Cindy looked at herself in the rear-view mirror of her car, admiring the collar around her neck. It suited her. The constant push on her throat made her feel as if Eleanor was with her. It was odd, but somehow, she felt safer. She smiled at her reflection and considered she looked quite cute.
Her time with Eleanor had gone far too quickly and it was already dark. Tomorrow could not come soon enough. She checked for other cars and saw the cul-de-sac was quiet. Her heart raced and her blood was hot with thoughts of Eleanor. She slid down in her seat and guided her fingers inside her panties. She had been waiting for this all day. She massaged around her clit and gasped. She spread her fingers into a V for the victory Eleanor had gained over her and rubbed.
She remembered the electricity jolting through her neck, the sway of Eleanor’s buttocks in her skin-tight leather, the taste of toilet water, the fear of Jessica’s anger, and the money she had spent. Her cum sprayed inside her panties as she squealed. She panted, enjoying the warm sensation her submissiveness had given her. ‘Thank you,’ she muttered as if Eleanor could hear her through the collar.
She looked over at the tall hedgerow that guarded Eleanor’s estate against unworthy eyes and sighed longingly. What might happen if she was to crawl back to the gate and beg to be allowed to stay? She shook her head and slapped across her cheek. No, it was wrong. She had a family; responsibilities.
She turned the key in the ignition and her crappy engine spurted into life. How was she going to hide her collar from her husband and daughter? She would have to sneak inside and find a scarf before they saw her.
*
Pete was home. The lights were on in the living room but the upstairs seemed dark. If she were lucky, Sarah would be working a late shift at Burger King. All Cindy had to do was get rid of her husband for a few minutes. She parked away from the house and texted Pete, knowing he was unlikely to answer a call from a number he didn’t recognize. Cindy had never once thought to share her new number with her family. Eleanor had been the only one who had mattered.
-Hi, honey, I’m on my way. Do you want to go get takeout for dinner? Whatever you like. I’ll be home soon.
She waited for a response, biting her nails. After a couple of minutes, her phone buzzed back.
-You got a new number?
-I lost my old one. Bought this one today. Are you going out for food or what?
-You have the car.
Cindy sighed and dialed his number. It took a few rings for him to answer.
‘Pete,’ she said, ‘I’m tired. I’ve been working all day. I don’t want to stop anywhere. I just want to get home.’
‘I’ll wait till you’re back and go out then.’
‘Pete!’ she said, unable to control the impatience in her tone, ‘can’t you do this one thing for me? Wendy’s is literally just two blocks away.’
‘Fine, let me finish watching this.’
She listened to Pete’s heavy breathing down the line and knew she would have to control herself if she had any hope of having him leave. She was not Eleanor. She did not have the charisma to simply make people do what she said.
‘Please, honey,’ she said softly, hoping to gain his sympathy. ‘I’ve had a really hard day. Please go now. You can get me the chicken salad.’
‘A salad?’
‘Yes, Pete a salad,’ she snapped, forgetting her patience immediately. Pete had that effect on her.
‘Alright. Got sand in your vagina?’
She removed the phone from her ear and took a moment to compose herself before responding. ‘I’m sorry, Pete. I’m just exhausted,’ she said as sickeningly sweet as she could manage. ‘I would like to try a salad.’
‘Alright, give me a sec. I’m going.’
‘Thank you.’ She disconnected before giving him a chance to say anything else.
She waited far longer than the second he had claimed for him to finally come waddling out the front door. She ducked behind her steering wheel and peeked over the top as she watched him disappear down the road. It was no wonder the idea of a salad was so shocking to him. The only greenery he ate was relished on his greasy burgers.
When it seemed safe, she slowly drove up to the house. Pete had left the door unlocked. She opened it a crack and looked around for any sign of Sarah. It seemed clear. She entered and rushed upstairs. She reached her bedroom door and had her hand gripped on the handle when she heard the flush of the toilet. The bathroom door opened and Sarah stepped out, turning off the light. Cindy froze like a weasel in the headlights.
‘Mom?’ said Sarah, furrowing her brow, ‘um, what’s that around your neck?’
Cindy gripped the leather and pulled absentmindedly as if only now noticing it for the first time. She laughed, more anxiously than she had intended. ‘Oh, this? I’m just trying something. Do you like it?’
Sarah blinked at her. ‘That’s a dog collar, Mom.’
‘Oh, Sarah,’ she said, desperately trying to think of a way out of it. ‘Don’t be silly.’
If only Sarah had spent twenty more seconds in the bathroom. Why was fate tormenting her like this? Why couldn’t Sarah have been out with friends like a normal nineteen-year-old? Because she didn’t have any friends. She had always been shy and awkward, easy prey for the confident, outgoing girls. Cindy had hoped for better for her daughter, but as it turned out, Sarah was just like her mom: destined for a life of mediocrity. Cindy blamed herself for failing to prepare Sarah properly for the hardship of life. Still, she was a good girl and Cindy loved her more than anything.
‘Mom?’
‘It’s just a choker. I heard they’re fashionable. Alternative fashion they call it, I think.’
‘So, like steampunk?’
Cindy smiled, relieved to have gotten away with it. ‘Yes, exactly. I love steampunk.’
‘What’s steampunk, Mom?’
A good girl who asked too many questions. ‘Don’t you have better things to do than question my fashion choices, Sarah?’
Sarah shrugged.
