The elevator doors opened and Michael, held his wife Sarah by her arm as they walked down the office corridor and into the plush surroundings of the powerful clothing empire 'Chelsea Couture International's' boardroom. He had only started with the company a month ago and this was his first visit to the head office in London, that he had already heard so much about. He desperately wanted to make a good impression, not only because this was his dream job with an impressive salary, but because there were potentially large sales bonusses which he really needed. Taking out a huge mortgage on their dream house had stretched them financially, so finally things were beginning to look more stable!
A number of men in business suits and a few women wearing expensive-looking dresses were already assembled in the boardroom. Drinks were laid out and it all looked very 'corporate'. At one end of the room there were a few rows of chairs, arranged to face a stage that had red velvet curtains at the back. Large tinted windows ran the full length of the room revealing a breathtaking, panorama of Central London.
Michael and Sarah were met by James, Michael's regional manager, who took them around the room to introduce them to some quite 'senior' executives. Being quite new in his role as a Brand Manager in such a large organisation, Michael was more than happy to take this opportunity to show off his beautiful wife to his colleagues and peers. He still wasn't sure why Sarah had been specifically invited to the event, but had heard that the company was keen to 'positively engage' with the spouses of their employees as it created a good working environment and promoted staff loyalty.
Michael already knew one or two people by sight, but had not attended anything as formal as this sales conference. He had been informed that all the corporate 'high-fliers' would be in attendance, however, to his immense relief, they seemed to be very chatty and friendly as people circulated, in what was a relaxed atmosphere. Everybody they met showed interest in the couple but especially in Sarah. She was asked lots of questions about her job, her hobbies and how she manages to keep her lovely figure so trim!
Michael was delighted in how it was all going but Sarah couldn't help feeling that somehow, she was being 'judged' by these people. Perhaps it was because they all seemed so confident in themselves, and she was still quite nervous.
After a while, a large man in his fifties, hurried into the room. His face was rather red and he had beads of perspiration on his forehead, which he proceeded to dab with a pristine white folded handkerchief. It was George Bellingham, the Managing Director of Chelsea Couture.
He tapped Michael on the shoulder and introduced himself before informing him that something urgent had just arisen and he needed 'borrow' Sarah for a few minutes. Michael was surprised to discover that someone of his importance in the company actually knew his name so he smiled and happily agreed to the request. Sarah then followed Mr Bellingham and gave a little wave to Michael as they left the room.
In an adjoining lounge area, Mr Bellingham invited Sarah to sit on the large black leather sofa. He looked her up and down in silence. She was young, attractive and inexperienced, so being alone with such an important man in opulent surroundings, in central London, made her feel totally out of her depth, and decidedly vulnerable. She felt herself flush from his attention.
"Would you like a drink my dear? Red wine?"
Without waiting for a reply, he presumptuously poured a generous glass each and then looked at her rather seriously.
"Now, first of all Sarah, I must tell you that anything discussed here today is in strictest confidence."
Sarah smiled rather nervously.
"Yes, I understand. I am very discreet, Mr Bellingham....." Her sentence tailed off into nothing.
This was a very pretty young lady. She had, blonde hair worn in a pony tail, deep brown eyes and a soft full-lipped mouth. Because her figure was so slim, it accentuated her quite large breasts, and as had already noticed, a sexy little bum under her tight but short, grey business skirt. Underneath, after much persuasion by her husband, she was wearing black seamed stockings and a suspender belt. Self-consciously she brushed her skirt down, just to be sure that her stocking tops were not showing.
Michael had already told her that, occasionally the wife of a new executive may be 'singled out' to make them feel 'part of the Company'. It was a bit like being 'informally accepted' into the fold, an 'induction' almost. But what did Mr Bellingham want from her today? He stared at her with his small beady eyes.
"I am afraid that we are in a bit of a pickle, Sarah and we desperately need your help! The fact is we have a client, a very important client, a French gentleman who is coming all the way from New York to see our new clothing collection this evening.
Unfortunately, the model we booked has simply not shown up! There appears to have been a monumental mix-up and the model agency has accidentally sent her on another assignment. All their other models are already booked out, so to cut a very long story short, we are now in a perilous predicament, and there is only one way out! It is obvious that you have a really great figure, so it would be a huge favour to Chelsea Couture if you would be good enough to step in and model the collection that our client has travelled all this way to see."
