Desire now rages through me, firmly trapped in the car seat as I am, while I watch you; your soft smile as your fingers smooth the wayward strands of my hair back into their sleek knot before they move to caress my neck.
'We are nearly there,' you whisper and that voice sends whips of heat spiralling through me again.
Once more fear begins to reign supreme... spreading like a dark stain all through me. Oh God, the looks I will be getting, hands handcuffed behind me with my back on display revealing firm evidence of your whipping.
Too soon the car begins to slow and you manoeuvre us into a parking space. The crunch of feet on gravel tells me you are coming around to open the car door and I swing my legs out and stand up shakily. This will not be an easy night for your slave. You know instinctively what thoughts are rushing through my head and pause for a second before unlocking the boot of the car, drawing out a black satin box complete with blood red ribbon.
'A present for my slave,' you say the beginnings of a smile playing around your lips. 'Would you like me to open it for you?'
Very funny, I think and give you a wry smile.
'Yes please,' I reply in return.
You slip the lid of the box open to reveal a beautifully embroidered, long black silk scarf which you unfold before me.
'Does the slave wish to try it on?' you enquire.
Oh you lovely Master, I think and my eyes begin to sparkle once more. I begin to see hope blossom for the evening.
'Yes please,' another whisper, my throat surprisingly tight with emotion.
Gently the material is wrapped around my neck and you position the long trailing ends of the shawl to drape down my back. It will do a good deal towards helping disguise my stripes and covering my cuffs. I will not be quite as conspicuous as previously feared. I can almost breathe again.
'Thank you,' I say... sincerely grateful for your thoughtfulness... and my eyes once more return to yours... darkening with desire for the evening ahead.
We walk towards the restaurant slowly, your arm interlocked in the curve of my elbow and never have those metal cuffs felt heavier on my hands. I can hear the metal chain linking them jingle at each step, the soft brush of the shawl flapping against my throbbing back which teases the angry red stripes, tormenting me even as it arouses me.
Panic is all consuming now as the soft lights of the intimate French restaurant loom closer. Your lips brush my ear once more to murmur 'breathe'. You have felt my body stiffen, sensed the distress tightly coiling within your slave. I try to obey. A deep gasp of air from me then, realising I have unconsciously been holding it.
The gentle tug of your arm guides me forward, up the shallow stone steps and into the cozy glow of candles which decorate the bar. I take a cautious seat beside you, wary of my cuffs and the way they put me off balance. My usual smile isn't forthcoming as the barman takes our order. From the corner of my eye I try to work out whether he has noticed the fact that I don't have the use of my arms. Apparently not, for he seems blithely unconcerned and departs with smooth efficiency.
The gentle ambient music seeping through the bar slowly soothes and wraps itself around me helping to unwind some of my tightness. I am going about this evening the wrong way. My submission, my devotion to you... it should be worn proudly for all to see. Never have I been so enamoured, so in love or so wildly aroused by another. A smile then, as my eyes connect with yours, reflecting the lust I see there and mirroring it.
A hand begins to stroke the velvet of my black dress, teasing at my stocking tops and a moan escapes me. I can feel the heat of your hand through the fine lace and my thighs part almost of their own accord while you smile wickedly - well aware of the devastating effect you have on me.
'My slave is impatient hmm?' you ask. A helpless nod answers that question. 'Well she will have to wait.' That much, however, I knew already.
The drinks arrive swiftly, glasses sparkling on a silver platter. The barman places them in front of us with a flourish and is quickly on his way again. Slowly the panic subsides within me and little by little I can feel myself relaxing; watching as you pick up your drink and take a sip, as I looking longingly at mine.
'Not drinking this evening?' another of those wicked grins.