‘Fine, I guess I’ll just wear a scarf instead. Happy now?’
‘Why do you need to wear anything around your neck?’
‘Because,’ she said, spitting with frustration, ‘just once in my life I want to feel special.’ She wasn’t sure where that outburst came from. ‘Sorry,’ she said, ‘I’m really tired, Sarah.’
‘It’s OK, Mom. I’m sorry too. You know you’re always special to me, right?’
Cindy smiled at her. She was a good girl who deserved a better role model than Cindy. She needed a mother like Eleanor. Eleanor would never have raised a timid girl to be pushed around and bullied. It was inconceivable that Jessica or Alison would ever be targeted the way Sarah had. It was hard to believe Sarah was the same age as Jessica. It was awful to admit, but Cindy knew Jessica was the objectively better person. Just like Eleanor was better than herself.
Sarah continued. ‘And I think you look cute, for what it’s worth.’
Cindy smiled. ‘Do you really think so?’
Sarah nodded and approached to give her a hug. Cindy squeezed her close. Sarah would be the best Sarah she could be and Cindy would be proud of anything she achieved. It was useless to try and compare her to Jessica or anyone else. Sarah was special because she was Sarah and Cindy would always love her.
‘Your father is bringing in food. I think I’m going to take this silly collar off. I’m too old for steampunk anyway, right?’
‘Oh, Mom. You can wear anything you like if it makes you happy. I think Dad might be confused by it, though.’
Cindy laughed. ‘Alright, honey. Let me get changed.’
Sarah kissed her cheek and headed downstairs. Cindy entered the bedroom she shared with Pete and checked herself in the standing mirror. Even Sarah admitted she looked cute in a collar. It seemed a shame to hide it with a scarf, but Sarah was right, Pete would never understand.
*
Cindy sat with her family across a small kitchen table on an uncomfortable wooden chair. She watched Pete shovel his cheeseburger into his maw and wondered how she had ever let him kiss her with that mouth. She nibbled on her salad, aware it was a pathetic imitation of what she had served Eleanor and Jessica earlier in the day. She sighed without thinking.
‘What’s up with you?’ said Pete with his mouth full.
‘Nothing,’ she said.
Sarah picked at her fries. ‘I like your scarf, Mom.’
Cindy smiled at her.
‘Oh yeah,’ said Pete, ‘why you wearing that?’
She glared at him. Had he just noticed? She needn’t have bothered trying to hide her collar. He wouldn’t have noticed even if she had drawn luminous arrows on it. ‘I thought it looked nice.’
Pete laughed. ‘Since when did you care about that?’
She slid her food away and got up from the table.
‘That’s all you’re eating?’ said Pete.
‘Go ahead and finish it if you want.’
‘I’m not eating a salad.’
‘Well, maybe you fucking should once in a while.’
Pete held his cheeseburger in his grip and stared at her, speechless.
‘Mom?’ said Sarah, ‘is everything okay?’
Cindy smiled at her. ‘Fine, honey. I’m getting an early night, though. Excuse me.’
‘You had an early night last night,’ said Pete.
‘Well, I’m still tired,’ she said without looking back, leaving her family staring in bewilderment at the back of her head.
Her attack on Pete felt good. Just a couple of days ago she would never have spoken up like that. This could only have been the influence of Eleanor. She climbed the stairs feeling more confident than she had in forever.
She crawled into bed, under the sheets, and dreamed of Eleanor. It had been the most exhilarating forty-eight hours of her life. She had to continue to work hard to prove to Eleanor she was worth having around. She could never return to her normal life again now. A life without Eleanor was meaningless. She started to play with her clit, terrified to discover how low she could sink.
*
It was impossible to sleep with Pete snoring like a motorbike next to her. She watched the covers over his gut rising and falling. She had never been less attracted to him. At least he showed no interest in sex anymore. She knew he got his satisfaction from watching porn. She was glad of it. The thought of his touch revolted her. Why had she married him? Because he asked her? Because she thought she couldn’t do better? Because she thought she wanted to live a normal life instead of pining after her high school obsession? If not for Sarah, the last twenty-five years would have been a waste.
She looked at her phone and saw the time was 3:22. The idea that she could just close her eyes and be instantly teleported to tomorrow was long since gone.
A crash outside the window made her bolt upright. She nudged Pete to try and wake him but he was oblivious, as usual. She sighed at him and clambered out of bed. She peeked through a gap in the curtains to look down at their dirt driveway to see a lanky figure wearing a black hoodie wielding a baseball bat. Her eyes widened as the figure cracked the bat down against her car’s windshield, shattering the glass.
She reached for her phone to dial 911 when she caught sight of the figure’s face. The large glasses and permanent flush gave her away at once. Emily. The girl who had downed Cindy’s spit. Cindy watched in disbelief as Emily jabbed the bat into the wing mirror, cracking more glass.
Cindy knew should stop her. Emily was not Alison. She was a meek, awkward girl, not unlike Sarah. She would certainly run away if confronted. And yet…Cindy continued to observe her, mesmerized. Was this Emily’s revenge? Cindy would deserve it after her role in her degradation. She suddenly felt better about the whole affair. It was as if they were even now.
Emily continued until every window was covered in spider webs of broken glass. She moved to a zip bag on the ground and removed a can of yellow spray paint. She shook it and began to spray slurs over the paintwork. ‘Whore,’ ‘bitch,’ ‘slut,’ ‘loser,’ ‘cunt.’ She felt a tingle as she silently watched her car being destroyed as if her pussy agreed with the insults.
