes serious—and it will—you won’t like it.
A1star: Everyone keeps telling me that, but I don’t think it’s helpful.
Raven: Why not?
A1star: It’s like waiting to have a tooth out.
Raven: Hm. You can’t get pain medication prescribed for a spanking, so I doubt it.
A1star: *sigh* I was serious.
Raven: I know, dear. I was serious when I gave you the warning with Blackie.
A1star: I remember!
Raven: And the world didn’t end. I gave you a lecture, punished you, and we moved on.
A1star: I don’t want that to happen again.
Raven: Sweetie, that’s the point of discipline. You learn, you grow, and you don’t repeat mistakes.
A1star: But I’m an adult. I don’t need a mom anymore.
Raven: Right. That’s why this is discipline, not ageplay.
A1star: Part of me agrees with you. And, to be really embarrassingly honest, it makes me tingly inside. At the same time, though, I don’t want it. I want everything to stay happy and exciting like this weekend.
Raven: Oh, me too.
A1star: Really? Why?
Raven: Because when I punish you for real the first time, a punishment and not a warning like last week, you’ll hate me.
A1star: I’d never hate you!
Raven: Think of the words that slipped out of your mouth when Blackie got intense.
A1star *blush* Uh, I don’t usually say stuff like that. It just hurt so much…
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