While I was having my way with Kathleen, Chelsea was meeting Cassandra. Chelsea was nervous as she approached Cassandra's house, and once she had parked and was walking up the sidewalk she nearly turned and left. Then Cassandra opened the door and there was no turning back.
"Hello," she said as Chelsea climbed the steps. She reached a hand to Chelsea and the women shook. "I'm Cassandra Fitzpatrick. We've never been properly introduced. You are Chelsea."
"Hi, Cassandra," Chelsea said demurely, looking down.
"Look at me when you speak, dear. What's your last name?" she asked, still gripping Chelsea's hand.
Chelsea gazed into Cassandra's green eyes and noticed her pouty lips again. "Beauchamp, Chelsea Beauchamp."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Chelsea Beauchamp, please come in. Don't worry, I won't bite."
Chelsea stepped through the door and looked around. Cassandra's home was beautifully appointed, with hardwood floors and white walls, and decorated in light colors. It looked like a page from a home decorating magazine. Chelsea stifled a laugh. For some reason, she'd half expected Cassandra to live in a dark dungeon, with restraints on the walls and burning torches.
"You have a beautiful home."
"Thank you, I try to keep it up. It can be a challenge with a teenage boy flopping around the place. Please have a seat." Cassandra motioned to the sofa, and Chelsea took a seat on one end. Cassandra sat in a chair next to her. Chelsea noticed that Cassandra was wearing the same chain choker as that night in Jason's bedroom but in the full light of day, she could see that the back of the choker was leather and the chain was attached by D-rings that fell under each ear. Chelsea wondered if she'd worn it intentionally, to remind Chelsea of that day, or to embarrass her.
"That's an attractive necklace," Chelsea said.
"Thank you, it means the world to me. It's Jason's."
"Do you mean Jason gave it to you?"
"No, I mean it belongs to Jason, just like I do," Cassandra explained. "It's one of several he's provided me with, to be worn for different occasions. This is my favorite because it was the first one he placed around my neck."
Chelsea regretted asking what she thought was an innocuous question. Now a portion of Jason's and Cassandra's relationship was laid bare, and it was a rather disturbing portion.
"I'm not one for small talk so let me clarify some things," Cassandra began. "Jason said that you were upset when you found me strapped to his bed."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Ma'am is your grandmother. Call me Cass. Only my closest girlfriends call me that, and, well, since you've seen me naked I guess we're pretty close. He said you're afraid of him now."
"Yes. I don't understand how the Jason I've come to know could be so cruel to another human. I'm trying to understand. And it's not like I hide from him, or wince when he touches me. Heck, I still snuggle with him at night and I enjoy spending time with him. It's just that I have this nagging feeling that I might say something, or do something, that will set him off. My ex-husband yelled at me and shoved me. I can't live with a man that would be violent to women. What I saw sure looked like violence toward a woman." She felt her eyes start to well up.
"Let me start with the bottom line, and then we'll go to the kitchen and have lunch. We can talk some more while we have some food and wine. Do you like wine?"
"Yes," Chelsea responded.
"Good. So, you said you fear him, but believe me, you should never fear Jason. The man you thought you knew is the real man. He will not strike you in anger, not ever. I've never even known him to raise his voice in anger."
"That's what he said, Antwon too. But I need to understand why he was doing that to you before I can truly believe it."
"Fair enough, I have lunch set up on the kitchen island. We can sit there and talk more."
They moved to the kitchen where Cassandra had set up a charcuterie board. She poured them each a glass of wine.
"So, first, let's start with terminology. Jason and I have a different kind of relationship. It's called Dominant and submissive, and it's part of what's called BDSM, which stands for Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism. There are as many variations within BDSM, and even within Dom/sub, as there are colors. In our relationship, Jason is the dominant, or Dom, and I am the submissive, or sub. But it's not always gender aligned, where the man is the Dom and the female is the sub, I know of several wealthy and powerful men that enjoy being dominated by a woman. Do you understand so far?"
Chelsea nodded.
"So, what you saw was Bondage and Discipline. I was bound to the bed and he was disciplining me for an alleged transgression that I'd made up. As a form of punishment, Jason and I use a measure of pain. We find that it heightens our sensations and excitement during sex. We both enjoy the pain, him giving it and me receiving it. That's where the S and M come in. Jason is a Sadist, someone who enjoys administering pain, and I am a Masochist, someone who enjoys receiving pain."
"So, you want him to beat you?" It was more of a statement than a question.
"No, don't use that word. It implies something harsh and uncontrolled. The level of pain he inflicts on me, and how he does it is very controlled. Controlled by our agreement, and while he's doing it, by me."