Emily tossed the can back in the bag and opened a flip knife. She stabbed it several times into each of the tires. Cindy admired her thoroughness. Emily picked up her bag and began to take pictures. Cindy’s skin prickled as she realized that Emily was not after revenge at all, she was obeying Alison’s instructions.
Emily wouldn’t have had the self-esteem to concoct a plan like this alone. She wouldn’t even have known where Cindy lived. Only Alison could have known that by tracking Cindy through the collar. Cindy shivered. Alison would know she was home right now. She was hoping Cindy would see it all. Did she know Cindy would just stand and watch like a wimp? Did she want her to challenge Emily? Did it really matter? Alison would have found it fun either way.
Emily waited a moment longer than she should have before making her escape as if awaiting permission from Alison before running. Cindy hoped she would get away. She knew it would be difficult enough for a girl like that to succeed in life without a criminal record to her name. Although, she imagined Alison would get a good laugh out of her arrest.
Cindy closed the curtain and looked back at Pete. The slob had snored through the whole thing. He would be in for a shock when he finally awoke. Served him right. It served them both right.
*
Pete patrolled the car, red-faced and sweaty, ranting about those “damned kids.” Cindy rolled her eyes at his attempts at being macho. The car was ruined and they had no insurance against vandalism. There was nothing to be done but sell it for scrap. It was no great loss.
‘Have you called the cops yet?’ said Pete.
‘Of course,’ she lied.
She had no intention of ever calling them. The last thing Cindy wanted was for Emily to get into trouble. Emily would be unlikely to spend jail time, but still, it was doubtful a girl like that would do well in jail even if just for a few days. And what if Emily told the cops what Cindy had done to her? Even if it was consensual, the embarrassment of having to explain herself was too much. It wasn’t as if she could deny it. Alison and Lucy both held video footage.
‘Then what did they say?’ said Pete.
Cindy sighed. She was sick of this. It was stealing time away from Eleanor. ‘They’re looking into it. But I doubt they can do anything. There aren’t any witnesses. Anyway, I’ll let you know.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘I have to work, Pete,’ she lied again, ‘I’m calling a cab.’
‘We can’t afford cab fare back and forth. Can’t you take the bus?’
‘No, Pete. I’m not taking the fucking bus You’ll have to figure out how to be a man and get us a new car. We’ve been needing one for years.’
She knew they had no money to buy anything. Especially after the debt she had accumulated for Eleanor. But she didn’t care. She just wanted to get to Eleanor as quickly as possible. She waited until Pete had stormed back inside, cursing at the injustice, before she called the cab. Another day of blissful service awaited her and her pussy tingled with impatience.
*
Cindy stopped first at Delicacé to buy coffee. She felt it was important to show Jessica she had learned her lesson about caffeine doses. The barista remembered her as Eleanor’s housekeeper and understood the importance of the order. Cindy remembered to tip her 50% again. The warm rush of added debt was like a drug.
The cab driver gave her a strange look when she requested her next stop as Paradise Hills. She told him she was working as a housekeeper at one of the mansions and he seemed satisfied with her reasoning. It was a white lie. She was working as a housekeeper, just without getting paid. If anything, she was paying Eleanor for the privilege. What was her total sum now? She crossed her legs to kill the urge to play with her arousal as she calculated her insurmountable losses.
She asked to be dropped off a little way from Eleanor’s estate. She was unworthy of convenience. She walked up the sidewalk and halted as she saw Emily standing outside Eleanor’s gilded gates. She carried two designer backpacks across her shoulders no doubt belonging to Alison and Lucy. She blushed and glanced to her feet as she caught sight of Cindy staring at her. Cindy gulped. She knew it was up to her to say something. She was a grown woman.
‘Hello,’ she said as she approached. ‘Emily, wasn’t it?’
Emily’s shoulders rose as if trying to hide behind them. She was tall but gangly and her ill-fitting clothing did not help her appearance. What chance did she have around girls like Alison and Lucy?
‘Look,’ said Cindy as warmly as she could, ‘I owe you an apology for what happened yesterday. It was wrong for me to do that.’
Emily blinked at her from behind her thick lenses.
‘I want you to know that I don’t blame you for anything. It is okay. You don’t need to worry. I’m not pressing charges.’
Emily visibly swallowed and opened her mouth as if to speak when the gates slowly opened. Cindy looked over at Eleanor’s mansion, gleaming in the morning sunshine like an ancient marble palace, and saw a rose-pink Porsche convertible heading towards them along the driveway. Alison’s blonde hair waved in the breeze. Her personalized license plate read ALISON2. Emily paled.
Alison pulled up alongside them and stared at them through her oversized pink framed Bulgari Serpenti sunglasses. Her bubble gum showed between her perfect white teeth as she smiled at them, dimpling her cheeks adorably. Her large breasts filled the form-fitting baby pink tank top that was tucked into her designer jean shorts.
‘So,’ she said, ‘how are my two favorite losers this morning?’
Cindy felt honored. Alison really considered her a favorite? ‘Really good, Miss Alison,’ she said, ‘I have a coffee for you.’ She tried to ignore Emily’s perplexed stare.
‘What is it?’
‘Honey vanilla latte, Miss?’ said Cindy, curtseying.
