Island IV – Meetings · Part 10 (10/21)
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ior with a few words.
“I grew up in rural Nevada, sir, in the north east, what’s called the Great Basin. That part of the state is much like rural Utah, very conservative, deeply religious, a world away from the ‘woke’ culture down south in Las Vegas. My only real exposure to the outside world, after high school, was working in one of the local casinos. Eventually I became a dealer for poker, blackjack, and on special occasions Pai Gow poker or baccarat if we had bus tours stop for the night. Of course, I can’t deal at tables with real money now, but if you ever need a card dealer, sir, keep me in mind.
“Anyway, you probably aren’t aware of the polygamist communities that live hidden away in Nevada. There are several, known to the locals but never discussed. The Old West, sir, everyone minds their own business. The point I’m slowly getting to is I had some friends from those towns, and visited them at home on a few occasions. That’s quite rare; they don’t welcome outsiders. You’d fit right in, sir. It’s all about gender-specific roles patterned after the 1850s.
“I halfway expected to see rampant abuse, all the grim stories from TV news and reality shows. There are a few of those communities where that does happen, but some is not all. What I found is a tiny society where everyone had a well-defined place. I felt right at home. If I were the religious type I might have joined, but faith didn’t move me in that direction. However, a contact did put me in touch with the Island. That’s how I found my way here.”
Alex stopped her at that point. “Your prior history here on the Island, the man who owned you, it’s all old history, a private matter between you and him and not open for discussion. We start from today.”
“I appreciate that, sir. I have no secrets from you, if you ever wish to question me about my prior life here. If it meets with your approval I will mention, in general terms, my experiences from the past, if they seem relevant.”
“Yes, I’d like to hear what’s commonplace here. Not too specific; I want you to respect the privacy of your prior owner.” While talking he ran his hand across hers, brushing his fingers against her lower arm.
When he looked back up at her she was studying him intensely. “Sir, stop me if I’m being presumptuous. I’m not a mind reader, yet I do have some experience at reading a man’s body language. What I’m seeing is how much you enjoy imposing your will on me, with my hands. You don’t have to hold back, sir, if you want more. If I may suggest, you can tie my hands behind my back. It’s not a painful position for me. If you are careful, I can go for several hours that way.”
Alex blinked in surprise. “Tied? You mean, with a length of rope?”
“It wouldn’t be my first choice, sir. Rope cuts off circulation, and it leaves abrasion marks on skin. Handcuffs are much more comfortable, safer, and easier to use. More secure too, sir. I’ve never seen anyone cut off steel cuffs with a knife. I should have said ‘restrain’ instead of ‘tie’, to be clear.”
Was she offering this for his benefit? He was tempted. In that respect she had shown a remarkable sense of perception. Now that Róisín mentioned the possibility, no, make that encouraged, Alex couldn’t get it out of his head.
He stood up. “Stay where you are. I’ll be right back.” Alex headed toward the hallway closet. After retrieving the handcuffs, he headed back to the living room. Other than watching him she hadn’t moved. At that moment the realization struck Alex that she’d remain on the sofa all night unless he gave her permission to move. I have that much influence over her, he thought.
“Stand up,” he ordered in a brusque tone. “Turn around, hands behind your back.” Róisín knew exactly what to do. Scarcely had he finished speaking when he was presented with her hands in the small of her back, with her palms almost touching. For the second time tonight, he fastened the cuffs around her slim wrists. I could easily get used to this. Alex smiled. All I need is practice, lots of practice.
Holding onto her arm Alex helped Róisín sit back down. Once she was situated she immediately crossed her ankles and looked up at Alex, still standing over her. She remembered, now it’s my turn. He took his time running his eyes up and down her legs, looking for anything out of alignment. I have to match her effort, he told himself.
On the Rebound “Sorry, I kinda lost focus for a moment. Is it okay with you, sir, to keep going, about myself? I don’t want to annoy you, except for one of those absolutes I mentioned. I need the reassurance that comes with frequently asking and receiving approval from you. Or being told it’s not allowed. Is that acceptable?”
