by Ruby Madden
His private security guy, Max was keeping him at bay and I could tell that Sir Cardiff wasn’t liking being forced to placate himself. It seemed some of it was being coordinated with law enforcement back in the States as well.
I felt like some sort of warped prize. The key to a big scheme gone bust.
At one point, as I was being redirected to another room to see the staff psychologist, I saw Sir Cardiff. He felt my gaze and looked up. In his expression was both utter relief at seeing me and another look that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
It surprised me, though. And my heart lurched. Just the sight of him made me want to start crying. It was so unfair!
Just as quickly, he was out of range and the rest of my ordeal continued. But not for much longer. A couple hours later, I was escorted to a private and rather posh hotel.
A police officer was to remain with me and ensure my safety as well as my presence until they’d had all their questions answered. I didn’t know all the details yet, nor did I want to at the moment, but it sounded as if I was part of something rather significant.
Something that affected more than just me and Sir Cardiff’s life. It was too much, I needed to just step outside of my life and current events. Find a day’s worth of sanctity. The psychologist had seen to it that I was prescribed some relaxants and a sleep aid.
I took a long, soaking bath, ordered room service and ate quietly, staring out the hotel window on the London skyline as night-time arrived. The bottle of wine I’d ordered was helping to relax and calm me as well. If I wasn’t here for such an awful turn of events, it would have been an amazing view.
Wearing nothing but a big, fluffy robe, I sat down on the edge of the hotel bed with a glass of water and the sleeping aid I’d been given. They were smart, having only provided two little pills. It would work.
Eventually, at some point, I passed out.
* * *
I woke up to someone rapping at my hotel door. I was so disoriented that it took me a few minutes to recollect where I was and why.
I groaned, but managed to get up and out of bed. I was still wearing my robe, so I felt some modicum of propriety for whoever was disturbing my peace. But first, I’d peeked through the peep-hole. The officer assigned to guard my room was there and so was Sir Cardiff.
I froze. Was I up for this? I wasn’t so sure I wanted to see him… just yet. A rush of confusing feelings flooded through me. Part of me wanted to tell them to go away and leave me alone. Another part of me wanted to see why he was there.
What did he care, though?
I’m sure if I hadn’t been abducted after his rebuff that evening, I’d have been put back on his private jet and flown right out of his life and back to the States for breaking his rules. Properly dismissed and unemployed. Again. Which was entirely unfair of me to assume. But what would a man of Sir Cardiff’s status and reputation want with a woman like me in his life?
That’s right. Spankings.
Spankings that had yet to occur or manifest.
Anything and everything, but spankings had occurred, but certainly not those.
The irony was not lost on me.
And then I started to giggle. Hopefully, not loud enough for them to hear me through the hotel door.
“Celeste, are you there?” I heard Sir Cardiff say through the door. “Can I please see you and talk? I promise, no harm will come to you, you have my word and the fine officer’s word who is guarding your room.”
I swung the door open, “How do I know that?! For all I know you’ve paid him off to finish the job you started!”
The look on both their faces was worth it though, they were both so shocked by what I’d blurted out.
Eyebrows perched high and then a gentle grin on his charming face. “I assure you Celeste, I’m not an international sex-slave trafficker or anything of the sort. In fact, quite the opposite, I fund an organization to stop exactly that sort of illegal activity. Please, allow me to come inside and talk with you – with the officer’s presence if you prefer.”
I stood there quietly assessing him, sparks shooting out of my eyes I’m sure. I took a very good and long, ascertaining look. Besides being impeccably dressed, as usual, and entirely too handsome, he seemed both desperately worried and eager to do my bidding, whatever it may be.
But it was the look in his eyes that won me over.
He cared. A lot. I could see that as plain as day. Inside their depths was a man who’d been worried sick. About me.
A man who looked like he hadn’t slept all night.
“Fair to say she’s given you quite the eye-over, eh Sir?” The officer remarked, an amused look on his face. Then looking at me steadfastly, “Miss, Sir Cardiff is a man of impeccable reputation here in the U.K., the Queen herself would have him over for tea. I’ll be right here if you need me. You’ll be safe.”
With that, he stepped aside and gave a gesturing swing of his arms indicating that I should stop blocking the doorway and allow Sir Cardiff inside of my hotel room.
I sucked in a deep breath and relented, I moved out of the way and strode over to the window to look out upon the world. I heard the door close and the soft steps of Sir Cardiff entering the room. I’d turned away because despite myself, my lower lip was trembling fiercely, my entire chin quivering too.
I desperately felt the need to cry.
“Celeste…” He said softly from behind me at a reasonable distance.
I didn’t say anything, I couldn’t. But that soft tone in his voice implored something else inside of me. I dropped my face down towards my chest and started to tremble. I brought my hands up to my face, wanting to block it all out somehow. I was overwhelmed by my feelings. Before I knew it, I was sobbing.
I heard him step forward and very tentatively put his arms around me, from behind. “I’m so, so very sorry for everything you’ve been through…” He said with the utmost tenderness and care that I’d ever heard from someone.
