Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Chapter 8

   The trip home from Cedar City Thursday had been pleasant.  Nick had
indeed shared the back seat with Jeanvieve then Connie, cuddling
comfortably and kissing softly when the mood struck.

   On Friday, Nick went to the gym and drove himself to his limit, then
went down to the pool to swim laps.  Connie sat on the diving board,
watching him and making laughing comments on his form.  Nick's response was
an imitation of a whale spouting.  He missed her by a good 18 inches.  He
did get her wet when he gave her a hug, though.

   Next stop was the dojo.  His time with Franco had more the feel of a
sparring match then before; Nick connecting enough to make the bruising he
took worth the effort.  "Next Monday we'll be getting serious, Mr.  Essex.
If you're going to quit, now would be the time.  Drive safe."

   When he was finishing with his shower, the phone rang.  "Hello Nick." It
was Cyan.  "How are you feeling?"

   "Pretty good.  How have you been?"

   "Well Nick.  I'll be honest.  I'm a bit upset.  You stole two of my
girls for four days without warning me."

   "Ok, let's make something clear, Cyan.  I didn't do anything except go
where I was lead.  The ladies came to my house and announced I was being
kidnapped.  I went along with them.  The first I knew it was going to be
more than a daytrip was when Lydia packed a bag for me.

   If you want to complain they were AWOL, you'll have to discuss that with
them.  The way I see it, though, it was three friends dragging a fourth
along to have some fun.

   Perhaps we need to renegotiate our deal.  I adore Lydia and Connie, but
I know they are still your employees, even if they seem to have chosen to
ignore that this week.  But you might consider how they will react if you
offer them ultimatums that conflict with their desires in a significant
way.

   So, I'll make you an offer.  I'll pay you five thousand dollars a week
for their company.  That means, if they do something because they want to,
you won't offer any objection, unless you actually have an assignment for
them that would be interfered with.  For actual services, such as the
fundraiser in California I was going to call you about, I'll pay you an
additional five thousand, and compensate the lady.  Fair enough?"

   "So, if Connie called to ask you to take her to the movie, then ended up
spending the night, that would be covered by my five thousand?  What if she
asked for compensation?"

   "She'd receive it.  But let's be honest, if she asked me to do
something, I seriously doubt she'd ask for compensation, unless she was
'spending the night' unenthusiastically.  And I'd rather she said 'No,
thank you' then stay when she'd rather not."

   "Ok," Cyan admitted, "This is something I will have to discuss with
Connie and Lydia.  But we'll work something out that is acceptable to all
involved.  Now, tell me about this fundraiser."

   "The fundraiser is on the November 4th, I thought we'd fly in on the
3rd, come home on the 5th.  Would Lydia be available?"

   "I'm sure I can arrange it.  Tell you what, you find out if she'd like
to attend.  If she does, I'll make sure she's free that weekend.  I'm sorry
for bitching at you, Nick.  I know the trip wasn't your idea, and I admit,
I'd have to be brain dead to think you'd refuse to join three pretty
girls."

   "You are forgiven, Cyan.  But if it's a problem, it's one you need to
work out with Lydia and Connie."

   He finished dressing and sat at his computer, checking e-mail.  He was
thrilled to see a message from the broker on his Cessna.  The Stationair
would arrive on the 17th, and be ready for his first flight on the 19th. 
The owner of the Beechcraft was still being stubborn though.  Nick decided
he was going to have to look for another airplane.  Might cost more for the
remodel of another one, but he was getting tired of dealing with this
particular idiot.  Oh well, it could wait for now, he couldn't fly it yet
anyway.

   That reminded him, he had to confirm his class for the next day.  Two
quick phone calls confirmed that Carl would be there, and the class was
scheduled for 12:30.  Then he called Salt Lake Municipal Airport to confirm
that the hanger space he'd rented would be ready and available on Tuesday,
and the mechanic he'd arranged would be waiting when the plane arrived.  He
sat back and grinned; he was excited.  He hoped Carl would be, too, when he
told him the Cessna was on its way.

   He was in Barnes & Noble when his cell began playing "Hall of the
Mountain King".  It was Lydia.  "Hello beautiful," he responded when he
recognized the voice.  "Have you talked to Cyan this afternoon?"

   "Yeah, and she made it clear she wasn't happy with our trip.  I think
she probably had the same chat with Connie.  She also said the two of you
had negotiated a mutually acceptable arrangement."

   "Yeah, I think we worked something out."

   " 'K, I'm listening."

   "Basically, if I want to take you or Connie out on a date, it's ok
unless Cyan has you scheduled for something.  So, I could take you to
dinner or a movie, and that would be all right.  Major events would fall
under the category of work, and I'd pay your fees."