‘Fine. I guess I’ll take it.’
Cindy smiled. ‘Thank you, Miss.’
Alison took a sip and placed it in her drink holder. ‘Hey. bitch,’ she said to Emily. ‘Did you finish my homework?’
‘Yes, Alison’ she mumbled.
‘And you wash and iron my gym clothes?’
‘Yes, Alison,’ she mumbled.
‘Alright,’ said Alison, pressing a button on her dashboard and opening the trunk. ‘Hurry up and get in. I’m blaming you if we’re late picking up Lucy.’
Emily shuffled to the rear of the car and placed the bags in the trunk first before she clambered inside, curling into a fetal position. Alison pressed the button again and the trunk closed, locking Emily inside like a coffin.
Cindy stared dumbly.
‘Where’s your car anyway loser?’ said Alison nonchalantly as though having a girl in the trunk of her car was the most normal thing in the world.
Cindy flushed. ‘Oh, um, I think I’ll be needing a replacement soon, Miss.’
Alison giggled.
‘Um, Miss?’ said Cindy, apologetically, ‘do you think it’s safe for her to ride in your trunk like that?’
Alison lowered her sunglasses and stared, challenging Cindy’s right to speak without being spoken to.
Cindy shrank. ‘It’s just that, um, what if there’s an accident?’
‘Are you saying I’m an unsafe driver?’
‘No, no, Miss. Not at all. I’m sure you’re a wonderful driver. But accidents can still happen?’
‘Stop being such a fucking wimp. We ride to school like this every day. She’s fine.’
Cindy gulped and curtsied. ‘Yes, Miss Alison. I’m sorry. I’m sure you’re right.’
‘Of course, I’m right. Now open your mouth.’
Cindy did as she said, feeling the excitement pumping in her heart. Alison slipped the gum from her mouth and shoved it inside Cindy’s. It held a faint taste of strawberry.
‘Swallow it.’
Cindy sucked it down her throat.
‘You’re such a fucking loser.’
‘Thank you, Miss.’
Alison giggled and pressed her foot down on the pedal. She sped away, spraying Cindy in her exhaust, and disappeared down the road, gathering speed.
*
Eleanor was like a dream in a long-sleeved, slim-fit black pullover tucked perfectly into her body-sculpted dark jeans. She wore a Gucci belt and thigh-high suede Jimmy Choos with stiletto heels. Jessica was with her in the kitchen. She appeared poised for practice in a short, white pleated skirt, sleeveless tank top, and pure white sneakers. The tone of her arms and legs was displayed intimidatingly.
Eleanor took her coffee as a matter of entitlement. The act of taking was all the thanks Cindy needed. Jessica meanwhile stared at her, red with anger. But Cindy was prepared this time.
‘It’s the right caffeine dose, Miss,’ she said, as humbly as she could.
Jessica stared hatefully as if plotting. Cindy gulped down the tightness in her collar and placed Jessica’s coffee on the countertop, next to her phone. She had removed her scarf as soon as she entered the estate. Cindy wanted Eleanor to see it on her.
‘I must say,’ said Eleanor, taking a sip of coffee and placing the cup next to Jessica’s. ‘I’m pleased you didn’t try any little rebellions last night.’
Cindy smiled. She wished she had a tail just so she could wag it.
Jessica scoffed. ‘It was only because we demonstrated what would happen if she did.’
Cindy was wounded. She would never have disobeyed Eleanor. She wished Jessica would see that she wasn’t her enemy. Perhaps when she delivered Jessica’s new racket she would finally be forgiven?
‘So,’ said Eleanor, pouting, ‘what did your family say when they saw you?’
‘My husband didn’t notice, Ms. I wore a scarf.’
‘Wait, wait,’ said Jessica, ‘you have a husband? Seriously, someone actually wanted to marry you?’
Eleanor smiled. ‘She has a daughter too.’
Jessica grinned, folding her arms. ‘Really? Who is she?’
Cindy felt her lips dry. ‘You, uh, wouldn’t know her, Miss,’
‘She wasn’t one of those scholarship losers from school, was she?’
‘N-no, Miss. She wasn’t smart enough for that. Her name’s Sarah.’
‘Sarah what?’
‘Sarah J-Johnson.’
Jessica snatched her phone from the countertop and tapped over the screen. She sighed through her nose. ‘Why can’t I see her on Facebook?’
‘Sorry, Miss. She, uh, isn’t on social media.’
Jessica stared. ‘What kind of freak isn’t social media?’
Cindy wrung her hands. ‘Well, Miss, you see, she was bullied pretty badly at school. All of her online accounts kept on being targeted. She had to delete them all just to stop the abuse.’
Jessica laughed. ‘Figures. Well, what does she do?’
Cindy flushed. ‘She, um, has a job.’
‘Don’t you dare try and be evasive. Tell me what fucking job. Now!’
Cindy flinched beneath Jessica’s rage.
Eleanor rubbed her daughter’s arm. ‘Now now, sweetie. Watch your language. I’m sure Cindy will be more than happy to tell you.’
Cindy understood the warning. ‘She’s working at the Burger King across from Target, Miss.’
Jessica burst into laughter.
Eleanor chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. ‘Really, Cindy,’ she said, ‘why would you let your daughter work in a place like that?’
