Just to mention it again: The contract is copied right out of the books, even though it all won't be in bold this time. And also: there's a lot of contract-talk in this chapter and I apologize if that feels a bit slow, but it had to be done.
And one last thing before you're on to the chapter: I'm thinking about the future of this story, and I with that in mind – I have upped the rating to M: consider yourselves warned
The perfect birthday present – Chapter 4
Elena
"Sandy" I step into the kitchen and my maid jumps at the sound of my voice. That's good. I want them to fear me; it keeps them on their toes. "Myself and Miss Steel will want wine with the salad"
I want Miss Steele to have something in her system to take the edge of some of the words in the contract. I don't want her over-thinking anything instead of just going with her submissive instincts.
"Yes Ma'am" She runs her hands over her apron and heads in the direction of the wine cellar to obey my order without delay. Sandy is a good employee that knows her place and I highly appreciate her services. Too bad she's a blonde.
"Chose one of the whites I ordered last week" I add before she slips out of the kitchen.
"I will Ma'am"
The door bell rings and I hear Sandy turning on her heels and hurry towards the door. "Show Miss Steele into the dining room" I tell her as she hurries past me.
As I wait for Anastasia to get installed in the dining room, I take my time to check on the Caesar salad's Sandy prepared for us. They look okay even though cooking is not her main chore around the house. I have a cook for that purpose, but as I rarely eat lunch at home she only works afternoons and weekends, so today Sandy's cooking will have to suffice.
I wait until Sandy enters the kitchen again on her way to the wine cellar before I make my way towards the dining room.
Anastasia is standing next to table, looking a little lost. Of course she does; no one has told her whether she should sit or stand as she waits for me. I laugh quietly to myself, Christian will sure have his hands full with this one.
"Hello Anastasia" A little startled, she turns around at the sound of my voice.
"Hi Mrs. Lincoln" I smile. I don't know if it's her submissive nature or the fact that I'm her boss, but she can't seem to bring herself to call me by my first name. Good. I like that.
"Please…" I gesture towards one of the chairs. "…have a seat"
"Thank you" She sits herself down and I take my seat as well, across the table from her and call to Sandy to bring our lunch in.
We both wait in silence as Sandy sets our salads down and fills our glasses. I wait for her to leave the room before I take a sip of my wine and lean against the backrest of my chair. Now, let's get this over with.
"Is there anything you're wondering at this point, Anastasia?" I might as well give her the impression that I actually give a fuck about her opinion; establish an illusion of friendliness before we move on to the harder stuff.
She puts her glass down, half-way to her mouth. "I-I do have a couple of questions" I put on a smile; an illusion of a patience I do not have. Of course she does.
"Go ahead, I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability" Or at least make you think so.
"Well…" She picks a folded paper out of the hand bag she'd placed next to her chair. "…I wrote everything I could think of down last night" She places a ridiculous amount of effort into straightening the paper out as she places it next to her plate.
She clears her throat, and seeking comfort in her words on the paper she begins her questioning in a shaky voice. "You said he'll be testing my limits and widening my horizon, I'm not sure I understand what that entails"
Oh, crap! "That was not a question, Anastasia" How do I weasel my way out of this one?
"I'm sorry" She straightens the already straight paper out again. "What does that entail?"
"Exactly what is says; testing your limits and widening your horizon" The look on her face is puzzled to say the least as she finally takes her eyes off the paper. I sigh.
"At times your Dominant – or your Master as he is also called – will demand something of you that you might not think you can do" Like accepting his punishments without uttering a sound. "But with his guidance you'll be able to overcome that, and in the end – that will make you stronger"
She nods slowly as the words sink in. "That makes sense"
"Of course it does" I try not to sound too patronizing. I'm supposed to be her friend; her mentor, I remind myself, trying not to laugh at her naivety.
"Why…" She stops herself and takes a deep breath before continues. "Why can't your friend find his own girls?"
I have to laugh at that. The thought of Christian having problems finding girls on his own is laughable. "Oh, sweetie" She looks at me as if I'm crazy and I stifle my laugh. "My friend has no problems with finding girls on his own, in fact – they usually find him"
A small frown appears on her forehead. "So, why me?"