That was music to Alex’s ears. “Yes, asking permission is definitely encouraged. If it becomes excessive, I’ll let you know. For now, you may err on the side of caution. That is, more rather than less, use your own sense of when it’s needed. And yes, you will continue with your story.”
Oddly, with her hands behind her back Alex got the impression she was more relaxed. He’d have to think about what that implied. He had to admit to himself it was becoming easier by the minute to control her, to order rather than to ask. There was still a nagging feeling he shouldn’t be so domineering, yet her encouragement was pushing aside the last vestiges of those lifelong inhibitions. Sensitivity and compromise were giving way to baser instincts.
“What I was going to say, sir, is that I was devastated when I was dumped. A brutal word, but I’m realistic. All I had lived for, worked so hard to maintain, everything was wiped out in a flash. I’ve been in a deep depression since that moment, until now. You came along and tossed me a lifeline after the ship sank beneath the waves. Before the moment that door opened and I saw you stand up, I was sure my life was over.”
Róisín began to cry. “You were so polite. That simple gesture of courtesy won me over, sir. I know I’m on an emotional rebound, but I don’t care. You are all I have. I hope you are a good man who will take care of me and treat me decently, even though I don’t know you.”
He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m not a saint,” Alex warned her. “I have very selfish motives for buying you.”
She looked up at him. “You deserve to think of yourself first, sir. I’m not worried about giving in to your desires. You have the power, use it, even if the reason is sexual. I’ll be disappointed if you don’t. If you want me to strip down and clap my hands three times before opening the refrigerator, trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Bored and impatient after a while, maybe, but I promise you’ll never have to correct me for forgetting. I’m here to contribute my fair share to our future, sir. That auction block was the last pedestal I ever want to be placed on.”
Alex nodded. “I’ll keep that ‘fair share’ in mind, though remember I decide what’s fair. However, if, from time to time, I choose to spoil you, purely to satisfy my own perverted ends, you will not oppose me. We are clear on this? Meanwhile, I’ll take that suggestion about the refrigerator under consideration.”
Róisín gave him an odd look. “Understood, sir. I will do my best to be obedient in even the most trying of circumstances…”
A Request After two weeks together Róisín was showing visible signs of adjusting to her new life with Alex. She wasn’t constantly apologizing over imagined mistakes. However, the need to ask for permission had not let up. Everything, in moderation. That was the famous cliché by the philosopher Epictetus, warning about too much of a good thing. Much as he enjoyed exercising his unlimited power, he was worried about how it might affect her.
He was sitting at the kitchen table, going over some fuel consumption reports on his business laptop, when she came in and stood before him. “Sir? I have a request. May I discuss it with you?”
“Go ahead. Is there something you need to order online?” That was her usual reason.
“Umm, no, sir.” She seemed to be unusually nervous. “I’m concerned it may go against your intentions concerning me. If I’m asking too much, please call a halt immediately.”
Róisín was back to apologizing before Alex had any idea what she wanted. “Why don’t you explain first, and then I’ll let you know whether or not it’s out of bounds?”
“Sorry, sir.” She took a deep breath, built up her courage, and began. “Sir, would it be possible for me to obtain your approval more often that what you have set up so far? I know you’ve already instructed me on this, and again I apologize for bringing it up, but sir, I’m not content with things as they are. I bring this to you because it’s not working as is. I feel like I’m not contributing.”
Alex must have missed something, because he had no clue about what she meant. He had initiated some rules on when she must ask, and when she could use her own judgement. If it wasn’t working, he would have to rethink his strategy. “You’re going to have to be more specific. Give me an example of what you want to change.”
“Yes, sir. What I would like is to ask you if I may stand up, or sit down, or leave the room. May I be allowed to get out of bed in the morning, to take a shower, to get dressed. At night I want your permission to get undressed and go to bed, and even fall asleep. All the little details throughout the day, sir, nothing new except it must meet with your approval first.”
There was a name for this: micro-managing. Up to now he’d been very careful to avoid getting caught in that trap. All the advice posted online warned against it. According to conventional wisdom, it robbed her of the opportunity to think for herself, and it would consume vast amounts of his time. There were no obvious benefits.