‘Well, uh, Ms, you see…um, we needed the money and well, Sarah isn’t as talented as Miss Jessica here-’
Jessica sneered.
‘And,’ she continued, ashamed of having to justify her daughter to these women, ‘she doesn’t go to college or anything.’
‘No college?’ said Eleanor, shocked. ‘I mean, Jessica isn’t at college because we thought it best, she concentrated on her tennis career. But what’s Sarah’s excuse?’
‘She’s too stupid,’ said Jessica.
Eleanor tittered.
Cindy shook her head. Her mothering instinct was threatening to spill. It was one thing to allow them to insult and degrade herself, she deserved it, but Sarah hadn’t done anything wrong. She may not have been as beautiful or talented or intelligent as Jessica, but she still deserved some respect as a human being.
‘Sarah is a smart girl,’ she said, defensively, ‘it’s just that she’s-
‘A wimp,’ said Jessica.
It was not OK to talk about her like that. What kind of a mother meekly stood by and allowed their daughter to be belittled? ‘Well, I’m sorry she isn’t as perfect as you,’ she snapped, ‘but she works hard and is a good person. You can say what you like about me, but leave my daughter alone.’
There was silence. Eleanor and Jessica both stared through her like she was an ant, ready to be squashed under thumb. Cindy took a breath and covered her mouth with her hand. She felt the regret of her outburst in the pit of her stomach. It was then that Cindy realized she feared Eleanor’s displeasure more than she cared for the dignity of her daughter. Her pussy tingled as if reminding Cindy of all she stood to lose if Eleanor sent her away, and for what? It wasn’t as if Sarah was there to hear them. What difference did it make if they insulted her? She would never learn of it.
‘The fuck did you just say to me?’ said Jessica.
‘I’m sorry, Miss. I really am. I’m sorry,’ she said, bowing. She felt as pathetic as she sounded.
Eleanor strode forward. Her 4” stiletto heels echoed over the marble. Cindy dropped to her knees and lowered herself like a cowed dog. Jessica watched her mother with a smirk. The anticipation sparkled menacingly in her eyes.
‘P-please,’ said Cindy, her voice cracking and tears welling. ‘I didn’t mean it.’
Eleanor stared down at her, scowling. The gold on her Gucci belt and Rolex wristwatch shimmered beneath the lights. Her nipples were erect against her black, second-skin top. She pointed her finger against Cindy’s wet nose. ‘Don’t you ever speak to my daughter like that. Who do you think you are?’
Cindy whimpered. ‘I’m nobody, Ms. I’m nothing. I’m sorry. Please don’t send me away. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.’
‘Kick her ass, Mom,’ said Jessica excitedly.
Cindy cringed even lower as if melting into a gloop on the expensive floor.
‘Go get the paddle, sweetie,’ said Eleanor to her daughter while still staring down at Cindy.
‘Yes!’ said Jessica with a fist pump. ‘Which one?’
Eleanor slowly pouted a smile. ‘Oh, I think you know which one.’
Jessica ran from the kitchen, laughing to herself.
‘Okay,’ said Eleanor to Cindy, ‘turn around and present yourself.’
Cindy sniffled and nodded. She squatted on all fours and pushed her buttocks as high up into the air as she could. She gasped as Eleanor reached down to yank her pants and damp panties down her thighs.
‘Cindy? How many times have you touched yourself thinking about me?’
Did she mean over the last two days or in her whole life? There was no way she could have counted them all. At least once a day since she was 18 years old? ‘Um, I-I don’t know, Ms.’
Eleanor sighed. ‘We’re going to have to do something to fix that, aren’t we?’
‘Yes, Ms,’ said Cindy, unsure what she meant by that. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Got it, Mom,’ said Jessica.
Cindy looked behind her shoulder to see Jessica pass Eleanor a vicious-looking obsidian paddle inscribed with a golden G in italics. It was at least twenty inches long, five inches wide, and three inch thick. Its weight was clear in the way Eleanor’s muscle flexed within her tight sleeve as she gripped the handle.
Jessica hopped to the side and pointed her phone. ‘Are you going to say some words for the sisters, Mom?’
Eleanor smiled. ‘Well, sisters, this is Cindy. Say hello Cindy.’
‘H-hello,’ she said to the faceless souls behind Jessica’s camera. Her clit throbbed with humiliation.
‘Cindy is about to learn what happens when you disrespect a superior. Isn’t that right, Cindy?’
‘Y-es, Ms,’
‘Goddess,’ corrected Eleanor.
‘S-sorry, G-goddess.’
‘You’ll remember to watch your mouth in the future, won’t you?’
‘Yes, Goddess. Thank you.’
Jessica laughed. ‘Make it hurt, Mom.’
‘I always do, sweetie.’
Cindy clenched her buttocks in preparation. Eleanor lifted the heavy paddle high above her head and at that moment, Cindy believed she had never seen anything more terrifying or more beautiful. She blinked as if taking a snapshot of the memory as the paddle whooshed through the air towards her exposed ass cheeks.
The obsidian cracked against her buttocks with the reverberation of a slammed door. She screamed as pain rippled through her whole body. She collapsed onto the floor, struggling to breathe through her sobs and panic.
Jessica cheered.
‘Cindy,’ said Eleanor, firmly, ‘that was only one. Get back in position.’