Because you were in the right place at the right time, literally begging for someone to take control over you. I plaster on another friendly, reassuring smile. "Because you're perfect for him. He has a very specific taste in women and you fit his standards perfectly – that and the fact that you're suffering from a lack of control in your life makes you perfect for him"
"Oh" She takes a bite of her salad. "So he's not seeing anyone right now?"
Seeing anyone? What does she think – that they are going to date? "No. He's currently without a submissive"
She nods again. At least she's not taking notes on that silly, little piece of paper.
She turns to her paper again. "So, how does this work – him controlling me. I mean, does he tell me what to do and I just…obey? Is he gonna follow me around all the time to make sure I obey? What about work and stuff? Is he gonna follow me there too?"
I put my hand up to stop her rambling and she stops speaking. "You know what? I think a lot of your questions will be answered if we take a look at the contract I mentioned yesterday"
I reach for the folder I placed next to my seat before she arrived and hands her a copy of the rules stated in Christian's standard contract. After giving it some thought this morning, I decided that that's the safest place to start – kind of like a warm up before moving on to the actual contract.
"This is an appendix to my friend's contract, but as you are new to all of this, I think that's the best end to start at, as it contains general rules of what he'll expect of you as his submissive"
She nods and takes the paper from my hand. She doesn't say a word, but I see her eyes widen as she glances it over.
"It looks very extensive" She mumbles without taking her eyes off the paper.
"Yes, as I mentioned yesterday, my friend likes to exercise control in all aspects of the word. And to be honest Anastasia, I think that's what you need right now; someone to take care of you and look after you" And remind you of your true nature, and give you a good beating if you'd happen to forget.
Her teeth sink into her lower lip and I can practically see the wheels turning inside her mind. What now? It's a good thing I – just like Christian – is a master at control, even self-control, because right now I would want nothing more than to reach across the table and slap her across the face to return her focus onto the things we're supposed to be discussing.
I do no such thing, instead I tilt my head to the side in what I believe is a compassionate gesture. "What's on your mind Anastasia?" I can't believe how mild and tender my voice can sound even though I want to shout at her.
She shakes her head and puts the papers down. "Nothing" A smile appears on her lips. "The extent of everything he wants to control if I were to be his submissive just caught me off-guard" Her smile widens. "But I trust you. If you did this, so can I and it's the means to an end, right?"
It takes a while before I catch on to what she's talking about. Oh, yeah – my two sessions as a sub. That little piece of admission seems to have made an impact on her.
"It is" I nod and reach across the table to grab her hand in a friendly and reassuring manner. "And you will learn so much about yourself on your way there" I squeeze her hand lightly before I let go. She squeezes back and smiles. Good. Let's move one while she's still eating out of my hand, shall we?
"How long did it take you?" She blurts the question out before I have the chance to redirect her attention towards Christian's rules.
"How long did what take me?" Christ – she seems set on testing my patience today! I have to consciously remind myself that she's new to all of this and I don't want to scare her away.
Anastasia hesitates for a few seconds before she answers my question. "How long did you have to be a submissive before you were able to take control?"
Of course. I should have anticipated that question. Always so eager to gain control. Why, I cannot fathom as she is so clearly not cut out for it.
"For a while" I have no moral oppositions against lying as long as it serves my purposes, but I don't want to give her a time frame; if it's too long she'll probably back out and if it's too short – well, then Christian would most likely be sub-less again and I really need a fucking break!
"It's an individual journey, Anastasia" Really? A fucking journey? Well, as long as she's buying into it, we can refer to it as a journey.
She nods in understanding.
"You'll feel when you're ready" I assure her while stifling a laughter. She will never be ready. "Now, let's return to the appendix. Pick up your paper Anastasia" I nod towards the paper before her and she obeys. Of course she does.
I pick up my copy of the paper as well and start reading. "Obedience. The submissive will obey any instructions given by the Dominant immediately without hesitation and in an expeditious manner" I make a short stop to make sure she's following. "Do you understand the meaning of this Anastasia?"
"Yes" She looks up from the paper and meets my eyes.
"Good" Maybe…A thought crosses my mind. That might be a good idea, seeing how picky Christian is about his rules and contracts. "I would want you to study these rules before you meet my friend, Anastasia, learn them by heart so that you can assure him you've understood the rules and are willing to follow them"
Her eyes move down the paper and back up again. "All of them?"
