A Submissive's Gift

by Maggie Ryan

  "Helen, my angel, it is wonderful to see you again." Harry strode across the floor of his studio, engulfing Helen in his arms. "You are looking just as beautiful as always." The four younger women watched in amazement, as Harry bent to place a very tender kiss on Helen's lips. They almost collapsed when they saw his hands move down to pat Helen's rear. "Yes, just as lovely as I remember. Seems Ben is keeping you well satisfied," Harry continued, chuckling as he looked up to see four women staring at them. "Relax ladies, Helen and I have been, hmmm, how shall I put this? Ah, yes, we've been very special friends for years and years."

  Helen laughed and reached up to pat his cheek. "You're still as incorrigible as ever, Harry. Goodness knows what my girls must be thinking." Shaking her head, she turned to the group. "Ben and I have known Harry for, gosh, over twenty years now. We've had a great deal of fun together." The women relaxed a little, all wishing the older woman would be just a tad more explicit about the nature of their relationship.

  Harry simply gave them a smile that seemed to promise all sorts of incredible experiences. The man definitely had some sort of magnetism, and was not hesitant to make the best use of his gift. Turning to the counter, he picked up an object, before once more facing the women.

  "So which one of you lovely ladies cares to be my assistant?" He grinned at the five women standing in the middle of his leather studio, five pairs of eyes glued to the leather paddle in his hand. The friends all pointed at one another, causing Harry to shake his head. "Well, isn't that special? Such good friends that you all wish to give the opportunity to each other. Such unselfishness deserves rewarding. The only question remaining, is who wishes to go first?" His hearty laugh filled the room as ten hands reached back to cover susceptible bottoms.

  "Well, Nancy did promise to get something special for Jason," Elizabeth volunteered, ignoring the look of mock despair that showed on her best friend's face. "And, considering that she's the exhibitionist among us, none of us would want to deprive her of this chance to demonstrate her choice of something wonderful for Jason."

  "No, that's not necessary," Nancy said, her eyes going wide as Harry suddenly slapped the leather against his thigh, the sharp crack instantly causing five bodies to jump. "I didn't promise to try it out. Besides, I was thinking of something more along the lines of that incredible flogger Logan bought from you." Logan had presented the brown bag to Nancy after their trip to Harry's booth during the art festival the four friends had attended together. Thinking of that night, Nancy's eyes went from wide to very soft as her memory of the first time Jason had demonstrated his talent wielding a double-ended flogger. It had been an incredible experience. One end was made of very soft strands of suede that seemed to caress every inch of her skin when Jason used it to titillate her. The opposite end had its own strands, but they were of stiff leather that could—and did—bite into her skin when used by her very experienced Dom.

  Elizabeth finally took pity on her friend. "Well, since our men decided to give us 'just in case' spankings yesterday, I can't say that I blame her. I'm sure that whatever you think will be appreciated by Jason will be perfect. And, we will need to order items that will be loved by our clients during their stay at Haven."

  "Yes, I might not want to feel any of your instruments of torture, but we do need to make sure we order a wide variety, for both the Woodshed and the boutique." Nancy smiled as she ran a hand over a table where small leather whips were presented. "Lots of these, a few paddles," she paused, swallowing hard at the one still tapping against Harry's leg. "Maybe some of wood as well, as that would be more in keeping with the original era of a woodshed?"

  Everyone relaxed as Harry went into professional sales mode, putting the leather paddle down onto a nearby table and picking up a tablet to take their order. As he, Liz and Nancy wandered around the studio, talking quietly and deciding what would be appropriate and likely to sell in the small shop that Nancy would be managing, Ariel, Barbara, and Helen were also shopping.

  "Those are quite comfortable, even though they don't look it." Ariel nodded at the fur-lined restraints Barbara was holding. "You can pull against the rope or shackle all day, and still your wrists won't get raw."