Cindy shakily raised herself back to her squat, trying her best to make her throbbing ass an easy target. Her arms quivered as if she had just survived twenty push-ups. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and the second blow struck, even worse than the first. She howled and crumpled back to the floor. She tossed and cried, wriggling her wet pussy lips over the marble. Her cheeks burned. Boiling water would have hurt less.
Eleanor repeated her warning. Cindy tried to raise herself up but failed. She had no strength left.
‘P-please,’ she whimpered.
‘Please what?’ said Eleanor, viciously.
‘M-may I have a-another?’ she said, using all her willpower to fight through the pain and fatigue to present herself once more for another swat.
Eleanor and Jessica both laughed.
‘Since you asked so nicely,’ said Eleanor, ‘but stop trembling so much. You don’t want me to miss my aim and break your tailbone, do you?’
‘N-no, G-Goddess,’ she said and held herself as steady as she could by squeezing her thighs together and holding her breath.
‘Good girl,’ said Eleanor, clobbering Cindy’s ass once again.
Cindy’s scream was silent. It was as if all the sound had been beaten from her body. The last of her strength was taken and she collapsed into a blubbering ball.
Eleanor chuckled and walked around her. She placed her boots next to Cindy’s nose and grinned down at her from above her bosom. She held the paddle over her shoulder while her other hand rested on her hip, flaunting her Rolex. She looked more powerful than ever: a true Goddess. Cindy wormed closer, rubbing her arousal over the marble to lightly kiss across Eleanor’s suede boots.
‘The sisters will love this, Mom,’ said Jessica. ‘Can I have a turn now?’
Cindy whimpered and wrapped her hand around Eleanor’s ankle for protection.
‘Now, now, sweetie,’ said Eleanor, still grinning triumphantly down at Cindy. ‘I think she’s taken all she can.’
‘But that’s not fair. If anyone should have gotten to beat her it should have been me after everything, she’s put me through.’
‘You’ll get your chance, sweetie. Remember what I’ve taught you. Your victims are always going to be weaker than you. If you try to do much to them at once they’ll break.’
‘You don’t need to tell me that. It was Alison’s fault the last one broke. Not mine.’
Eleanor sighed. ‘I know sweetie. I had words with her after the incident. I know it’s easy to get carried away when you’re having fun. But it’s important we learn self-control to avoid causing permanent damage like that. They aren’t much use to us crippled.’
Cindy quietly sobbed, kissing Eleanor’s boots, and daring not to speak in case Eleanor changed her mind. She did not think she could take another beating. She was so grateful that Eleanor had protected her from Jessica; for not hurting her worse, and for knowing her limitations. It seemed the most natural thing in the world for her to be on the floor while her goddess stood proud and dominant over her conquest. She began to hump at the marble.
Jessica laughed. ‘Oh my god. She’s actually trying to fuck the floor!’
Eleanor slid her boot away leaving Cindy kissing at the air. ‘Okay, Cindy,’ she said, amused, ‘I think you’ve had enough stimulation for now.’
Cindy whimpered and stopped herself by squeezing her thighs.
‘Mom,’ said Jessica excitedly, ‘we need a picture for the sisters to place in the hall of victory.’
Eleanor grinned and placed the sole and heel of her boot on the back of Cindy’s head, pressing her nose into the marble. Her hand remained on her hip. The paddle over her shoulder. Her perfect posture pushed her breasts proudly. Cindy remained as still as possible so as to not ruin the shot. Her ass was still exposed in a bruised shade of purple.
‘Perfect. God, you’re so fucking hot right now, Mom.’
Eleanor laughed and released her boot, allowing Cindy to breathe again. ‘Okay, Cindy,’ she said, ‘you can’t lie down at my feet all day. You’ve got chores to do.’
‘Yes, Goddess. Thank you, Goddess.’
‘And you aren’t allowed to touch yourself either.’
Cindy whimpered. Had she ever been more desperate to cum? ‘Y-yes, Goddess. Thank you.’
‘And pack our cases for the spa. Carefully. I don’t want to find any wrinkles.’
‘No, Goddess. I’ll be careful.’
Eleanor pouted. ‘Off you go then.’
‘Crawl!’ said Jessica, happily.
Cindy turned and made the long journey from the kitchen on her quivering hands and knees. Her ass throbbed and her arousal almost leaked from her pussy. She had never felt weaker, lesser, or more defeated. It was the biggest turn-on in her life and there was nothing in her mind but trying as hard as she could to please her goddess to gain her permission to cum.
*
Cindy began to understand the importance of staying on top of the cleaning for a mansion of this size. If it was ever allowed to fall into a state whereby it required a deep clean, it would take more hours than existed in a day to complete. The monotonous work was made more difficult by the continuous pain across her buttocks. It was a permanent reminder of Eleanor’s dominance over her and quickly decided she loved it. She worked extra hard to ensure Eleanor’s expensive floors, rugs, and furniture looked their luxurious best. Eleanor deserved it.
All three of them had left lists of things they wanted to be prepared and packed for their weekend away at Cindy’s expense. Cindy explored each of their massive walk-in closets trying to match their clothing and shoes to their demands. She was intoxicated by the luxury brands surrounding her. There was Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Gucci, Dior, Hermes, Versace, and Cartier, amongst others. If Cindy worked every hour of every day for a thousand years, she doubted she could have afforded to buy even half of what they had. Most of their outfits appeared brand new and never worn. How much had they thrown out? Cindy had not bought herself any new clothes in seven years and even then, they were only for work. She felt lucky to be in the presence of such wealth. She would have touched herself had Eleanor not forbidden it.
