October 2016
+1+
According to my e-mail reminders I had seven weeks until I graduated from law school. The countdown reminder e-mails had been Carrie’s idea back when we used to stay up and picture the day all my hard work came to fruition.
A handful of her friends still invited me out but Carrie and I never crossed paths. I went out of my way to avoid the English department. When I saw her at a café where we used to write on Monday evenings, I just turned around and left.
I tried to hide what was clearly a depressive episode. I buried myself in school and law clinics. I could run the business with my eyes closed and was going through the motions with Sera. She’d noticed I wasn’t fully there and when she’d demanded an answer for my behavior I told her the truth. My mental health was usually enough to get her to back off.
The summer of 2016 was challenging (for everyone it seemed like). I’d taken an internship (with a pitiful stipend) at a large immigration law firm in the metro-Baltimore area and burned out after a month. I didn’t want to go back to New York, so I spent the summer alone in my overpriced Locust Point AirBNB. I worked on my memoir and got my CPA license. I went to a few bars and BDSM clubs alone. I told myself it was to network but I just took full advantage of the free reign Sera had given me for that summer
I’d come back to New York ready to finish my last semester of law school. I was ready to start my political career.
Seven weeks and counting
Ding!
The elevator’s loud arrival tone snapped me to attention. I readjusted the groceries and hot coffee I was carrying and used my key to get inside Seraphina’s condo. Sera was sitting at the table reading election news on her phone, Sven was on his knees with his mouth between her legs. He was shirtless in tight dark blue boxers. Every muscle in his toned back was swollen and flexed as he worked.
I set the bags down and shrugged out of my coat. I kissed Sera good morning not even wanting to see what election bullshit was on her phone. Despite being eaten out she looked like shit. She was stress breaking out again, her under eyes were dark and her highlights were growing out
“Take…fuck…take a shower and have breakfast with me.” She said.
“Sera I have to head home and study—“
“Not you, Paris”, she said gently kicking away Sven.
“Did I please you?” Sven asked.
“Yes. Go get dressed.”
“You didn’t come.”
“I got what I needed.”
Sven didn’t seem satisfied with that answer but he headed into the bedroom.
I poured Sera’s coffee in a to-go cup, she wasn’t usually a big coffee drinker but she had a full schedule today plus the Dark Nights of Halloween Bash at Rapture. Sven came back in wearing another pair of boxer and a loosely tied black robe. I instantly recognized it as the robes we kept in New Aeterna for clients.
“So… two months until graduation, right?” Sven asked me, “Have you found someone to take your apartment?”
“Yes”, I said, “Friend of a friend.”
It had been one of Carrie’s old friends who knew I was graduating in December. She had befriended me after our break-up with the sole purpose of getting the apartment. New York City real estate was tough.
Sera moved to sit in Sven’s lap. He adjusted his posture and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Look”, Sven held up his iPad, “Alexxa is at Dom Hidalgos’s down in Florida.”
Sera glanced at the screen. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a picture of the infamous Dom Hidalgo on the beach with six women in bikinis. Each of them strategically holding jack-o-lanterns.
“Every time I take a rotation at Seville he is always talking about you. He keeps wanting you to come down”, Sven said.
“Hidalgo knows if he wants to see me he has to come up here.”
Which he did. He did a lot, actually. He always said it was because of some random meeting or event—but I’d started to realize he just made sure any event or meeting he had was in the city.
“Bitchy. That’s why you’re a fucking natural Domme Sera. You wouldn’t last five minutes at Seville, Paris. It gets really intense”
I kept myself focused on the toaster. There were crumbs and scuff marks I couldn’t reach. Seville was Dom Hidalgo’s 24-hour total power exchange BDSM resort. It was well known in the community and most people saved up for years to go. Dom Hidalgo had a rotating staff of people from local BDSM communities. Sven worked there every summer, but Sera had never shown any interest in returning after her one summer—even though the pay was phenomenal.
Hidalgo had an army of lawyers and policy analyst who made sure his business stayed legal. Working in his legal department would be a dream job. I’d asked Sera to bring it up to him whenever he came to New York to see her --but Sera never did.
“I’m sure Paris could handle it”, Sera said scrolling through the photos
“I doubt it. You remember his Wall? Never seen anything like it”, Sven turned to me, “He’d have these fucking 15 foot long bondage walls with perfectly cut holes. Every few inches there would be the most beautiful display of perfect swollen pussy and ass. Then once you make it to the other side there would be trussed up obedient petite women in exquisite ecstasy. Fuck, Sera he could never get you up there”
“I was too tall”, she said, “Besides I had to put them up there.”
Sven started kissing her neck and I started taking apart the warm toaster. Maybe I could clean it that way. Sera had a screwdriver around here somewhere…
“That summer he could never get you to call him master“, Sven continued. It felt like he was bringing this up just to remind me he and Sera had memories I wasn’t privy to.
“I just… didn’t get the appeal of total submission back then.” Sera said.
“Really? Him stripping you and leading you a chain wasn’t total submission—“
“That’s enough”, Sera said covering his mouth. She was trying to play it off but she was blushing a little. Sera didn’t like me thinking of her that way, but I liked that Sven had gotten a reaction out of her.
“I gotta get my day started”, Sven said, “I’ll see you tonight when the real hedonism begins. Are you going to tell me your costume?”
“You’ll see when I--we get there.” Sera said.
“Fine. Happy Halloween.”
He dressed and rushed out the door. His suitcase and overnight bag were still by the bedroom door. He’d been staying at the condo for a week because of some drama with his four roommates. I tried to imagine a world where Carrie and I could have managed things like Sven and I did. We didn’t always get along but we managed our relationship with Sera.
“Paris”, I turned at the sound of Sera’s voice and looked at the pile of toaster parts on the counter.
“Yes?”
“What the fuck are you doing?” Sera took the screwdriver from me, “Why don’t you just go study until tonight.”
I nodded. It was Saturday. Not one of my usual days with her but Sven had scored us tickets to the Halloween Bash at a discounted price. Sera and I hadn’t gone out to a fetish party together in years. I think she sensed I needed one big night out before graduating.
“Thank you.”
“I can’t wait until you see the costume I picked out Paris”
“Me neither.”
I said automatically. I’d gotten good at knowing what Seraphina wanted to hear. I needed her to be satisfied with me enough to pay for my increased therapy. I’d been bouncing around trying to find a therapist that could handle my depression, sexual aversion, childhood trauma and anxiety.
I’d found one therapist, Dr. Reading, who had studied D/s relationship and was willing to take on my other shit. Sera and I’d had a couples session where Dr. Reading had me sit on the floor at Sera’s feet
“It sounds like you missed out on having a childhood, Paris”, Dr. Reading had said after I gave her the rundown on my younger years, “Having to run the orphanage at such a young age.”
