Chapter 07 Sreeni

Two weeks later, and the entire experience began to feel more comfortable and normalized. The routine was the easy part. It's funny how quickly a person's brain can acclimate to a schedule.

Each day unfalteringly started with a shot of the Cocktail and a protein shake.

Then morning workouts, which were still challenging. Master Anthony had me alternating focus each time. We'd do core one day, then lower body, then aerobic exercises, then repeat the cycle of the three again. After that we added in upper body.

"Since you're a man-- I mean," Anthony fumbled, "people ... similar to your body type ... naturally have more upper body strength, we'll do that less often. We'll keep up enough to have tone and some definition."

The stretching and protein supplements helped immensely. My body gradually became less sore in the evenings, and I felt more energetic overall. Not that I would fool myself into thinking I was in shape at all. I was still sweating buckets, and was absolutely wiped by the end of every session.

The Heels class remained the most brutal experience. I still relied on the handrail to walk in the lowest wedge heels. I looked like a baby taking its first shaky steps. "How is anyone expected to walk in these?" I asked exasperated.

"Hmph!" Vanessa scoffed with an eyebrow raised. She then proceeded to strut along the hardwood floor in her three inch heels, swishing her ass alluringly, and twirled around at the end of the flooring. She sashayed back, ending with quick trotting steps. She looked at me proudly while the other women in the class nodded to each other.

As if to prove her point further, she showed up the next day in black ballet heels. Her feet pointed straight down with all the weight of her body on her toes. The only other support were alarmingly thin heels that had to be nearly six inches. She walked on them through the entire class without relying on any rails or support.

"I've got a ways to go, I guess," I sighed.

Vanessa chuckled. "Baby steps, my dear!"

***

The other Talent were more warm and friendly than I could've hoped. A few days in, I mustered up the courage to join them for lunches and dinners. I found them all to be charming, personable, and funny.

The Asian girl, Mari, was particularly fiery. She was a diminutive 5'4", but carried herself as if she were seven feet tall. Her laugh was goofy and loud, reverberating throughout the large space. Her frame was thin and waifish, but covered with piercings. I spotted a few tattoos around her body, scattered on her neck and legs. She also adorned herself with a myriad of bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Her black Chuck Taylors were well worn.

She'd often get in heated debates with Ryan, and could drown out his loud voice with her own. They seemed to be comfortable friends, who could rib each other without taking offense.

"C'mon! Brady is the goat!" Mari exclaimed. "Look at all the rings! He even won the last one without Belichick. He didn't need ol' Frowny McSourpuss!"

Ryan shook his head. "I'm not saying he's not legit! But he had great systems around him. I think there are way more physically gifted QBs out there. That's all I'm saying!"

"Like who?"

"Lamar," Ryan offered.

"

Lamar!

" Mari rolled her eyes. "Okay, he's a specimen. But he can't win the big game even

with

a great system around him!"

"Okay, Mahomes," Ryan shot back. "Mahomes has won the whole dance multiple times. And dude's a beast."

"MAHOMES?!" Mari shrieked. "Brady

beat

his punk ass to win a ring, fool!"

Ryan just continued to shake his head. The rest of us laughed at the spectacle. Ryan looked at me for support. "Thoughts or input? Little help here?"

"I don't really watch football. Is Peyton still around?" I ventured.

"Ugh!" Mari and Ryan cried in unison.

***

Sreeni was the one who made the most effort to make me feel welcome. She'd ask my opinion in group conversations. And while we seem to shy away from personal stuff, she would always ask how I was doing and how classes were going. I liked her. She had a calm, nurturing energy.

On most nights, she could be found reading on a couch in The Loft. I noticed that she reads non-fiction books, mostly history. I decided to join her one night, armed with my own book.

"How are you so into history books?" I inquired.

Sreeni smiled. "I find them infinitely fascinating."

"Do you?" I thought back to agonizing stretches of time during History classes in school, bored to tears. "All those dates-- they just swept over me."

"Well sure, class textbooks tend to be pretty dry. But when you focus more intimately on the people ... learn about their lives, their loves, struggles ... it becomes so human."

I cocked my head at her. She clasped her fingers together. "Look, the books you read ... they're stories of drama, romance, tension between characters, betrayals, deceit,

murder.

"

"Yeah ..."

