does not fit in with the sexual norms of
society, but there’s nothing shameful about my desires. My home
should be a place where I am completely myself.”
A short middle-aged woman placed a
steaming cup of coffee in front of Zach. She didn’t bat an eye over
the discussion going on at the table.
“ Marguerite, meet Mr. Kebb.
Zachery, this is my housekeeper. She had yesterday off but is at
your disposal for anything you need, as is Stevens.”
“ Please call me Zach,
Marguerite.”
“ No Senor, no es apropiado . ¿Qué desea para el desayuno ”
Her lilting Spanish words came with a
smile but Zach had no idea what she said and he turned to
Monroe.
“ My staff and my models are
submissive and will always address you as senor, sir, master, or
mister. You will save yourself a lot of grief if you accept it. She
is asking what you would like for breakfast and can understand
English perfectly.”
Zach turned back to Marguerite, “Umm,
whatever is available, I’m not picky.”
“ Senor Monroe?”
“ My usual
please.”
Marguerite bustled out of the
room.
“ What makes them submissive,
money?”
“ You are incredibly hung up
on money but I guess in one context you are correct. I can buy
servants and their submission, but that would not be consensual in
my mind. Submission starts in here.” He placed one long finger to
his head.
“ So is that what you’re
looking for in me, another submissive?” He felt clumsy, blurting it
out so bluntly, but he figured they might as well lay their cards
on the table.
“ No, Zach, you are not
submissive. You have no understanding of my world. The first time I
saw you, wounded and tied to a chair, you didn’t display a
submissive bone in your body. You wanted those men dead. They were
going to torture you but you would not have given over your
power.”
“ And yet,” Monroe said
thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “You have a soldier’s
understanding of the need for order and a chain of command. As a
Marine, you value honor and loyalty, all of which are fine
qualities for a submissive. Yet I don’t think that’s what you
are.”
Zach still did not
understand but he needed some answers. “Then what do you want me
for?”
“ It’s really quite simple.
Shibari, my art. I have a show coming up and I have an idea. My
photographer will be here tomorrow and I’d like you to meet her. I
will pay you for your time and also teach you about my lifestyle.
Living it will be your choice.”
“ Nude? You want me as a nude
male model?” Zachery struggled not to laugh at the sheer absurdity
of the idea.
“ Yes, nude in some; only
partially nude in others. You have a spectacular physique, Zach,
and I see that as art in itself. But I will promise not to show
your face. We can cover your shoulder scar and any other marks that
might give your identity away. I need a dominant in my bondage.
It’s not the usual tone of my art but my idea is to show the links
of a chain, through Shibari, attaching a submissive to her master.”
He paused momentarily.
“ After I saw you a year ago,
my brain has not been free of the idea. I promise this will not
jeopardize your future career. As a bonus, you will have many
sexual desires fulfilled, even ones you don’t know exist. I just
ask that you wait until after everyone is here and see me work to
make a final decision. If it isn’t for you, you may stay for a few
days or go. I will leave the choice in your hands.”
“ Are you gay?” Zach asked,
then shook his head in answer to his own question. “No, I’m sorry,
you spent the night with Belinda. Are you bi-sexual?”
“ I’ve had sex with men but
it’s been many years.” Monroe looked at him over his coffee cup. He
seemed to be watching Zach to gauge his reaction, but Zach wasn’t
sure exactly what that was.
“ I’m attracted to the human
body,” Monroe continued. “I’ve also had sex with large, short, and
tall women. To me, the body’s exquisite beauty is