I didn’t shake him off or move away, which surprised me. Instead, it felt good to be held by him. To feel protected.
We stood there, like that, for a while. Me crying softly, him holding me.
Eventually, at some point, I turned around and cradled myself right into his chest, my wet face buried into his jacket, like a small child seeking comfort from a loving parent.
He tenderly caressed the back of my head and kissed the top of my head. Which spurred me on. I needed to know. I took a slight step back.
“Sir, do you have feelings for me? Do you care about me?” I asked meekly.
Without hesitation, he nodded. “Yes, Celeste. Very much so. I know we don’t know each other very well yet, but what I feel for you is real.”
“It is? Really?”
“Entirely. I don’t have enough apologies in the world for sending you away that evening—“, his voice cracked and then faltered, a look of anguish washing over his handsome features.
“Why?” I asked bravely, I needed to know.
Once he got his composure back, he continued. “Because I actually wanted you to stay. For us to carry on and finish what we started. But I was worried that it would be too confusing for you… and I’d been drinking. Not a good element to add to the mix.” He explained.
I gulped, and could feel myself calming. A warm feeling of elation began to take over. I must have broken out in a smile because the next instant, his lips were firmly locked on mine.
I’m not entirely sure when we came up for air, but when we did, my robe had slipped off. With a tender, loving, admiring touch – he slid his hands down the sides of my body and stepped back.
“Good god, you’re exquisite.” He said, sucking in a breath.
I was surprised that my own shyness and modesty hadn’t been triggered to cover myself, but rather, I stood there, as absolutely still as I knew how and watched his eyes caress and move over the landscape of my body. After he’d had a good, long, stirring look - I
reached out to him.
“Please sir, I want nothing more. But for another time?” I asked pleadingly.
He nodded quickly and swiftly stooped so as to pick up the robe that had draped around my feet and put it back on me.
“Of course, Celeste. Of course…” He said endearingly, bringing me back into an embrace.
“We’ll be flying back to the States together.” He explained.
“We will?”
“Yes, of course. If anything else happens, to you – that is, it will happen to me too.” He said with a resolve that I was beginning to understand.
“Okay.” It was all I said, all I felt I could say. At the moment, at least.
Being demure to the point of having lost my will, so to speak, I found it so oddly comforting. There was something very deep and unspoken happening. I might not understand what it was all about or be as sophisticated as everyone else in his circles about these types of relational matters, but instinctively – I knew. I knew…
“You look awfully pensive…” He murmured, a caress against my cheek.
“I am, this is all very new for me. Everything is all very new for me. I kindly ask for your patience. Your patience with me. I feel so out of my depth…” I shared, deciding he needed to understand why I felt so meek and hesitant.
“That’s okay. But, you do like it, right? The dynamic between you and I?” He asked, almost holding his breath.
I smiled softly, the heat rising to my cheeks in a flush. I squirmed a bit, snuggling closer to him. “Yes, very much so…” I answered quietly.
He pulled me closer to him, “Good. Trust that. Take your time. Let me know what you need. Including space, time, discussion and if you need someone professional to talk to, I can set that up too.”
“You mean, like a therapist?”
“Yes, like a therapist. Someone that will be completely objective and neutral with. Not to mention, private.”
I took in a deep breath. I liked the sound of that. After everything that had happened in the last few weeks, I needed it. Desperately. Sure, I had the other maids at the manor, but I could recognize the value in his suggestion.
“And sir, when will you ever actually get around to spanking me?”
We both busted up in a fit of laughter, the dark ominous cloud that had been hovering above us finally burst and was replaced by the fun, loving atmosphere we were creating together. All the tension of the last two days drained away and I was feeling more like myself.
Well, more like my new self.
The Celeste who wanted to be spanked, after-all.
Epilogue
~ ~ ~ ~
…A year later…
The fireplace crackled with the warm luminance that only it could cast off. The Manor was bedecked in Christmas and Holiday decoration. Lights were dimmed and candles had been set all over the palatial mansion. Catering staff moved inconspicuously amongst the invited guests, tending to their every whim and need. Holiday music played softly in the background while enticing scents of seasonal spices and delicious holiday food in the air.
It was Christmas Eve and Sir Sebastian Earl Cardiff had invited his closest friends and family to join him for a very important announcement – his engagement with Celeste. A little more than a year had passed since they’d first met and fallen in love. He’d grown to love her more and more with the passing months, discovering that inside her, what he initially thought was a simple woman, turned out to be one brimming with possibility.
He observed Celeste, bedecked in the most stunning Christmas red velvet gown his private shopper and stylist could have ever chosen. Her lovely brown tresses were elegantly piled atop her head and were adorned with a hair brooch that stunningly matched her evening gown. She radiated with mystique, allure and feminine grace.
But mostly, she radiated with the glow of love.
Her smile was especially large, her eyes bright and luminous.
The glint from her engagement ring was enchanting with the festive lighting of the dinner Holiday party. He loved how she’d been so modest, insisting on a much smaller canary-diamond set but that in the end she’d relented to his wish. That he wanted to see her body adorned in beautiful gems and jewels to enhance her sexy beauty. In fact, just that morning – he’d insisted she wear nothing but her engagement ring while he’d administered an arousing spanking, followed by an intense love-making session.