   "How about clubbing?  That count as work?"

   "Depends on if you think it is work to make me look good," he laughed.

   "Definitely not work, then," she admitted.  "Uh, Jean was wondering when
we might get together for her, umm, punishment."

   "What, does she want to get it over with?" Nick grinned to himself.

   "If I had to guess, no.  If I didn't know better, I'd think she was
looking forward to it."

   "We could take care of it tomorrow, if that was convenient for everyone.
Why don't you give me a call after you talk to the others, and let me know.
Tell them I'll cook dinner, too."

   "I have to watch the girls Sunday afternoon.  Dierdra freaked and moved
out when Dr.  Lucen told her she needed to get her part of the budget paid.
I mean, she was only three months behind, I can't imagine why AnnaBeth was
ticked at her." Lydia said sarcastically.  "But if you can have me home by
noon, tomorrow's great for me!"

   Nick remembered the books still sitting in the boot of the Jag.  "Want
some company?  If the girls allow, anyway?"

   "Sure, we can try.  Anyway, I'll give Connie and Jeanvieve a call, and
then let you know if you'll have guests for dinner.  Have a great
afternoon, sweet Nicolas!"

   He was curled up on the couch finishing the book he had been reading
when he was kidnapped Monday when the phone range again.

   "Hi Nick, it's Connie."

   "Hello, oh beautiful bodybuilder!  How are you this afternoon?"

   "I'm just sitting here relaxing.  What you up to?"

   "Sprawling on the couch reading a book."

   "That's relaxing.  I talked to Cyan this afternoon.  She explained the
new rules."

   "So, what do you think?  Think they'll work?"

   "Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to test them," Connie admitted.
"Have you seen "The Bourne Ultimatum"?"

   "The Matt Damon movie?  No, haven't gotten to it yet.  You wanna go out
with me?"

   "Absolutely!"

   "How about an honest to goodness date?  Movie then dinner?  Or dinner
then movie?"

   "Sounds wonderful either way."

   "Ok, let me go get online, see what times we're looking at." After a
little searching, they settled on the 6:40 showing, and dinner afterwards.

   "Oh, and Nick, I want French toast for breakfast."

   Breakfast?  He shook his head, stunned at her boldness.

   "Do you like that with jam or syrup?"

   "Syrup, of course!  And maybe some ham?  Please?"

   "Of course.  Where shall I pick you up?" He figured she'd choose the
gym, but she surprised him again by giving him another address.  "I'll see
you at 6?"

   "Looking forward to it.  See ya later!"

   Nick picked up his book again and chuckled.  Sometimes people surprised
you.

   Nick arrived at Connie's door a few minutes early, and was greeted by an
attractive woman slightly older than himself.

   "Good evening.  I'm here to pick up Connie."

   The woman looked at him appraisingly.  Nick was casually dressed in
jeans and a light jacket.  "Connie will be down shortly.  Won't you come
in, Mr....?"

   "Essex, but call me Nick.  You're Connie's.."

   "Mother, Lillian.  So, Nick?" He nodded.  "You're a little older than
most of Connie's dates.  Where did you meet?"

   "We met at the gym she works at.  She's been my mentor and trainer.  And
yes, Lillian, I probably am old enough to be her father."

   "I wasn't going to say it.  But I'll ask anyway.  How old are you?"

   "Forty six as of last May." He admitted with a smile.

   "Connie's father is actually 43, I think.  It's been a while since I
thought about it."

   Connie came down the stairs then.  "Giving Nick the third degree, Mom?"

   Lillian and Nick both stood as she entered the room.  "Not quite that
bad, was I Nick?"

   "No, not at all."

   "So, what are you doing tonight, then?" Lillian asked.

   Connie answered.  "Going to a movie, then dinner."

   "What time will you be home?"

   Nick looked around the room as the difficult question hung in the air.

   "I'll be home sometime tomorrow morning, Mom."

   Connie met her mother's eyes calmly, and after a moment Lillian nodded.
"Have a good time."

   As they settled into his car, Connie sighed.  "Sorry about that.  I'd
planned on meeting you at the door."

   "Nothing to be sorry for," he said as he turned to face her and caress
her cheek.  But he added with a wicked grin, "Unless you are ashamed to be
dating me."

   She leaned over and kissed him soundly.  "Never!"

   The movie was great fun, and dinner was good, although more for the
company then the food.

   "Where may I take you now, Lady Connie?"

   "This chariot's next destination is your castle, M'Lord Nicolas!"