She steam-ironed each individual piece of clothing and folded them lightly between sheets of tissue paper to avoid the dreaded wrinkles. Clothing like theirs deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. She handled every shoe, sock, bra, and panty as if they were the most delicate of crystals.
When Eleanor buzzed her phone for refreshment, Cindy immediately dropped her task and rushed to obey. She prepared strawberry water using organic berries and glass-bottled Penta water and ice. Eleanor relaxed on her patio across a cream chaise lounger on Mediterranean cushions beneath a free-standing aluminum awning with rich sunbrella fabric. Cindy laid her jug of strawberry water and glass upon a hexagonal, hand-crafted, wrought iron coffee table. Eleanor offered no acknowledgment as she watched Jessica practicing her serves on court. Cindy poured Eleanor’s drink into the glass.
‘Wonderful, isn’t she?’ said Eleanor, resting her elbows on the back of her lounger and thrusting her breasts against her skin-tight cotton.
Cindy blushed as she admired each curve and contour of Eleanor’s physique. Eleanor had the body of someone with vast resources. She could afford to intake only the healthiest produce and had the free time away from chores and tedium to dedicate to sculpting her body. But Cindy knew it was not just a matter of wealth. Even if Cindy became a multi-millionaire overnight, she would never attain close to what Eleanor had. Eleanor was genetically superior in every way and Cindy felt privileged to be in the vicinity of her Chanel.
‘Yes, Goddess,’ she said. The title flowed from her mouth. She had never been comfortable calling Eleanor by name. She had adopted Ms to show her respect, but that had never felt right. Goddess gave Eleanor the reverence she deserved.
‘So then,’ said Eleanor, yawning and stretching her legs. ‘We’re going to have expenses that need covering while we’re away and since this is your treat, I don’t think it’s fair that we should have to pay for them.’
Cindy gulped. ‘I, uh, thought it was, um, all i-inclusive?
Eleanor deigned to turn her face ever so slightly in Cindy’s direction.
Cindy felt a twinge in her pussy and immediately averted her eyes away from Eleanor’s beauty. ‘Sorry, Goddess. H-how much will you need?’
‘Oh Cindy, I don’t think in amounts. I buy what I like.’
‘O-of course, Goddess.’ She felt tears in her eyes. There was no way she could afford anything else. Maybe she could take some payday loans? The interest rates would destroy her, but at least she could survive a little while longer? Her bottom lip quivered as she desperately tried to think of a solution that did not involve a refusal, terrified it would end her service. If Cindy could not be useful to her, why would Eleanor keep her around?
‘Just give me your cards, Cindy. Whatever we spend over your limits you can repay later.’
Cindy smiled gratefully and curtsied. Yes, that would solve the problem. Eleanor and the girls could still buy what they liked while gaining Cindy time to figure out how to pay for it all later. Why give her money to a middleman? There was nobody else in the world Cindy would rather have fallen into debt to. She clasped her hands tightly behind her back to control her urge to rub against her pulsing clit. ‘Thank you, Goddess.’
Eleanor pouted and waved her away. ‘Get back to packing. I want to leave once Alison gets home from school.’
Cindy curtsied again and rushed away. It only gave her a couple more hours and she still had much to do.
‘Hey freak!’ yelled Jessica from the court.
Cindy turned in time to see a tennis ball hurtling toward her face. She whimpered and raised her arms to block the shot. It rebounded heavily off her underarm. She knew from the sting it would bruise.
‘Go get me a sports drink.’
She glanced back at Eleanor who was now sipping on her strawberry water and scrolling on her phone, ignoring the scene. Cindy flushed.
‘O-of course, Miss,’ she said, ‘what flavor?’
‘Coconut,’ said Jessica, returning to her practice. ‘And hurry. If you allow my electrolytes to drop, I’ll drop you.’
*
She struggled to carry their designer cases down the spiral stairs. Alison was waiting for her at the bottom. She smiled at Cindy with adorably dimpled cheeks. Cindy knew that with a smile like that, and the confidence she carried as a young woman who had always been given everything she desired in life, she was poised to rule the world.
‘Hey, loser,’ she said, ‘be careful with that case. It’s a Bottega Veneta. Do you even know what that is?’
‘I’ll be extra careful with it, Miss, thank you.’
‘Did you remember my pink Versace swimsuit?’
Cindy felt a prickle of anxiety over her skin. She had triple-checked each of their lists to ensure she had not forgotten anything, but what if she had? She gulped. Alison’s tank top seemed painted over her curvaceous body. Her hands were on the hips of her tight jean shorts. It was hard to believe she was only eighteen. Cindy sweated a little as she tried to avoid staring at her imposing cleavage. A flash of herself sucking on her nipple crossed her mind and she released a tiny whimper.
‘Well?’
‘I did, Miss, thank you for checking.’
‘You’d better. Or that beating Mom gave you will seem like a massage. Not that you’d know what that felt like, right, loser?’
Cindy smiled nervously and twitched her hips as her clit tingled. ‘R-right, Miss.’
‘Alright. You can fuck off now.’
Cindy curtsied at the dismissal and continued with the bundle of cases as Alison watched her, giggling.
