Risk (BDSM Dominant submissive Romance): Everything to lose. Everything to gain.

by Mia Moore

  Annik nodded. “Let's pick up some wine on the way.”

  With a couple of bottles of wine purchased, they drove to Jessica's place. Annik parked and they went into the building. When they entered the apartment, Annik glanced around.

  Jessica wandered in from the kitchen with a file folder in hand. “What's your pleasure?”

  “I don't want to put you out, Jessica…”

  “Don't worry- this is my Automatic Cookbook.”

  “It's what?”

  “My Automatic Cookbook. You make your selection, and dinner is served.” She opened the folder wider so Annik could see its contents. Menus from dozens of restaurants that delivered were inside. Arranged by style of cuisine. “Don't you have one?”

  “Yours is bigger- oh my God, you can get Conkies!” Annik yanked at a menu Jessica had in her hand from a local 'Islands' eatery. “Conkies!”

  “Yep, and I've been told it's good, but I'll need a native's opinion.”

  They chose their dinner with Annik giving guidance on dishes Jessica wasn't familiar with. Annik dialed the phone and asked to speak with the chef, instructing him on her preferences, and bantering with him about the amount of particular seasonings. Her island lilt deepened the longer the conversation lasted.

  Disconnecting, she turned to Jessica, “I haven't had Conkies since Poppa died!”

  “Great cookbook, eh?”

  “Yes! I want a copy!”

  Jessica turned the stereo on and a pan flute with soft nature sounds filled the apartment. She went back into the kitchen and poured glasses of wine for them. Returning with the wine, they curled up on the sofa at each end, chatting while they waited for dinner to be ready.

  “That was fun this afternoon. You know a lot about this ...umm..”

  “Kinky stuff?” Annik volunteered.

  “Well… yeah… seduction, how to dress. And you've been going to Paradox's for some time. How’d you meet Kevin?”

  Annik got up and went into the kitchen. She returned with the bottle of wine. “It's a long story”

  “Does it have a happy ending?” asked Jessica. “Because I don't think I can handle a sad ending right now.”

  “It WILL have a happy ending. I hope…” Annik poured more wine. “How’re you doing? How come you’re feeling you can't handle a sad ending? Is everything okay?”

  “Well, I'm not sure about Craig. Everything between us was going so well and then he pulled back, big time. He says he needs space. I think he’s scared.” Jessica peered at her over the rim of her glass.

  “I remember seeing him at Paradox’s a couple of years ago with Josee. She was a piece of work. Kevin and I both felt she was looking for a free ride. Hell, she even flirted with Kevin a bit, the gold digger. Both of those men are doing pretty well, and they're both unattached.”

  “Craig said she bailed on him when money got tight.”

  Annik thought for a moment. “Well then, I guess she was a gold digger; I don't know the details. Craig and Kevin are good friends, yes. But when Kevin and I are together we don't talk much about Craig. Even so, I do know that Josee knocked Craig for a loop though. So what's Craig's problem with you, Ms. Rogers? I suspect you're doing pretty well.” Annik looked around the apartment.

  “Well, I DO have a good job-”

  “I know- I've been reading your stuff for years; I'm a subscriber to Weekly News.”

  “Oh!” A flush of pleasure came over Jessica. The same one she always got when someone recognized her from her work. She liked Annik a ton more right then.

  Annik took a sip of wine. “Look, Jessica, Josee couldn't hold a candle to you in the looks department, not by a long shot. On top of that, you're successful in your own right and funny as hell! Josee was almost morose, you know,” Annik said. “I did meet Josee a few times, Jessica. And each time I found her shallow and boring.” Annik drained her glass and refilled it asking, “So what's the problem?”

  Jessica gave her friend a run down of what had happened after Paradox's, and the rest of the previous weekend. “I gave Craig an ultimatum. I asked him to figure out what it is he wants. He has until Sunday.”

  Annik sat back on the sofa, thinking. “Jessica… he might not come back, you know… he IS in his thirties, and he probably likes his life just the way it is.”

  “Probably more now.” Jessica told her about Craig’s trip to New York- that it could set him up for life. Her eyes grew misty. “If that trip turned out half as good as he hoped, he's going to be famous, and pretty well off. He'll have university groupies hanging all over him!”