Where had this come from? Contributing, that’s how she described it. Was it a new development, or was he just the latest to be presented with the same request? Was this compulsion to be overly dominated the motive behind being rejected by her previous owner? Am I dealing with some kind of mental illness?
“This isn’t the type of request I anticipated. Before I answer, I need to know more about why you believe you are not measuring up. Why do you feel you must have more supervision from me?”
“I, I…” Róisín stuttered, seemingly at a loss for words. “I can’t explain it, sir. All I can say is that it feels wrong for me not to ask.” She was starting to cry. “I don’t want to guess at what I’m supposed to do. I get frustrated, and then angry at myself when I’m unsure. That’s your job, sir, to keep me in line. When I hear you say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ there is no doubt left in my mind. No stress, no anxiety, no worries I will disappoint or anger you.”
Alex recognized immediately this was no simple appeal. In her own way she was trying to tell him there was a problem developing in their still fragile relationship. And it was an issue only he could remedy. There was no time for long, introspective, contemplation of possible courses of action. Alex had to act now or risk losing her in a fundamental way that might very well be beyond repair.
Then the root cause struck him like a bolt of lightning. Her rejection had affected her to such an extent she was in a constant state of profound insecurity. She had formed a belief that, by obtaining his approval for virtually everything she did, there would be no repetition of whatever she had done to lose her first master. It all made sense when seen from that perspective.
Now Alex came up against a dilemma, how to convince Róisín her anxieties were groundless while retaining the dependency he craved. The selfless versus the selfish motives, with no easy solution. Trying to talk her out of her present state would be pointless. Continuing as is, enabling her, would only confirm her conviction she should demand more and more from him.
He stood up and wrapped his hand around her upper arm. “Come with me. You are to remain silent. You will answer my questions, and that’s all. You were right to bring this to my attention.” She needed to know he wasn’t upset. “I will explain how we will reach a solution.”
If only I were as confident as I sound, Alex thought. From the startled look on Róisín’s face she certainly believed he would find the answer. She was unhappy; he would see to it. It must be nice to live in her world of unreserved certainty. I should be so lucky.
In the living room he stopped in front of his large recliner chair. He freed her hands from the cuffs; they would get in the way of what he had in mind. Still holding onto her arm, he picked up a cushion from the couch and threw it on the floor, in front of his chair. “When I let go you will strip down to what you were born with, and nothing more. Throw your clothes on the sofa. Then you will kneel on this cushion, facing the chair, and display yourself to your man. You will not speak. Do as you’re told. You will not keep me waiting.” He let go of her arm.
Her dress came off in record time. She knelt on the cushion, sitting back on her heels, hands on her thighs. She looked up at him, unsure of what he meant by “display yourself” yet trying to improvise based on what she knew.
“Listen carefully. This is how you will display yourself for my pleasure,” Alex began. Project confidence, he told himself, speak quietly yet with a firm tone. Threats aren’t necessary; she wants to obey me.
“Hands behind your head, fingers laced together. Arms out, elbows far apart, lined up with your shoulders. Keep your back straight, knees wide.” He stood between her and his chair, close, towering over her, hands on his hips.
“That’s it,” he spoke in a reassuring manner. “Head up, lift up your chin. I want to see that collar.” He slowly walked around her, studying her carefully from every angle. “Do not move. Show me the real Róisín, the woman who is proud to submit to her man, and not afraid to reveal her inner self to me or the world.”
The answer lay somewhere in a middle ground. Allow her to continue with her obsession with micro-management, but gradually redirect it from acting out of fear to pride of accomplishment. The ideal would be focusing on obedience as a pursuit of excellence, rewarding her efforts by shifting focus to a sense of being special, a woman who complements so perfectly with her man that other women would look on her with envy. It would displace her insecurity with confidence and self-esteem.
Even better, Alex thought, I don’t have to feel guilty about ruthlessly exploiting her fixation to satisfy my own evil desires. More than anything on this earth he wanted to be inside her head, shaping her mind to bend to his will. Alex knew he was no saint. Maybe I’m the one who needs a therapist, he concluded. Whatever his questionable mental state, he had the means, the opportunity and the motive to get what he wanted. But first he had work to do.
