Memories of sultry summers scudded though my mind like hot afternoon clouds. Dim recollections of wafting mosquito netting fought with the smell of sun showers for my attention. Without opening my eyes, I knew the side of my face was stuck to the training table. The dull ache of my ass felt a million miles away. In fact, it felt good.

"Mmmmm," I murmured, as it throbbed in time with my heart. The egg inside me was quiet now, in harmony with the rest of the room. Rousing myself, I blinked my eyes open. Before me tiny beads of moisture were sparkling on my upper arm, shimmering and cooling as I exhaled over them. Goosebumps broke out on the back of my arms and the outside of my lewdly spread thighs. I swallowed, breathing hard through my nose as the image of myself invaded my mind. Groaning inwardly, I shifted a little, feeling my bindings and reminding myself of where I was. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my back into a deep arch, my ass up and exposed, knees widely spread, calves and forearms strapped down.

I wondered if my punishment was finished. It hadn't really been that bad. Sure, it hurt. But I'm no pain slut. I don't revel in being beaten or tortured. But by comparison, I'd had worse just last weekend. As I was smiling, a bizarre thought crossed my mind.

I need more.

From somewhere in the recesses of my submission, questions bubbled to the surface before popping and dissipating in the air. What was I thinking! Just let him decide! God, why was it so difficult for me to relinquish complete control? If my punishment was ended, had I really learnt anything? Ugh! On the one hand, I wanted to be led. On the other, I couldn't let go. Could I ever give all of myself? Could I ever be happy? "Ohh..."

Cool fingertips gently touched my warm ass and my body jerked with surprise. "Just relax, pet," Andrew said, his voice near and soothing. Leaning back in the straps, I hoped he wouldn't stop. Like a dark curtain around my head, my hair afforded me some privacy, and I kissed the leather as I arched my back further. "Oh, so you like that, do you?"

"Mmmm," I whispered, rocking gently back and forth as his fingers lightly caressed my skin. The feather-light pressure he applied was perfect. Gradually more of the pads of each fingertip were introduced, and he made his way slowly all over my back and ass, and up and down the back of my thighs. Sitting on the edge of the table directly behind me, he soon introduced both hands, moving as mirror images of each other. He flattened them, using his palms and fingers to lightly massage my hot, oiled skin. Gradually they became insistent, moving in shifting pre-school figure eights. It felt delicious and his hands became my world.

Andrew has large, sinuous, long-fingered hands. They are muscular and at the midpoint between knuckles, on the back of each finger, there are a few soft dark hairs. His palms are silky, but deeply lined, like he'd laboured at some time in his life. I am always amazed by the difference in the size of our hands. His are almost exactly twice the size of mine. I like to examine them and massage them. They are the instruments of my submission.

Smoothly and effortlessly they slid over the skin of my ass. His thumbs were massaging slightly more firmly, drawing slowly up, gliding on a thin film of replenished oil. In utter bliss, I sighed again as they began moving in large circular shapes around and around my ass.

Every now and again he would change the angle of his hands, bringing his fingertips maddeningly close to my pussy. Before long I found myself gripping that damned inert egg with every near miss. All I could think of was the points at which our bodies met. My skin and his hands. Jubilantly I waded into the stream of my subspace, deeper and deeper, immersing myself in the moment. His large warm smooth hands caressed me, bringing everything that mattered into focus. I would do anything for his touch. I just wanted him to keep touching me. He knows just how to touch me. Please, keep touching me. Keep teaching me.

Keep me.

One of his hands had come to rest on the top of my ass, and I felt his fingers of his other hand slide around the base of the butt plug. "Relax, Dominique," he said, and he slowly dragged it out.

"Uuugghhh..."

Slap.

"Ooohhh," I gasped.

Andrew chuckled, smacking my other cheek just as gently.

Slap.

"Mmmmmm."

Slap!

"Oooohhhh!" It wasn't that hard, but my ass was hot and sensitive already!

Andrew whispered, "Who said you could cum, slut?"

Slap!

"Ohh!"

"Listen to me!" I lifted my head quickly and looked at him imploringly. "Who gave you permission to cum, Dominique?" His eyes were blazing. "Speak!"

"I'm sorry Sir... I... I... didn't mean to... I mean I..."

Slap!

"Ughhh."

Slap!

"Ooohhhh, Sir! Oohhhhhh!"