  “Look, Jessica, I think Craig’s a great guy, but he's making a mistake. Watching you two at Paradox's, it was so obvious. You’re nuts about each other. What the hell! You SHOULD be together.”

  The door buzzer rang and Jessica got up to let the delivery in. She paid the delivery man and took the packages into the kitchen. They dished the food onto plates and Jessica gestured to the living room, rather than eat in the kitchen. They poured more wine and munched on their dinners.

  “Y’know, I like to be positive” Annik said. “Craig will come to his senses. He’ll be here before Sunday. He's a smart guy.”

  “I hope so. But if not, his loss.” Jessica said, trying to avoid falling into a maudlin minefield.

  It would be her loss as well. She couldn't see herself going back to the computer dating scene, and she was way too scared to try to meet someone at a place like Paradox's. What would she do? She had to get her head out of this.

  “Tell me your long story Annik, how you met Kevin. He seems pretty nice.”

  “Okay. Jessica I like you. I don't like too many women – not many girl friends, you know.”

  Jessica was feeling the effects of the wine, so with liquid courage asked “I like you too Annik. I've had a great time today. I’m kind of surprised…oh never mind.”

  “What! Don’t 'never mind' me. What were you going to say?”

  “Well… at Paradox’s when you were on the swing, you gestured for me to come over. And you kept looking at me and then winked. I wondered about that. Were you coming on to me? What was that about?”

  Annik smiled and shook her head no. “I was trying to kind of take you under my wing. Get you close to Kevin and I while we played. And if you and Craig were going to do anything then at least you’d be with friends.”

  “So not a come on. Not like Lidia kissing me.”

  “THAT was a come on. No I was just being nice. This is going to sound weird, but I already feel that you're my friend, that I've known you for years.” Annik said.

  In a serious voice, reaching out to take both of Jessica's hands into her own, Annik said “Jessica, you need to know more about what I do for a living.”

  “You're a social worker. I don't understand the 'free lance' part, though. Do you work on contract or something?”

  “That was sort of a lie- I used it as a euphemism because we’d just met.”

  Jessica’s mouth fell open. “Wait a minute. I’m not even sure what a Social Worker does day to day! And now you're NOT a Social Worker? Now I don't know what you're not what you are? Huh?” Oh… too much damn wine!

  “I'm a hooker. You can call it a consort or Pro Domme, call it whatever you want but I do things for money. I'm a whore.”

  Jessica's bent over the couch, looking on the floor. “My jaw's down here someplace! Help me find it!”

  Annik laughed. “Get up here! It's the truth!”

  She sat up, her face was a little flushed and appraised Annik. She didn't look like a hooker! Did she? “But… but….”

  Annik smiled sadly, “But?”

  “How? Who? Is Kevin your pimp?”

  Annik burst out laughing. “No! He's a customer!” She looked at Jessica. “A client, if you prefer… or a-”

  “A John?” Jessica squeaked. This was a lot to absorb.

  Annik nodded. Might as well call a spade a spade.

  They sat in silence for a moment.

  "A Jo
hn named Kevin?" Jessica squeaked again. “You see my jaw anywhere?”

  “Yeah, it's on your lap.”

  “I'm really confused here, Annik. You gotta help me out.” She leaned forward and drained the bottle of wine into each glass. She got up silently, went to the kitchen and returned with the second bottle to top up their glasses.

  “Hey… Jessica… if you need me to go, I'll understand. I guess...”

  “No, no! Don't be stupid!” Jessica waved her hand. “You just came out of nowhere with this! I think I have the right to be surprised! I thought you were a model!”

  Annik was, no doubt, the most beautiful woman she’d ever met- and considering her job, the Hollywood types, that was saying a lot.

  “You're not so bad yourself, sweetie,” Annik took a sip of her wine and sat back on the couch.

  “I don't know where to start!” said Jessica. “Okay, let's try this- what about you and Kevin? Does this turn him on or something?”

  “Kevin and I are friends. Don’t get me wrong, he hires me too. But he’s a successful businessman and well…I’m a whore. I really like him. No, actually love him. I think.” Annik looked away. She looked back to Jessica, and put her wine glass on the coffee table.