Alex sat down and leaned forward. “Róisín, look at me.” She looked up until their eyes met. “I owe you an apology.”
“Sir? I…”
“No!” he cut her off immediately. “We are not going to discuss this. I talk; you listen. I thought I told you to remain quiet. Starting now there will be no more leniency when you ignore my wishes. I made a serious mistake starting out. I blame my own ignorance and failure to pay more attention to the signs we were having a difficult time.”
Róisín stared at him, eyes wide. Yet she said nothing and held to what must be an uncomfortable position. There was plenty she wanted to say. Alex had no intention of allowing it. How could I be such an idiot? Why on earth did I assume we basically saw the world from the same point of view? I’ve never been more wrong in my entire life.
“Don’t think for a moment I’m punishing you in any way, Róisín. I’m the one who should be pounding his empty head against a wall. Your request? Granted, though be careful about what you wish for.”
For a long moment Alex sat there, mesmerized by the sight of his most prized possession. That’s how she sees herself; I need to start thinking in the same terms. “Put your legs together, knees touching. You may lower your arms. Place your hands, palms down, halfway between waist and knee. Keep your fingers together. Tuck in your elbows.”
She obeyed instantly. I can get used to this in no time. Alex nodded in approval. “Excellent, that’s exactly what I want to see. That was flawless. You should be proud of how well you complied.” He felt like he was off to a good start on the right path.
He leaned back, folded his arms and cocked his head to one side. “I could sit here for hours, admiring my good fortune. I’m doubly blessed, once for making the choice to live on North Island, and a second time in knowing it’s my collar encircling your lovely neck.”
Much as he was tempted to continue there were more pressing matters to address first. Róisín was in a receptive mood. She was enjoying his attention and eager to keep it through her efforts to please him.
With a sigh he unfolded his arms and leaned forward again, to emphasize what he expected to be a long speech. His eyes swept up and down her exposed body, the sole purpose of which was to remind her he was paying attention and would hold her to account if she broke her position. His demands were excessive; he knew it and didn’t care. This was only the beginning.
“Starting right now this is how it will be. I am responsible for you. To that end you will ensure I know where you are and what you are doing at all times. When we are together you will ask permission to stand or sit. You will not leave the room without my consent. If you are given free time alone you will explain to me how it will be spent. However, never forget your time is not your own. My demands always come first.”
If one of those ‘woke’ pressure groups ever heard me talking like that there’d be a mob with torches and pitchforks at my door, shouting ‘burn the monster’ or worse. For the first time Alex felt as if he were freed from the last of the outside world’s definition of civilized behavior. The dam had burst on his “guilty pleasures”, the myriad ways he could control Róisín.
“You ask for assurances? You will get them, although there are conditions. From now on I will only accept the highest standards from you, Róisín. ‘Good enough’ will never be heard in this house. You will work as never before to make me proud to own you. Day or night, there will be two questions you must ask yourself. The first, do I have permission; and the second, can I do better?”
Alex leaned forward and took her face in his hands. “I demand this because I can see the potential within you. I don’t ask for the impossible, because I have all the confidence in the world you will succeed.”
What About Work The next part was tricky, since Alex hadn’t worked out exactly what he wanted for the outcome. There was still so much he didn’t know about Róisín. He needed her opinion, a frank one, not simply echoing what she thought he wanted her to say. The problem was in the details of exactly how he could manage it.
“Before we got together,” he had to smile at the euphemism, “did you have a job? By that I mean, were you employed by a company here on North Island?”
“No sir, my previous owner did not allow it. Before that, on South Island when I was on my own. I was a cashier at a bank. There aren’t any casinos here, so a card dealer was not in high demand.”
Gambling was illegal but that didn’t mean it was non-existent. More than once, Alex had received an invitation to a private poker game. The penalty for being caught gambling was a trivial fine for the players. A woman dealer, given the severity of Island law, might well face far worse in terms of a conviction. Unless she had a collar, in which case it was a real “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Róisín could be the dealer for illicit games with impunity, since she was only obeying her master. Alex, on the other hand, would have to answer for her. No, any idea Róisín might work part time in her chosen profession wasn’t an option.