"Naughty, naughty girl."

"I'm sorry! Oohhhhh."

Slap!

"Ughhhhhhh..."

Suddenly he was gone, headed for the toy box. I clenched my teeth, my body trembling with adrenaline. This was NOT over. Closing my eyes tightly and steeling myself, shooting stars criss-crossed the inside of my eyelids. As my chest heaved, perspiration and oil dripped down the tender insides of my arms and legs.

God, I thought. I hadn't even considered trying not to cum. There was no way I could have stopped it, but I hadn't even thought to ask. It was that damned egg's fault. I took a deep breath, calming myself.

It was so quiet, I wondered if Paul and Kate were still there. I looked around toward the lounge area and couldn't see either of them. Hearing Kate's muffled moan coming from almost directly behind me made me smile. At least she wasn't getting off Scot-free, even if I couldn't see what was going on. I bit my lip. She was kind of mean to me, but kind of nice too. And she seemed so much more comfortable with herself.

Would I ever be like that?

Then I heard Andrew's footsteps. He was coming back.

Dominique's eyes met mine. She had the power to stop me in my tracks.

I had introduced Dominique to many things, rolling back her limits, letting her explore her subspace. She had been taken to places she only dreamed about. Dominique knew she could stop whatever I was doing at any given moment. She knew it. She was regularly reminded of the fact.

But she had never used her safe word. She had protested and complained. She had cried out in pain. But in over a year, she had never said red.

Did that make me a good Master, or a bad Master? Should I have explored her limits right up to the edge, regularly bumping into them? Or should one play safely within them, letting them evolve with experience? Clearly it depends on the context, ie. whether one is punishing or playing. But also what one wants from a relationship has a bearing on how another is treated. And that goes for both sides. Another angle is how quickly one reaches a submissive's limit. Pacing can be very important.

It's true that simply knowing they have disappointed their Master is a submissive's worst punishment. I hadn't tried to make her use her safe word. Not once had I tried to find exactly where a limit lay. I have always been mindful of her inexperience, of her innocence. Perhaps it was a paternalistic protectiveness, born of the day I first saw her. Or maybe it was something else. I have pushed her though. But never pushed her right to the edge. I've never pushed too hard. Why did this all occur to me now? Because I had to do it for her. I had to take her there, to show her.

She needed to know that ultimately, she was in control of her own destiny.

It was time. I looked up at the wall and scanned the various choices I had, and made up my mind. It was time to push too hard.

When I heard my Master's footsteps, I swung my head around to see him, and his piercing eyes caught mine. I couldn't tear my gaze from them. The look on his face was of sheer determination, of such concentrated conviction, that I almost gasped as I drew breath.

Without looking down to his hands, I knew he was holding things. I was afraid to look. I was getting scared. I moaned softly as I exhaled. The skin down my arms prickled. Submit!

"Paul, can you give me a hand here?" my Master asked.

"Sure," came Paul's reply and his footsteps approached me.

"Let's get her off here. Take off her nipple clamps first."

Oh, the nipple clamps! My nipples were so numb I hadn't even thought about them. Oh god. I braced myself as Paul's hands came around my body, one on each side. I gritted my teeth in anticipation. He squeezed his hands gently around my breasts and he whispered in my ear, "Both at once, nice and quick."

I hissed between my teeth as the pain flooded outward from my nipples and through my breasts. It felt like every muscle in my body became taut and it seemed like an eternity before the pain ebbed and my need to breathe took over again. Before I knew it I was being lifted from the training table. I hadn't even felt the straps come loose. I found my feet and my Master turned me toward him. His strong hands were around my shoulders. Paul was somewhere behind me.

"I am going to prepare you for your punishment now, Dominique. Do you understand?"

I nodded.

"Speak when you are asked a question."

I found my voice. "Y... Yes, Sir."

"Kneel."

I knelt and saw Kate. My jaw dropped.

"Look up at me, pet." I looked up at Andrew. "I've been thinking and have changed my mind about something. I realise that I too have been making decisions without discussing them with you. I've taken responsibility for everything Dominique, and I've let you meander. I want you to take your submission back, Dominique. I want you to take responsibility. I am going to take you to your limit, pet, and I want you to decide your destiny. Do you understand?"

"Y... Yes, Sir," I nodded slowly, trembling. "Y... You want me to say 'red'."