Sarah nervously crossed her legs. This time Mr Bellingham did catch a glimpse of her stocking tops and black suspender fastenings, but he continued,
"You must remember, my dear, that an executive's wife or girlfriend is an integral part of the Chelsea Couture family, so any assistance you can give will, undoubtedly, benefit your husband's career.... On the other hand..." he let it hang ominously.
"....so, when wives or girlfriends are helpful to Chelsea Couture, I can assure you, it is never forgotten. I am sure it will be looked on favourably when it comes to Michael's salary review!"
Sarah didn't really have a choice. Mr Bellingham had made it pretty clear she that was expected to co-operate, and if she didn't, Michael may be ...well, penalised in some way!
As she was still contemplating her answer, Mr Bellingham added, ".....but, if you are the kind of indecisive wife who can't think for herself, or needs to obtain permission from her husband, please feel free to ask Michael.......but......."
Sarah felt slightly insulted by this throw-away remark. She WAS her own woman and could make her own decisions! She was studying Law and would one day qualify as a Lawyer. She certainly didn't need Michael's permission!
"....Of course, I will be glad to help the Company, in any way that I can.... But why did you choose me when there are lots of other lovely ladies out there?" she replied.
"Let me assure you that all the wives and girlfriends of our executives have already done more than their fair share to help this Company at some time or other. It also has to be said that you have the perfect figure to show our collection to its absolute optimum. Some of our more important clients have told us that they prefer to see our beautiful clothing worn by 'real women', who, after all, are the paying customers. Professional models sometimes look skinny and un-realistic."
Sarah nodded slowly to show her understanding of the situation.
"The reality is, this presentation is likely to be the deciding factor between Chelsea Couture securing a large international contract, or our client possibly walking away and buying from one of our competitors. And that simply would not do, would it? No. No. No! Do you understand the gravity of what I am saying?"
Sarah nodded again.
"Oh, and did I forget to mention that if this deal does go through, there could be some very attractive sales commissions from this collaboration?" he added with a glint in his eye.
"So,.... exactly what clothing will I have to model?" she hesitantly asked.
"Sorry Sarah, I honestly cannot tell you that at the moment! Our client has already seen computer screenshots of our collection, so on this visit he will be able to touch, feel and see them in the flesh. He will then choose what he wants to see modelled. It could be skirts, tops, suits... or even something from our exclusive lingerie range.... But of course, if you are not happy doing this, please say so now and I'll...... arrange for a taxi... for you both!"
Sarah suddenly felt cornered and pressurised to agree. She thought of her husband's fledgling career, the possible attractive commission that they really needed. She also considered the fact that Michael would never forgive her if she ruined everything for him. She slowly nodded her head and forced a smile.
Mr Bellingham sat back in his chair and grinned widely. "Excellent news! Well, that's settled then. I think it's great that you are willing to support your husband in his new role!"
He dabbed his forehead again, then made a brief phone call. Almost immediately a glamourous-looking lady in her mid-30's with long, straight black hair and heavily applied make-up appeared. She introduced herself as Jennifer Murphy, Chelsea Couture International's Sales Director.
She took Sarah by the hand to a changing room filled with designer dresses, luxurious lingerie, mountains of shoes. It was a feast for the eyes. Most of what Sarah could initially see were elegant dresses on hangers, however she couldn't help but notice some pretty outlandish fetish clothing made from PVC with zips and straps, that she had never seen the like of before. It was definitely more Agent Provocateur than Marks and Spencer!
It had just not occurred to Sarah's that she might actually be called on to model lingerie or strange fetish outfits to a room full of complete strangers. Internally, she began to panic at what she had agreed to do, but knew she had to hold herself together for the sake of her husband.
Back in the main boardroom Michael was unaware of what Sarah had agreed to do, however he had been 'tipped off' that sometimes executive's wives were expected to 'help out' at events and it would definitely be in his 'best interest' to allow it. Michael had heard a rumour that if a wife that did not 'engage' it would probably jeopardise her husband's job! The perilous financial situation that they were now in meant that he just couldn't take any risks. The fact Sarah had now 'disappeared' to help the Company could only be good news! He just hoped and prayed that she wouldn't do or say anything that might embarrass him.
Michael was talking to James when the doors opened and a small group of people entered the room which caused all the chattering to suddenly stop. There was a tall handsome looking man in his forties, a gorgeous tall blonde lady and a slightly scruffy looking man with greying long hair in a pony tail carrying a silver flight bag. Mr Bellingham jumped up to meet them and he tapped a wine glass with a knife to attract the attention of the room.
