This is the first chapter of a continuing story. Although some chapters may stand on their own, for proper character development and story line intensity, this series is a continuous story and should be read as such.
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She was my new boss. Auburn hair tied up in a bun. Prim and proper business attire. A no nonsense business suit and heels was the norm. A pearl necklace was always around her neck. If you'd look up "stuck up bitch" in the dictionary, there'd be a picture of her. I think she had a nice figure in there somewhere, but it was very difficult to tell, and I didn't have the desire to know.
Her attitude was just as stuffy as her dress code. She ran the office with near military protocol. "Don't be late or pay the price. Do your job well, or you can be replaced." This was her mantra.
For some reason, she seemed to be on my case, from the start. The first day, she asked me "some people work better when mad, and some work better when happy. Which type are you?"
Well, I hope you can guess how I answered. But, the way she treated me after that, you wouldn't think she had believed me. In fact, from that day on, she didn't seem to find much I was doing right.
Now, don't get me wrong, here. I'm not the best worker. But, I couldn't help but come to the conclusion that she was trying to get me to quit. That's how bad it was.
Soon, I really began to hate going to work. This was bad, because I don't like working a job I hate. I subscribe to the school of thought that if you hate your job, you won't live as long. The stress of going to a place where you aren't respected or appreciated can certainly take its toll.
It's even worse when you have no other option but to continue subjecting yourself to it. The tension is high, and your nerves are on edge. You become a clock-watcher. You can't wait for the workday to end. This then, became my life. It looked to me that the new boss was out to get me, and not in a good way.
A couple of weeks ago, it looked like everything was coming to a head. I couldn't seem to do anything to satisfy her. My work was sub par, and getting worse. In staff meetings, some of my best stuff was used as how not to do it. Of course, my name wasn't used, but she and I knew.
After the meeting, she said our department was behind and overtime was necessary to bring it back up to speed. She mentioned several names, and mine was among them. I figured I should keep my mouth shut, because I was already in the doghouse. I decided to stay and work the overtime, without incident.
My job position was the last to get the work, as I was the finish man. I made everything look pretty, after the rough in work was done. The evening ran long. As each worker finished their work, they went home. At the end, everyone was gone, except for the boss and me.
I hadn't thought of that, when I agreed to work over. In fact, if I had thought about it, I might have decided differently. Being at work with this lady was bad enough. But, being alone in the office with her only a couple of flights above me, was very close to hell.
My work finished, I quickly cleaned up my area, in the hopes that I would get out and avoid a confrontation with her. I really didn't trust myself to be cordial, if she happened to criticize me, one on one.
Then, I heard a "ding" on my computer. That ding meant I had received an interoffice email. I checked, and I couldn't believe it. She wanted to see me before I left. Damn, if I had only left a few minutes sooner!
I delayed it as long as I could. On my way out, I rode the elevator up the two flights to the executive suites. Muzak was doing its best to chop up a Beatles tune. Just my luck. I love the Beatles, but that wasn't the Beatles.
The elevator doors opened, and the hallway was dark. Only every fourth ceiling light was working. The night system had kicked in. I walked down the hall to the reception area. Behind that was her office. I knocked on the closed door, and she told me to come in.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. But, when I walked in, I couldn't believe my eyes. My mouth dropped open in disbelief at what I saw. Standing there, in front of me was my new boss. But, she was stark naked.
Her wrists were behind her back, and her ankles were tied together with white rope. And to top it all off, there was a red ball gag hanging around her neck, where those pearls used to be. It took me a while to catch my breath. There was a figure underneath all of that business attire. I stood there, speechless.
Finally, she said something. "I guess you're wondering what this is all about."
"Well, yeah, you could say that."
"I don't think you noticed, but when I first saw you, I liked what I saw. And, when I like something, I get it. That's the kind of woman I am."
"I don't understand. You're always on my case, from day one. Now, you're telling me you like me? What kind of stupid logic is that?"
"Well, I understand your confusion. Please let me explain."
"Please do. I can't wait to hear this."
She leaned back against her desk, and began to tell me the strangest story of a life where she loves to take risks for the thrill of it. She said life at the top was boring, and she started her risk taking for fun. As it turned out, she found she loved it, and these risks evolved.
"So, you can see," she continued, "this has been a risk I've been taking with you, ever since the beginning. I've been difficult with you for a reason. It was all part of my plan."
"Plan? I'm really sorry, but you're still not making sense. Why are you standing there, naked?"
"Well, taking risks is sometimes an art. It starts out by taking a chance here or there, but it has become quite involved at times. This is one of those times."
"I'm still not getting..."
"Please, just shut up and listen to me!"
Ah, there was that attitude. Looking at her like that, I'd almost forgotten who she was. She was quite lovely, actually. I was impressed with her body, at least.
"I've taken chances for years, now. My position has allowed me to go as far as my imagination will allow. This time, I've taken a chance to fulfill a desire I've had for a long time. I'm sure you know I've not been completely fair with you. Actually, I've done my best to piss you off, at times. Have I succeeded?"
"Oh, yes, I think that's safe to say."
"Good. Now, we come to why I'm standing here, naked and bound in front of you. Like I said, I take risks. These risks are for thrills. Over the years, I've gone to a great deal of trouble just for the thrill of it. This is one of those times. I've always had the desire to be alone in my office, and be confronted with a male employee that I've made angry."
I listened as she continued this strange tale. My mouth was still hanging open, and as dry as a bone. I was truly astounded at what I was hearing.
"Like I said, when I first saw you, I knew you were the one I thought could make this happen. So, I began the task of telling you everything you did was less than sufficient. All of your work was lacking and your attitude was poor. I went out of my way to piss you off. Did I succeed in this?"