"Yes" My answer is short and sharp. Why does she have to keep questioning everything? Wouldn't it be fun for Christian if his little doll could tell him herself that she wants to obey him and follow his rules? And maybe that will keep him from wanting to go over the contract with her again and give her a chance to voice any doubts.
"Do you think you can do that for him, Anastasia?" The sugar-coat is off. This is my Dominant voice surfacing. But just for now, just to remind her that I'm the one in charge here. I should be the one asking the questions if there are any. All she has to do is answer.
"Yes, Mrs. Lincoln" I smirk. The way her eyes widen and her cheeks blush it's obvious she didn't mean to be so formal. I guess it was her submissive nature simply reacting to my Dominant one. A little reminder of just how right her instincts are might be in place.
"In the future, Anastasia, I would prefer it if you'd stick to calling me Mrs. Lincoln – or ma'am if you'd prefer – just to get you in the right mindset as my friend will require you to conduct yourself in a respectful manner towards him"
"Always?"
No, only on Thursday's and Sunday's. Is she stupid or something? "Yes always. It is very important that you show your Dominant the respect he deserves"
Anastasia nods. "Okay"
Lowering my papers, I meet her eyes across the table. "Okay, what, Anastasia?"
She looks lost for a moment before she finally catches on. "Okay, Mrs. Lincoln" She murmurs.
"Good" I nod and offer her a smile. Training a sub is very similar to training a dog – you have to give some kind of acknowledgement when they've done something good, to make sure it sticks.
"Let's move on: The submissive will agree to any sexual activity deemed fit and pleasurable by the Dominant excepting those activities which are outlined in hard limits – appendix 2. She will do so eagerly and without hesitation"
She takes her eyes off the paper and focuses them on me. "What's hard limits?"
I repress a sigh. "Things he, or you, will absolutely not do, but we'll get to that soon. Do you understand the Obedience rule Anastasia?"
"Yes" She nods, but freezes instantly as she catches my glare. That's right sweetie – you better start learning already. "I mean, yes Mrs. Lincoln" She corrects herself and I grant her a smile.
"Next rule: sleep. The Submissive will ensure she achieves a minimum of eight hours sleep a night when she is not with the Dominant" I look up from the paper to meet her eyes. "That doesn't sound too hard, does it Anastasia?"
"No ma'am"
"Good" God. Why the fuck does Christian even care how well his submissives sleep or eat? As long as they're willing to be fucked and flogged – who cares?
"Next rule: Food. The Submissive will eat regularly to maintain her health and wellbeing from a prescribed list of foods – appendix 4. The Submissive will not snack between meals, with the exception of fruit" I meet her eyes again and she nods, so without further ado, I continue on to the next rule.
"Clothes. During the term the Submissive will wear clothing only approved by the Dominant. The Dominant will provide a clothing budget for the Submissive, which the Submissive shall utilize. The Dominant shall accompany the–" I cut myself off as I notice Anastasia frowning at my words. What in hell could be the problem this time?
"Is there a problem Anastasia?" I make sure the irritation I feel is not displayed in my voice.
She looks down at the table, fidgeting with the table cloth. "It's just…" There's a short pause before she continues. "I don't think I'd be comfortable with letting him pay for my clothes"
This time I make no attempt to stifle my laugh. "He can afford it, trust me on that Anastasia"
"But I don't want…" She straightens the table cloth out. "It feels…cheap"
Oh, for crying out loud! "I don't think that is his intention. He only wants to make sure that you look presentable" She'll probably have a fit with the Audi. Good thing it's not mentioned in the contract.
She still doesn't look convinced. "You can always leave the clothes with him if either of you decide that you want to terminate your contract" She starts chewing on her bottom lip. "Look at it as a school uniform" That's actually good. She'll probably like that. "You're there to learn and your teacher wants you to wear a certain uniform while you do so"
There's a long silence before she says anything. "I guess if he takes them back…after…that would be okay"
"Good" I point towards the paper in her hand to indicate that I'm about to continue my reading of the rules. "The Dominant shall accompany the Submissive to purchase clothing on an ad hoc basis. If the Dominant so requires, the Submissive shall, during the term wear adornments the Dominant shall require, in the presence of the Dominant and in any other time the Dominant deems fit."
She purses her lips together. "Are we done discussing the clothes rule Anastasia?"