Sera had listened while twisting apart a tissue in her hands. She hated therapy but had come to support me.
“What about you…Seraphina? Tell me about your childhood. Was it similar to Paris’?”
She’d been quiet and had retreated into her shyness, “I had a childhood I guess. The older girls always had to watch the younger ones. It was fun. We’d play for hours outside away from the nuns. They included me even though I couldn’t talk.”
“Were you diagnosed with selective mutism as a child?” Dr. Reading had asked
“I was just…slow. I mean I’m-“
“Sera”, I’d said making the mistake of interrupting “Don’t talk about yourself like that --”
“I know what people say about me--”
“Sera—“
“Let’s hold off on the cross talk”, Dr. Reading had refocused the session, “Paris, I think since you are already engaged in a D/s relationship that you might want to consider incorporating age play or Big/little elements.”
“I don’t think that’s going to help”, I’d said.
“Paris you’ve been an adult your entire life. I think exploring the parental relationships you lacked might—“
“No. I had a childhood”, I’m sure of it, “I mean sometimes I feel like I’m missing parts. I just…can’t remember all of it.”
“Seraphina, you grew up with Paris. Do you think you could fill in the blanks for him?
“I…I…um…Paris never had a childhood. I mean he was always studying or apprenticing with Hmjeu”, Sera had said, “He never played or had fun. I had to drag him to parties in college and make him play board games with me.”
Dr. Reading had started scribbling and I didn’t like it,“Paris I think it’s important you try and re-create a childhood. Seraphina, I’m sure you’ve had clients with the same needs.”
“Just one or two.” Sera had replied, “ It’s not really my specialty but I can talk to some of my Domme friends. I do have leftover baby foo--”
“No”, I’d said.
“Paris”, Dr. Reading had cut in, “I think child play therapy could be—“
“No. This isn’t what I need. We’re leaving”, I’d gotten up and headed for the door. Seraphina had of course taken her time following me.
“Calm down, Paris.” Sera had said crossing the street to meet me
“We’re not doing that. She had some nerve.”
She’d been trying not to laugh which was so fucking disrespectful.
“It’s not funny Sera.”
“Your reaction is. What happened to not kink shaming.”
“It’s just…not what I need.”
“I know. But that stuff about your--our childhood. You really don’t remember parts of growing
up. Um…you never talk about certain things."
I’d felt something coming back but I pushed it down. At least I almost had because I’d vomited on her polo shirt.
“What the fuck, Paris.” She'd screamed.
“Sorry, Darling. I feel awful. I’m sorry.”
She'd take a deep breath and her voice was calm again.
“I…I’ll get you a cab home.”
It was the last time she went to therapy with me. Sera teased me about the age play and ordered me an Xbox that sat collection dust in my apartment.
+2+
Rapture’s Dark Nights of Halloween Bash was in full swing by the time we arrived. I jumped out the cab first and reached for Sera’s door. She looped her finger around one of the straps on the vegan black leather harness she’d chosen for me and pulled me forward.
“Let’s have some fun.” She whispered to me.
She let go and I followed. In the entry way Sera handed the bouncer our tickets and I paid for a pink glow in the dark band so no one photographed me.
I don’t feel comfortable at all in the tight crisscross harness, mostly because I didn’t have a shirt on. My body was mostly pale skin and bones. My costume also consisted of an oversized black suit jacket, tailored slacks and a straw fedora. My hair had been gelled and slicked to the side
Sera had dressed herself in a dark blue flared dress with white polka dots and full petticoats. It was cinched at the waist with a white apron. The skirt swished around a pair of peep toe high heels. The auburn and mahogany wig her hair stylist installed was in soft shoulder length pin curls around her matte face and red lips. There was nothing kinky or fet about her costume at all, it stuck out in the flamboyant crowd.
Hallowen brought out a lot of wealthy visitors and tag-alongs to the scene. There was a lot of awkward energy. There was a huge dance floor on the first floor and upstairs I could hear the tell-tale sounds of some hardcore play and demonstrations. Sera lead me to the packed dance floor for a few minutes, but she pulled me toward the bar when the song switched to a faster paced one.
Sera took a seat and ordered the overpriced signature red candy apple cocktail. She held the glass to my lips first and I took a small sip before she took it back. I stood next to her trying to think of something to say to her that wasn’t about work.
“Why so serious?”
I startled and turned to see Sven in worn white make-up, his hair dyed green and his trim figure in a dark purple leather vest and tight pants with most of the back cut out.
“Paris, hey you should have done this.” Sven pointed to his drawn on scars that looked painfully realistic. I could only bring myself to glance at them. Was that what I looked like? “This is cute though. Lucy and Ricky”.
“I’m ready to go home” Seraphina said jumping up to hug Sven even though they just saw each other this morning.
“You just got here”, Sven said giving her a quick spin, “Some of the girls from Triple X are here. Let’s get in on the reunion picture.”
“Do I get a free drink out of it?” she asked pushing away the cocktail, “A real one?”
“Whatever you want, Mistress.”
Sera dug a lead out of pocket and clipped it to one of the loops on Sven’s strappy vest.
“You’re mine now”, she said half-jokingly. Sven laughed and they walked off in deep conversation.
Sera turned back to me, “I’ll be right back. Why don’t you
go and fine me some new clients.”
I nodded and headed off to visit the vendor room with a stack of business cards. I’d gotten good at networking and talking up New Aeterna over the years. I liked seeing how other sex-based business operated and learning about what they might need when it comes to future legislation on sex work. These would be the people I’d need on my side when I made it to congress…then the White House.
After an hour of networking I headed back to the bar. I jumped when someone tapped my shoulder. A tall beautiful woman wearing a latex body suit smiled at me.
“You’re Paris Prince?”
“Yes.”
“Cool. I wanted to give you my number. I didn’t know if you were taking any new clients.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I’m just interested in exploring opportunities. I’m a switch so I’ll do anything. I know you work with umm…I think her stage name is Athena. If you were looking for more talent I—“
“I’m sorry. I’m not an agent. I’m… a law student. I just help with Miss. Grigori with her business.”
“Oh, really? I guess I thought—“
She awkwardly walked away and I turned back to the bar. That had happened a lot. Since the start of Sera’s career I had always been there at bashes, conventions, parties and online communities getting New Aeterna more clients and notoriety. People assumed I was her agent or manager. Really I was just there to help
Truthfully, Sera was extremely private about her personal life. Very few of Sera’s clients or the people we worked with had ever asked if we were married (legally we had different last names), and we never brought it up. Tonight was probably the first time we made it obvious we were even in a D/s relationship.
