Dominique’s call at 2 am, had roused him from a deep sleep. Their session lasted over two hours and exhausted him completely. Over that time, they consumed two bottles of wine. Due to the strenuous activity, most of the alcohol wore off before he left. but it still contributed to his need for sleep. Michael dozed off as soon as his head hit the pillow.
True to Dominique's warning, in the morning, a piss boner threatened was trying to break out of the cage he was wearing. Michael rushed to the bathroom for some much-needed relief and was rewarded with a stream running down his leg when he forgot to sit down. Cursing his absent mindedness, he sat down but not before his underwear and bathmat were stained with urine. Besides wearing a device that prevented erections, having to sit to pee was humiliating even in private. Despite his misgivings, at this point, the only option left was to adjust to the situation.
After relieving himself, Michael decided his best course of action was to follow Dominique's recommendations: exercise, meditation, and as a last resort, a cold shower. He knew nothing about meditation except for her brief explanation and the shower seemed like some form of torture. That left exercise as the most logical place to start. Michael dressed in his running clothes and headed out the door. He always ran the same route, around the park at the end of the block. once around measured 2.5 miles. His average time was usually eighteen minutes, not much more than a jog for someone supposed to be in shape. Today would be different.
Dominique's advice was strenuous exercise. If it would help him deal with the restrictions imposed on his sexuality, it was worth trying. Michael checked his watch before starting his run. When the second hand reached the top of the dial, he began at a pace much faster than his usual run. Michael wondered how long he could maintain it all the way. He found wearing the device did not interfere any more than wearing a jockstrap with a safety cup.
Half of the way through the lap, as his strength started to fade, a rush of endorphins surged into his body. For a moment, his mind went blank save for the sensations caused by his exertion. He could hear his breath rasping as it flowed in and out of his lungs but no longer felt the ache inherent with prolonged heavy breathing. His feet pounded the pavement, but he felt no impact. It was almost like he was flowing through the air, propelled by an unseen force. His arms swinging in time with his stride, Michael crossed his starting point and kept going.
Suddenly Dominique appeared in his mind, applauding his effort, and cheering him on. A deep desire to please her fortified Michael and kept him going. He took no notice of the other runners he passed. A few of the more competitive tried to match his pace and soon fell away. His only focus was the image of Dominique he carried. That perfect alabaster face shining with approval. Those piercing blue eyes sparkling with pride. His run was in tune with the world. Michael felt like he could go on forever. That is until he rounded the last corner.
Michael's endorphins and adrenalin were spent. He could see his finish line three hundred yards away but the body that carried him this far and was demanding he rest. Ignoring his pain, he dug deep for the will to continue. Dominique's visage stayed with him, shouting for him to continue for just a few seconds more. Totally exhausted, he crossed the finish, collapsed onto the grass, and rolled onto his back long enough to check his time. Five miles in twenty-six minutes! Michael had to check twice. It didn't seem possible. It wasn't worthy of an Olympic athlete, but it was far faster than he ever imagined.
He lay on his back in the grass for a long moment, gasping for air and trying to gather his strength. Michael's ragged breathing slowed as his muscles recovered, enabling an attempt to stand. He levered himself to his feet on unsteady legs and stumbled into an epiphany. Except for the fire she lit in his ass, his current condition was the same as the last time he crawled off Dominique's lap during their first meeting. By the time, his spanking was over, he was sweating profusely and gasping for air. His muscles ached, and his legs were so wobbly she had to help him into the corner.
He was beginning to understand her lessons. Dominique's words on that occasion came back to him. 'I will take you to your limits and push you past them.' What she did with her paddle had the same result as what he accomplished with today's run. Pushed his body to its limits and then gone beyond them. Dominique showed him that exceeding one’s limits would enable you to do things beyond your imagination. Though her instruction came in an erotic context. it could be applied to any facet of one's life. Michael mulled this over as he walked home. He was proud of his workout as well as the understanding that came afterward. He yearned to talk to her. He needed to tell her of his revelation but knew better than to try.
The time until their next meeting seemed to grind to a halt. For the next two days, Michael tried to find things to keep busy, but his thoughts kept returning to memories of Dominique. He threw himself into his work. Sundays were usually reserved for leisure activities, but only the deep concentration required to practice his trade could ward off the lustful thoughts he was trying to suppress. Finally, to his great relief, Tuesday evening arrived, and it was time to meet his Mistress.
Fearing the penalty for being late, Michael entered the lobby of Le Maison de Cuisine fifteen minutes early. Alicia greeted him with cool politeness. The slight smile that creased her face told him she remembered his naked stroll through Raina’s kitchen.
“Good evening, Mr. Gallagher. I trust you’re feeling better this evening.” Michael blushed deeply at her veiled reference to their last meeting and wondered how many times he would have to endure similar comments.
“Yes, thank you, Alicia.” No matter how hard he tried to hide his humiliation, Michael could not prevent his voice from cracking. “I have a date with Ms. Francon tonight. Has she arrived?”