"That's right. I want you to use of your safe word when you can stand it no longer. I want you to decide."

"Th... Thank you, Sir." I don't know what made me thank him. I chewed my lip and concentrated. He moved close and I was looking almost straight up at him.

"You should not be so quick to thank me, pet. I am going to make you use it. Do you understand? Make you. I am going to punish you until you say 'red'. Am I making myself clear?"

"Y... Yes, Sir."

"Bracelets, pet." Bowing my head, I offered my wrists to my Master. "Good girl," he whispered. My heart pounded and my breathing quickened as he closed the ratchet around my left wrist. I tried to keep up when he dragged me over to the whipping post. I could see Kate clearly, and I could hardly believe it. Then Andrew spoke again. "Your punishment will be deemed complete when you say 'red'. Understood?"

"Y... Yes, Sir," I said, my voice catching in my chest. "Th... This girl understands, Sir."

"Hug the post." On my knees and watching his eyes, I wrapped my arms around the dark, roughly hewn post, the smell of oil and varnish distracting me momentarily. Andrew stepped to the opposite side of it, somehow fixing the handcuff chain to a bolt embedded at waist-height. He took my right wrist to the cuff and in moments the second ratchet sounded. "Dominique," he said quietly, looking down on me and caressing my arm. "You will decide when your punishment is complete. Once again, do you understand?"

I swallowed and looked him right in the eye, setting my jaw. "This girl will make you proud."

It's easy to miss the most important moments in our lives. Sometimes they are subtle and fleeting. They are the 'memory' moments. It's often not until much later that it occurs to us that something important happened at exactly that time. And the reason for that was not solely because of what was before my eyes. It was also because of what went through my mind.

I looked down on Dominique. Her lithe frame and tanned skin reflected flickers of candlelight in the darkened room. She had tossed her long black hair over one shoulder and had turned her face sideways up at me. Some strands had stuck across her forehead. Her head was against the post, her chin resting on her shoulder.

She was determined. "This girl will make you proud."

Kate moaned again and I chuckled. Dominique's eyes focused and her mouth opened in apparent disbelief as Kate shuddered in orgasm. I shook my head knowingly. Paul had just about outdone himself. Kate was certainly a sight. I left Dominique staring at her as I retrieved the spreader bar from the wall and returned.

Paul had tied Kate in a tight and interesting bind. Paul is an expert with rope and there is no end to the combinations and ties he has in his repertoire. I hadn't seen this one before, and it certainly was special. I could see why Kate had Dominique's attention.

Kate was kneeling on the floor with the cock gag still in place. Paul told her to grip it with her teeth as he looped the nipple clamp chain around the end of the gag. He pushed her head forward and down, demanding that she not let go of the gag. He pinched her nipples to firmness then clamped each of them. Kate moaned softly around the gag, her teeth visibly gripping it. Paul removed the bandana from around his neck and fashioned a blindfold to drop over her wide eyes.

Working quickly, he tied Kate's elbows together behind her. He then encased her down to her wrists with rope, pulling tight and arching her back. He passed the rope from her wrists between her legs, and her pussy lips bulged around a large knot he placed strategically. He then adjusted a couple of the overhead pulleys, threading the rope through two of them, then back down. Ingeniously, he tied the end of the rope into the back of her blindfold, the result meaning any movement of her head would tug on her nipples, or the knot being moved back and forth between the lips of her pussy. The coup de grace though was provided when he buckled a butterfly vibrator over her clitoral region, wedged behind the rope. He was now sitting and relaxing on the lounge, sipping his marguerita and watching.

Kate's body was dripping with sweat and she was almost constantly shuddering. I was not surprised Dominique was amazed. We both watched as Kate moaned out another muffled orgasm. It was getting hot and I pulled my t-shirt up over my head and threw it on the floor.

I let Dominique watch while I moved around to her feet to attach the spreader bar. I buckled each end of the bar just above her delicate ankles and arranged her like a rag doll. Positioning and buckling each leg, I decided I'd had my fun with the egg and reached between her legs, brushing my fingers over her pussy from behind.