Sven suddenly settled down next to me and ordered a signature drink for himself and a water for me.
“Where’s Seraphina”, I asked as the bartender winked and added lemon and lavender to my water without charging.
“Upstairs, some of the girls wanted to get in line to try that new ultra-powered fuck machine they have.”
“Is that so”, I’d said for lack of anything else.
“I told her she might have to buy one when I head to Cali in December.”
I took a sip of water.
“Are you planning on staying in her condo until December?”
“What’s your deal?” He said downing the drink
“Sven, you can’t just crash at her place because you can’t afford rent at yours.”
His brow furrowed. I’d nailed what the drama was between him and his roommates. Sven made good money but he was awful at managing it.
“Well, Paris. Being an artist doesn’t always translate to a steady paycheck. Sera said I could stay with her until you graduated in December. We’re going to work on some stuff for my AdultStream channel. “
“Are you going to film in New Aeterna?”
“Probably”, he said, “But some other places too.”
“If you are going to be in New Aeterna you have to pay for the time.” I said, “The discount rate is $125 and hour plus the royalty fee if you shoot any video.”
Sven waived it off.
“It’s nothing official. Just trying different stuff. There is this new site CraveLive—“
“Sven. If you’re going to be in New Aeterna and working on anything that could be monetized you need to sign a contract, especially if Seraphina is involved. I’m willing to go down to $85 an hour.”
“Are you …serious, Paris?” He sounded genuinely confused
“Sera doesn’t do all this for free.”
He wiped his mouth and turned to me. I hated that he actually looked hotter when he was angry.
“You’re kind of being a douche about this, Paris. You want to charge me to spend time with my friend?”
“This is work.”
“It’s nothing formal. God.”
“Sven, if I let one person break the rules, others might think they can do the same. If I tell Sera she should charge you…she will.”
He shook his head.
“You’re only being this way because it’s me.”
“No. It’s just business.—“
“You’re so fucking uptight. Paris. “
“I’m telling you no because it’s my job to watch out for the business’ financial interest.”
“Fuck that. Your only job is overworking your wife and putting her in the fucking hospital.”
I hadn’t realized Sera had told him about her being hospitalized a few years ago when she’d passed out in the dungeon.
“Sven-”
“You’re not even a good sub. You can’t even please your Mistress the right way. You’re like those vanilla frat boys who are to chickenshit to do down on a girl.”
I shouldn’t be surprised Seraphina told him that..
“I’m a good submissive because I know my place is to respect my wife and put her needs before mine. Part of that is making sure people don’t ever take advantage of her again. Just sign a fucking contract… unless you can’t afford it. Is that the real issue? ”
He was quiet for a few minutes. Then he looked a little smug.
“Did Sera tell you we went to D.C Last week to meet with Alexxa”
“You’re lying.”
“Alexxa is opening a dungeon in New Orleans and needs people to manage it. We both want a change of scenery and Alexxa is impressed with how well New Aeterna is doing. I’m surprised Sera didn’t tell you… we were looking at apartments last night.”
She hadn’t told me anything. Sera must know the South be the worst place for me to start my political career. Especially in the current climate.”
“Sera would never make a decision without telling me.”
“Unless she’s leaving you —“
“Fuck that. She can’t do that. Everything she is I made. The studio, success and money. It’s all me. Got to Louisiana. See what happens. You’ll both be out on your asses.”
I was talking out of turn but Sven had gotten to me.
“ You really think you’re the smarter one in the partnership?”
“I am. I am at the top of my class at an Ivy league law school while also running one of the best BDSM clubs in this city. I left high school with nothing to my name and now I own two pieces of New York City real estate. All Sera had to do was make herself pretty. Her success is mine. Without me she’d still be homeless and blowing college freshman in alleys—“
Sven whistled low and took a deep sip of his drink. There was a glint in his eye I didn’t like.
I clenched my jaw and turned. Seraphina was standing behind me with her former co-workers from Triple X. A few people in close proximity had picked up on the tension and were turning to watch.
I calmly turned back to Sven and rammed my fist into his face. The impact reverberated through my arms. Sven jumped out of his barstool and jerked me to him, I pushed him away and hit him again This time I aimed for his nose. I missed but he dragged me down to the ground. I’d never been in a real fight and I just started kicking and reaching out for skin.
Around us I could hear people shuffling and yelling at us but I didn’t want to stop. I wanted him to pay. He’d done that on purpose. People were shouting and the houselights went up but I didn’t care.
+3+
My breathe was knocked out of me and I was suddenly forced back. It took me a second to realize that the painful pressure on my wrist was Sera’s tight hold on me. She dragged me out of the club and down the street.
“Ser—“
“Not a word out of you.” She snapped.
“Sera—“
“Shut your fucking mouth, Paris.”
By leaving she’d already fucking with her reputation. A real hardcore Dominant would have met me publicly talking out of turn with a public punishment. Especially in a club with an unlimited amount of supplies.
Sera hailed a cab and tightened her grip on my wrist. She gave the driver an address that was neither of our apartments. I was too afraid to speak so I sat quietly. We pulled up to a busy block on New Amsterdam. I paid the driver and followed Sera down the block. She turned into an empty brightly lit tattoo parlor.
It smelled sterile inside and the place was decked out for Halloween.
“Do you take walk-ins”, Sera asked the woman at the front desk.
“Sure. What are you wanting to get done today?” The woman asked
“Not me. Him. I’ll fill in all the information.” Sera said taking a client form.
Sera quickly filled in my information then handed it to me.
“Sign”, she ordered handing it to me with her thumb over the box that listed the service. She hadn’t flipped through any art books…so not a tattoo
“What—“
“Sign it.”
I did as I was told.
I closed my jacket around me and remembered I was still wearing just a harness under my suit jacket. A tiny girl with way to much energy called me back. Sera followed close behind. The tattoo artist got me settled in the chair. Sera sat on a stool next to me. She watched as the artist inspected my chest and rubbed alcohol over it. The artist reached for a piercing gun.
I bolted up, but Sera gently pushed me back down. Sera unhooked the harness so the artist had better access to my nipples.
“I—“
“You what ?”, she said when the artist went into the back, “You thought you could start a fight with one of my only friends in the community, you thought you could embarrass me and the business in front of everyone and not be punished. Do you know how you made me look?”
“I know. I’m sorry Seraphina.”
“Lay down”, she said, “And take your punishment.”
The artist came back over with a with a display case of nipple rings.
“Which ones?” the artist asked me
“These”, Sera said turning the artist’s attention back to her.