"That stuff all happens in real life too. And real people do crazier things than what anyone could imagine or write. The truth is stranger than fiction. It's true! People in real life are impulsive, contradictory, weird,

stupid

. It's mind-boggling some of the things that real people do."

I could see in Sreeni's eyes how excited she was. "Okay okay, you've piqued my interest. Maybe I'll pick up a non-fiction book next."

Sreeni grins. "Oh, I've got

many

recommendations for you!"

***

The classes I attended during the day were an interesting potpourri of topics. One day we'd discuss psychology, the next would cover social etiquette, and then philosophy. We also had more hands-on subjects, such as self-defense, yoga, and even drink mixology! It was an odd repertoire of skills we were amassing.

Some classes were full of Talent attendees, others were just three or four. In one amusing class, I noticed that only men were invited. The topic was on how to treat or interact with women. The format was basically talking out various scenarios together. The teacher, Lily, would propose a situation like being on a date when a sensitive subject comes up, such as a recent death of a parent. How would we handle it?

"Well, I think that's easy," Ryan piped up. "I gotta cheer her up. Take her mind off of things."

"And how would you do that?" inquired Evan, another male Talent.

"I don't know. Make her laugh. Do fun stuff," Ryan said.

"Don't you think that's a little callous?" Anthony asked.

"C'mon," Ryan replied. "Laughter is the best medicine."

"Hmm," Lily responded with narrow eyes. She looked over at me. "Mistress Lisa, how would you approach that situation?"

All eyes rested on me. I gulped. "I guess ... I guess, I'd say to her that her grief is a valid feeling."

I started thinking back to the loss of my mom. "That grief comes in waves. Sometimes you feel normal and okay. Then, it can suddenly hit you like a truck. It's not an easy thing to go through. But you should feel okay to allow yourself to have those feelings when they come. It's the process of missing someone that you love."

The men around the room processed my reply quietly. Lily nodded.

***

Another class, Speech Therapy, I was the only student. It didn't take place in one of the normal classrooms. I was led by Chloe through double doors from The Loft into a new area. I went past a reception room, which was spacious and sparse. There was a simple glass-top desk that was, at the moment, unoccupied. Behind the desk, on the wood wall, were thin metal letters, each backlit with light to appear as if floating. Four simple letters spelled out

EDEN.

We continued to a pair of doors on the opposite wall from where we entered, to a hallway, and into what looked like a suite in a fancy hotel. In fact, this entire new area felt like a luxury spa. The walls were velvety patterned wallpaper. The lighting was ambient and atmospheric. The furniture and decor all exuded a sense of luxury and seduction.

In the room, I met my instructor, who was introduced as Danielle. I could tell they were trans. They explained that they weren't part of Elizabeth's normal staff, and that they were brought in specifically for me. That might explain the change in location; keeping them out of the other area of Eden.

Danielle explained that speech therapy was to help me sound and speak in a more feminine manner. The purpose was to be more fully convincing and authentic as a woman. We would do speaking exercises and even singing techniques. I was to practice on my own in my room after classes. Our sessions were twice a week.

***

In the early evenings, the Talent will sometimes make use of the outdoor space, adjacent to The Loft. It's still brisk outside this time of year, but there are space heaters to make it bearable.

I've thankfully moved on from the all protein shake diet, but the joy of that first chicken dish has diminished greatly since all I ever seem to get served is some variation of chicken.

Tonight, sitting around a table, I catalog everyone else's dishes: summer veggie pesto pasta, grilled salmon with asparagus, lamb chops, lobster bisque.

"I'd kill for a pizza right now," I declare, while dejectedly looking at my chicken salad. The others laugh.

"You're still on an intense diet," a blonde named Julia admits. "They'll loosen up on you once you get up and running." She's thin and lanky, with an aura of No Fucks Given. Tattoos line her arms and peek out from the collar of her sleeveless shirt.

"Where's Sreeni?" I ask, looking around. I hadn't seen her at all yesterday or today.

"She's probably got a Client tonight," Ryan replies. "You'll get to forego your normal schedule in preparation for any appointments."

"That's why you'll see people out occasionally," Julia nods. "But Sreeni's also pretty senior. You get a lot more leeway, the longer you're here. She has her own apartment in the city."

I'd kind of gotten into my head the idea of this place as a sort of college dorm. Plus, I'm monitored pretty closely. It's surprising to hear that some people could come and go freely from Eden. Then again, I had already seen Lily's place on the outside.

