Author: Thinking Horndog
Title: Second Best
Part: 101
Universe: Second Best
Summary: A full-length novel that follows several young couples and their
families through the period immediately preceding their Senior Prom.
Keywords: D/s

Keywords for full story:  F-solo, Ff-inc, M+F Ffm MF mf oral anal bd D/s Mg-
inc Fm-inc mm mmf rom MF-reluc

Chapter 101
Initial explorations

      The Nellis' doorbell rang a few moments after 8:00, and Merry
discerned Ann Newton through the peep.  "It's Ann, Master!" she announced,
turning to Robert, who had wandered in from the den.

      "Ready?" Robert asked, and at Merry's nod he waved for her to admit
their guest.

      Ann stood on the step in a short, open jacket, white blouse and
wraparound skirt, flat sandals on her feet, but despite the disparity in
dress (Merry was, as usual when at home, dressed in a leather collar and
nothing else) she was by far the more nervous of the pair.  "Come in, Ann,"
Merry said graciously, "We've been expecting you!"

      Ann entered, somewhat hesitantly, and shed her jacket, which Merry
took to hang in the closet.  While Merry was thus engaged, Robert came
forward to greet her.  "Good evening, Ann," he murmured cordially while he
passed an eye over her outfit.  "Excellent choice in apparel!" he approved.
The removal of the jacket had revealed that Ann's white, scoop-neck blouse
was actually a halter, with a button securing the neck strap and another
trio down the back that would release her totally from its confines.  Robert
took a moment to examine the woman before him; on the previous occasion,
despite the opportunity presented by her arousal, Robert had not evaluated
her as a possible sexual partner, due to the somewhat adversarial nature of
the meeting.  Now he made up for the lack, discovering a woman in her mid-
thirties, with a pleasant face and hair somewhat darker than Merry's without
quite making it to brunette.  Ann probably had forty pounds on Merry, who
was, well, in excellent shape and toning daily; she was wider and had large
breasts (38 - 40 D, Robert estimated) that the halter caused to appear
globular.  Robert knew from experience that they were unlikely to be so when
unfettered, but...  The belly showed a bit of curve, and Robert expected
that when she turned, a generous ass would be exposed.  Not a ten,
certainly, but for her age, definitely above a six.  Only nudity would
provide more information.

      Ann conducted a similar examination of Robert, discovering a tall,
spare man with rangy musculature and reserved features wearing a tracksuit.
Robert had chosen the outfit as something a bit more presentable than sweats
or a robe, while granting the same degree of quick access.  At Ann's shy
smile, Robert turned and waved her into the den.

      Robert had chosen to operate from a large straight chair that he had
arranged to face one end of the couch at an approximate four to five foot
distance.  This positioning placed the coffee table off to Ann's right as
she sat on the couch, and equally accessible to Robert from his left.
Notably present on the coffee table was a towel covering (and thereby
obscuring) a number of objects, and a book.  Merry knelt upright on a thin
pillow or pad, positioned just in front of Robert's right knee.  "So, have
you come to any conclusions regarding your desires for the evening?" Robert
asked.

      "N-no..." Ann returned, somewhat shakily, "I'm afraid I haven't.  I
think we're going to have to drift into it; I think I'm scared to
acknowledge at least some component of whatever it is that I want.
Hopefully, you can help me get by this."

      "Well," Robert soothed, "Obviously, the first thing to do is to make
you comfortable with the situation.  If we fail to accomplish that tonight,
we can always make another attempt.  I recommend that you relax as best you
can and we'll do our best to put you at ease.  I'll try to nudge things
along if I see an apparent opening.  If you discover that things are headed
rapidly awry, don't hesitate to say so - we don't want to waste time and
goodwill on dead ends."

      Ann relaxed visibly and Merry nodded to herself.  Robert's
announcement had eased Ann's mind and taken the pressure off.  Merry
realized that it would very probably have the paradoxical effect of making
the dangled additional meetings unnecessary by freeing Ann's mind of the
pressure that would interfere with the evening's activities.  Merry glanced
at Robert, who nodded, so she brought Ann's attention to her punishment
book.  "We thought that it might be a good icebreaker if you got a look at
this," she related, "It's my punishment book."  She opened it, displaying
the rows and columns depicting infractions and punishments.  "My master has
me write down my failures; that way he need not punish them immediately.
Then he can look at patterns and prescribe suitable punishments."

      Ann perused the various entries, a couple of which were quite
interesting.  "I notice that he doesn't always beat you," she observed.