  "Sounds like you are the voice of experience," Barbara said, easily able to imagine her little sister bound somewhere and loving every single moment of that bondage. She felt her face heat when her mother giggled and whispered that cuffs had come a long way since the first time she had been restrained. It was incredibly wonderful that her mother whole-heartedly supported both her girls' lifestyles, but still, it was a little disconcerting to actually stand around and discuss the attributes of all that Harry had to offer with her. Barbara returned the cuff to its place on a shelf, noticing that there were larger ankle cuffs on offer as well. She wondered how Craig would react if she brought a set home.

  "You know Christmas isn't that far away," Ariel said with a smile, when she saw her sister's fingers still stroking the soft fur inside the leather cuff.

  "It wouldn't really be a present for Craig if I bought these for myself," Barbara objected, though it was clear her heart wasn't totally in agreement.

  "Let's just make sure the measurements are perfect," Harry said, surprising her, as she hadn't noticed his approach. She began to shake her head but then smiled and nodded.

  "Good, and sweetheart, I can absolutely guarantee that if you give your man a set of these, he will consider it a wonderful gift." He whipped out a tape measure and measured both of Barbara's wrists, and then her ankles. When she shifted as the tape measure ran around her skin, Harry chuckled. "You are gonna love these. Your partner can make you quite immobile, and then drive you to madness if he teases you for hours—or drive you into incoherence if he is restraining you while he administers a lesson for disobedience."

  "Um, yes, I can see that," Barbara said, rubbing her left wrist with the fingers of her right hand. "I'll just tell Dadd—um, Craig, that these are just for play." Harry again burst into laughter, shaking his head as he pulled together a full set of four cuffs.

  "You can try, sweetheart," he said, and then explained how the silver rings set into the leather could be used to either snap the wrists together, or have additional rope slid through them so that she could be spread eagled for her Dom's pleasure. "I'm sure your daddy is going to be one happy papa." He paused, and gave her a look that had her face burning. "He'll find he enjoys them, regardless of whether he's pleasuring his Little girl, or teaching her to be a good girl while he lays her onto her tummy and spanks her little bottom."

  Ariel was giggling at the expression that, a year ago, she would have bet a million dollars never to see. Despite the blush that covered her sister's cheeks, it was evident that Barbara could barely contain her excitement at discovering all the different scenarios such restraints could offer.

  By the time the women had put the last of their purchases into the back of the car, they had been shopping, laughing, and teasing each other for two hours. Harry promised to have everything ready by the time Haven opened its doors. When Nancy hugged and thanked him, he unabashedly ran his hand across her rear, before giving her a huge swat with the leather paddle he had grabbed off the table.

  "Ow! What was that for?" she demanded, her hand once more rubbing against the seat of her shorts.

  "That's for being such a big baby." Harry shook his head. "If you've already used that flogger, and we both know you have, then suggesting another soft flogger as Jason's gift was very inconsiderate, wasn't it?"

  Though Nancy wanted to protest that it had simply been the item she had decided her husband would love, she knew that Harry was right. She might not enjoy harsher disciplines the way Liz and Ariel did, but when she pushed Jason too far, it was only proper that she offer him the best choice of implements with which to chastise her.

  "Yes, Sir," she said softly. "I'm sure that the present you insisted I purchase instead will please him far more. But," she giggled, and shook her head, "don't blame me if you feel your ears
burning when I'm cursing you as Jason spanks me with that horrid, old-fashioned thing."

  "Oh, sweetheart, I promise you'll be far too busy making promises never to misbehave again to even think of anything or anyone else. A few dozen with a sturdy tawse before sitting on the naughty girl mat will go a long way to encourage angelic behavior." Harry handed her the box, in which he had placed the exquisitely crafted, split-tongued tawse, as well as an old fashioned hemp mat that contained hundreds of small bumps made from irritating fibers, which would exacerbate the discomfort of a punished bottom even more. "You'll discover that going back to the tried and true implements of yesterday will make a naughty girl anxious to prove her promise of obedience." He adored the color that flushed her cheeks, as well as the sparkle in her eyes. "Many a Scottish lassie can verify that claim if you doubt my word."

