Everything had changed. Or should I say Uncle Andrew had changed everything! I no longer wanted to sever my ties with Hugo. In choosing between the two: Hugo or pending enslavement. Hugo won hands down. He had me and he could keep me so far as I was concerned. If he didn’t want his two million dollars, that was his affair. It sounded simple and logical but I knew it wasn’t. Hugo might truly believe he could best Andrew Everleigh, but I knew if it came to a tussle of wits, or money, or sneakiness, he didn’t have a chance. I didn’t bother to ask myself what the hell I really wanted myself - I didn’t know!
Hugo’s male ego insisted I be naked and handcuffed on our return home. And, if that pleased him, I wasn’t going to argue. The golden handcuffs had taken my fancy and felt good upon my wrists. I had missed them at dinner and felt sure I would recapture their magic when they bit again. I went straight to the lounge to undress and pour the brandies while I still had hands. But once inside the door I stopped in my tracks in surprise.
Margo Hammil stood against the wall, her wrist was locked to the ring in the manner by which slavegirls were parked. I had never seen her more radiantly happy.
Sitting comfortably upon our couch was Constance and Andrew Everleigh. They had found the brandy and seemed well content. Hugo went straight to the point, “Get the hell out of here!”
“Don’t be angry,” said Uncle Andrew soothingly. “We’ve only just arrived and had a pleasant chat with the young lady over against the wall. This brandy is not at all bad, and, in case you’re interested, I have a key which fits most doors. Please do sit down.”
Hugo could probably have made mince meat of Uncle Andrew but that would solve nothing. I smiled at Constance who, smiled right back, but it was to Uncle Andrew I spoke. “Mr. Markham doesn’t want to accept your offer, and he doesn’t want me to, either. The papers will be returned to you. I’m terribly sorry.”
Uncle Andrew sipped the brandy with appreciation. I dragged Hugo to a chair then sat on his knee and put my arm around his neck in a way I had never done before or even thought of doing. It’s strange how you can sleep with a man without really becoming intimate. Uncle Andrew was not fazed. “I suspect you’re doing that for my benefit,” he suggested slyly. “I was young myself once but look back on it as a bit of a bore.” He looked at us mischievously. “Oh, by the way, there’s been a change of plans.” Hugo’s tension eased somewhat. “I’ve come here.” continued Uncle Andrew, “to take delivery of Diane Durrant. But when we looked around we discovered Miss Hammil tied to a post downstairs. She explained she is partial to such treatment so I’ve decided to divert her to my castle in place of Miss Diane Durrant. I’m sure you approve?”
We approved but dared not say so. There are times when fate is just too kind, and you wonder if the axe is still about to fall. Hugo asserted his position as a host with a declaration, “I’m glad you made that decision, Mr. Everleigh. I had considered that possibility myself. Miss Hammil is a most charming woman, appreciative of any kind or length of rope. But so far as Miss Durrant is concerned, she is my property and I intend to keep her”
He sounded a bit pompous but the speech went over well. I refilled glasses and good will flowed. Darling Margo was given a half glass of brandy which she immediately drank down on an empty stomach, ignoring the possible effect. “It’s a nice idea to leave a slavegirl with one hand free to do the chores and look after herself. Margo behaved delightfully and did not even ask to sit down. She was excited as all get out.”
“I am taking Miss Hammil to the Caribbean to fill the position intended for Miss Durrant,” said Andrew Everleigh calmly. “I contemplate a mutually satisfactory association.”
“I hope you’ll be very happy,” said Hugo.
“You really don’t mind?” I spoke directly to Margo. “Gosh, no. I can hardly wait!” I suspected the brandy was beginning to take affect.
“Constance will make sure she will not be whipped beyond her capacity,” Uncle Andrew said regally. “Should you wish to visit, please feel free to do so at any time.” I shivered as might a maiden delivered from a snake-pit but inquired. “There was the matter of money, Mr. Everleigh. What are your feelings on this matter?”
The ancient billionaire was in a benign mood, probably due in part to Hugo’s brandy, partly to the beauty and incredible figure of Miss Hammil. He said, “If Mr. Markham will be kind enough to sign the documents. I will attach my own signature and the transaction is complete. You will receive your check within a few days and may I wish you every happiness.” He mused thoughtfully. “Should your conscience bother you about Miss Hammil, please feel free to visit my estate and satisfy yourselves her chains are not heavier than she can bear.” He smiled lovingly. “You may also inspect the other delights to which she will be subject. With all the money you’ll receive, you may wish to fill in a bit of time in your retirement.”
I suddenly realized I possessed hands, and with breasts and other parts still covered. I got off Hugo’s knee and knelt in front of the man who held us all in the power of one hand. I couldn’t make much of a speech but said, “Thank you, oh, thank you!” over and over again, and meant every word until Constance interposed.
“I’d be glad for a length of rope, Diane, if you’ve got one handy. I like to tie a girl’s elbows tight behind her back when she’s in transit. The poor darlings get such silly notions of escape.”
As Constance went about her task, I watched in a fascination prompted by memories of biting rope, shinning steel, and the delightful pain that comes from extremely tight strictures. If Constance’s predication about Margo ran true, she would have fought, but she did not fight. Instead she stood very erect as her wrists were locked behind her back and her elbows bound in what I knew had to be a most painful constriction. When she asked for one more brandy, I wasn’t sure whether to give it to her. But Andrew Everleigh nodded and I held the glass to her lips. She gulped down the potent liquid and I knew that, at least for the first part of her journey, she would be feeling no pain. In fact, she looked as if she would be enjoying the experience immensely.
Uncle Andrew took the floor, “This whole business of possessing slavegirls is extremely basic and its origin is way back in history. Possessing a slavegirl, or several slavegirls, is a desire inherent in every male. Every home should have at least one, or perhaps more according to the man’s substance. At home, at Rockley, I have a considerable collection in a cage. I am sure Diane has told you of it. A strange facet of this wish is that no matter how many we have, we are always prepared to purchase one more. I seem to recall that King Solomon owned three hundred of the little dears, or was it a thousand. I forget. It is a precedent we should no ignore.”
“Look here, Sir, you don’t intend to be cruel to this girl, do you?”
Hugo was once more being Male.
“Don’t disturb yourself. Mr. Markham. Slavegirls enjoy a certain amount of cruelty and despise a master who never uses a whip. I am sure Diane will acquaint you with female inclinations upon request. But I suspect you have already dealt with this subject. I have little doubt her skin is marked.”
I suggested we retire to the office and sign the papers, mostly to inform Hugo that we should quit while we were ahead. Uncle Andrew couldn’t be on his way too soon. If I hadn’t known Margo was in her heart’s delight, I would have tried to do something, but what the hell can you do for a girl who would fight you if you tried to free her? Margo was still tight bound against the wall with a slightly silly smile on her face. I could tell that she was getting high on more than just the brandy and envied her such a great love of pure bondage. I mean, I like being tied, but she adored it! We signed the documents with a fine flourish of satisfaction and Uncle Andrew and Constance departed with their prize. It was the biggest sigh of relief I’d ever heaved.