   "As my Lady commands," Nick said with a smile.

   When they got to his house, they entered the kitchen from the garage. 
"Like a drink?"

   "No, but a tour would be nice."

   He took her hand and led her through the house.  Besides the kitchen and
his bedroom the house had three other bedrooms, each one with an attached
bath.  One he had turned into an office, where he kept two desktop
computers and the wireless router, as well as a file cabinet and safe.  In
a second bedroom the walls were lined with bookcases, almost filled with a
variety of paperback and hardcover books.  The room was furnished with a
couch and a recliner, as well as a good portable stereo.  The last bedroom
was the guest room.

   Downstairs was a large entertainment room, with his TV, a poker table
and wet bar, as well as several recliners and an extra long couch.

   The tour ended in his bedroom.  "Can I admit to a dream I've had since
the day in the pool?" he asked.

   She looked at him curiously.  "Certainly"

   "I'd like to give you a massage.  I want to enjoy the feel of your
lovely skin under my hands."

   "I think I'd like that," she admitted.

   Nick undressed her and had her lie down on the bed face down.  "I'll be
right back." He went into the bathroom to retrieve the bottle of
self-warming oil he'd bought after returning home from Cedar City.  He'd
decided if the opportunity presented itself, he was not going to be
unprepared.

   He set the bottle on the nightstand and got undressed.  Then he opened
the bottle and poured a small line across her shoulder blades.  He blew
softly upon the liquid, then began to massage the now warm oil into her
shoulders and neck.  Connie sighed at his firm but gentle touch, his strong
fingers working the tension from her muscles.

   He took his time with the massage, enjoying the chance to explore her
fine fit body as her libido rose.  He ended the massage with a kiss upon
her full sensuous lips.  A kiss she hungrily drew out as she pulled him
down on top of her.  She took his hand and placed it upon her breast,
closing his fingers around the firm flesh and rubbing his palm against her
stiff nipple.  Wrapping her legs around his thighs, she rubbed her moist
sex against his leg.  "Feel that?" she asked.  "I think you should do
something about both of those."

   He shifted around within the confines of the long legs wrapped around
him, then scooted up until the tip of his cock touched her outer lips.  He
bent his head and took her other nipple between his lips as he pushed into
her wetness.  "Ohhhhhyyyessss," Connie sighed.

   To Connie's delight, and Nick's amusement, they learned that if she
wrapped her legs around him tightly, it had the same effect as the water in
the pool.  Slow short thrusts and his pelvis against her clit.  The main
difference was that Connie couldn't keep her legs locked together through
three orgasms, and had to set him free after the second one.  But the third
one was nearly mutual with his, and supremely enjoyable.

   She rolled on top of him and kissed his nose.  "Umm, let's do that
again!" Then she laid her head on his shoulder and went to sleep.  Nick
wrapped his arms around her and held her gently as he also slipped away.

   They did, in fact, 'do it again' a few hours later.  And a third time
after Nick brought her coffee in bed.  Then they showered together after a
breakfast of ham steak and French toast with lots of butter and real maple
syrup.

   Nick walked Connie to her door and kissed her softly.  "I'll see you
this evening, yes?"

   "Absolutely.  No way am I gonna let Lydia punish Jean alone.  Nor am I
gonna pass up another meal that you cook!" She kissed his nose and then
hurried inside.  Nick got in his car and went to meet his brother at the
airport for their class.

   Lillian sat on the couch reading a book and sipping coffee.  "How was
the movie?"

   Connie sat across from her mother.  "The movie was fun, dinner was
alright, we just went to 'Ruby Tuesdays'.  Breakfast was good, though.  He
made us French toast and ham."

   "Connie, I know you're an adult.  You make very few mistakes in your
choices, and I don't want to drive a wedge between us.  But do you really
think it's wise to plan to sleep with a man on a first date?"

   "Mom, I've been working with Nick every day for the last four months, so
I've gotten to know him pretty well.  He's always a perfect gentleman.  And
last night wasn't really our first date.  He took us to dinner before the
play, and then took us dancing Wednesday night."

   "Us?  Play?  Wait, I thought you said you went to the Shakespearean
Festival with your friend Lydia and her friend Jeanvieve."

   "We did, and we took Nick with us."

   "And you slept....  Never mind, I almost forgot my own advice.  'Don't
ask a question you're not likely to want to have answered.' So, what are
your plans for the rest of the weekend?"

   "I'm going to relax this afternoon, then Nick is going to cook us all
dinner."

   "Who is all?  And is that wise?"

   "All is Lydia and her friend Jeanvieve and I."

