Page 25 of Be Careful What You Wish For

She was already nodding, aware that his touch was creating a tremble of emotion, a wetness in her groin.

‘Then let it be so.’

He withdrew his hands and turned to Shadow, waiting for him to speak.

> ‘The ceremony itself requires preparation and there will be much to do before the event takes place. You will have to work hard, for there will be much to learn before the day. There will be tasks to complete, and I will instruct you in the way you behave and move. A collaring is not something to be entered into lightly. It is a very serious affair.’

They watched Abi’s jaw open as she wondered exactly what the ceremony entailed and the part she would play. Then suddenly they both smiled, knowingly.

‘It will be a wonderful day for all of us. And we promise a celebration with plenty of fun thrown in. You will enjoy it as an equal participant of this marriage between us.’

There was a pause which stretched into long moments.

‘First, however...’ Shadow watched with interest the expressions flit across the sub’s face. ‘First, however, we are going on a trip, when you can visit your family while Sir Richard and I buy necessary items and provisions. It is on our return that preparations will begin in earnest.’

‘Sir Richard?’

‘Yes, that is me,’ said Dream Catcher. ‘I own this island. But you will address me only as Master.’

He took her hand and touched it gently to his lips, sending an electric shiver of delight tingling down her spine. ‘We will be happy, Little One, have no fear. You bring to this house and island the wonder and innocence of a child, the beauty of a lover, the open heart of a soul mate, and a willingness to serve and to please.’

It was a few days on when she was instructed to pack for their trip to the mainland. She was nervous, excited, suddenly wanting to see her family again, but wondering what to say after so long. There were no words to explain. It would be strange going places with people, having to remain clothed.

Abi prepared inwardly for the many questions she knew would be asked, and as she fingered her collar, she tried to work out answers and what she could possibly say.

Shadow and Sir Richard collected her at dawn the following morning, allowing her unrestricted movement and a chance finally to see the way ahead. She marvelled at the smoothness of Free Spirit, and as she boarded the craft felt suddenly so alive, reenergised, reborn, she threw her arms wide, embracing the sea air as they crossed to the mainland. Without a blindfold she saw for the first time the majestic landscape of Scottish mountains rearing up on either side, great beasts standing tall and proud. She watched the tilt of seagulls’ wings and knew what it felt to feel free, to experience and explore, pushing boundaries, venturing beyond the horizon.

Her family was pleased to see her, eager for her to expound on her experiences, or at least on what little she told them. They wondered at her appearance. She had a new confident way about her. Her new way of life obviously suited her well. She answered questions as best she could, describing the island if not her life there. She was staying for a week, after which Master and Shadow would return for her and their journey back to Arcana.

In their absence they issued strict instructions about diet, which she tried to obey. But temptation was everywhere. Without their constant attention she nibbled biscuits and chocolate regardless. There was so much to see and do, so much of the world she had to catch up on. Things had changed and moved on. News of the world outside crashed in on her, and with it worry and stress of what the future might bring.

She tied up loose ends with her own home, allowing those renting it a contract for another year. But more and more she found she was unable to settle, clock-watching, lacking concentration, unable to focus. She missed the simple day-to-day existence of the island. Something was missing. Nights were particularly hard when the sense of being alone was acute, and she felt isolated, insecure, vulnerable, alone; almost overwhelmed by an acute sense of abandonment and loss without Dream Catcher and Shadow.

Finally came the day. She waited eagerly at the door, knowing they would come for her, back to the controlling relationship where she knew she belonged. Oh how she yearned for the protection, specialness and love she had in their care. She watched the car pull up the driveway, and bidding her parents farewell, climbed into the back beside Sir Richard, unable to hold herself from hugging him, gripping his hand tight.

The car ate up the miles as she chattered on about all she had seen and heard, and she was so engrossed in her stories that it was with surprise she realised they had turned off the main road and were following the line of trees which led to Hartington Hall.

She was confused, upset even, aching to reach the cocoon of Arcana. Why hadn’t they told her and included her in their plans?

‘You will spend the rest of the day here, being pampered, making you special for what is to come. This interlude is important. Use it well. We will leave you now and come back this evening.’

‘But, this isn’t the way it’s supposed to be!’

A finger touched her lips. Master and Shadow got out of the car with her and kissed her on both cheeks. They left her then, on the steps of the Hall. She felt like a child on her first day at school, decidedly wistful, watching their awful departure.

‘Hello, Abi. I said we’d meet again.’

She turned to find Alex at her side, and remembered how good he had been for her. ‘Oh, Alex, it’s good to see you. Are we doing the same as before?’

She greeted him like an old friend, and he took her hand as they went to the familiar room to change from her clothes into a robe.

‘Come through when you’re ready. A cuppa will be waiting for you.’

Abi was glad. It was as if the dream was starting all over and she welcomed the chance of experiencing it again, knowing what might come, aware she knew so much more and could carry herself with a confidence that was as new as the experience of being a slave. She wondered just how much Alex understood about her.

Later his hands moulded her shoulders, smoothing down her spine, sending ripples of pleasure permeating to her toes. Her groin was already wet. She turned to look him directly in the eyes, and caught him admiring the curves of her figure and the sensuous way in which her body now moved.

‘You’ve changed, Little One. Now you are supple, much more at ease with yourself and those around you. You can more easily relax. And yet at the same time, I feel you have an inner strength you never had before.’

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