Nadia was sitting on the couch, thumbing through what she and Jason had taken to calling The Bible. It was a book on what expectant parents could look forward to (or dread, as the case may be).
She felt Jason's strong fingers kneading her shoulders. "Ah, thank you," she sighed.
"How ya feelin,' babe?" he asked, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her neck.
"Tired," Nadia yawned. "But at least I'm not throwing up all the time anymore."
"Yes, that's a big improvement," Jason agreed wryly. He continued massaging her shoulders.
"That feels really nice." Nadia yawned again.
"Just sit back and relax," Jason said. His voice was low and soothing. Which immediately triggered Nadia's suspicions.
"Jason." Her tone was one of warning.
"What?" He sounded perfectly innocent. Which raised more red flags.
"I know what you're trying to do." Nadia tried to sound stern, but it was difficult when Jason's magic hands were releasing what felt like months' worth of tension.
"I'm just trying to help you relax," Jason explained. "Besides, you were complaining yesterday how you felt kind of unsexy, and I'm trying to help you with that." He kissed her neck again. "I will always find you sexy."
"Aw, thanks," Nadia smiled as Jason continued to knead her shoulders. She recalled their conversation yesterday -- she complained about the weight gain, and how she was unable to fit into her clothes, even though she was grateful to be pregnant.
"You're becoming more and more relaxed as the tension melts from your shoulders," Jason intoned.
"I'm pretty sure this is how I got pregnant," Nadia muttered.
"Well, you can't get pregnant twice," Jason replied. "Besides, the OBGYN said it's safe to have sex now. And it'll feel good."
Nadia's eyes closed. It had been a while since she actually felt good in her changing body. Her hormones had run amok, she had been nauseous, her breasts had been constantly sore... it would be nice, for a change, to feel pleasure.
"That's it, close your eyes," Jason said softly. "Feel the relaxation spreading from your shoulders throughout your body. Feel your neck release all the tension it's been holding. Feel your muscles loosen..."
Jason kept talking, but Nadia didn't hear him anymore. Her mind had taken her someplace else, someplace tranquil and quiet. She was someplace where she could take a break from worrying about the pregnancy, their finances, her job. She could just be.
She floated like that for some time, out of time, out of space. It was nice to be able to relax...
The sound of music woke her from her reverie. It sounded like string instruments. She opened her eyes. Nadia was in a large, lavish room. Low tables sagged underneath the weight of platters full of fruit. Candelabras lit the room, casting a golden glow.
Aside from a few musicians in the corner, there was no one else in the room except for her and a handsome man in expensive robes. He leaned upon a low couch.
"Ah, my favorite dancer," he called to her. His voice was low and rich.
She bowed her head. "My master," she said. "How may I serve you?"
"Why, my dear, you may dance for me," he smiled.
Nadia nodded. That's what she was there for -- to dance for his pleasure.
The man on the couch gestured for the band to play. They struck up a slow, lilting melody. It was perfect for what she had in mind. She began swaying slowly in time to the music, moving her arms and hips.
As the music played, she moved closer and closer to him. She watched him watching her. His dark eyes were wide. He licked his lips as she approached the couch.
Now, she was close enough to touch him. He reached out for her. She pulled away, smiling. He might be her master, able to command her to perform, but she had power, too. She would make him wait for her. She would increase his longing for her, until he begged for her.