Jack begins Claire's training with a series of tests, having found Claire to be a willing student.
New readers of this series should read the previous chapters. While this chapter stands on its own, the perspective of previous chapters improves the overall story.
The remainder of Sunday, after our nap, I left Claire to her own devices. I had some work to catch up on, and I left her watching TV. I thought she should have some time to think on the events of the last two days. We went to bed early snuggling together.
Next morning, Claire was still snuggled up against me deep in sleep. I slipped from the bed, relieved myself in the bathroom, donned a pair of shorts, and headed downstairs to the basement. Past the playroom was a well-outfitted exercise room, with sauna, and next to it an endless pool. Past that was the garage.
I jumped on the stationary bike and spent twenty minutes warming up. It had been three days since I last exercised at the hotel in Hong Kong and I had energy to burn, not to mention some pent up frustration. It had been a long time since I had had a woman, but Claire's presence reminded my body all too well what it had been missing. I relieved myself every now and then when the urge struck, but I had been living a more or less monastic life since Serena died.
Several rotations on the machines and then on to the free weights. After an hour I had worked up a good sweat and was feeling that well-earned ache in my muscles. I moved to the pool and began to swim. This was the exercise I enjoyed the most. The repetitive rhythm allowed my mind to move into its own little world. When I felt the current ease at the end of the timer I stood up. Only then did I notice Claire kneeling by the steps. She had a towel under her knees which were spread to shoulder width and another at her side. He hands rested on her thighs, back straight, shoulders back, and eyes cast down.
"How long have you been there?"
"About twenty minutes." She cast her lidded eyes over at me from under her hair.
Sternly I replied, "About twenty minutes... what?"
Looking down again she said, "About twenty minutes, Sir."
"Better." I had thought that rather than list out rules I would see how well she naturally adapted. She already kneeled when required. A few corrections here and there and we would see how she did.
As I climbed the steps she asked, "May I dry you, Master?"
"Not today, I wish to talk." She took the towel in both hands and held it up to me, head bowed.
I dried my self perfunctorily and sat in a wicker chair, legs spread, my flaccid cock hanging down. She turned to face me.
Looking her over I noticed that her bruises had faded again in the night. Only her face was still obvious.
"Look at me!"
Her head rose as she looked me straight in the eye. "Yes, Master."
"Who told you to kneel?"
She looked puzzled, then responded. "It seemed appropriate, Master. Last night, while you slept I got up and used your computer to research the BDSM lifestyle. That is what this is, is it not?"
I was somewhat taken aback. When first I had seen Claire she had not struck me as particularly bright. I hadn't thought her stupid, as I would not have chosen her; just average. I was beginning to realize that perhaps she had seemed foolish due to coping with a difficult situation using learned responses that were ill chosen. I did not know any of her history.
"Hmm, so, if you have educated yourself, have you had any misgivings about what you decided last night?"
She considered this question before responding. "Master, I would say that I wish to take advantage of the month you have given me to learn more. I admit the thought of being your submissive holds a certain attraction. When I submit to you I feel a comfort in leaving everything up to you. But there is still a big part of me that is afraid to let go."
"I see. Well, we have the month to educate you. I am pleased so far with your behavior. What about breakfast?" I thought I might have caught her out, but here she was prepared as well.
"Peter is here already and he is getting breakfast ready. It should be another twenty minutes."
"Hmm, I told Peter I didn't need him until next Monday. It would seem he has little faith in my judgment. Did you walk into the kitchen like that?"
She grinned. "No, Master. I wore a robe. Peter didn't strike me as someone who would be comfortable with me naked."
I laughed. "So, if we have twenty minutes let us begin with a bit of education. First, you do not need to call me Master or Sir when we are talking. I only require it in response to a question or command. Do you understand?"
She nodded, "Yes, Sir?"
"I do expect you to kneel when with me at all times when we are in private, unless I say otherwise. During meals and when in social situations we will talk as equals. When I expect you again to kneel I will say 'Attend'. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"You will obey me in all ways no matter what the situation. Is that understood."
She hesitated, "Even in public?"
"Even in public. Obedience is non-negotiable. It is the backbone of our relationship. Remember, you are submitting to me. This is your choice."
Claire chewed her lip for a full thirty seconds before nodding her head slightly, then whispered, "I will obey you."
"I did not hear you Claire, what was that?"
Eyes blazing, she glared at me, "I will obey you, SIR."
I chose to ignore her tone this time. She would soon learn the consequences of rebellion. Then she would either reject the life, and leave, or she would learn to welcome my domination and we would grow together.
"Come with me." I held out my hand to her and she rose gracefully, as if I had been training her for years. We proceeded to the playroom. She walked like a ballerina on her toes, as if being led across a stage. I again wondered just what kind of gem I had uncovered.