      "No," Robert took up his own defense, "That's one-dimensional, and
doesn't always provide the proper incentives.  If Merry honestly doesn't
know how I'm going to deal with a particular infraction, the threat of that
punishment is more effective.  Remember, what I'm looking for here is
perfect obedience, not opportunities to inflict pain.  Where possible, it's
a mental thing, physically enforced."

      "What's this?" Ann asked.  "'A slave offered more of herself than her
master directed.'  And the punishment:  'Attempted rape'?"

      Merry winced.  Names were going to have to be changed, or Ann wasn't
going to be happy.  "Um, well... My master told me that I should brighten a
male acquaintance's day by showing him an occasional flash of forbidden
flesh.  I got kind of carried away, and displayed a lot more than Master
intended."  She blushed, "Apparently, I'm a bit of an exhibitionist."

      Ann smiled.  "I might have liked to have seen that!  Anyone I know?"

      "I can't say.  Maybe."  Merry temporized, in a fine attempt at
misdirection.  It would be unwise to name Bert at this juncture, given the
possible effects upon their working relationship.

      "How far did you go?"

      "I took off my blouse and let him conduct a close examination.  And I
indicated that he could... relieve himself by masturbation without upsetting
me," Merry admitted.

      "Whew!  You DID go pretty far!" Ann exclaimed.

      "I thought so," Robert remarked.  "I wasn't too concerned about the
individual involved, but if she did that for someone else, I feared she
might be attacked!  Besides, I really feel it obligated me to offer her
services to him, now that he's been enticed..."

      "Excuse me?" Ann blinked, shocked.

      "She teased him!  As her master, I am responsible, and if she led him
on, she should be made to deliver on such things!" Robert insisted.

      "But she's..." Ann blustered.

      "My wife?  Correction!  That relationship, however legally in force it
remains, has been superceded!  Merry is my slave, my property - livestock,
if you will!  If I ask you here, promising steak and lobster, and just give
you chips when you arrive, what do you think of my hospitality?  However
mistaken she may have been about the content of my instructions, Merry
offered this man an opportunity to engage in sexual activity with her - and
we shall both have to deal with the consequences!"

      Merry, gauging the flow of his upset, made an attempt to reduce it.
"I'm sorry, Master!"

      Robert gathered himself in and relaxed.  "I know," he sighed,
caressing her flank, "And you've been punished.  But it may not be over."

      Ann was diffident, but she HAD to know! "And the punishment?"

      Robert smiled grimly.  "We had another male acquaintance on tap, with
whom I made a deal.  I had Merry entice him with erotic dance for ten
minutes, then gave him five to catch her and have his way with her if her
could.  Merry's responses to his attentions were limited, too!  While he was
under no such strictures, she was not allowed to injure him.  And if he
managed penetration, anywhere, she had to complete the act with him without
further struggle."  Robert smiled broadly, remembering, "That was QUITE an
exciting five minutes, I can tell you!"

      Ann's eyes were huge, and she was excited, too!  "Did he catch her?"

      Robert shook his head.  "He didn't QUITE make it.  Frankly, I don't
think he was trying as hard as he might have.  Next time, I'll have to
exhort him to increased effort - or increase the time limit..."

      The look on Merry's face was priceless.  "Next time?"  She turned to
her master, opened her mouth, realized that she was on thin ice, shut it,
and turned back toward Ann, blushing furiously.

      Robert, his teasing having had its full effect, roared with laughter.
After a moment, he decided to approach another subject, "Merry, before we
continue, show Ann the other items on the table."

      Merry lifted the towel, revealing a number of sex toys, most of which
appeared to be capable of vibration.  Ann examined the items, then looked at
Robert for clarification.

      Robert explained, "Since we're still unclear exactly how far things
are going to go, and in particular, whether you intend to actively
participate in anything we do or just observe, we have provided some items
to assist you should you decide to limit yourself to autoeroticism.  Um, if
you find you need a moment's privacy to make additional preparations, just
let me know, and either I'll leave the room, or Merry can show you to a
bath...  There is also a blanket there on the couch that can be used to
obscure your activity, if modesty is an issue with you."

      Ann nodded, perusing the selection, then met Robert's eyes, "I
shouldn't need to make any adjustments in my clothing," she confessed,
"Since I knew you didn't allow Merry panties, I didn't wear any."  She
blushed a bit, but held her ground.  After a moment, her attention returned
to the vibrator selection.  "What's this for?" she asked, selecting a
vibrator with a five inch long, but pencil-thick soft rubber tip.