   "So, what does this Nick do when he's not driving down to Cedar City?"

   "Well, this morning he said he was going to his flying class.  But if
you mean what does he do as a job?  I think Lydia said he told her roommate
that he...Let me think, it was kind of clever.  Oh yeah, he 'spends his
good fortune'."

   "What does that mean?  Is he some sort of spendthrift heir?"

   "No, I know who his brother is, so I know he's not an heir.  I think he
won a whole bunch of money somewhere.  Big money, too, since he's taking a
class from one of Cyan's bodyguard friends."

   "Cyan knows him, then?" Lillian knew Cyan, and trusted her implicitly.
Of course, if she knew the nature of Cyan's business, she might have been
more cautious.

   "Cyan sent him to the gym, and had me set him up a program.  That was
back in July.  I'm going to go nap for a bit before work.  See you later."

   Nick had told Carl that his plane was arriving Tuesday, and asked him if
he'd like to take it up on Saturday with him.  "I'd like to get two or
three hours of flight time, and maybe a half dozen take-offs and landings
in."

   "Sounds good," Carl replied.  "After class?"

   "I was thinking maybe get an early start, maybe about 9?  Fly for a
while, go to class, then fly some more?"

   "Ok.  Oh, I meant to ask you.  There is a charity poker tournament in
four weeks, on the 11th of November.  I booked three tables, twenty-four
seats through work.  But I've only gotten nineteen people to sign up.  I'd
really like to fill the tables.  It's a $500 donation per person, the
winner of the tournament wins a seven-day cruise for two, and they will
serve dinner the day of the tournament, and a banquet the day after.  Do
you know anyone who plays poker?"

   Nick took the jab at his poker skills in the spirit it was meant.  "Who
have you invited?"

   "Sarah and her partners, Larry and Craig." Sarah was part owner of
RocketRide Tech Sports, one of the hottest NHRA car builders in the
country. Craig was leading the points in the 'King Demon Crown' in a car
he'd built, and another of their cars was leading the standings in the
'Budweiser Shootout'.  Nick had helped the business blast off with a large
investment of much needed cash.

   "Mindy and Dad, a bunch of people from work and their friends.  Think
you can find me a few more bodies?"

   "Well, you can count me in.  I'll make a phone call, and ask my dinner
guests tonight.  I'll let you know for sure tomorrow, though." A thought
snuck across his forebrain.  "Hey, think Gina would object to me stealing
Stevie Thursday?"

   "I doubt it.  What ya want him for?"

   "I thought I'd go out to the airport, familiarize myself with the
instruments, warm up the engine, stuff like that.  He could keep me
company."

   Carl laughed.  "You can try.  You might have to take him home before you
get much done, though."

   Another thought struck.  "Maybe not.  How's he doing in daycare?"

   "He loves it, hates to leave some days.  He's made a lot of new
friends."

   "Good to hear."

   Carl took his leave, and Nick went grocery shopping.  First stop was
Granato's deli for fresh prosciutto and provolone.  Then the state liquor
store for a few bottles of wine.  Next stop was Albertson's.  He chatted
with Lisa, the butcher that morning.  "Hey Nick, got some nice fresh shrimp
in this morning."

   "Not today, Lisa.  I need six nice boneless skinless chicken breasts. 
Maybe a small 'eye of the round' roast, too."

   "Ok, give me a few minutes, and I'll have you set."

   He moved on, gathering greens and accessories for a nice salad, shallots
and garlic, some more mushrooms.  Then a box of pilaf mix, and a cheesecake
and fresh strawberries for dessert.

   When he got home, he called Cyan.  "Hello, M'Lady, how are you this fine
afternoon?"

   "I'm well, Nick.  What can I do for you?"

   "I was wondering if you played poker."

   "Poker?  Yes, I do.  Why?"

   Nick explained his brother's situation.  "I figured that Lydia, Connie
and Jean would go just for fun, but that still left Carl with an empty
seat. I thought I'd invite you as my guest.  Interested?"

   "What day is it again?" He told her, and could hear her working her
keyboard.  "Sure, I'd love to go.  And I'll make sure both girls are free
that day.  Talk to you again, Nick!"

   Nick was tearing up greens when the doorbell rang.  Wiping his hands on
a towel, he opened the door and smiled as three lovely women greeted him.
"Welcome, welcome!  Let me take your jackets." After hanging the jackets,
he led the women to the kitchen.

   "Lydia, would you get out the wine?  I have a Riesling, a Chardonnay and
a Sauvignon Blanc.  Anyone have a preference?" They agreed to start with
the Chardonnay, and Lydia poured them each a glass, and poured a large
splash into a glass for him.