"He said you had some form of contract."
"Yes, and I have it right here. Would you like to see it?"
Chelsea nodded and Cassandra slid the document across the island to her. As she read it, her eyes got big.
"That's very specific."
"Yes, as it should be. This document, and our trust in each other, are what allow us to exchange power. His dominance is an expression of his power. I let him lead, and I surrender my power to him. His connection to my heart allows him to express his strength, power, and authority without being controlling, domineering, or abusive. His devotion to me prevents him from mistreating me. He respects and cares for me more deeply than a lot of husbands do their wives. He creates a safe space for my deep, complete surrender to him."
"He said the same thing. He said you have an almost spiritual connection."
"I am more his than his wife ever was."
"I want that kind of connection with someone someday."
"I don't think what Jason and I do is the only way to get that connection, but I do think you have to ask yourself some questions about any man that you want to be in a relationship with. You need to play Twenty Questions with yourself."
"What questions should I ask?"
"Well, does he listen to you and remember what you say? If he answers "uh huh" or doesn't remember things you have told him, that is a warning sign. Does he spend time with you without expecting anything in return? Trading time together for time out with the boys is not right. Does he make sacrifices for you, even if they're small? Does he miss you when he's not with you? Texting you, or calling you to see how your day is progressing is a healthy sign. Is he always there when you need him? Is he comfortable around you? Does he support your dreams and goals? From what I've heard Jason is pushing you in this area. Does he stand up for you when you can't defend yourself? Does he do thoughtful things for you? It doesn't have to be monetary. Does he keep his promises to you? Does he admire and respect you? Run from a man that disrespects you. Does he give honest and constructive criticism? Does he only want the best for you? Does he listen when you're upset? Do you feel safe around him? Does he pay attention to your likes and dislikes?"
"I could answer yes to all of those when I think of Jason, other than maybe feeling safe, but I do in general, it's just this nagging feeling. He's very strong in those last few questions, supporting me and such."
"Yes, those questions define Jason, whether it's his friends, his lovers, his employees, or me. But I will tell you, he will also push you, push you to be better, and in the case of our relationship, he pushes me to explore my limits. He's never made me do something I didn't want to do, but he has helped me discover things I never imagined I'd beg him for again and again."
They spent the next hour talking more about Cassandra's and Jason's lifestyle and what it means to be dominant or submissive. They also discussed the various forms of punishment that a Dom might use, behaviors that a sub might exhibit, and many more BDSM topics. Cassandra did her best to answer Chelsea's questions. As they wrapped up their conversation, Cassandra reached across the island, took Chelsea's hand, and they looked deep into each other's eyes.
"Chelsea, if you want this type of connection to any man, if you want to devote yourself to him completely, then you must have a level of communication, trust, and respect that are nearly flawless. If you want that with Jason, you must trust him. This is, because from what you've told me you are building positive communication and it's obvious to me that you have each other's respect. I know it's easy to say and difficult to do, but if you can do it, give him your unwavering trust, and surrender your power to him, then he can take you to places you've never imagined, both physically and mentally. After you left us that night, I experienced a state of speechless rapture that I'd never experienced before. At that moment my heart nearly exploded with adoration for him. I've been with other Doms, but none like him. And it's not just about the companionship or the amazing sex, the way he treats me, and cares for me; he owns me, my heart and soul in a way no other man ever has. If that's not what you want, or if you struggle with it, then at least do not live in fear of him."
"Thank you for lunch, Cass, for all the information, and the advice. You've removed my trepidation and I promise you that I will not fear him any longer. Based on what you've told me I don't know for certain that I want to pursue being a sub for any man, but at least you've armed me with information. I hope we can be friends."
"I'd like to be friends, Chelsea since we both have feelings for Jason, and if you have any more questions, or just need to talk, I'm here for you."
"Call me Chels, that's what Jason's daughter calls me. I should probably be going."
Cassandra walked Chelsea to the door and before leaving, Chelsea hugged her. With her head pressed against Cassandra's chest, she could hear the redhead's heart beating rapidly. It nearly matched the beating of her own heart. Still holding each other, their eyes met. Chelsea raised onto her tiptoes and offered her plump lips to Cassandra. Cassandra took the offer. Their lips met and their tongues touched, tentatively at first. What started as a gentle kiss quickly developed a sense of hunger.
Chelsea swooned as Cassandra held her in her arms and kissed her passionately, their tongues probing and exploring. After a moment, Chelsea pressed her hands against Cassandra, breaking the kiss. They stood there looking at each other, breathing rapidly. Chelsea was the one to break the silence.