Dominique moaned softly, but kept watching Kate. Sliding my fingers inside her, I slowly drew out the egg and wrapped it in my t-shirt, tossing it on the floor behind me. Without thinking my fingers found my mouth. Damn, she is so sweet. I placed my hands on the cheeks of her ass and massaged her firmly. Her skin was so smooth, warm and inviting, it was an effort not to take her right then and there. Shaking my head, I remembered where I was and stood, walking around her, trailing my fingers along her flank. "Look at me, Dominique." She groaned, doing as I asked. "Push your ass out a bit more. Arch your back." She did. "Good girl."

She looked amazing. And that was when it happened.

Were my feelings regarding 'sharing Dominique' an analogy for sharing myself? Almost ten years ago, I was in a similar position, gazing down on Rebecca. I could do what I wanted with that girl, and I never hesitated. Why wasn't it the same with Dominique? Had I really let go of Rebecca? I'd convinced myself I had. Or was I holding back, unwilling to fully commit?

But here I was, in unfamiliar territory. I wet my mouth with my tongue as my eyes swept over her. Then I realised something. This was for Dominique. This scene, where we were, what it had come to, was for Dominique. Goose flesh prickled the skin on the back of my neck. How I stumbled onto the perfect stepping-stone for her, I'll never know. But there it was, echoed in her pale blue eyes.

She needed this.

I knew I shouldn't have, but I kept glancing at Kate. Shifting slightly on my knees, I steadied myself, waiting for Andrew to begin. Knowing I was to be taken to my limit was intoxicating. Knowing Andrew would not stop, and would increase my punishment in intensity until I stopped him, was almost empowering.

I would know when I could take no more. It was like, 'I would know myself'.

Glancing at Kate, she convulsed again and I wondered how much more she could take. My eyes focused, I realised the straps of the cock gag were hanging loosely from its edges. How could she tell Paul when she'd reached her limit? She's gripping it with her teeth!

"Look at me, Dominique," Andrew said. Oh god, I thought. Here we go. "Push your ass out a bit more. Arch your back. Good girl." Chewing on my bottom lip, I glanced down at his hands. A whip filled each of them. Oh god. Andrew was taking his time, letting my thoughts swirl and gel. I just wanted it to be over. He was swishing his blonde horsehair whip back and forth in his right hand. He spoke evenly and almost without emotion.

"Dominique, in my hands I have two whips. I will begin with the horsehair, which you have tasted before. I'll just warm you up a bit. Then I'll start with the cat. I won't change back. As you know from previous sessions, I have been reluctant to use a stinging toy on you." I shuddered as I drew breath, seeing Andrew in my imagination, taking lusty full swings at my red ass with the cat of nine tails. I'd always looked up at the whip with trepidation, fully aware of Andrew's reluctance to use it. A trickle of perspiration ran into my eyebrow. It was like he read my mind. "I'm just going to work on your back, Dominique. Your ass is red enough... Now, prepare to receive your punishment."

On my knees, I shifted positions again, trying to get comfortable. I was spread out and so vulnerable, with little I could do. I spread the weight of my body between my knees and my arms, hanging from the handcuffs. They pinched a little, but I hoped it might distract me.

Swish, swish, swish.

Fap!

Oh, nooo. He was starting too softly. I wasn't prepared for it to feel good.

Swish, swish, Fap!

Not fair. Not fair. I don't want to be turned on. I don't want to be...

Swish... Fap!

Dropping my head between my arms, I closed my eyes. I felt like I was floating.

Swish Fap! Swish Fap! Swish Fap!

I bit my lip harder. I was not going to moan!

Swish FAP!

"Mmmmmmmm!"

Swish FAP!!

"Ohhhh!" That was harder!

Swish FAP!!

"Goddd!" I turned my face up to Andrew just as he struck me again.

Swish FAP!!!

"Ohhhh!"

"Shut up."

Swish FAP!!!

"I haven't even fucking started!"

Swish FAP!!!

I chewed my lip harder, determined to look him in the eye.

Swish FAP!!!

Then it stopped.

Andrew was breathing hard, gazing at me intently. Demandingly. He stood over me and his bare chest was heaving. His t-shirt was gone and his muscles rippled. I imagined I could see the blood pumping in the veins of his neck. God, he was so beautiful. His face was a study in concentration. I wished I could paint. I would have painted him. To me, he was a masterpiece. In his most intense moments, I was a slave to his will. I would do anything for him. His skin glistened with effort. I was so lost, and so found. This was a man I could honour.