      Robert turned to Merry, indicating with his eyes that she should
provide the response.  Merry nodded, and explained, "That one is for anal
stimulation.  It's sort of a beginner's aid, designed to provide fairly deep
stimulation without dilating the anus the way a penis would."

      "Oh," Ann replied, putting it down hastily.  Robert made a mental note
of the reaction for later use.

      Ann returned her attention to the punishment book, running her finger
along the punishments column, and shuddered when she found a particularly
harsh entry.  "Twenty lashes!  My God!"  She favored Merry with a look of
sympathy.

      Merry smiled wryly, "I see we're coming to where I expected to start
this," she observed.  "I planned to start the evening by showing you the
pictures of my first beating; I DIDN'T expect you to go through all of the
entries!"

      "Since we've wandered a bit," Robert suggested, "why don't we stop a
moment for refreshments before continuing?  I believe a glass of wine might
go well..."

      Merry was up like a shot.  "Yes, Master.  The white?"  At Robert's
nod, she turned to Ann and clarified, "My master prefers a Pinot Grigio, but
we have several varieties.  I can also provide several non-alcoholic
options.  What would you like?"

      Ann thought for a moment, then announced, "Wine will probably be fine,
but I think I'll go with you to look at what you have."  Turning to Robert
she asked, "Will you excuse us?"

      "I take it that it's time for girl talk?" Robert asked.

      "Exactly," Ann replied.  Robert nodded, and the pair left the room,
headed for the kitchen.

      Merry displayed the various bottles in the Nellis' small selection of
wines, then turned to an upper cabinet, extracting a white wine glass and a
larger red wine glass.  "See anything you like?"

      "Um, the pinot is fine," Ann replied, "it was just an excuse."  She
paused for a moment.  "You two are sure serious about this slavery thing!  I
mean, really, livestock?"

      "We ARE serious," Merry replied, "We HAVE to be.  As for that little
incident, I screwed up, bad.  The good news is that our friend is too much
the gentleman to take advantage of it."

      "Robert would really have you sleep with this man?"  Ann asked,
horrified.

      "Undoubtedly, if he pressed a case for having been teased.  It would
be a matter of honor."  Merry replied.  Her hand shook a bit as she poured
the wine.  "How about some cheese and crackers?"

      "Isn't that kind of outrageous?" Ann queried.

      "This whole thing has required major mental adjustments on both our
parts," Merry replied, "Have you considered what it means that YOU are here?
This isn't exactly a normal situation."

      Ann blinked.  She hadn't really considered that their plans for the
evening in that light.  "I noticed that you chopped off your reaction to
Robert's teasing..."

      "Yeah," Merry agreed, "I almost screwed that one up, big time."

      "Huh?"

      "Ann, rule number one of successful slavery is NEVER, EVER challenge
your master's authority, because if you do, it obligates him to stomp on
you!" Merry related pedantically.  "In that situation, what would YOU have
said?"

      "I don't know," Ann replied, frowning.  "'You wouldn't!' or 'If you
think, I'm gonna let THAT happen...'"

      "Ann," Merry explained, smiling wryly, "Both of those responses would
have obligated my master to ensure that it DID happen, and that I DIDN'T
avoid being raped successfully - as soon as possible!  Either of those
reactions would indicate that I believed that I had some operational control
over my master - and for him to maintain my respect he MUST summarily punish
such an offense!"

      "HE is obligated?" Ann murmured, confused.

      "Yes, Ann.  Masters have obligations, too.  I cannot be successful as
a slave if my master isn't strict in his enforcement of his authority.  If I
don't fear and respect him, it's just a game."  Merry shook her head.
"These things have depths you don't understand.  Robert is, as a rule,
extremely lenient and gentle with me - and for this reason, he must be
absolutely merciless in suppressing anything that looks like a challenge to
his authority.  If he just beat me capriciously, or did terrible things to
me on no notice, perhaps I would be fearful enough to never challenge him.
But because he DOESN'T do that, he has to be ever-vigilant to ensure that I
don't fall into disrespect and destroy the stability of our relationship."

      "What is the effect of my being here?" Ann asked.

      "I don't know - maybe I don't understand the question," Merry
responded, looking up from unwrapping the cheese. "If you're asking if he
would punish me in your presence, I'd have to say that it would depend upon
his perception of your tolerance.  I DO know that it would be his preference
to punish an infraction immediately."

      "Um, maybe that's not it, exactly.  What's MY status?"  Ann asked.