“No, she has not,” Alicia replied formally. “Please have a seat until she does.” She pointed to a padded bench set against the far wall. Michael mumbled his thanks and complied with her instructions. He did not want a repeat of Raina’s painful lesson. He waited patiently as 7:00 came and went. By the time Dominique finally strolled through the door, his anxiety had reached the end of his endurance and Michael leapt to his feet. Flawless alabaster skin framed by lustrous raven hair and clad in a sleeveless black dress she was the epitome of loveliness. Daunting blue eyes and her commanding presence stopped him in his tracks.
“Do not make a scene, Child. Greet me formally.” She offered her hand, arched an eyebrow, and waited patiently.
“May I say you are a captivating vision.” Michael pressed his lips to the back of her hand. “My eyes are not worthy to behold such beauty.” The scent of her perfume held him spellbound until dulcet tones roused him from his trance.
“Your compliment is appreciated but I would rather hear how you fared over the last few days.” Dominique withdrew her hand and turned to Raina’s hostess.
“Give us a few moments of privacy once we are seated before you send Suzanne over. We have some things to discuss before we will be ready to order.”
“Yes, Ma’am. May I tell Ms. Delacroix you are here?”
“Ask her to join us for an aperitif after we’ve dined, if she is not too busy.” Dominique led Michael through the dining room to her customary table and waved to the chair on the other side after he seated her.
“Sit and tell me of your trials. Your story will determine our activities tonight.” Dominique’s intimidating eyes showed no emotion as Michael related the events of the last few days, omitting nothing. Anything short of the complete truth would earn consequences he did want to face. As his tale wound to its end, Dominique’s eyes softened, her face relaxing into a slight smile. When he spoke of his new understanding and the way it came to him, she gave him the one thing he craved most: a nod of approval.
“You are a quick study and have done well, Child. This level of understanding is not usually attained in so short a time. We have cause to celebrate.” Dominique raised her hand and snapped her fingers, grabbing Suzanne’s attention. The pretty waitress responded at once, but her usual beaming smile was replaced by a tight-lipped frown that was almost a grimace. She was not happy to find Michael sharing a table with her mistress.
“Good evening, Ma’am. It’s so nice to see you again.” Suzanne managed a smile for Dominique while ignoring Michael completely. “What can I do for you tonight?”
“Two champagne cocktails, please. Mr. Gallagher and I have things to discuss. We are going to linger a bit and are not ready to order. That will be all for now. Thank you, Flower.” Dominique waved her hand in a curt dismissal. She recognized the snub directed a Michael and returned it in kind. Suzanne’s smile disappeared. Since Michael entered Dominique’s life, she felt neglected. Now, she was afraid he was taking her place. Dominique’s rebuff wounded her deeply. On the verge of tears, she placed the order for their drinks and returned with a pitcher of water.
“All of Ms. Raina’s recipes are excellent.” she offered. “But the veal delivered today is of superior quality. The scaloppini is the best she ever made.” She poured Dominique’s water hoping her suggestion would help her return to her Lady’s good graces.
“I am in the mood for shellfish tonight,” was Dominique’s response. A friendly acknowledgment of Suzanne’s effort was not forthcoming. Emotional turmoil overruled her common sense and she acted without thinking. Suzanne filled Michael’s water glass. As she turned to leave her elbow brushed against the vessel, sending its contents into his lap as it tipped over. Michael leapt to his feet, his chair flying into the patron dining behind him. Shocked by the ice-cold liquid soaking into his groin and humiliated by the spreading stain over his crotch, he had an outburst of his own.
“You did that on purpose,” he declared. “You fu…” Michael managed to stop himself before uttering the curse that would have sealed his fate.
“I’m very sorry, Mr. Gallagher.” Suzanne could barely contain her glee. “I assure you it was an accident. I’ve been very clumsy today and I apologize.” Dominique glared at them both. There would be consequences for each, but Suzanne was her target for the moment.
“Perhaps you need an extended lesson on staying focused,” she hissed, her voice full of malicious intent. “I am not a fortune-teller, but I can see it in your near future.” Suzanne blanched. Dominique’s threats had to be taken seriously. “Bring our drinks and some towels for my guest before I call Ms. Delacroix from the kitchen to see what you have done.”
“Yes, Ma’am. At once.” Suzanne scurried to obey, a storm of butterflies raging in her stomach and her bottom cheeks clenching involuntarily. She prayed the two Dommes would not decide to punish her together.
“What did I ever do to her.” Michael apologized to the startled man struck by his chair before righting it and taking his place opposite Dominique. “That was uncalled for. She was very rude.”
“So were you,” Dominique replied. Once more, your impulsive behavior proves I named you correctly. They fell silent when Suzanne returned, a tray with their champagne balanced on one hand and several bar towels clutched in the other. There were no more missteps as she handed Michael the towels and served the drinks.
“Leave us now, Flower.” We will not be ready to order until these are done. Pay attention. I will not summon you.” A wave of her hand dismissed Suzanne once again. She hurried away, choking back her tears. With that situation handled for the moment, Dominique turned her attention back to Michael.