  Shaking her head, Nancy leaned forward and kissed his leathery cheek. "I will never doubt your expertise, Sir." When he smiled at the compliment, she jumped into the car and shut the door before speaking through the opened window. "At least you didn't insist I buy one of those awful paddles." She shivered as the paddle that had been used to give her only one swat was twirled in Harry's large hand. It was made of several layers of leather, giving it strength as well as amazing flexibility.

  "I'm afraid I couldn't sell you one of these yet anyway," Harry said, as he turned the paddle over to show where he had begun some very intricate design work on the back. "Perhaps the next time you visit you can bring your husband? I'm sure to have completed it by then."

  "Um, Jason doesn't like shopping very much," Nancy said truthfully, though she had an idea he wouldn't mind quite as much if he knew about all the incredible things in Harry's studio.

  Harry laughed and shook his head as he helped Helen into the car. "Remember, I can ship my treasures anywhere." He loved the giggles the women gave as he stepped away from the car. "You girls be good and have fun. I think I need to make a few phone calls before you get home." Hearing protests and more laughter from the car, he smiled widely. God, he loved women—every variety that the good Lord had blessed the planet with. However, the five in the car held a special place in his heart. These women were not only beautiful, they were also so full of life and love that he would be awash with envy of their partners if his own life hadn't been so completely filled with dozens of wonderful experiences. He waved until the car had disappeared down the dusty road, before returning to his studio. He had orders to fill, and would enjoy every moment of making sure Haven was outfitted with good, sturdy, beautiful objects of pain and pleasure.

  Chapter 5

  Time seemed to speed by as the weather in Texas gradually cooled in the later months of autumn. Haven was coming along beautifully, every visit showing more signs of improvements, as the kitchen flooring was laid and the new commercial appliances installed.

  Craig and Barbara were eagerly awaiting the completion of their cabin, as Craig worked to turn the everyday running of his restaurant and catering business over to his staff. Barbara found she didn't miss a single thing about her previous life as a very successful lawyer. She loved working at Craig's side, learning more every day as he patiently explained the differences between the wines they ordered to be delivered to the hotel, as well as how much went into simply stocking a pantry that needed to feed dozens, rather than a couple of people. Shipments of more than foodstuffs would soon be arriving, and Barbara looked forward to opening every box. Until then, there were plenty of other activities to fill their days.

  Halloween fell on a Saturday, and a huge costume party was planned at Tastsinn's. As Ariel applied her make-up, she made sure her eyes were highlighted with an abundance of lilac shadow and glittering silver, her lashes thick with black mascara. She brushed out her long auburn hair, clipping small pearls into the strands. Walking into the bedroom, she was pleased when a long appreciative whistle announced Garrett's approval.

  "No wonder sailors willingly flung themselves into the sea," he said, admiring the beauty standing before him. Her full breasts were barely contained by a seashell bra, the iridescent pearly white glitter instantly drawing eyes to her form. Ariel's flat, tanned tummy was also adorned with spray-on glitter, with a larger pearl nestled into her belly button. The rest of her costume fit her like a glove; her hips and legs covered in a tight body suit that flared at the bottom, forming a mermaid's tail that covered her sandal clad feet. She would have to be careful walking, using small steps due to the limited mobility such a tight suit allowed her. As she did a slow turn in front of her fiancé, Garrett had to swallow hard—her round, heart-shaped ass seemed to just beg to be held, stroked, paddled and fucked.

  "Do you like?" Ariel teased, looking back over her shoulder as she wiggled her ass, the sea-green fabric covered in scales shimmying with her every movement.

  "If I see you doing that move at the club, you'll find a certain shell demanding its own pearl tonight," Garrett declared, his eyes growing darker with lust.

  Ariel instantly pictured the pink clamshell, her sex pulsing at the memory of exactly how the toy felt when making its claim on her own, very sensitive pearl. Looking to her nightstand, where the shell held a place of dubious honor, she swallowed hard before walking to Garrett.