      Merry dropped into instructional mode.  "You're a free woman.  You're
our guest.  Technically, you're my master's guest, and mine only by
extension.  You can expect to be treated as a guest here, as well or better
than anywhere else.  As to whether that has any effect on my master's
relationship with me, I'd have to say it's irrelevant - except possibly if
you were moved to cause us legal problems in a misguided effort to rescue me
from my situation.  Any attempt to physically interfere would probably cause
my master to delay, but not vacate, any punishment I earned."

      "Is my status subject to change?" Ann asked.

      Merry pondered, her hands working more or less automatically.  "This
evening is a unique situation.  Largely due to what we are trying to
accomplish, I'd say yes - under normal circumstances, probably not.  In any
case, only you can initiate a change."

      "What are the options?" Ann wondered.

      "Well, it depends upon what you hope to accomplish.  For instance, if
you wanted to put yourself in a position of authority over me, my master
might - probably would - allow it.  I can virtually guarantee that he would
not grant you any authority over him, however!" Merry smiled, thinly.

      "How would I do that?" Ann asked intrigued.

      "There are two options," Merry explained.  "You could ask to be
allowed to act as my Mistress, temporarily, or you could submit, with the
condition that you have authority over me."  Merry pondered a moment.  "Of
the two, the second is less certain."

      "Why?" Ann asked, "I'd have thought that it was the simpler of the
two."

      "You would be wrong!"  Merry replied.  "It's in the nature of
submission: once you submit, your master's wishes rule, in any matter.  My
master may see fit to honor your request - and he may not.  Once you have
submitted, he may decide at any moment to change the situation, based upon
anything from a reasoned belief that the new arrangement is more efficient
to a simple whim.  Our rule is that once you give up your freedom, it's gone
- until your master sees fit to restore it."

      "You mean he can do ANYTHING?" Ann asked, incredulous.

      Merry smiled, wryly, "How do I bring this home to you?  Theoretically,
you put your life in his hands - and you trust that it's safe, there.  Ummm,
what's a good example?  Okay, let's try this:  You could go in there and
kneel to Robert and submit - and miss a week at work because you're chained
in the basement with a ball gag in your mouth, being anally raped by four or
five invited guests every evening."

      "No!"  Ann was aghast.

      "Yes!" Merry countered, "Once you submit, he does what he wishes with
you - until he releases you!  Now, I deliberately created an extreme
situation - he's certainly never done that to me - but if Robert thought the
whole thing would do you good he's capable of it!"

      "He isn't either!  I can't believe that!"  Ann exclaimed.

      Merry, gathering up the tray of cheeses, grinned, "Rule number two of
successful slavery:  NEVER, EVER, by ANY means, indicate that you believe
your master to be incapable of an action.  It's kind of a corollary to rule
number one - you obligate him to prove otherwise, possibly spectacularly.
That's why I didn't come out with something like 'I knew you were kidding'
when my master teased me a while ago.  He'd have had to prove otherwise.  I
don't want to tell you how I learned THAT lesson!  Shall we?"  She waved Ann
through the door.

      "So I shouldn't mention this conversation, especially in a disparaging
manner, and then submit myself?" Ann asked grinning.

      Merry's mein was totally serious when she stopped, turned to Ann, and
retorted, "Not unless you want to take up residence in the basement."  Ann
still couldn't believe it, but it was clear that Merry was deadly serious.
She decided that she wouldn't tempt fate.

      They returned to the den.  Ann seated herself, while Merry placed the
cheese and crackers on the coffee table, shifting the toys to facilitate the
placement, then turned and knelt, presenting the wineglass to Robert. "Your
wine, Master."

      "OUR wine, is more like it!" Robert retorted, grinning.

      Merry dropped her eyes.  "A slave is guilty of assumption, Master."

      "A slave is guilty of forecasting her master's needs and wishes, which
is a commendable offense, not a punishable one," Robert replied.  He dipped
his finger into the wine and presented it for Merry to suck, and again Ann
was struck by the action's sensuality.  "Did you have a good talk?"

      "Ann still doesn't have a clear understanding of the implications of
my slavery," Merry responded, smiling at Ann in an expression that carried
'Forgive me!' as a subtext.

      Ann accepted the exposure gracefully, realizing that Merry wasn't
allowed to lie, or even to fail to respond.  "She's been doing her best to
scare me to death over it, though."

      "Oh?"  Robert prompted, interested.

      "She painted a couple of scenarios in an attempt to get me to
understand that submission isn't trivial," Ann continued, "At least one was
pretty extreme."