“Your rudeness tonight is a discussion for another time. There are other things that are more important. Now you understand why I push you to the end of your endurance. The pain of great exertion is the only way you can improve.” Dominique raised her glass and waited for Michael to do the same. “To you, Child. I applaud this achievement. Very few have found this truth as quickly.” Michael joined her as she sipped her cocktail.
“I have a toast of my own,” Michael declared. “My teacher, my mentor, and my guide, here’s to my Mistress. I am yours forever.” Dominique smiled as she raised her glass once more. Would Michael still feel this way if he knew what she had in store for him?
“This is not the end of your journey,” she said softly. “It is only the end of the beginning. The path ahead is one you must be prepared for. We will take the first steps tonight.” Dominique raised her glass once more and they drained them in unison. Before their glasses returned to the table, Suzanne was standing beside them.
“May I take your order now, Ma’am?” She had recovered enough to speak without her voice cracking, but the sadness in her eyes was plain for all to see.
“Yes, Flower. We will start with Oysters Rockefeller and then Lobster Thermidor. Please ask Ms. Delacroix to select a wine for us.” Dominique was not unsympathetic to Suzanne’s plight, but was not ready to let the young woman off the hook.
“Very good, Ma’am. I will return with your wine.” Dominique’s interaction with Suzanne puzzled Michael. It was evident from her use of a nickname that there was a relationship. He needed to know what kind and how it affected him.
“May I ask a question?” Michael was very tentative. He knew he was walking on eggshells.
“You may ask, but I may not answer. Some things are of no concern to you.” Michael thought hard before posing his question. He was trying to find a way to get an answer without rousing her ire.
“If I am overstepping my bounds, please forgive me. I mean no disrespect. I have heard you refer to Suzanne as ‘Flower’ several times. This seems to be a name bestowed upon her like the one you gave me.” Michael found it difficult to refer to himself as ‘Child’. It was like being made to stare at a reflection you did not want to see.
“What I need to know,” he swallowed hard and threw caution to the wind, “Will your relationship with her affect my standing with you?” He searched Dominique’s face trying to discern her reaction. Her expression might have been carved in stone. The stare that bored in his skull made him very uneasy without betraying her thoughts. He lowered his eyes, unable to hold her gaze any longer. Dominique reached across the table and lifted his chin, forcing him to peer into her eyes.
“I have known Flower long before you and I met. Why would you assume it would alter our arrangement? It seems you two have a common problem: each other. This is not acceptable. Jealousy is something I will not allow. Neither of you has the right to question me.” Michael was about to apologize when Suzanne appeared with their wine.
“Ms. Delacroix suggested Bandol Rose.” Suzanne extended the bottle for Dominique’s approval. “She said a high-quality Provencal would go well with a heavy sauce like thermidor. I hope you find it satisfactory.”
“I’m sure it will be fine. You may open it.” Suzanne did as instructed and left after Dominique tasted and gave her approval. She could sense the uncomfortable silence hovering around the table and took some satisfaction knowing she wasn’t the only one in trouble.
“This is not the conversation I wanted to have with you,” Dominique spoke softly as she poured Michael a glass of wine. “You have done well and are ready for the next step. That is what I wanted this evening to be about, but it has become something else. I am disturbed by this conflict between you and Flower. That is the matter that needs to be addressed. I recognize that you have doubts and need to be reassured so I will tell you about Flower.” Dominique sipped her wine and paused as she was gathered old memories.
“Like you, she belongs to me. In fact, we met in a similar way though not in a bar. It was here, in this very restaurant. She approached me the same way you did. Entranced by my presence, she begged for my attention. In our first encounter, she opened to me like a blooming rose. Hence her name: Flower. She is mine and will be for as long as it benefits both of us. The same is true of you. Neither relationship will interfere with the other in any way. You must accept that.” Dominique fell silent as their appetizer arrived. She had nothing more to add anyway.
Michael was more conflicted after her explanation. Being told their relationship was on firm footing was what he needed to hear. Anything short of that would have been devastating. He incorrectly assumed they were exclusive and having to share her with someone else was a different matter. Coming to terms with it would not be easy. As they ate. Dominique resumed the conversation but took in a different direction. The evening's events were completely ignored. They spoke of Michael’s progress and her pride in his achievements. When they finished dining, she had another surprise for him.
“You have your car here?” Her question caught him off guard. Was he being dismissed, or did she want to ride with him? It was neither.
“Yes, it’s parked out front.”
“Good. I have some things to finish here. Be at my studio in ninety minutes.” It was a dismissal, but not for the evening. The delay would be difficult, but not intolerable. After Michael left, Suzanne reappeared beaming with satisfaction. If she had anything to do with his departure, the consequences for her little stunt with the water glass would be worth the consequences.
“Is there anything I can do for you, My Lady,” she asked as she cleared the table. “Something from the bar, perhaps.” Suzanne’s tacit offer of service and her barely contained glee irritated Dominique
“Young woman, you have already dug a hole for yourself. Don’t make it any deeper.” Suzanne paled at her warning. She was going to regret going too far. “There is one thing I require. Please ask Ms. Delacroix to join me at her earliest convenience.” Suzanne disappeared into the kitchen and Raina came out almost as quickly. One look at Dominique sitting by herself was enough to cause for alarm.