She nods. "Yes, Mrs. Lincoln"
I nod. "Next rule is about exercise. The Dominant shall provide the Submissive with a personal trainer four times a week in hour-long sessions at times to be mutually agreed between the personal trainer and the Submissive. The personal trainer will report to the Dominant on the Submissive's progress"
And the frown is back. I'm really starting to hate that frown. "Is that much exercise really necessary?"
"Yes" I snap. "Next rule: personal hygiene and beauty. The Submissive will keep herself clean and shaved and/or waxed at all times" Anastasia's eyes widen, but she doesn't say anything.
"The Submissive will visit a beauty salon of the Dominant's choosing at times to be decided by the Dominant, and undergo whatever treatments the Dominant sees fit. All costs will be met by the Dominant"
Her mouth opens – to protest I'm sure, but I beat her to it. "We can negotiate that all treatments takes place at Esclava and we'll call it a personnel discount, okay?" She doesn't have to know whether Christian pays for the treatments or not, as long as she agrees to them.
Her mouth closes again and she nods.
"Good. Now, personal safety: The submissive will not drink to excess, smoke, take recreational drugs or out herself in any unnecessary danger. I don't think any of that will be a problem, will it Anastasia?"
"No ma'am"
Good girl. I nod and smile.
"Last, but not least: personal qualities. The Submissive will not enter into any sexual relations with anyone other than the Dominant." I look up and Anastasia nods.
"The Submissive will conduct herself in a respectful and modest manner at all times." She nods again. "She must recognize that her behavior is a direct reflection on the Dominant. She shall be held accountable for any misdeeds, wrongdoings and misbehavior committed when not in the presence of the Dominant" Another nod.
"Do you understand what will be requested of you, Anastasia?"
"Yes ma'am" She nods yet again before she turns her gaze back to the paper in her hand.
Suddenly, her eyes widen and the little color she has disappears from her face. What is it now? I repress a sigh and put on my most sympathetic face.
"Is there a problem, Anastasia?"
The perfect birthday present – Chapter 4
Anastasia
I can't rip my eyes off of the words at the bottom of the appendix. I read them again and again, unable to really comprehend their meaning – or rather unwilling to do so.
Failure to comply with any of the above will result in immediate punishment, the nature of which shall be determined by the Dominant
Somewhere in the back of my mind I register that Elena is asking me something. But I can't focus on either her question or an answer to it.
immediate punishment
The words stand out among the others. Punishment?
"Anastasia!" Elena raises her voice and I force my eyes off the paper. "Is there a problem?" She tilts her head and there's a worried look on her face.
"Well…I…" I let out a breath of air. "It…at the bottom…" I turn the paper for her to see and point at the words. "There's talk about a punishment"
"Do you have a problem with that?" Her voice is stern and I feel like I'm shrinking in my chair.
"Well…I…" Why can't I just tell her straight up that I have a problem with the thought of being punished? "What kind of punishment?"
The tone of her voice is softer when she speaks again. "It's up to your Dominant to decide"
"That sounds kind of arbitrary…" I mumble as my mind drifts away.
I can't do this. Punishments? No. I wasn't even punished as a child. Of course, I doubt there was ever a reason to even consider that. "What kind of punishments are there?" I hear the question leaving my mouth before I can stop it. Do I really want to know?
"Well, that the depends on how severe the violation is and which punishment your Dominant will see fit"
No. There's no way I'm doing this. The clothes, the food or the exercise – I can budge on that, seeing as it is for a greater cause: the pursuit of control. But this? No.
"You know…" Elena leans towards me over the table and lowers her voice. "…at times, being punished can be quite pleasurable"
She's kidding, right? She's got to be kidding.
The shock on my face has to be pretty evident, as Elena sighs and leans back in her chair again. "Or maybe I was wrong; maybe you don't have it in you. Maybe you were never cut out to learn how to be in control" She shrugs her shoulders. "Not everyone are. I endured my punishments, because I knew they made me stronger – but then again, maybe you're not strong enough to begin with"
I know I'm staring at her, but I can't stop.
Not strong enough?
Not cut out to be in control?
I can practically feel the confidence and security I felt on the drive here slipping away from me.
To begin with I wanted to get the lunch all in one chapter, but this got to be kind of long and there's still so much more I have planned for the lunch – so I'm dividing it in two and the next chapter will pick up right where this left off.