Sera had purposely chosen small hoops where light chains and leads could be attached in the future.
“What was your costume?” the artist asked. She was trying to relax me with small talk and despite being a bit of a masochist-- the piercing hurt 10 times more than I expected. I bit my lip and my eyes watered after the first one. Sera dabbed at my eyes with a tissue, worked her hands into mine and held them over my head. When the artist went in for the second piercing I tried to pull away.
“I need a minute”, I said still reeling
“We can stop”, the artist said.
Sera gave me a look that told me I couldn’t stop.
“No”, I said, “let’s keep going.”
I closed my eyes and squeezed Sera’s hands to stay calm.
“Sure you’re okay”, the artist asked.
“He’s fine.” Sera said. Then to me, “You’re doing good.”
Sera kissed forehead. She was practically vibrating—my pain meant something to her. I decided I could do this. I could do this for her. My entire body went tense and I nearly jumped off the chair after the second one.
Afterward I sat in the corner of the shop and tried to collect myself. I could tell the artist was worried about the exchange. While Seraphina was paying and I told her I was doing this because I’d lost a bet.
Sera and I walked back to my apartment and stopped for 2$ pizza and Diet Cokes. It was crowded so we ate leaning against the side of the building watching the parade of drunk costumed characters
“Darling ?”
“What now, Paris?”
“I’m so sorry,” I said, “I embarrassed you and fucked with New Aeterna’s reputation.”
“Why did you hit him?” She asked.
“Sven is—“
“Answer the question”
“Are you moving to New Orleans?”
She rolled her eyes.
“I’m allowed to keep my options open.” she said.
“But Sven is taking advantage--”
“I don’t have a lot of friends in the industry and I like working with Sven. Soon you’ll be a full-time lawyer or whatever and I’ll need to find a new submissive. It’s just something I need now. New Orleans seemed like a good idea worth exploring. We can handle a long-distance marriage.”
“You won’t need to replace me”, I said, “I can handle my career and you.”
“I don’t know about that”, she said
I let Sera into my apartment. She hadn’t been in the small studio apartment in almost two years. She turned on the lights and inspected the kitchen and living room area. It was pristine—mostly because I’ve been living at the library.
“Take a shower, I’ll wait here so I can change the bandages”, she said opening the expensive aftercare kit she bought at the tattoo shop.
When I got out the shower she was sitting on the edge of the fold out bed. Her dress and apron were still perfectly starched and spotless. She crossed her long legs and my eyes went down to her stiletto heels crossed modestly at the ankle. I felt vastly under dressed in a pair of old pajamas.
She motioned for me to sit next to her. My mind was reeling with fantasies and I couldn’t decide if I wanted her to be my step-mother or strict housewife. I took a seat and she carefully replaced the bandages on my piercings. I could tell she liked the way they looked and she tugged at them sending pricks of pain straight down to my cock.
“How did you know about that place?” I asked
Sera looked up at me and I couldn’t tell if she was annoyed I was talking or was still mad about the fight.
“I was trying to impress this hardcore tatted up Domme. I thought she might send some work my way if I got a tattoo with her.”
She had a tattoo? How had I missed that? I guess I hadn’t had that many opportunities to see it.
“Where is it?” I asked.
“That’s nothing you should be concerned about. Especially after what you did tonight. She reached into her bodice and pulled out a chain with two keys on it.
“Do you know what this?” she asked holding up one key
“…a key?”
“And this one”, she held up the other key. This one I knew.
“The key to my apartment.” I said.
“My apartment”, She corrected me, “When I have time I like to stop by make sure you’re following my rules. Sometimes I like to leave things… ”
She reached under the bed and pulled out a small box with a small metal shaped object. I knew immediately it was a chastity cage. When had she put that there?
“What do you think? I thought with this you’d be forced to keep me in mind all the time. I think I should be in charge of your penis and what you do with it from now on. Do you want to try it?”
I knew wearing that thing would be painful and humiliating but maybe more control was what I needed. Tonight had shown I still didn’t respect or trust Sera like I should.
“Yes”, I said.
“You have to be soft to put it on. Lay down.”
I shifted realizing I’d gotten semi-hard thinking about the fucking tattoo she apparently had. She rolled my pants down enough for her to slip on a condom on. I didn’t want to use one but I figured she didn’t want mess up her dress. She lifted the dress and carefully moved on top and around me. She quickly maneuvered the skirt and petticoats so they covered me. For the first time I realized she wasn't wearing anything under her dress or at least nothing substantial.
She kissed me, smudging a little of her lipstick on my mouth. She put her hands on my chest and didn’t move at all. She reached for her phone and started texting. She slapped my hand away when I reached for her waist. I needed a little friction. She put her phone away and rifled through the nightstand until she found a small case with a mini vibrator in it. I’m retroactively embarrassed that it must have been there when I was dating Carrie.
“I bet this is how housewives should have treated their husbands
back then…taking control from the top.” She said
“…I’m sure some did.”
“…that’s the kind of housewife I want to be”, She maneuvered the vibrator to where she wanted it under her skirts, “I want to be taken care but I want it to be clear who is actually in…in charge.”
“I understand I…fuck…I can do that.”
She moved my hand to hold the vibrator in place for her so she could go back to texting.
“Really ? You’re going to treat me like a fucking queen and grovel at my feet for the rest of my life?”
“Yes…I…I’d do anything for you.”
I was close and lacked the ability to hold out as long as Sera could. She was so on edge, the low vibrations were making her cunt pulse a little around my cock, but it didn’t show on her face. It didn’t take much to take us both over, she drops her phone and manages to hold back a low moan.
Sera spent the next few minute showing me how the cage worked and I pretend like I hadn’t spent late nights reading up on the idea when we first started our relationship. I wouldn’t be able to move without thinking about her and the literal (and figurative) hold she had on me.
She eventually went to fix her makeup in the bathroom. I guess her night wasn’t over yet.
“Paris, I didn’t get to give you your real present.”
What else could she have hidden around the apartment? She went into the kitchen and reached into one of the top shelves. She sat down next to me and with a jewelry box. Inside was a smooth white gold wedding band.
“Sera I can’t…. I mean... I‘ve never bought you a ring--”
“Don’t be silly, Paris. This isn’t a ring. It’s your collar. I guess that’s what all wedding bands are. Which is why you will never see me with one.”
I nodded. Of course. I should have known that.
“Do you want this?” she asked
“I do”, I said getting the smallest smile out of her.
“Well, I’m feeling possessive so wearing this means you can’t see anyone else without my permission. At this point I won't ever give you permission. You’re my submissive and my husband--- you obey and cater only to me. Every single thing you have belongs me including your body, pleasure, heart, money, material things are all mine. Of course, if you need a break or things get to intense you take this off.”