*
Cindy loaded the cases into the trunk of Eleanor’s black Mercedes SUV. She hoped the attendants at the spa would be as careful taking them to their suites as Cindy had been loading them. She would be the one who took the blame if anything had crumpled in transit. She prayed the tissue paper and dry-cleaning bags would be enough. This was another test to prove her worth to Eleanor. She felt as if she was still on probation. She could not afford to screw this up.
She returned to the manor and informed Eleanor and the girls that everything was packed and ready. The three of them sauntered out the front door leaving Cindy to scurry out the kitchen door, picking up her own cheap backpack on the way. The three of them were waiting for her by the SUV when she caught up. She felt her skin prickle with dread as she saw Eleanor holding a black shoebox under her arm.
‘Is, um, everything okay, Goddess?’ she said, wringing her hands.
Eleanor smiled and handed her the box. Cindy curtsied as she took it. ‘Thank you, Goddess,’ she said, which made the three of them chuckle.
She gulped and looked at the golden italic G on the center of the lid. She felt a cold sweat run down her spine. Alison took her phone from the back pocket of her jean shorts and started to record. Cindy blushed. She wished the girls didn’t insist on filming everything. She remembered what Alison had said the day before. “Did you know you’re famous? It’s had like ten thousand views already.” She shuddered. Teens today had the ability to destroy lives at their fingertips if they chose.
‘Open it, freak,’ said Jessica impatiently.
Cindy opened the lid and stared down in horror at the stainless-steel chastity belt.
Alison giggled into her screen. ‘Look at her face!’
Eleanor smiled. ‘I suppose you already know what this is, Cindy?’
Cindy nodded. Disappointment dropped like a rock inside her stomach. She had been clinging to the chance of playing with her clit all day. Her pussy seemed to surrender to its fate as either cum or urine trickled down her leg.
‘This is so funny,’ said Alison, ‘I think she might cry.’
‘I did warn you, Cindy,’ said Eleanor, pouting, ‘how often have you masturbated to us?’
Cindy’s lip quivered. ‘I don’t know, Goddess. A lot.’
Jessica pointed at her, red-faced. ‘You’re fucking gross. You know that?’
Cindy flinched.
Eleanor raised her hand and Jessica folded her arms with a sigh.
‘So, tell me, Cindy,’ said Eleanor, ‘do you think we exist only to give you something to pleasure yourself to? You never even asked permission to use our image in your perversions, did you?’
Cindy sniffled and shook her head. She was right. They weren’t objects for losers like Cindy to sexualize and cum to. ‘I’m sorry, Goddess.’
Jessica scoffed. ‘You will be.’
Eleanor placed her hands on her hips. ‘Put it on.’
Cindy wiped a tear from her cheek and slowly began to wriggle her pants down her legs.
‘Ewwwww,’ said Alison, still videoing, ‘she’s been leaking.’
Cindy blushed as she hesitantly pulled her damp panties down her thighs. Her pussy lips glistened with her arousal.
‘This is why she needs locking up, honey,’ said Eleanor, ‘isn’t that right, Cindy?’
‘Y-yes, Goddess,’ she said weakly.
‘Then hurry up. I want to be at the spa before sunset.’
Cindy sniffed and removed her pants and panties from her ankles. Her hands trembled as she held up the metal harness. She lifted each leg and slotted them through the steel straps. She fiddled with the restraints and looked up at Eleanor with water welling in her eyes for help. Alison and Jessica burst into fits of laughter.
Eleanor sighed and marched on her. Cindy flinched as if fearing a strike. Eleanor tightened each mechanism and clipped it at the front in a padlock. She gripped both sides of the steel around Cindy’s hips and jiggled it to ensure its security. A tight mesh-covered Cindy’s pussy, allowing urination without the risk of wandering fingers. Cindy was saddened as she realized she would be unable to reach her lips no matter what. She whimpered and twitched her crotch as if trying to lightly hump the metal for feeling. Alison and Jessica collapsed into each other, streaming tears of joy.
Eleanor chuckled. ‘You’ll need to keep that clean if you want to avoid infection. You’d better buy some good wet wipes.’
‘Yes, Goddess. Thank you.’
She wondered where the key to the lock was. It was not in the box. She prayed Eleanor already kept it somewhere on her person.
‘Okay, Cindy. The cards?’
Eleanor held out her hand and Cindy rummaged inside her backpack for her debit and credit card, handing them over with a respectful curtsey which was made more difficult with the metal device squeezing her crotch. Eleanor threw them inside her Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag.
‘So then,’ she said, hooking her thumbs inside the expensive leather of her belt, ‘Alison says you’re without a car?’
Cindy glanced at Alison who grinned back at her triumphantly. She blushed and nodded.
‘Then pick up this trash,’ said Eleanor, indicating Cindy’s clothes and the now-empty chastity box, ‘and then get in the back. I’ll drive you home.’
Cindy shivered with panic. Eleanor would see where she lived. She would see her tiny house, her trashed car, her dirty windows, and her unmowed grass. Cindy looked over at Eleanor’s southern French chateau-inspired mansion, her fleet of convertibles, and lush lawns, and was ashamed.
‘Mom?’ said Jessica, ‘You seriously want us to share a seat with that freak?’
Eleanor smiled and Cindy felt a cold dread through her bones. ‘Of course not, sweetie. The floor will be perfectly comfortable for her.’
Jessica and Alison grinned at each other and high-fived.
All Cindy could do was curtsey and thank them for the honor.