Suddenly, my tablet dings. I check the notification. "Oh, I have a special class right now apparently."

The others trade glances, but only give me polite goodbyes as I grab my things and head out. Chloe is at the door, waiting to escort me.

That's one thing I'm dismayed about. Ever since that first night's confrontation with Lily, Chloe has been much more quiet and stoic. Her replies are always short and clipped. She no longer smiles or looks directly at me. I'm assuming she got a similar talking to. I feel guilt over getting her in trouble. I want to apologize to her, but I end up chickening out every time I want to speak up.

The most agonizing moments are when she shaves and measures me. That occurs every three or four days. I gave up on trying to converse soon after the second session, when she'd only give nods or shakes for replies.

I silently follow her as she leads me back into the fancy spa-like section. I've since discovered that this is the Client facing area of Eden, loosely referred to as

The Suites.

As we enter the hallway, I spot Sreeni walking towards us! "Hey!" I smile and wave.

She looks incredible. Adorn in purple lingerie, with a lace bra and panties. Over the bra is a sheer teddy. She has on stockings, held up by a garter belt. Her hair is perfectly straightened, no frizz or strand out of place. She has on dark red lipstick and blush. Her eyeshadow is subtly purple, and her mascara is in the shape of cat eyes, accentuating her almond eyes. Her hips flare out sensuously. Her buxom chest bounces as she walks. She wears an assortment of sparkling gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces, which looks odd because she normally wears no jewelry at all.

"You look like a sexy Disney Princess," I say as she approaches me.

She laughs. "What are you doing here?"

"Some special session came up." I shrug.

Her eyebrows raise. "Ahh." She looks to Chloe, then back to me. In a hushed tone she says to me, "Be strong, okay?"

What? I look at her confused, but she already starts gliding past me. She glances back just before she enters a door in the hallway. I look back at Chloe, who blankly stares down at the floor. I sigh, slightly annoyed.

We arrive at a room. Chloe opens the door for me to enter. I walk into a room that's similar in layout to my Speech Therapy room. Except instead of cozy colored furniture, everything is black and leather. Sitting in one of the leather chairs is Elizabeth!

"Oh!" I exclaim in surprise. I haven't seen her since that first day, when she and I--

"Hello again, Lisa." She smiles.

"Good evening, uh, Mistress Elizabeth." Her smile widens and she nods.

She has on a long leather skirt, supple and red. There's a high slit up the side, revealing her sheer black stocking covered leg. She has on strappy heels. Her top is a black sleeveless blouse. The folds of the fabric criss cross her front, almost like a Greek toga, wrapping and accentuating her breasts. Her hair is wavy again, like our first meeting. In this low, mood lighting, her hair and skin practically glow.

The door to the bedroom opens, and Lily appears. She strides over, and stations herself next to Elizabeth. She's wearing a slim-fitting maroon jumpsuit, buttoned up all the way up to her collar. Her trademark arched eyebrows and pursed lips are in full effect. She nods at me.

"Well," Elizabeth says, bringing my attention back to her, "I've been hearing great things!"

I smile tightly. "Oh?"

"Yes! Class reports are positive. And the others seemed to have taken a liking to you. I'm hearing things like

warm

and

kind

and

funny.

Nothing that surprises me, of course." She winks.

"I'm glad to hear," is all I say. Internally, I feel a wave of relief. I've always felt an insecurity towards peers and friends. Even if they show enthusiasm and enjoyment being with me, I'd secretly wonder if it's all a facade.

Elizabeth seems to pick up on my apprehension. She tilts her head slightly, but stays silent.

"It's great. Really," I add. "Everyone has been very

welcoming.

" I glance at Lily momentarily as I punctuate that last word. She doesn't react.

Elizabeth catches the look, and narrows her eyes. But says brightly "It's wonderful to hear. I want to make sure that everyone under me conducts themselves in a kind and respectful manner."

I take in Elizabeth's face, which I haven't seen in a while. In her recent absence, she became almost an abstraction in my mind. But now, the full effect of her beauty and personality disarms me again. "Well then," she says as she combs a hand through her hair, "shall we move on?"

Oh right! This is meant to be some sort of class. My mind got completely derailed by the surprise appearance of Elizabeth.