   Nick lifted his glass and looked at his guests.  "To the three loveliest
ladies I know, may they know I adore them all." He took a sip that emptied
half of the contents.  The girls sipped as well.  Then Nick picked up the
wine bottle and poured an easy half-cup into a large fry pan on the stove
and began to scrape the crunchy bits from the bottom of the pan.  His
guests sat at the breakfast bar and visited as he cooked, then moved to the
kitchen table when he began to plate his preparations.

   Dinner was a salad of fresh greens and a choice of dressings, chicken
breasts rolled around provolone and prosciutto then fried golden brown and
baked, served with the sauce he'd prepared with the drippings, and a rice
pilaf.  As they ate, he asked them if they'd like to join him in the poker
tournament.  They quickly agreed; each woman was a pretty fair card player.
They finished the Chardonnay with dinner, and opened the Riesling as they
again sat at the bar and watched him clean up.

   "Now, I think everyone knows the real reason we are here," he looked
significantly at Jeanvieve, who looked both nervous and excited.  "Lydia,
Connie, if you will take Jeanvieve to my bedroom and prepare her, I shall
be in shortly."

   Lydia and Connie took Jean's arms and led her down the hall.  Nick got
up and began to collect several items from the pantry.  When he entered the
bedroom, he carried a serving tray with four flute glasses and a magnum of
champagne.  There was also a towel wrapped around something.

   Jeanvieve stood beside the bed, nude, and Nick took a moment too circle
her admiringly.  Then he looked at her companions.  "I believe that the
victim requested that her punishers also be nude.  I'm quite certain you
both agreed."

   "She said you had to be naked, too," Lydia observed as she undressed.

   "True, she did." Nick also undressed then picked up the towel, before
sitting in an armless straight-backed chair.  When everyone was undressed,
he unrolled the towel to reveal the instruments of Jeanvieve's punishment.
In the towel were two wooden spatulas, each with ten-inch handles and trays
three-inch square.

   "Lie across my legs, Jeanvieve, facing your sisters." As she lay across
him, she felt his cock stir under her.  He handed a spatula to Connie, then
Lydia.  "Now, show your sisters where you want them to stand while they
punish you."

   Jeanvieve brought them close, touching each of them and resting her
hands on their hips until she was satisfied.  "Now, how would you like me
to hold you?"

   "Put your right arm across my back, so you can hold me steady.  Then put
your left arm under me, and put your hand between my legs.  While they beat
me, I want you to rub my pussy with each blow."

   Nick did as she asked.  "Do you want to close your eyes, sweet
Jeanvieve?"

   "I think so, at least to start."

   "Then close your eyes." When she did so, Connie and Lydia flipped the
spatulas over, revealing the side that would be used against Jeanvieve. 
Although the first side had been bare wood, the reverse side had a thick
cotton pad covered in soft artificial fur glued to it.  "Are you ready?"

   Jeanvieve reached out to touch her friends, then nodded.  "Ten strokes
from each of you.  Begin."

   As the first blow fell, the hands Jean had rested on her friends' hips
moved, finding their way between both of her abusers' thighs and seeking
out their sex.  As the blows fell, Nick's fingers stroked Jeanvieve's
aroused genitals as she caressed her friends'.  On the fifteenth blow,
Connie's 8th, Jeanvieve shuddered violently with an intense orgasm.  On the
18th, Lydia groaned and clenched her thighs on Jeanvieve's hand.  And when
the twentieth blow had fallen, Connie sank to her knees and held
Jeanvieve's fingers inside her as she cried out her climax.

   When the women had all recovered and were resting on the bed, Nick
opened the champagne and filled the glasses.  After handing them out, he
offered a toast.  "To Jeanvieve's punishment.  May she need it seldom, but
desire it often!"

   "Nick, how come I'm not sore?  I felt every blow, and they both used
good hard strokes.  My ass should be stinging like crazy!"

   Connie picked up one of the spatulas and showed Jean first the bare wood
side.  "If we'd used this side, it would." She gave Jean a sharp tap with
the tray and Jean squealed in surprise.  "But we used this side instead."
She flipped it over and showed the other girl the furry side before
stroking it over the red spot she'd left a moment before.

   Jeanvieve turned to glare at Nick.  "You tricked me!"

   "Hush.  I said you needed to be punished.  I didn't actually say it was
going to hurt.  And if I had to guess, I think you all rather enjoyed the
experience."

   He set his glass down and wormed his way among them, letting his hands
caress what ever they encountered and kissing anything that presented
itself.  And when morning came, everyone was thoroughly satisfied.