  “Look, I wasn't born a hooker, you know. My parents came to Canada when I was 14. They had LOTS of money. We lived in a great neighborhood. I went to good schools, had lots of friends and then went to university here. Life was good. Then Poppa died. If that wasn't bad enough, Mamma got sick. And three's the charm. Ever hear of Bernie Madoff?”

  “Yeah. Wasn't he that guy with the Ponzi scheme going? Bilking people out of money. He got locked up didn’t he?” Jessica asked.

  “Yeah, locked up. But not before he sucked my Mamma in and we ended up broke. We had to sell the house and move to a cheap apartment. I had to take care of Mamma. Had to quit university and earn some serious cash. I'd been doing that for a few years when I met Kevin.”

  “So?”

  “So… he helped me actually become a business woman at this. I make three times more now than I had been making, and I'm salting away a lot of money. He started out as just another 'john',” she looked over at her friend, as Jessica winced, “then became a mentor, and now is a dear friend. We've traded recipes, for God's sake! And who,” Annik leaned in to Jessica, “I love like crazy, but won't tell him.” Annik leaned back to her side of the couch, a tear coursing down.

  “But…”

  “But I’m not good enough. So that’s that.”

  “You poor thing Annik, and your poor Mom. I thought I had problems.” Jessica leaned toward Annik and hugged her.

  Sitting back, Jessica took Annik's shoulders. “And as far as not being good enough, you’re wrong. You became a prostitute to take care of your Mom. You use your body to make money. And if there wasn’t a market for that you wouldn’t be doing it, right? But it’s the sex worker who gets the bad rap. Seems pretty hypocritical to me.”

  She sat quietly thinking for a few moments. “When I think of the harm that’s done every day, from the financial meltdown, how banks ripped off so many working people- their savings, their pensions! Yet bankers are the pillar of society!”

  “I know. It’s kind of screwed up, what’s accepted and what’s not.”

  “I’m sure that your story’s not unusual. Maybe I’ll do an article about this. I won’t use your name but I’d like people to see your world. Maybe raise some questions about our values. I’m serious Annik. We’ll talk about this when I’m sober. Right now, I feel like getting plastered.”

  Annik held her glass out for a refill. “Twist my arm.”

  “It must have been scary sometimes Annik? I mean, look at all of the girls the pig farmer out west killed! My God! That was disgusting.”

  “Well I never walked the streets Jessica – that's a tough spot for a sex worker. My heart bleeds for some of those gals. No, I advertised as an escort for out of town business men. A slightly higher clientele, but they've got some real kink issues.”

  The silence returned, and Jessica gave in. “Okay, I’ll bite.” She giggled and rolled her eyes. “Gosh, I think I’m really starting to feel this wine. Tell me, what was the kinkiest thing you did?”

  “The baby guy, hands down. Picture this... a 58 year old guy, pot belly, balding, skinny chicken legs and he wants me to put a diaper on him. Well that was a bit of a stretch – had to use Depends of course. Then, when he has it on, he wants to suck my nipple while he pees. And changing him again. Then he wanted me to spank him!”

  “How much did you get for that?” Eeew.

  “Not enough. $2,000.”

  “Wow! Two thousand bucks! Are you serious?

  “Sure am. Helps though, when you're as good looking as I am- he used to pay $1,200.”

  “It sounds like a lot, but considering....maybe not”

  “Mostly I work as a Pro Domme now. There’s lots of money there and I usually control the sex.”

  “Pro Domme?” She was getting a real education of kinky terms.

  “There’re guys out there who want to be beaten by a woman. I dress the part – Dominant Sexy Woman in black leather, whips, and high boots. They get turned on and they pay a lot of money. And basically that's all I do, play a role and beat them. For the most part.”

  “But at Paradox's, you were a Sub...” Was it the wine or was this just downright confusing?

  “Yeah, when it’s for me that's my kink. And Kevin is a great Dom. Actually he’s the only one I trust enough to sub for. And it’s hot!”

  “From a newbie’s perspective, it was the surrendering power, being teased with soft beating – THAT turns me on. I'm no pain slut. This is a whole other world for me. It’s fun.”