Cashier wasn’t a possibility either. Any occupation that required handling money was strictly forbidden for women like Róisín. “Cashier, hmmm…to satisfy my curiosity, when was the last time you handled money, legally or otherwise?”
“Sir! I have never touched money in any form since the collar went around my neck.” He could tell she was indignant at even the hint of impropriety. “The last time? I recall it well. Before we drove to the Registration office, I emptied out my purse and wallet. Bills, coins, credit cards, bank card, it all went to my new master. That was the very last time!”
If not for the fact Róisín was frozen in her kneeling position Alex was sure she’d be wagging her finger at him for even hinting she’d misbehaved.
He held up his hands. “I’m not making any accusations. I believe you, honestly. It’s such a foreign concept from my side. Anyway, I’m getting off track.
“What I’m asking, is if you want to work? Financially it isn’t necessary; I can support both of us easily. There are other benefits. Making friends, the sense of accomplishment in a job well done, working together toward a common goal, and I’m sure there are more.”
“Yes, sir.” If she were capable of showing less enthusiasm Alex had yet to see it. “Is it in my best interest for me to take on a job?” The way she put it made him think cutting off her head was at the same level of “best interest” for her welfare.
Alex nodded. “Considering the benefits, of course it would be good for you, as you put it. You shouldn’t be shut up here at home.” She stared straight ahead, resigned to being forced to live with his decision. That answered his question.
“However,” he crossed his arms and leaned back, “I must also consider the inconvenience to myself. You can’t drive, so I would have to make arrangements to get you to and from wherever you are employed. Then there are the tax implications; you have no idea of the headaches at the end of the year. Worst of all, it might reduce the time we’re together. Weighing all that, the conclusion is obvious. No, I’m sorry but this is one of those times when you will have to reluctantly step onto that pedestal and stay at home. I forbid you to hold a job. This is a permanent ban, there is no appeal, and we will not discuss it in the future. My mind is made up, so don’t try to persuade me to change.” He frowned, eyes narrowing. “I trust I have made myself quite clear on this matter?”
Alex almost burst out laughing at the transparent expression of relief on Róisín’s face. “Yes, sir, crystal clear. Although I’m disappointed,” she replied, voice dripping with sarcasm, “you as always have the final word.”
Well, that was easier than I expected, Alex thought. It did open up another problem though. How was Róisín going to pass the time while home alone during the day? His job managing operations for the various Island ferries usually required his presence in one of the business offices, with trips along the ferry routes at unexpected times.
“Okay, I need to ask, how did you keep from being bored when you were home alone?” She couldn’t leave the house without his permission, and with the curfew limitations there were only a few hours she was able to go out in public without him along as her escort. “I don’t want you staring out the window all day long, driven to tears in despair at your lost freedom.”
“So dramatic, sir! Would you be surprised to learn there’s a busy social life going on all day long, for those of us who are subject to certain limitations? It’s the Internet, sir, the modern version of the ancient practice of gathering at the marketplace or the village well. I have a large circle of online friends, female only in case you’re concerned. Of course, I expect you’ll want to set rules on what’s allowed. I will need a laptop, and if you let me make day trips, I’ll need a phone too, so I can keep you updated on where I am.”
Alex nodded. “Laptop and phone, I’ve already ordered them.”
“If I may point out, sir, be sure the electronics are certified for use by North Island women. Those models come with extensive controls so you can monitor my activities. There are various levels of restrictions, ranging from unlimited access to locked down. ‘Lockdown’ means you have to enter a whitelist of websites and email addresses I can visit. By default, everything else is blocked. My prior owner chose the lockdown mode, so I’m used to a limited list of websites. Same for the phone, each entry on the contacts screen had to be approved first.”
“I’ll look into it and let you know what I think is best to start. I’ve already made arrangements for your debit card too. From what I’ve read your restrictions on being out on your own are rather severe here on North Island?”