“Okay”
She handed me the box.
“I love the way men get on their knees when they propose to women. You should do that.”
“But you’re giving me a ring—“
“Stop talking back. Do it”
I did. Instead of taking her hand she took mine and slid the ring on. It fit perfectly. Upon closer inspection I could see her name was engraved into one the surface. At first I thought the apostrophe ‘S’ at the end was a typo on her part…but clearly it wasn’t.
“I want this kept in perfect condition, Paris.”
“I will. Thank you. I love you, Sera.”
Since I was already on the ground, I kissed and ran my tongue up her ankle, I pushed the dress and petticoats up and over her closed knees. Sera stood up kicking me away.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish.” she said. “Call me a car. I guess now I have to give Sven a talking to.”
“Tell him I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted that way.”
“Call him tomorrow and work it out with him. You know what it like when money isn’t coming in. He’s have a rough time.”
“You’re right. I’ll call him.”
I grabbed my phone and called a Lyft while Sera busied herself going through my desk. Something in the trash caught her attention. She reached down and pulled out a red envelope with a gold seal.”
“What’s this? It has my name on it.”
“Just the invitation to our high school class reunion. I figured you wouldn’t want to go back…”
“Oh…where’s yours?”
“I called the committee…they…forgot to send me one. I mean I was only valedictorian and almost prom king but I guess that wasn’t enough---
“You know what? I do want to go. It might be fun.”
+4+
Later that night the security system alert went off on my phone. I immediately dragged open my laptop and logged into the cameras for the studio. We’d had a few break-ins but nothing was ever stolen. The lobby was empty, so I flipped to the camera in the larger studio. The lights are on and I see Sera and Sven walking in. Sera’s hair was wet and she’d scrubbed her makeup off. The audio was slightly distorted but I could make the sound out. Sven had his hands over his ears while Sera tried to turn off the alarm system. I shut it off remotely from my computer and they both relaxed.
“We going to get in trouble?” Sven asked striding around the studio. He inspected the equipment and seemed to take ownership of the space.
“Look Sven, we can have fun tonight. But any other time we spend in here you have to sign a contract. Maybe you can ask Paris for a payment plan.”
“Oh, come on Sera. Are you letting Paris call the shots?”
“Paris is protecting me. Besides the contract protects you too. Work it out with him, okay? That way we can both pay our bills.”
She kissed him and he tilted her chin up.
“Yes, Mistress”, He pulled away from their second kiss, “I’m begging you to reconsider New Orleans, Seraphina. You are going to be so bored if you keep following Paris around. Watching you stand behind a mediocre politician would be such a fucking waste of talent, passion and beauty.”
He’d punctuated each compliment with a kiss.
“I think I should stay with Paris for now…”
“For now?”
“For now?” she repeated.
“Okay. You ready, pet” he asked running his tongue along her lips
“Yes.”
“You want to be my sweet girl, tonight? Is that okay?”
“…Yes”
Sven kissed Sera and directed her to the entrance of the dungeon.
“Good girl”, he said. Then harshly, “Now strip.”
Sera kicked off her shoes and carefully unbuttoned her coat.
“Faster”, he ordered. A darker edge to his voice as he walked to the other side of the room
She tugged off her winter coat. Her costume was gone and beneath the jacket she was wearing a full body harness that was essentially a couple of cognac brown leather straps splayed across her body. Two straps crisscrossed over her chest and waist, a third strap connects between her legs. It fit perfectly to the contours of her hard toned body and accentuated her bare tanned skin.
I toggle the camera’s view a little. Sven appraises her but he doesn’t look happy, he can clearly see the marks of defiance on her face.
“Get on your hands and knees.” Sven ordered.
She hesitated which was a problem. Sven surveyed from across the room. From the angle of the camera I can see the small scrawl of ink following the curve of her ass. It’s the tattoo but I couldn’t read what the script said.
“Come to me.” Sven said. Somehow dropping his voice several octaves.
She pushed up to stand but the end of a whip snapped at her feet.
“I didn’t say you could stand. Crawl.” Sven said moving to the center of the dungeon and taking a seat in one of the throne chairs.
She moved languidly across the floor. Following his orders but making him wait. I know I shouldn’t be watching. I didn’t like seeing her like this but she looked so fucking good barley wearing anything. She never dressed like that for me. I mean…she didn’t need too…but still.
When she reached him she kissed the tips of his purple leather boots. Back arched, ass up.
“Are you trembling”, he said, “What’s wrong, Mrs. Prince. Do you want something?”
She nods.
“Use you worlds, slut.”
“I want you.”
“Show me”
He threw a condom at her and she quickly slides it on him.
Sven relaxed in the chair as she licks his imposing erection before closing her
mouth around him. Her hand is wrapped around his base, gently applying pressure
as she works her way up and around his tip before guiding him down her throat.
She was pulling out all her tricks, she wanted to make him come and ruin his
night early. To remind him who was really in control. Sven seemed to realize
this.
“You do want it don’t you, Mrs. Prince?”
She wiped her mouth and nods.
Sven stood up suddenly and grabbed her by her ponytail and dragged her across the padded floor to where there were several strategically placed D- hooks screwed into the ground.
He chose a pair of handcuffs and restrained her arms up and over hear head. Then he flicked open a pocket-knife. He seemed to gauge her response before proceeding. He ran the flat side down her belly then cut the leather strap between her legs. He closed the knife and forced it in-between her teeth. He then worked quickly securing her ankles to her wrist.
“For the next hour your mine, sweet girl.This pussy is mine. I don’t want to hear a fucking word out of you. You drop this knife and you won’t be able to sit down for week without thinking about me.”
She bit down harder on the knife and he started fucking her. The shared sounds of pleasure escalated as he forced her body to accommodate his. I get hard listing to her low moans and heavy breathing—which makes the cage that much more painful.
My eyelids had gotten heavy, I yawned and turned the volume up a little bit as the room went hazy around me.
“Little slut”, Sven said, “This is what you want.”
Sera screamed...and not the good kind of scream.
“...fuck—Paris. Fuck. Stop.”
What?
I grabbed the laptop to survey the scene. Sera was lying on the floor crying while Sven took the restraints off. He picked her up and carried her to one of the side benches. He grabbed a weighted blanket and wrapped her in it.
“It’s okay”, he said calmly, “It’s okay, you’re okay. You should have told me that was a hard limit. Sorry. It’s okay”
“I…I’m sorry. I…I didn’t know…fuck. What the fuck? Why am I crying?”
“Let me see.”