      Robert nodded.  "It's a hard thing for most people to grasp.
Theoretically, NOTHING is too extreme.  In reality, we're bounded by our own
character, and its flaws.  Doubtless, Merry indicated to you that while
there is a difference between what I COULD do and what I WOULD do,
exploration of the boundaries of the latter cause it to approach the
former."

      Ann thought about this for a second.  "Yes, she did, in fact.  Your
turn of phrase brings up another issue: I don't remember these formal,
stilted speech patterns in you!"

      Robert grimaced, "They're an attempt at precision.  Merry needs to
understand exactly what I want, or I'm frustrated, and she gets punished.  I
find that I've fallen into the habit of expressing myself this way as I deal
with her."

      "Merry said, for example, that if you promised me something as a free
woman, that you would not necessarily be bound by it if I became a slave,"
Ann accused.

      "True.  There is a change in relationship.  You no longer have rights.
A master might be bound by the idea that his honor might be called into
question when and if you regained your freedom, or he might not, depending
upon his level of personal integrity.  I personally, would attempt to avoid
the issue by not making any promises," Robert replied.

      Ann nodded, musing.  "So Merry was correct:  If I wanted to be in
authority over her, I should ask to be allowed to act as her mistress while
a free woman, rather than attempt to bargain for the position as a condition
to my submission."

      Robert turned to Merry, eyes shining, "Very good, my treasure!
Exactly right!"  He reached out and caressed her flank, pulling her in for a
kiss, and a nibble on her neck, actions that Merry felt free to accept with
more than mere grace.  Turning to Ann, he nodded agreement, "Merry IS
correct: this is one of those circumstances in which I would refuse to make
any promises.  I COULD lie - once you're a slave, it doesn't matter.  Or I
COULD promise in good faith, but upon determination that I have an
objection, capriciously vacate the promise on the grounds that promises to
free individuals do not apply to slaves.  But what I WOULD do is make no
promises."

      Ann nodded, recovering from her mild embarrassment at the couple's
unashamed display of mutual affection.  Robert's action surprised her, but
Merry's happy, unashamed acceptance of the intimacy titillated her.  The
fact that Merry was actually politicking for more, surreptitiously rubbing
her flank against Robert's leg and refusing to release his hand, brought a
smile to Ann's lips.  There was love here, however weirdly packaged.  Ann
returned her attention to the punishment book.  "What's this about
pictures?"

      Robert nodded.  "On the occasion of Merry's first real disciplining,
there was an opportunity to capture it photographically, which I took
advantage of in the hopes that the visual reference would stave off one or
more future sessions.  Upon viewing them, we discovered that they were
somewhat compelling.  Merry thought that assessing their effect upon you
might be instructive."  He extended his right hand, which Merry reluctantly
let go of, repositioning herself so that she knelt facing the end of the
coffee table between the pair, able to look at the book at a ninety degree
angle.  Robert sat forward in his chair so that he could join the other two,
closely gathered around the open book.

      Merry opened it to the first page of pictures, saying simply, "It
begins here."  Robert absently began rubbing Merry's back - but Merry's
appreciation was anything but absent.  She arched her back, closing her eyes
for a moment and all but purring.

      Ann turned her attention to the pictures, the first of which depicted
Merry kneeling before Robert, undressed as she was now, with his thumb in
her mouth.  Merry was obviously seriously afraid, tragic eyes locked upon
her master's.

      The inevitable question arose.  "Why is she sucking your thumb?" Ann
asked, puzzled.

      "Master was trying to keep me from making a total fool of myself,"
Merry replied, patiently.  "I'd just said and done a whole bunch of highly
punishable things, and he was wisely restraining me from saying something
that might destroy our relationship."

      Robert grinned tightly, "The thumb also gave her some comforting
distraction.  It kept her from bolting on me, which would have been equally
disastrous!"

      Ann returned her attention to the photo.  "This looks VERY public!"
she related breathlessly.

      "It was, fairly," Robert admitted.  "As I may have mentioned, it was
at the Sex Shoppe, in town.  There were several customers..."  He craned
around to look at the photo, then took in Merry also trying to orient
properly from the side.  Finally, he examined Ann's somewhat flushed visage.
"This seating arrangement doesn't seem to be working that well.  Why don't
we all sit on the couch?"

      Ann looked up, "Okay!"

      "Who holds the book?" Robert inquired.

      "Um - let Merry!"  Ann scooted to her right.  Merry took a seat, and
the proffered book, and Robert occupied the left side of the couch.  All
three of them then leaned toward one another to examine the pictures.  After
a moment, Merry glanced at Ann, and, getting a nod, turned the page.  The
next photo - the next five, in fact, displayed Merry chained to some bars in
a store display, wearing nothing but a collar, a ball gag, wrist and ankle
restraints, and a scared and unhappy expression.