  “Jessica, you've just touched the tip of the iceberg. There's so much to experience…”

  “Annik, let's kill this bottle and then I think you better stay the night – no way you can drive home. I don't have a guest bedroom, but this couch opens up.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  After chatting some more while finishing the wine and making up the sofa bed, they went into Jessica's bedroom. She gave Annik a cotton lace nightgown and changed into one as well. They said goodnight, and retired for the evening- both women reminiscing about how long it had been since such a girl fest. They both slept soundly.

  Jessica woke first. She got up and crept gingerly to the kitchen, holding her head. She poured very large glasses of juice and handed one to Annik along with a couple of ibuprophen to ease their headaches.

  Annik showered and dressed. She gave Jessica a hug and kiss on her cheek, promised to be in touch soon and left.

  Jessica went inside- she was calling her parents. Right now.

  Chapter 18

  On Saturday, Craig wanted to brag. He had kept to himself after the Date From Hell with Jennifer for the rest of the past week, and now he wanted to boast, shout from the rooftops the success he had garnered in New York.

  After doodling around his apartment in the morning, he jumped in his car and drove over to Bob's house. Maybe they could go out for some beers. He had left Bob alone enough. Hell, how much celebrating could Bob and Marie do? And Craig had been a part of Bob getting in with Doubleday anyway, hadn’t he? Sure. So Bob owed him some kudos and fuss, right?

  He rang the bell, and Bob's oldest daughter Corliss opened it. “Hi Uncle Mike!”

  “Hi yourself, Corliss, how's school going?”

  “Great! Exams in a week, then the summer off, and I head to university in September. I can't wait!”

  Craig was still standing at the door.

  “Your Dad around? I didn't see any car out front…”

  “No. He and Mom are away till Monday. He took Mom on a 'rrrrrooooomaaantic' weekend to celebrate his new job in New York. Did you hear about it? He's going to be making a lot more money, and we're going to get to go to New York City a couple times a year! Isn't that great!”

  Craig's heart sort of sank. They're still on cloud
nine. Wow. This IS a big deal for ol' Bobster. He was at the wrong place for a slap on the back, that's for sure. He sucked it up, though, Corliss was excited as hell.

  “No kidding! That's going to be great, Corliss. You'll love New York.”

  “You ever been there, Uncle Mike? Dad says it's really exciting- go, go, go all the time!”

  Ever been? Who the hell do you think was your Dad's wingman on his whole trip? Ever been? Been there a bunch of times, kid. Awww hell.

  “Corliss, take my word for it, if your Dad says it's exciting, it's going to be a blast.” He looked at his watch, “Oh! Look at the time! Face off's in just a few minutes! I gotta scoot. I'll give your Dad a call next week.”

  “Is there something you need to talk to Dad about? We can't call, he said, but we can text them if it's important, Uncle Mike.”

  “Nahhh… just stopping by to… uhhh… see how he was making out after his trip. No big deal.”

  “He's making out great!” Corliss paused, “In fact, I think that's what he and Mom are doing all weekend. Ewwww!”

  Craig let it slide. He said his farewell, and left.

  Getting in his car, he called Eddie on his cell phone. After a few rings, voice mail picked up.

  “Hey asshole! I'm not here- I'm off the grid for the day! I got a hot babe (woman's voice laughing in the background) and she's kidnapping me! ('And you're leaving that damn phone at home Mister!' the woman's voice chimed in) So I won't be talking to anybody- and that means YOU until Sunday! Don't leave a message, how about you GET A LIFE! (Fading laughter until the 'beep').

  Thanks, Sleeze. Great advice.

  Maybe he should have gotten that damn dog after all.

  What the hell, it was a nice enough day; he'd go for a row and a few pints.

  After his time on the water, Craig was at the bar, finishing up his burger and fries and on his second pint. It was a good workout, and the lunchtime crowd had started to thin out. Doug, working behind the bar, came over to him to say hello. They chatted for a few minutes, Craig waiting to be asked 'What's new?'. Finally, Doug dropped the question.

  Trying and failing, to appear nonchalant, he told Doug about the two deals he had made in New York. Doug continued wiping the bar down, responding with single syllables.