She tilted her chin up and Sven inspected her neck. There were two red marks that were starting to fade. Sera had only cried two times in front of me, whatever subspace she was in had made her extremely vulnerable. What the hell had happened?
I rewound the feed and watched intently. Sven was being rough but she seems to be into that. I watched as Sven took it a step farther. He’d reached for one of the discarded leather straps from her outfit and wrapped it around her neck. I watched the panic in her eyes. They must not have worked out a non-verbal queue because it was almost a minute before he loosened it enough for her to talk and she screamed …my name.
My name was her safe word ? In all the years we’d been together we’d never used one with each other. I couldn’t even remember mine.
Sven cleaned up the dungeon and put everything its place while Sera rested. He bought her water and helped her back into her coat. He wrapped his hand tight around hers as they headed out. Sera had never mentioned having a problem with breathe play. But it had clearly triggered something in her.
I closed my laptop and a memory tugged at me. Seven years ago I’d stepped out of Winthrop Hall’s Game Night to bail Sera out of jail. She’d been so fucking out it. I remembered I’d held her hand and I’d said
“Sera did you try to hurt yourself?”
She hadn’t answered and she’d barley been able to talk that evening. I closed my eyes and really thought about that night and what she was wearing. And how the oversized belt she’d always worn was missing.
Part II
+5+
January 2017
I graduated from Columbia Law in the top 1/3 of my class and passed the bar just in time to ring in 2017.
I was ready for my future.
The future wasn’t quite ready for me
“Things are kind of a mess right now with the DCC, Paris. It might be a year or four before we can find a campaign you’d be a good fit for”, Dir. Munroe had explained after she called me in for a meeting, “Until then we need all the help we can get doing grassroots and awareness campaigns for the Sex Workers Collective. I also want to set up a volunteer think tank to strategize some of our initiatives in this new landscape. You could lead the--”
“That’s volunteer work. I do that already. I really need a campaign or a paying position within a campaign.”
“I didn’t think money was an issue”, Dir. Munroe said.
It wasn’t the biggest issue. There was enough money flowing in New Aeterna to keep the bills paid, but it wasn’t stable and Sera was draining her personal accounts to keep us afloat. Not to mention I had a few undergrad student loans that were due and my college credit card debt
“It’s a balancing act.”
“I’m sorry, Paris. 2016 blew everything up. We’re reevaluating everything. I’ll give you a call if anything changes.
The next few months were far from ideal;
I was recruited to the associates program at a large corporate law firm with a low end $62,000 salary. It was a good start but Sera was noticeably unenthused about it. She also didn’t seem surprised when I got fired two weeks in. I couldn’t keep up with the fast-pace and I was accused of talking back to the senior partners because I was too vocal about all the errors in their work.
Then I lasted 2 weeks in the public defender’s office, making a salary so low it wasn’t even worth mentioning. I couldn’t stomach all the tragedy, it kept me up all night. I had panic attack during a lunch break and decided to quit.
It had been a miracle when Dir. Munroe called and told me that there was a council seat open in New Crest City, New Jersey. It was a special election with no other candidates. To qualify all I had to do was be a property owner.
“No”, Sera said after I outlined the plan to move us from New York City to New Crest City.
“Sera this is the plan. We are moving. Road to the Whitehouse remember? I’ve got a 20 year plan.”
“It’s in the middle of nowhere.”
That was true. New Crest City (despite its name) was a small rural New Jersey county known for cow farming. It was a far cry from New York City—but placing me there was a part of the Party’s 12 year plan to plant progressive seeds in rural areas.
“Seraphina, this is where the party needs me and I’m ready to serve my country--”
“No.”
She turned back to her vanity and focused on her makeup for whatever high-priced date she was going on. We had been struggling learning to live together now that I’d moved in. My sporadic employment often clashed with her erratic nighttime schedule. I worked nights on the finances and contracts for the business, but I’d outsourced social media, facilities management, billing and event planning just so I could get a few hours of sleep.
New Jersey was the answer. Sera could keep working part-time and we could slow down.
“Sera…It’s only 27 minutes from the city. We can get a house with some acreage. You could have a small farm or a garden. Didn’t you say you wanted to spend more time in nature?”
She sighed.
“…we’re not buying a house in New Crest City.”
“We have to. I have to be a resident to take the seat.”
She thought about this for a long time while putting her lipstick on.
“Paris, it just doesn’t make sense for me to move right now. You can refinance the condo and buy a house --but I’m staying here. You can come see me on the weekends.”
Fuck. I’d have to put my foot down.
“Seraphina. This was always the plan. We agreed that when I started my political career we would do whatever it took. I need you standing beside me.”
“I will … when my schedule allows.”
“Seraphina—“
“Why Paris?”, She snapped, “Why should I give all this up when you’re probably going to find some way to fuck this job up too. “
There was absolutely nothing behind her cold eyes and sharp words. I slid off my wedding ring and slammed it down on her vanity.
“You are not in charge anymore. I’m your husband Seraphina. We had a deal. You’re going to support me and you are coming with me. You are done working full-time. You are done with this city. We will get a house in New Crest City.”
Sera just passively looked at the ring—the collar--on her vanity. She laughed. Not her good laugh. The sexy Dominant one.
“Please, Paris. Taking off your collar just means I can’t consensually beat your for being disrespectful to me. Unless you can pick me up and carry me out of here. I’m not moving anywhere.”
She turned back to the mirror letting me know she was done with me. But I wasn’t done with her.
“Carrie was right. You’re selfish. You were never going to leave all this behind for me. Everyone in this city treats you like a fucking Goddess-- a fucking Queen. You love it—
“I do”, she said harshly, “I love every fucking moment of it. Trust me I fucking deserve it.”
“You were never really going to support me when it mattered.”
“Director Munroe and the DCC gave you that seat because no one else wanted it. Paris, you have no experience and haven’t kept one job since graduating from all the fancy schools I paid for. Why don’t you looking into that Doctorate program at NYU ? Consider it before you fuck this up--”
I didn’t hear what she said next. I slammed the door on my way out of her bedroom. The condo suddenly felt so small. I left and went to stay in the cheapest hotel I could find. After a few mini bottles of vodka I texted her where I was. I wanted her to come crawling back to me like she’d gone crawling to Sven. Just one time.
Instead it was me crawling back the next day.
But just for money.
I took her up on the offer to refinance her condo so I could buy the house in New Crest City. I also asked for some additional funds so I could lease a car. She didn’t make a single snide remark. She just signed the checks and paperwork without a word. I gathered the few things that were mine in the condo and moved into a hotel.
I really thought my path to the White House was going to start in New Crest City. The special election was called in March and I was unceremoniously placed in the Jr. Councilman position that same week. That town was my focus. I decided I’d worry about my difficult wife later.