      The next shot depicted Robert in the process of finishing a swing of a
paddle, the mark of its impact still distorting Merry's right buttock.
"Oh!" Ann exclaimed, and leaned forward, to examine the photo closely,
dropping her hand to Merry's right thigh for support.

      Merry didn't flinch, but she picked up Robert out of the corner of her
eye.  Robert mouthed "Go with it," then said aloud, "That's the first
strike."  He'd been watching and had seen Ann give herself away by clearing
her fingers with her thumb before the apparently unconscious shift of the
hand to Merry's leg.  'Very well,' he thought, 'she's going to want to
participate...'  He resumed rubbing Merry's back, which caused her to arch
it slightly.  The change of position had the potential of feeding Ann a
breast, if the two weren't careful.  Robert smiled.

      Ann glanced up at Merry, who was visibly enjoying the caress, and
Merry took the hint, turning the page.  The photo showed the aftermath of
the second strike upon the left buttock.  In the photo, Merry's face was wet
with tears.  "Oh, my!" Ann breathed.

      The next six shots depicted Robert striping Merry's back, thighs, and
buttocks with a wide strap.  Ann examined each one, made some exclamation,
and either squeezed or patted Merry's leg after each.

      The next shot caught Merry in mid-sob, and Robert in follow-through
from another swing of the paddle.  "Are the pictures mixed up?" Ann asked.

      "No," Robert replied, "I switched back."  He pointed to the fresh
strap marks visible across Merry's back and thighs, "See?"

      Ann leaned in close to examine the photo, and Merry shifted it to
balance between her knees and the coffee table, then put out a hand to
balance herself - on Ann's thigh, where it emerged from her skirt, just
above the knee.

      Merry pretended that it was unconscious, but it was every bit as
deliberate as Ann's sallies.  Robert pretended to ignore the whole thing,
poker faced, but inside, he was laughing.

      As for Ann, her pretense at unconcern was somewhat marred by the
sudden intake of breath the move occasioned.  Already excited by the bizarre
content of the photos, Ann could FEEL her pussy lubricating at the contact
of Merry's hand.  Her response, though, was to nestle the extended arm
between her neck and shoulder as she leaned over the photo.  "Oh, yes!  I
see!"

      The following photo was unsurprising, as it depicted Robert delivering
the mirror stroke with the paddle, and Ann relaxed, showing less interest.
But the NEXT photo was a study in agony!  Merry, red-faced, was trying to
crawl through the bars, eyes wide, while a red weal appeared on her upper
right thigh, obviously delivered by the riding crop Robert was just
finishing following through with.  "Ohmigod!" Anne exclaimed, "That looks
awful!"

      "It was!" Merry agreed, "I thought the paddle and the strap were bad,
but..."

      Ann leaned in, drinking in the detail, of which there was plenty,
thanks to Alvin's inspired photography - while gently rubbing Merry's thigh.
She reached out and turned the page, discovering the second strike.
Obviously, the effects of the first hadn't abated; just as obviously, Merry
was looking mindlessly for ANY avenue of escape!  "Ohhh, my!" Ann breathed.

      The next photo showed Robert working with a narrow, single-bladed
whip, leaving a slashing mark on Merry's right buttock.  A similar stripe
already decorated the left.  "Oooooh...." Ann was running out of breath.
Her pussy was on fire, and... hadn't Merry just squeezed her thigh?

      Merry had.  She was beginning to enjoy herself, in fact.  Ann was
doing everything but hopping up and down - obviously, things were coming to
a head, and Merry trusted Robert to make it memorable.

      Ann turned to the next photo, which depicted the results of a similar
attack on Merry's upper thighs with the thin-bladed whip.  Ann took in the
effects for a moment without comment, other than a squeeze to Merry's thigh,
then turned the page.  The next photo was a study in agony.  Merry, every
muscle taut, was trying her best to defeat the leg restraints and climb up
the bars, while Robert followed through from a stroke of the thin whip...up?
"Omigod!"  Ann screeched, incredulous, "You hit her THERE?"

      Robert looked sad, but replied heavily, nodding, "The intent was to
provide a strong lesson, one that would help minimize the necessity for
repetition.  I HAD to prove that I could be brutal, and that punishment from
me wasn't something that Merry could EVER expect to get used to!  I'm not
particularly proud of it, but I believe that it's had a salutary effect upon
her obedience."

