The Summer of Francesca

"It was last fall; his name was Eugene, ma'am. We had dated a couple of times and gone to bed. I had a glass of that wine and I was feeling bold, so when he told me what to do I went along. He pushed me over a big leather chair, lifted up my skirt and pulled my panties down.

"I struggled at first. He pinned me down till I stopped, then he rode me for the longest time. I cried out once and he told me to be quiet. I was in heaven, I wanted it to last forever. When he was done he let me stand up. My panties were still around my ankles, I forgot and nearly fell over but I didn't care. On the way home I felt him warm inside me, I was gentle and light as a feather, I smiled at strangers and wanted to tell them why.

"Something had changed but I didn't know what. I never thought it would affect my career; getting ahead was all I cared about up to then.

"The next time was a few days later; he didn't give me any wine this time but he didn't need to. I snuggled up to him and put my head on his chest and asked him in the most seductive way I knew if he would have me like that tonight. He said he might, if I did everything he said. I really wanted it; I told him I'd do anything, I was his.

"He made me give him my shoes; as I handed them over I realized - it was snowing out - I wouldn't be able to go home till he let me. He took them into his bedroom, and I heard him talk with someone in there, another man.

"He came out with a box and ordered me to undress. His voice was stern; no one ever spoke to me like that before.

"He opened the box and told me to put these on (Anne looked toward her neck, wrists, and feet). When I saw the collar I asked where the key went; he said there was none, I could wear them as long as I wanted or have them sawed off.

"I didn't hesitate, though; that seemed to please him. I put the collar on, then the bracelets and the anklets. They were cold.

"He told me to turn around and put my hands behind me and he fastened the bracelets together. He asked me if I was 'greased' this time; when I realized what he meant I said no. He frowned and I saw I should have. Then he put a handkerchief in my mouth and tied it in place with another one.

"I was a little afraid by then, what he was going to do to me next, but I liked that. He motioned for me to bend over the leather chair again and held me down. It was wonderful, so much better with my hands tied.

"He stayed in me for a while after, then I heard the other man say something; he must have come out while Eugene was using me. There I was, bent over wearing only my collar and bracelets, offering myself to him. That was the start of our relationship. He pulled me open and had me; it was easier because he was the second one if you know what I mean.

"At first he worked me slowly, trying me out, then faster till he finished. He made me stand up and squeezed my breasts and ran his hand between my legs, then he turned to Eugene and said "OK, ten percent at the sale." Eugene nodded; then he freed my hands and poured drinks for the two of them and told me I could untie my gag.

"The knot was very tight and I struggled with it while they watched and joked about how I looked with my breasts wiggling. Back then I had long nails, I thought they were very grand. Now my owners cut them short so I can't scratch anything. He told me to get dressed. They sat around by the fireplace talking about my value, and training me, and other things I didn't understand at the time.

"I think they almost forgot I was there, but I couldn't leave without my shoes. So after a few minutes I raised my hand. 'Sir, please, my shoes...' He got up to get them while the other man took a card from his pocket and handed it to me. 'Skip lunch tomorrow and be at my place seven PM - sharp. Do you understand?' 'Yes, sir.'"

On the card was just a street address and apartment number. She would be giving myself into the hands of a nameless stranger for a course of instruction she could not guess at.

"Then Eugene brought out my shoes and they went back to their drinks and ignored me while I put them on and left. I never heard from Eugene again."

"I know why," said Francesca to Anne's surprise. "He was scouting you for Paul's syndicate. He's very good at it; he spotted you right away. The syndicate has over a dozen girls from him.

"They made good money when they sold you to Mr. Schuyler. Carol and Frank are in it too. Mr. Schuyler owns some shares himself."

His words in the courtyard came back to her: "I have asked Paul to watch for a replacement". Perhaps Eugene had already found one. Her days here were numbered.

She shook her head to clear it. Francesca took this as a comment on Eugene's perfidy.

"But think, little one; would you have agreed if you knew? Chances are you'd say no and not be here now."

She thought a moment. "Yes ma'am, you're right. They knew what was best for me." She smiled at Francesca and snuggled up against her leg.

Anne continued her story. Her next day at work was spent in a state of nervous anticipation and unusual passivity. Normally vocal and assertive, quick to defend her own interests, she was quiet and docile. Several of her co-workers noticed this and her new collar and bracelets; they said nothing to her but exchanged looks and comments.

After she left her office for the day, she went to a small pharmacy she had never visited before. The clerk behind the counter was a young Italian with straight black hair; he grinned as she explained her need for a lubricant. "For the love behind, eh?" He took her into the back of the store, bent her over a table and showed her how to apply it. He might have done more, but customers began calling for him and laughing; she realized she was visible through the open door. She followed him a minute later, avoiding the gaze of the others as she hurried out to the street with the tube in her hand. Too late, she remembered she left her panties behind.

Back at her apartment she worked it in liberally until she could be penetrated with ease. Something in it eased the discomfort she still felt there from yesterday. After applying a light floral scent between her breasts she put on a string of pearls and a pair of bright gold earrings that stood out against her pink skin. Then she dressed, making sure each garment could be removed quickly by herself or her date.

Finally the time came for her evening appointment. She did not wear a watch since it might interfere with her new bracelets, so she left for the address on the card several minutes early. There was a clock in the lobby of his building; she hoped it was accurate. The row of mailboxes listed the names of tenants, but she did not look at it; he would tell her when he chose to.