I’d found a small furnished fixer-upper that was in foreclosure. The house wasn’t ideal but all I needed was a bed and shower. My first week I went out at community events and introduced myself to the locals. There wasn’t a lot to do so I focused on ways I could push the DCC agenda.
Sera and I texted and e-mailed but that was it. I’d outsourced everything that went into New Aeterna except the finances and contracts. That was all me. I went into the city every other weekend to make sure the dungeon was running smoothly.
Sera let me stay with her when I was in town but we fought about everything. I felt betrayed by her and she just looked at me with that cold emotionless expression I could never read. I never understood the impulse to ask for a divorce but it occurred to me every now and then that I should get a divorce lawyer. I just couldn’t see wanting a D/s relationship with someone who didn’t respect my career.
Sera seemed to be fucking enjoying herself though. Without a tuition bill to pay Sera could take one or two days off a week. There was an endless parade of people who wanted to take her out and she partied a lot more than she had in her early twenties.
I’d spent one stressful Sunday night in Sera’s condo packing to head back to New Jersey while negotiating with a New Aeterna client that owed us $698 dollars. Sera had stumbled in wasted with luster dust sticking to her tight white button up and gray vest.
“Bitch”, she said trying and failing to lock the door.
“What?”
“That…bitch downstairs…almost didn’t let me into my own fucking building”, She started laughing and tried to navigate to her bedroom. She was talking nonsense the whole time. He hair was braided back in a low-bun and her face was completely bare. She’d trimmed her eyelashes and now her eyes were irritated and red.
“Where you with Sven?”
“Like…” she said, “You don’t remember the stars? Or like any of it. Fuck. The stars Paris… You’re so lucky…”
“Did you take something? “
“I don’t know…it didn’t look like…a mint.”
“Fuck, Sera. It was probably Molly. You can’t break the fucking law. I’m a politician now. You can’t take illegal drugs.”
“Sorry”, she said and then laughed, “You think you’re really a politician? That’s so funny.”
I didn’t know if I could leave her alone high and drunk. I debated taking her with me back to New Crest City but that would start a fight.
I helped her change clothes and made sure she got into bed. I hid her keys and grabbed my weekend bag, “Seraphina, do not get out of this bed until morning. Okay?”
“You’re such a fucking brat Paris.” she said looking right into my eyes, “Slamming doors and complaining when you don’t get your way.”
“You’re a cold controlling bitch”, I said knowing full well she was too drunk to remember this
“Look at me”, she slurred.
I hadn’t even noticed how quickly I obeyed her command. I would always fall under spell and that was always going to be a problem.
“Fuck me”, she said.
I would have if our relationship was in a better place.
“No.”
She reached for my hand again
“The stars Paris…you don’t remember the stars?”
+++
“Is this really worth a council seat”, Sera said as she circled the small living room in my house. I’d convinced her to drive down to New Crest City to see the house and town I’d been living in. I’d been officially on the job for almost two weeks and I felt I should be seen around town with my wife. I’d made a schedule and she’d agreed to come down for the day.
”This is where real change takes place. On the local level.”
She perched on the floral plastic covered couch that had come with the house. She’d worn a modest green dress like I’d asked, but she’d also worn her razor sharp stiletto thigh high boots. Her makeup was dark and dramatic like an Instagram model.
“I’m not spending the night here--”
“Sera”, I tried to be stern, ”I am trying to work things out with you. If you are going to be unsupportive then go home. This was always the plan. Carrie understood that.”
She laughed a little at that, “What does that mean?”
“I…need a break Sera. It means I want a trial separation.”
She turned her attention the large spider crawling up the wall and into the crack in the low ceiling.
“No.”
“Sera you are not in charge. You’re my wife not my Domme.”
“If I was your Domme I’d said no and that would be it. As your wife I’m saying …maybe later. Besides we have our high school reunion next week and you’re my date.”
“I want a separation. I need a partner. If I need an escort or a Mistress I’ll call you.”
“You’re so funny Paris.” Sera said catching the spider in her hands and taking it outside, “I’m not going anywhere and neither are you”
“This is happening”, I said firmly.
“No. It’s not.”
“I’m going alone, Sera. As a soonto be single man.”
“No you’re not. I already picked out your clothes and made hotel reservations. I’ll send you the details. I’ll be in the car.”
+6+
I did go to my high school reunion alone
Technically
My salary was still being worked out with New Crest City, so I couldn’t afford my own hotel room in Poughkeepsie (The closest city by 35 miles to our hometown) so I had to take Sera up on her offer to share her one-bedroom suite. I took her to dinner (Denny’s was all I could afford on my non-existent salary) to explain why I felt a separation was needed, but her mind was somewhere else. I also hadn’t been able to open a new store credit card so I settled for wearing the bespoke Brooks Brother suit Sera had purchased.
The reunion should have been a nice quite non-descript event for me to talk about my bourgeoning political career, but Sera had to make an impression. She’d dressed to show off her amazing body and she’d gotten her psychotic ex-boyfriend’s attention. Helios had aged very well. His features had hardened and the way everyone tensed up when he entered the reunion told me he had a sinister hold on the town.
He …said something to Seraphina. Something that turned her right back into the powerless teenager he’d known her as. I knew Sera could stand up for herself. She could be just as mean as he was. She wasn’t my problem. Soon, she wasn’t going to be my wife.
Then the bastard slapped her and shoved her into the reflection pool.
Leon had been standing next to Sera and made to lunge for Helios, but Aria had stopped him from intervening--her hand on her pregnant belly.
No one did anything. His hold was that tight on the town. They just let him walk away. Sera quietly pulled herself to the edge. The side of her face flush from where he had struck her. Where he’d marked her.
Mine.
Suddenly I couldn’t fucking stand for it. It was like a trigger for me. No one disrespected my wife and no one fucking hit her. Especially him. He walked past me like I was nothing and got into his car. I grabbed my keys and without thinking I ran my Mercedes into dumbass car and scratched his car with my keys.
Then I got arrested.
+++
My arrest was bullshit. The Duchess County cops barged into my hotel room the next day and pulled me out of bed naked. Sera was uncharacteristically panicked as they lead me out, she immediately when to get Leon from his room.
“You can’t take him back to that town”, Sera said following the cops down the stairs, “He didn’t do anything wrong. He was protecting me---“
“It’s fine, Sera. I’m a lawyer. I know my rights.”