He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling.
She’d taken to his world of unique kinks and fetishes like a fish to water. In time, he’d discovered she wasn’t judgmental, very accepting and incredibly kind and thoughtful. She’d even taken up a Beta stance as Mistress to his harem of maids, and their relationship remained somewhat open, sexually. Each agreeing that they enjoyed multiple playmates and partners.
Her ambitions for herself had been ignited as well. She was in school, studying two fields simultaneously and doing quite well. He was so proud of her, on so many levels.
He knew it would take time for her to adjust to her new life – one of privilege and wealth. But he also knew that she was inherently his most valued treasure. To be worthy of her meant more to him than he would share with anyone, even Queen, his best friend.
Sebastian felt a warm arm circle his waist and give him a polite squeeze. He knew who it was before he glanced at them, it was Queen and her luxurious scent was her signature.
“You could very well be invisible, dear friend and I would know it’s you.” He said admiringly, turning his head to look at her. “And you look stunningly dazzling, as always.”
Queen was bedecked in an emerald-green gown with long white gloves that elegantly set her up for a sophisticated and festive appearance. The tabloids regularly tracked her every wardrobe decision, so it wasn’t uncommon for her to out-shine all other women in attendance. That said, Sir Cardiff knew her well enough to notice that she’d downplayed herself, so that Celeste could shine.
Tonight was Celeste’s night. Not hers.
Queen was charmed, which was nothing new when spending time with her close friend. “Why thank you, Earl.”
They stood there briefly, admiring the party as it gained in momentum and excitement.
“Personally, I can’t wait for the ‘after-party’ to start.” Queen said with a wink.
Sir Cardiff laughed out loud, agreeing with the innuendo of her remark, which brought a bit of attention his way.
“Me too,” he quipped back in a near-whisper so that only Queen could hear.
“Your provider for the party announcements were absolutely divine. Such a warm and glamorous way to invite your nearest and dearest.”
“Good, I’m glad you thought so. Celeste selected them, she has an eye for quality, I’ve learned.” Sir Cardiff said with pride.
Queen giggled softly, “You are so in love, it’s adorable.” She teased.
Sir Cardiff blushed a bit. Only Queen and Celeste could ever garner such a reaction from him, as one of the women closest to him in his life. “Is it that obvious?”
“Oh yes, you’re all aglow. You’ve acquired a perma-grin. It’s quite adorable mon ami.”
Sir Cardiff let out a soft sigh. There was no denying it, he was on top of the world. He’d never been one to understand what the fuss was all about when people talked about falling in love.
Now he knew. Now he got it.
Just then, Celeste looked across the room and they locked eyes. A sweet surge of erotic intimacy went through his body. That’s all it took. A glance. Even a whisper of a glance in his direction.
She was his lover, his submissive – yet she held more power over him than anyone else in the entire world. Secretly, he loved it and would never give that up. Never.
~ ~ ~ ~
Our gazes locked on one another. Earl was standing next to his closest friend in the world, Queen. A woman I’d come to accept would always be alluring, mysterious and gracious. He assured me continuously tha
t there was no need to ever be jealous or worried, that they were like siblings.
He was right, I’d come to know them both better over the last year and I no longer felt any jealousy or insecurity in her presence.
He looked so happy. Glowing even. I sucked in a deep, satisfying breath.
We were so in love.
What were the chances? A man like that interested in a woman like me?
Turns out, after I was able to get over some of the trauma associated with being abducted, he and I had finally connected like normal people do. I never wore a maid costume in the Manor again, not for work or play.
We agreed that it was meant for him, not me. His pleasure to indulge in, not mine.
However, we’d found or own form of erotic intimacy…
He was my dominant.
I was his submissive.
Who knew?!
And once in a while, he’d allow me to top him when I felt the need… Which he always clued into long before I recognized it. But mostly, I enjoyed and preferred submitting to his seemingly never-ending carnal appetite and he’d ignited my dormant one.
Another shiver passed delightfully through me, partially from a slight chill as I wasn’t used to the type of formal dinner party attire I was bedecked in. A gown that had cost an ungodly sum of money.
Something I was still having to adapt to. Learning more about Earl’s philanthropic endeavors and learning how he ran them took away some of the guilt of being so spoiled and privileged.
Valentine’s Day had been the day I realized I wasn’t living a fantasy, but my own real life. The way he’d walked me outside the Manor, blindfolded, to find a red sports-car wrapped with a huge pink bow. Even the key-chain had a ruby and diamond encrusted with his family’s crest.
I’d been speechless or shrieking in delight for a near hour before he actually managed to get me in the car to drive it. We’d driven off somewhere to make out like teenagers in a private spot.
I’d never been one of those women who’d craved luxury and status. But I’d always had eyes for a fun sports-car. There was just something so inherently sexy about a tidy muscle machine that’s sole purpose was to delight it’s driver, with getting from point A to B being secondary in priorities.