I should begin by clarifying that the event I am about to describe to you is completely true and was somewhat life changing for me. Though the information I will divulge to you in this 'story' seems like a fantasy that could only possibly be devised by a porn writer or a very imaginative teenager, this took place just over seven months ago at the previous company I was employed at. It was a small firm with around 30 staff members, and at the time of my employment there I was one of only 11 women, most of them much older than I. Naturally, I have changed the participants names so as not to incriminate.
It's a Friday evening and as it's pay day, I have been strong armed into joining the workforce for drinks at a bar in central London. By the time the few women I work alongside have finished the one drink they have allowed themselves, they hurriedly say their goodbyes and disappear to their respective homes. The scene I am left to enjoy is akin to A-level results day at an all boys independent school. The men are drunk far too early into the night and become rather detestable company. Raucous laughter fills the bar area with such regularity that other patrons have chosen to move on, and I use the commotion as a chance to make my own exit. Just as I reach the door to leave, my managing director, Marcus, comes back inside after finishing a cigarette. He is a handsome man in his mid thirties, around 6'2" with short, mousy brown hair and dark green eyes. Though he is dressed in one of his many work suits, I have seen him in casual attire once of twice before and I am certain he has a muscular, toned body. He stops in his tracks and I can already smell a potent mixture of cologne and scotch.
"Where are you going?" he slurs.
"Home, Marcus. I'm tired," I reply, quickly losing patience.
His eyes wander from my face, down my body to my heels and back up again.
"You needn't go just yet, have a drink with me. I never get to talk to you any more!"
I should point out at this point that I had shared an inebriated kiss with Marcus at the previous Christmas party. I cannot deny that I found him very attractive but like so many men I have met, alcohol causes such a dramatic shift in his personality that he behaves no better than a brute.I move toward the door and mutter under my breath "Goodnight, Marcus". As I pass him, his hand swoops in and grasps the left cheek of my buttocks firmly. I spin my head around, glaring at him as I break free and leave.
It's Monday morning and I am in the girls lavatory applying a deep red lipstick. I pause for a moment to observe my form in the full length mirror. My long auburn locks fall to my shoulders where they are met by a long sleeve white silk blouse with black collar and cuffs. Below, a black satin pencil skirt hugs my curves. I can just make out the faint outline of my underwear through the blouse; a matching set in red satin with black lace detailing. Bra, suspender waspie and tie side thong, completed by nude stockings with a black seam. My heels as always are very high, on this occasion I am sporting red suede peep toe courts with a 5" stiletto heel. I choose to dress this way whenever I can, not necessarily from a desire to garner attention from potential partners, rather because I enjoy feeling sexy. Material is key to this, satin and silk being my natural favourites, though mesh and lace also have a place in my underwear cupboard.
Hours later, I am sat at my desk answering a call from an important client of the business. Over the top of my desk I see Marcus and the sales director, Hugo, leave the boardroom an begin pacing toward the elevators. Hugo is much younger than Marcus, closer to myself in age though I have never enquired as to his exact birth date. He is far less sophisticated than Marcus, with a scruffy, boyish look about him. Jet black tousled hair and designer stubble, he is not unattractive but he exudes arrogance, regularly displaying a level of self worship that would make the most appealing of men seem utterly repulsive. As they pass my desk, Marcus glances at me and then promptly turns to Hugo, muttering something I simply cannot make out. Hugo lets out a guttural laugh before proceeding to look me up and down as he continues on. I am glad when they are out of sight.
It's now close to six and most of my colleagues have left for the evening. I still have a number of letters and emails to compose, yet I feel somewhat unnerved by the presence of Hugo and Marcus, who are once again congregating in the boardroom. I notice a set of eyes peeking through the blinds at me, yet as my eyes meet theirs, the blind closes once more. Laughter fills the room and I shudder, deliberating whether to leave and catch up tomorrow or stay a little longer. Whether it be an obstinate attitude to my work or plain stupidity, I stay. Before long, I have completed my tasks and start to pack my handbag. As I stand up, it becomes apparent that I am alone on the office floor. I make haste to tidy my desk but as I turn to leave, as voice calls me name from the direction of the board room. I turn and see Marcus, motioning with his hand for me to join him.
"We need to have a discussion, Hannah. Please come in."
I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and walk through the door that is promptly closed behind me. On the other side of a large, oval desk, is sat a rather smug looking Hugo.
"Sit down, please" Marcus tells me. I sit, soon to be joined at the table my Marcus, who sits beside Hugo. They have a devious look about them, as criminals devoid of remorse would look at trial.
"How long have you worked here now, Hannah?" Marcus asks.
Confused by this extraneous question, I respond accordingly "At least two years, I would think."
"And in those two years" he continued, "not one man in this office has been granted permission to fuck you!"
At this point, you would expect any woman to retort courageously, taking great umbrage at such blatant misogyny. Yet, I hesitate.
"Excuse me?" I stutter.
Hugo sniggers.
"You heard him. I think it's time we saw if you're any good!" He exclaims before rising from his seat. Doing the same, Marcus then proceeds to walk around the desk and place his hands on my frozen shoulders. He leans down and whispers in my ear.
"Play along. It's in your best interests. I'll keep him in check and I promise, your silence will be well compensated."
Before I can form a response, I feel Hugo's hands grasp my arms and pull them behind the chair, before binding my wrists with what I can only assume is a plastic cable tie. Together, they lift me up on the chair and move me away from the table, before placing me down and standing side by side before me.