"This is a special kind of session. Everyone goes through it in some form," she quickly adds as if to reassure me, "but it'll be different for each person. We refer to it as Sex Therapy."

I look back and forth between them, suddenly nervous. "Oh, I thought I was--"

"Stop fretting over that night," Lily says. "You were good. You passed. That's why you're even here.

"But everyone can get better. You didn't prematurely or immediately ejaculate. Which is impressive considering how the serum affected you. Oh, that reminds me ..." She turns and walks back through the bedroom door.

"Consider this training," Elizabeth picks up. "Self-improvement. We're putting you in with our Clients. We expect them to be more than satisfied."

Lily returns with a silver tray, containing a small vial and a syringe.

"The two things I ask from my Talent are to conduct yourself with grace at all times," Elizabeth says, "and to have self control."

Lily preps the needle with the vial.

"What I mean by self control is that I know not every situation or Client can be wholly predictable or manageable," Elizabeth continues. "What you

can

control is yourself. I want you to have discipline at all times. Including your sexual performance."

I peer at the vial. I can make out the word

Serum.

Panic hits me. "Wait, wait! Is that the stuff from the first night?"

"Yes and no," Lily replies calmly. "This is a modified and improved version.

Version 12

to be specific. It's still a powerful aphrodisiac, but it shouldn't overwhelm you like the last one." She sidles up to me, and injects the serum into my arm. "You'll just feel really good. Horny. And good."

"As I was saying," Elizabeth cuts in. She seems slightly perturbed at being sidelined. "I need you to be in control of yourself. Even when you might feel overwhelmed by pleasure. Even when you're at the point of climax. This is about you satisfying the Client. Not yourself." She looks at Lily, who nods at her. "So we're going to put you through a rigorous exercise."

I look at Lily. Oh shit. We're going to fuck again? She's gorgeous, but I don't know if I can do it with her again.

She begins walking back to the bedroom. Elizabeth stands up and follows her. Chloe, who had been standing silently by the front door also heads that way.

What the hell? I stand up hesitantly. Oh my god. An orgy? I've never even been in a threesome-- or foursome! I was always too nervous about being able to perform well enough for multiple--

"Let's go," Lily commands. I gulp, and comply by walking into the bedroom.

The bedroom is dark. The carpet is dark gray, as are the walls. Instead of the bed-- or any other furniture-- is a reclining chair, like the ones in dentist offices. But this chair has leather straps attached all over it. There's a small side table with some equipment on it. Wires lead from the wall to some of the items on the table. I see more clearly that the walls aren't just painted, but are covered by soft foam, like a recording studio. Other than that, the room is empty. Except for the women, including another Server who was already in the room. She quietly adjusts the chair straps without looking up at me.

"What the heck is this?" I ask.

"Your training," Elizabeth answers, smiling. "Now, strip and have a seat."

I take a breath. Gingerly, I shed my clothing and climb into the chair. The leather feels cool and soft. Chloe and the other Server immediately start buckling me in. Lily starts sticking wired nodes along my body. "Are you familiar with

edging?

"

I look up to the ceiling, trying to recall where I've heard that term. "It's alright," she says. "You'll find out." She doesn't convey any emotion with the statement. Just a matter of fact. I was not feeling reassured.

The Servers finish with the straps along my legs, arms and waist. I test the restraints. I can only barely shift in the seat.

Lily takes a black cylinder off the table. She clicks a latch, and the cylinder flips open to reveal a clear, rubber interior. The rubber is molded with ribbing and bumps. There's an open space in the center.

The other Server, who is a rather attractive brunette with clear blue eyes, reaches over and begins stroking my dick. The shock of this action causes me to jump. Or try to.

Elizabeth pets my hair. "Shhhhhh," she murmurs softly. "You'll be alright. Trust me." I look at the gentle smile on her face.

The Server continues to rub my cock. I feel a warmth in my chest that begins to spread outward. Quickly, I get fully erect. Lily places my dick in the cylinder. The rubber is surprisingly warm and slick from a gooey liquid inside. She flips the cylinder closed and secures the latches. Chloe pulls a few straps from the sides of the cylinder around my waist to keep it snugly in place.

I scan around the room. All of these gorgeous women standing over me. Handling my naked body. Servicing me. It's arousing. I involuntarily take in a deep breath. I can start to sense the tingling effect of the serum throughout my body.