The skin from the base of my shoulder blades to the top of my ass tingled with waves of pleasure and expectation. The horsehair clattered and slid across the floor. Realising he had tossed it, I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw. I couldn't watch.

Whap!

My breath caught in my throat. I had been here before. The cat bit into my skin and felt like the crop when he really swung it. My whole body stiffened. Every muscle. Every sinew. This was it.

Whap!

He had started at my tailbone, and was working his way up, bringing the cat straight down on my back.

Whap!

I gritted my teeth till they hurt.

Whap!

Oh boy, that stings.

Whap!

"Ahhh!" I cried out, trying desperately to stop myself.

"Green or red, pet?"

"Green!"

Whap!

"Say it!"

CRACK!

"Noooooo!"

CRACK!!

"SAY IT!"

CRACK!

CRACK!

"GREEEEEEN!!!"

"Stupid..."

CRACK!!

"Fucking..."

CRACK!!

"SLUT!"

CRACK!!!

"Uuugghhh..."

CRACK!!!

"AHH!!"

He stopped. Sweat trickled down my nose. My hands ached from holding them in tight fists. The skin of my back was ablaze with pain. The sweat there stung. The heat! My God, my back was so hot. Every muscle was still held as tight as a drum. I wiped my brow against my shoulder. I started to relax and my muscles in my thighs started to vibrate. I suddenly felt very nauseous. My thighs started to shudder more. I felt like I was about to collapse.

"Say it," he whispered.

I turned my face up to him, breathing heavily, tears of pain in my eyes and trickling down my cheeks. Tears of sorrow. Tears of joy.

"Say it, pet." His voice had never sounded so soft and comforting.

"This girl is so sorry, Master," I whispered.

"I know, kitten."

"Red."

"Good girl."

Tossing the cat over by the display wall, I slipped Dominique's hands from the handcuffs and she lowered herself to hands and knees beside the whipping post, her body swaying, unsteady with excessive adrenaline. "Lie down, kitten," I said after unbuckling her ankles. Carrying the spreader bar back to the display wall, I picked up the two whips on the way. Looking back at Dominique, I saw that she was lying on her front, holding her fists under her chin.

Paul had untied Kate. She was quiet on his lap on the lounge. Her head was on his shoulder and they both watched Dominique and I silently. I picked up the ropes Paul had kindly coiled and put them back in the toy box. I spent the next few minutes cleaning and putting away the various items that had been in use over the last couple of hours.

Returning to Dominique, I saw she was asleep. Gently I woke her and lifted her to her feet. Leaning down I put my shoulder softly to her stomach, wrapped my arm around her thighs and lifted her in a 'fireman's hold'. She moaned softly but made no protest.

"I'll put her in bed."

Paul nodded. "Good plan."

I carried Dominique upstairs and lay her on the bed, turning her onto her front. She murmured her thanks as I stroked her hair before heading into the bathroom. Scrubbing my hands with anti-bacterial soap and rinsing them off, I proceeded to fill a bowl with lukewarm water and added the soap to the water, giving it a few rubs. With a soft cloth thrown over my shoulder, I picked up the bowl and returned to the bedroom.

Swallowing, I tended her skin, wiping an errant tear silently from my eye. She never made a sound and was soon asleep again. Covering her with the bed sheet, I turned out the light and returned to the study.

"Everything ok?" Paul asked.

"She'll be fine by the morning," I replied. "A few days for the marks."

"Good."

I refreshed my drink and sat across from Paul and Kate.

"Andrew?" Paul asked.

"Yes?"

"You did well."

"Thanks, Paul." We sat in silence for a few minutes.

"May I say something please, Master?" Kate asked.

"Yes, you may Kate."

She turned to me. "Andrew Sir, with respect Sir, I think Dominique is a very lucky girl."

I smiled a little. "Tell me why, Kate."

"Well Sir, I think she is lucky because you love her, Sir."

"It's pretty obvious, Andrew."

I nodded and stifled that rogue tear again. "I should be with her."

"We'll lock-up behind us."

"I'd appreciate that."

"Consider it done."

I rose from the lounge. "Thank you for bearing witness, Paul. And thank you too, Kate."

"Anytime, my friend."

"Always a pleasure to be of service, Sir."

I smiled and nodded, then made my way up to the master bedroom. Lying down beside Dominique, I caressed her upper arm until I fell asleep myself.