“Helios will kill you. He runs that whole town. He’d dangerous”, she turned back to the cops, “Please…Is Helios paying you? You can’t take him back to St. Lilth’s—“
I didn’t hear whatever else she said. I zeroed in on that word. It was odd. Our small town was almost two hours outside of the city. It was one of several small repressed towns in upstate New York...but that wasn’t what I recalled our town being called—
I shook off the memories slowly coming back to me.
I was taken to the local Sherriff’s office and the arresting officer told me if I wrote a check out to Helios to cover damages I was free to go. I of course had to borrow the money from Sera and the business to pay the money . On my way out a random guy gave me a note.
If I see you anywhere in my fucking state again. You’re dead. – H
I tossed the paper aside.
“Good thing I live in New Jersey”
+++
I’d lost my job in New Jersey.
I was about 10 miles outside of town when I got a phone call from Dir. Munroe and the board of the DCC. Word of my arrest made it back to New Crest City and I was removed from office.
“I can explain”, I said over speak phone to Dir. Munroe and the DCC board, “This is nothing. A misunderstanding—“
“I’m sorry Paris”, Dir Munroe said, “New Crest City has a morality clause. You’ve been removed from office. To be honest I don’t think that seat was a good fit for you.”
“What do I do now? I can’t exactly go back to New York now…”
“At this point I’m not sure where to even place you. You may want to spend a few years building your resume and getting your name out there. We can reevaluate in 2024.”
Eight years? Eight more years for another shot?
I hunkered down in my ugly ass house in New Jersey for two weeks trying to figure shit out. I couldn’t face Seraphina until I had a plan. I’d started applying for doctoral programs. I could see myself teaching at a law school for a few years. I just had to figure out what life as an academic would look like.
I was deep into my Stanford and Harvard applications when Dir. Munroe called me.
“Director Munroe”, I said picking up the phone on the first ring
“Hello Paris. Your wife called me.”
“Sera? Is she okay?”
She’d texted to check on me but that was about it. I wanted to reconcile with her but I needed to focus on myself for a few weeks.
“She’s fine. You know Carver Landow, right ?”
“He’s one of Sera’s regular clients.” He was the one who introduced us to The Collective. He also sat on the DCC board with Director Munroe.
“Your wife said Landow mentioned that a county supervisor passed away in the district he lives in. She asked, well begged, Landow to put a good word in for you. Landow said it was up to me.
“What do you think?”
“Harrison County is a pretty quiet higher-income community. It’s not usually where we’d put someone with your limited experience…but the 5th district is really more like a placeholder for votes. So it’d be a good place to sit back and learn. ”
“Do you think it would be good for me ?”
“I think so. We can make this happen if you are game.”
“I am.”
“Do you need to talk to your wife.”
“I do…but… I’m doing this. Count me in. I won’t mess this up.”
+7+
I became a write-in candidate for the board of supervisors without even stepping foot in the Harrison County. The DCC had a lock on the election. I only needed 213 votes and the DCC had a block of teacher’s and public service works unions who would vote however they were advised.
This was my second chance and I decided I was going to give it my all.
I went to visit Seraphina in the city before my win was officially announced Sera knew what was coming down the line. Our communication had been stilted. Just short text and business-related phone calls. I was nervous about Helios threat but a small part of me knew he couldn’t have any connections in the Manhattan. Still I kept my wits about me.
Sera’s schedule was empty for the afternoon but she wasn’t at home. I went down to New Aeterna and noticed her jacket and an empty delivery box was in the lobby. I stepped further in and saw one of the dungeons was slightly ajar.
I stepped over to the dungeon entrance and slid back the barn doors. Sera had installed a black trapeze bar that hung several feet off the ground by a set of industrial chains. She was hanging upside down from the bar with her legs locked around it. She was wearing a black crop top and I could see her core was engaged. She was wearing her leather boots, which were pulled tight over leather leggings.
I stood by the dungeon entrance until she slowly opened her eyes.
I took that as permission to enter.
“What’s this for.” I asked trying to keep my tone light.
Her eyes fell where a silver “X” was tapped on the ground. I stood on the X and I was just short enough that my lips where level with hers. It reminded of that scene in that old Spiderman movie. Not sure what plans she had for the bar, she didn’t kiss clients but it could be a challenging punishment for her non-athletic clients.
“Seraphina…they are going to announce me for Harrison County tomorrow. It’s official. I appreciate you putting in a good word for me. Let’s get real. It’s almost two hours away from the city. I don’t know if l want a long-distance marriage so—“
“I was wrong”, Sera said letting the bar slightly swing, “You promised to share your life and dreams with me eight years ago and I promised I’d always support you and your career. I… I got scared, Paris.
You were always a mess, but school and running the business always came so easily to you. Then you graduated law school and struggled for the first time. It scared me. I didn’t want to give up everything we built just to watch you fail. Especially now. I mean politics just seems …pointless. ”
“Sera I told you not to read the news—“
“But then at the reunion you stood up for me. Helios slapped me in front of all those people and no one did a fucking thing. Everyone was afraid of him. Except you. You stood up for me. You always do the right thing and I think the world needs more men like that. That’s why I married you. You’ve always made me feel safe and loved. That’s why I’d do anything for you …including moving to Connecticut.”
“Are you sure? You’ll have to give up more of your clients and the business. “
“I’m sure. I want to support you. Even if that means standing behind you. I’m sure we can figure something out with the business.”
“I promise this will work out, Seraphina. I promise I won’t fuck this up.”
“We’ll see about that.", She said, "But you have to wear my ring.”
“…okay. But I don’t know if I’ll be able to really give you everything you need.”
I don’t know if it was all the blood rushing to her head but she said.
“I can compromise.”
“Okay.”
Sea reached into the zip up section of her boot and pulled out my wedding band—my collar. I slipped it on and took a step closer, my hands braced on the hanging chains so I could kiss her upside down.
“Don’t fuck this up Paris.”
+++
A/N
- What? We needed the origin story behind why Paris’ nipples were pierced.
- Also this answers a comment from earlier that asked why Sera didn’t have a wedding ring.
- Also I really could have cut the Sera/Sven section but it sort of hints at something that will come up later. I also really wanted to hit the line where Paris says “I wanted her to come crawling back to me like she’d gone crawling to Sven. Just one time." This comes back as an echo later (you know how I love those)
Also, yes Paris is a vegan but sometimes he eats more like a vegetarian ie a cheese pizza.
Okay. So we’ve officially caught
up to the current time. In the two months following this Chapter Paris and Sera
contract out their business, turn Sera’s condo into a rental property, by a
former model home in Harrison County and somehow make the decision that Sera
should continue sex work part-time and start streaming until they are stable.
Part of this chapter I wrote to explain Paris and Sera’s distance in the reunion novella and to lead into why they are sort of getting used to living together again.