  "Oh, my," she purred, her hand going to stroke down the muscular arm of her Dom. "And here I thought pirates were made of stiffer stuff."

  "I'll show you stiffer," Garrett growled, as he grabbed her and pulled her against his body, his erection obvious as it ground into her backside, causing her to giggle. "Pirates have no morals, my little mermaid. History has shown they have no decency when it comes to claiming their treasure." He was delighted when she moaned, her backside pressing against his tightly laced trousers. "I don't believe we'll be staying long."

  "You promised we'd stay until the costume contest is over, remember?" she asked, turning to face him. "Don't you want to win the prize?"

  He looked incredible, his white pirate shirt with its very full sleeves ending in long cuffs, lace covering the backs of his hands. The loose, black linen breeches did nothing to hide the fact that his cock was obviously straining against the leather ties that closed the fly. He also wore a wide, red sash around his waist, a fake antique revolver hanging from one hip, and a fake dagger from the other. He wore black leather boots, and white stockings that ended under the hem of the linen pants, with additional ties around his calves. His dark hair was covered with a red kerchief, which was mostly hidden by his pirate hat, and chains of thick gold costume jewelry swung around his neck. Ariel giggled as he bent to kiss her, the fake gold cap on his front tooth sparkling.

  "The only bounty I'm interested in is you," he murmured, a moment before he kissed her. Ariel held onto him tightly, her heart pounding inside her chest as he proved yet again how he could reduce her to a quivering blob with a simple kiss. She squealed when she felt a hard swat against her bottom.

  "Ow, what is that?" she demanded, her head turning to see he had removed the dagger from his belt, and was using the flat of it to swat against the thin fabric covering her ass. "Hey, that's not very chivalrous."

  "Oh, my poor innocent siren of the sea," he said and grinned, running the edge of the dagger up the side of her hip and across her stomach, tapping the tip against the buried jewel in her navel. "Don't you know that pirates have no greater desire than plundering?"

  The look in his eyes made her shiver as she pulled his head down to bring his mouth back to hers. "Plunder away, my Captain, plunder away."

  *****

  The two were enjoying drinks at the bar as they chatted with friends. Ariel loved her costume, but was a little perturbed that she had to be helped up onto a stool— and even then was unable to cross her legs other than at her ankles. When she spied Barbara and Craig, she practically teetered off the high bar stool in her excitement. Only Garrett's quick reflexes had her caught before she fell, her bottom once again seated properly, his amusement showing in his grin.

  "Good thing you have
no intention of trying to escape capture, my Siren," he chuckled. "That costume is giving me all sorts of ideas about bondage." He ignored her quick slap against his chest as he shook Craig's hand.

  "You look so adorable," Ariel said to her sister. Barbara blushed, but giggled and gave a small curtsey. She did indeed look precious dressed as Alice, and accompanied by her very own Mad Hatter. Craig twirled her around, proud to show off his incredible partner. Her hair had been styled into ringlets that cascaded down her back, held off her face by a wide blue headband. Her blue dress lifted at the twirl, to reveal layers of pink petticoats that gave the dress its fullness. A crisp white pinafore, tied with a huge bow in the back, white stockings, and slip on patent leather shoes completed her outfit.

  Craig grinned and helped her onto her own stool, sweeping off his oversized hat and giving a low bow.

  "Doesn't he make the perfect Mad Hatter?" Barbara said, as he stood again. Everyone had to admit that he did. Craig had been transformed by his costume. His trousers didn't quite reach his ankles, and bright orange socks were visible below the grayish black of his suit. A long coat swept around his knees, open to reveal a vivid yellow vest with large gold buttons. The cuffs of his blue shirt peeked out from his jacket, and a wide green sash, splashed with spots of pink, was tied around his throat in a huge bow. The hat, however, was true perfection. When he plopped it back on top of his head, he gained another foot in height. Tucked into the red hat band was a large white note, with 10/6 written on it. Anyone who truly knew the story of Alice in Wonderland understood that even this hat was for sale—if, of course, one had the ten shillings and sixpence the tag declared as the price.