      Ann returned her attention to the photo, soaking in the details.  She
was a mess; she just missed panting openly, her nipples were hard and erect,
and her pussy was drooling, leaving a wet spot on her skirt that would be
unmistakable when she got up.  One hand rubbed and squeezed Merry's thigh
constantly, while the other clenched and unclenched while she fought the
urge to slide it under her skirt.  "You poor, poor dear!"  Ann gasped,
actually sliding her hand across Merry's belly to rub and squeeze her other
thigh.

      "That was the worst," Merry admitted, permitting the attention without
obvious reaction.  She hadn't decided whether this was Ann airing a hidden
streak of lesbian behavior, or something else - but she knew that Ann would
not be able to leave the house without sex.  "Master hit my clit, and it
went erect, in reaction to the pain!  If he had struck again..." she
shuddered.  "But then, he went around front..." she husked

      Ann's eyebrows went up and her hand darted to the book, flipping the
page.  "Ooooohhhh!" she hissed, taking it all in.  The angle had changed,
obviously originating from behind the bars, inside the display area.  The
flesh of Merry's left breast was caught dimpling in hydrostatic shock from
the strike on her nipple, and she was clearly mindless from her agony.  Ann
turned and regarded the abused breast in awe; it looked none the worse for
the wear, but a shudder went through Ann, anyway, and without thinking, she
reached out to touch it.  This wasn't something Ann did every day, by any
means, but the wires were down to some areas of her brain.  She cradled the
rounded cone in her hand for a moment, looking from it to the deformed orb
in the photo, looking for permanent damage, before remembering herself, and
murmuring, "Ooops!"

      After a moment, Ann moved on to the next picture, where Merry, still
thrashing, took a hit on the other breast, but without the same deadly
accuracy.  It was exciting, but no surprise, so Ann moved on to the next
picture, which depicted Merry slumped against the bars in a puddle of her
loosened restraints, the ball gag still inserted in her mouth.  She was the
picture of pain and exhaustion.  There were two more of these, various
angles exploring her pain and humiliation.  Ann resumed absently rubbing
Merry's leg, and Merry resumed enjoying it.

      The next picture depicted Merry moving alertly toward Robert on her
knees, obeying the signal of his crooked finger.  This show of obedience
rekindled Ann's arousal, as did the next photo, which depicted Merry meekly
lying her head against Robert's hip while he undid the fastenings of her
ball gag.  Strangely, despite - or maybe because of - the strange activity,
the pair's pose depicted tender care on Robert's part, and complete trust on
Merry's.  It was curiously moving.  Ann stared at it for some time.

      The next photo displayed Merry, kneeling, spitting the ball gag into
Robert's open palm.  She was the picture of alert obedience, fearful eyes
tracking her master, awaiting further instructions.  Ann absorbed it for a
moment, then flipped to the last picture.  "What the Hell?" she exclaimed.
The picture depicted Robert holding up his open hand in a 'stop' signal,
while Merry was looking at him with her hand in the open fly of an old bum!
"What's THIS all about?" Ann demanded.

      Robert smiled.  "I was testing her," he related, watching Ann closely.
This would be the trigger point... "I told her to give the old bum a
blowjob.  She did well, too - she reacted so fast I was almost unable to
stop her before she popped his cock in her mouth!"

      "My God!  How could you?" Ann exclaimed, eyes locked with Merry.

      ""It was easy," Merry replied, in a tone of deadly seriousness.  "My
Master had made his point!  There were two things on my mind at that point:
obedience and pain!  My backside was on fire from my shoulder blades to my
knees, and I was amazed that both of my tits weren't bleeding - I KNEW he'd
slashed them open!  The ONLY thought that passed through my mind was 'Master
wants this'!"

      Ann turned her gaze upon Robert and fell into the trap.  "I can't see
how I would do it, no matter what!"

      Robert stood, and circled the couch, smiling.  "I disagree.  Pain is a
powerful motivator.  Care to accept a dare?"

      Ann raised her eyes to his laughing ones.  "What kind of dare?" she
inquired.

      Robert held up a hand.  "First, I believe strongly that Merry is still
powerfully motivated to be obedient.  We will arrange a demonstration where
she will prove me correct."  His eyes bored into hers.  "Then you will
submit to me for, say, three hours.  By the end of that time, I will have
obtained your obedience such that you will have duplicated whatever Merry
does."

      "We don't have any old bums available," Ann observed.  "What will we
do?"  She was playing it cool, but when Robert announced that he intended to
bring her to heel, her pussy had pulsated.  She was GOING to buy into this!

      "Hmmm," Robert pretended to consider, but his observations of Ann had
told him that she both feared and was fascinated by anal sex, and that she
had a mild lesbian streak that she was unable to admit, even to herself.
"We'll need a couple of things."  Turning to Merry, he inquired, "Have you
ever performed cunnilingus?"

      Merry blinked, but replied blandly, "No, Master."

      Robert turned to Ann.  "And you?"

      "Absolutely not!" Ann replied, hotly.

      "Perfect!" Robert enthused.  "Your reaction to the vibrator has
provided the other condition.  Merry will do what little is necessary to
bring me to a solid erection.  Then she will impale herself upon it -
anally.  Once we are fully engaged, she will put her head between your legs
and bring you to orgasm, orally.  Once that is complete, you will submit to
me, and I will motivate you to duplicate the feat - within three hours."  He
reached out and cradled Ann's chin.  "Well?"

      Fear and desire warred in Ann.  "I-I don't know..." she murmured, eyes
locked on Robert's.

      He smiled, lazily.  "I'll sweeten the deal," he announced, "Something
I DIDN'T do for Merry.  You can cry 'Uncle' before I'm done, if you think
you're properly convinced.  But I warn you:  If you fail, we will have
another training session - and I shall be merciless!"

      An out!  Would she need it?  And if she did...  "What about the
submission?  You just spent some time telling me that once I submit, I'm
totally at your mercy, and all deals are off!"

      Robert smiled ruefully.  "I told you that you were dependent upon my
integrity... I WILL promise this - in writing!  You must still trust me,
however..."  He let the bait dangle.

      Ann gathered her courage, her arousal providing the impetus.  "Okay!
I can't really see you accomplishing all this.  I'll TAKE your dare!  I
don't think you'll get through Phase 1!"

      Robert turned to Merry and stuck out his hand, "The book!"  Merry
handed it to him, and he began scribbling.  After a moment, he passed it to
Ann, demanding, "Read it and sign!"

      Ann bent to the page, which read:

      "I, Ann Newton, do submit myself to the attentions of Robert Nellis
for the period of three hours, commencing (blank) for a lesson in motivation
and obedience through physical suasion.   Master Robert affirms that I will
suffer no permanent physical damage during this period."

      Ann locked eyes with Robert, and held out her hand.  Hell, he wasn't
even going to hurt her!  This would be easy!  Robert provided the pen, and
Ann signed her name and dated the entry, then handed it to Merry.

      Merry read the entry, caught her master's eye, and nodded.  Robert
pointed at the page.  "Sign as witness!" he instructed.  Merry did so,
wordlessly, and handed him the book.

      Robert examined the entries and nodded, satisfied.  "Merry," he
directed, "Go get the lube.  I never said either of you had to do it dry!"

      Merry crossed the room to a chest, opening the lid and retrieving a
bottle of water-based lube.  Returning, she knelt before Robert, who bent to
kiss her.  "Make me proud," he intoned, then, "Kneel up!"

      Merry knelt on her hands and knees before Robert, but turned her eyes
upon Ann.  "Permission to speak, Master?"

      "Granted," Robert replied, concentrating upon opening the bottle.

      Merry locked eyes with Ann.  "If you think that I will fail to do this
- all of it - you are gravely mistaken!  My Master has directed it, so I
will not only DO these things, I will strive to ENJOY them!"  Turning her
head to Robert, she announced, "Master, I think you should chain her NOW!"

      Robert stopped, blinked, and regarded Ann gravely.  "It might simplify
things," he remarked, "But it will cut into the three hours..."

      "I won't need much time for MY piece, Master!" Merry declared, "You'll
have plenty of time...

      Fear danced up Ann's spine on little tiny feet at the confidence in
Merry's tone, but the game was afoot, and the only acceptable response as
bravado.  Ann sneered, "Well, if it turns out that you need the hour and a
half it's gonna take Merry to get ME going, you can ask for it..."

      Robert smiled like a croc.  Putting down the bottle of lube, he
directed, "Merry, bring the ankle restraints and, oh, cuffs, for now."  As
Merry dashed to do his bidding, he turned his attention to Ann.  "Come here,
then, and kneel before me."  Ann did so, discovering that she was trembling
with fear and excitement.  Robert held her eyes, directing, "Now, say 'I
submit myself to your will, Master'."

      "I-I submit myself to your will...Master" Ann quavered, and the
initial phase of the evening's activities was complete.