4 comments/ 26576 views/ 4 favorites Under My Thumb By: beagle9690 I joined the Navy fresh out of high school. Good paying jobs were tough to find in Western New York. The steel mills were shutting down. Heavy industry was re-locating down south and paying only one third of the previous wages. When my tour of duty was over I took the civil service test for Correction Officer and passed. My permanent assignment was at a Class-A Max, and eventually, I lucked out and got a wall tower on days. This was the perfect assignment to get out of population and to pursue my first love...reading. By the time that I was 33 years old, I was debt free and I had modest savings and the start of a good portfolio of mutual funds. My house was paid off in full. To my determent, I started to go bald in my twenties and at 33 this was a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless, I was fairly good looking at the time: 200 lbs/ 6' 2" tall. I was also single...having yet to find the right girl. People have always told me that I was such a nice guy and they couldn't believe that I was a Correction Officer. The public perceives us as uneducated brutes. This misconception is reinforced by the liberal news media bias and the current pop culture components of our society. I explained to these people there is a time to be tough and when that time comes you do what has to be done. In 1985, I first saw my future wife Lisa at my cousin's wedding reception. I was 33 at the time and Lisa was 22. Lisa was wearing an emerald green strapless dress that enhanced her beautiful green eyes. The dress also complimented her shoulder length red auburn hair. She wore her hair layered in those days with long bangs. When my cousin Sam introduced us, I shook her hand but didn't let go as was proper. Instead, I escorted Lisa to the dance floor and bowed with a flourish saying. "Beautiful angel from heaven would you do me the honor of this dance?" I spent the entire evening dancing with Lisa. I was infatuated with her. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. I made up my mind that whatever it took I would win her over. During our engagement, Lisa refused to give me oral sex, although she enjoyed receiving it. That didn't change after we were married. Disappointed, I never pushed the issue. During our third year together, she decided to grow her hair out to all one length, being tired of the bangs and layers. I have always preferred this style of long hair on women, especially my woman. By 1997, she had beautiful and thick waist length red hair. Her hairdresser, Holley did a marvelous job. Lisa's hair was precisely cut and styled to all one length, blunt and straight across the bottom. It was as soft and smooth as an angel's wings... my Angel's wings. As we were financially well off, Lisa quit her job as a receptionist to be a stay at home wife. She was not the greatest housekeeper and could barley cook. However, Lisa excelled at spending money. This meant that I was working plenty of overtime to keep up with her bills. Clothing, jewelry or things for the house and a new car every three years... I drove her old ones. I didn't care because I only wanted to make her happy. Lisa was my wife... my lover...my angel. Against my better judgment, Lisa talked me into buying an expensive toupee. I took a lot of good natured teasing, and some not about my rug; I wore it to please my angel. In the spring of 1997, Lisa decided to attend the community college. The reason as she put it, "I want to broaden my horizons". In the fall of 1998, an incident occurred that changed our lives in ways that neither of us could have foreseen. My car broke down on the way to work as the universal joint almost gave way. I telephoned the facility from the Goodyear Tractor Supply and advised them of the situation. I requested to use a PL, which stands for personal leave day. There was an open slot on the PL Board and I was given the day off. I was only 2 miles from home. After the tow truck left I decided to walk home and surprise my wife. I had put on 50 pounds over the years. I told myself because of my height I was able to carry it well. We all rationalize something. At my last physical, 6 months prior, my doctor told me that the test results were good. Nevertheless, he said that I could stand to lose at least 20 or more pounds and I walked home knowing the exercise would do me good. Lisa would not start the next semester of college for another week. Since I was walking, she wouldn't hear me pull up in my car, so I would quietly tip toe in and surprise my beautiful Angel. We could spend the afternoon making love and then go to see a movie followed by dinner in her favorite Italian restaurant. When I was in sight of my house, I observed a black corvette convertible parked across the street. Suspicious, I checked it out. The top was down and the factory bucket seats were covered with expensive sheepskin seat covers. The staff-parking sticker from Lisa's college was affixed to the windshield. Her English Professor owned such a car. I met the man twice when I attended the college open house. She thought that Professor Ares was brilliant, worldly and charming, while I found him vain, pompous and condescending. Professor Ares was a tall and slim man in his early thirties and I would estimate that he was about 170 lbs./6' 4" tall. He was fastidious about his appearance right down to his manicured nails. Luke wore colognes with names I probably couldn't pronounce and wouldn't purchase if I could. Professor Ares favored $ 100.00 haircuts and expensive silk ties, set off with a 2-carat diamond/ platinum stickpin. The Professor favored hand sewed monogrammed white shirts with diamond cuff links and $1000.00 plus/ suits. His black hair was full and thick and he wore it on the long side. He was clean-shaven with dark eyes and long eyelashes. I had to admit, he was handsome... almost to the point of being pretty. When I got to the back porch, I could hear soft music coming from my bedroom. I quietly entered my house, leaving the back door open. Once inside, I opened my bedroom door a crack and looked in to see my wife's lover was lying naked in my bed. The bastard was on my bed and his eyes were closed, a lascivious smile on his face. Lisa was naked and performing fellatio on him, and her beautiful hair was fixed in a simple ponytail. Luke's foul hands were stroking that ponytail, which angered me all the more. Enraged almost beyond reason.... I kicked the door, slamming it into the wall and breaking the plaster behind it. The loud explosive sound froze them both into inaction and stunned confusion. I strode into the room... pulling Lisa away from him and sending her sprawling. Mastering my berserkers rage, I threw a sheet at Lisa to cover her shame. "Get dressed you son of a bitch! I said to Luke. "I'm going to give you a chance to defend yourself. Then, I'm going to pound the fucking shit out of your sorry ass. We will see then who is the better man." Turning my attention to my cowering wife, I hissed through clenched teeth. "I'll deal with you later." With false bravado the fop professor stood up. Luke was laughing and clapping his hands as he walked towards me and that was comical in it's own right. The brilliant professor didn't have the brains (good sense) to get dressed. In retrospect, perhaps it was is contempt for me, the common man, shared by many of his ilk in the elite liberal academia. "I must hand it to you, you ludicrous buffoon." Can you believe it, that's what the naked idiot said to me! "That was quite the performance and I thought you lacked the imagination for such theatrics, such...comedy. Nevertheless, you bald, fat, old fool, I'm obviously the better man, I possess your beautiful wife, do I not? You have been cuckold, not I. I am a black belt you cuckold imbecile. Nevertheless, I will not soil my hands and lower myself to engage in fisticuffs with an unlettered, unwashed brute such as you. Violence is the opiate of the mindless beast, you clueless oaf. If you dare lay a hand on me I'll have you arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." I reacted immediately to his mocking laughter and my anger was cold, tempered and calculated. I smiled at him, and this was not what he expected because Luke took a step backwards, looking unsure. Stepping forward, I slapped Luke with my open palm. I mocked him, calling him a poltroon and a fop. My words stinging his ostentatious ego as my hand did his pretty face. "The only black belt I see in this room is the one on your pants, Sensei." Among inmates in prison, slapping a man in the face is the ultimate expression of contempt and disrespect. It is referred to as a bitch slap. Failure to immediately retaliate would only lead to more of the same. All would extort the punk.... and eventually... he would be raped. I continued slapping him violently now, and alternating between the palm and back of my hand. My bitch slaps were jerking his head from side to side. I was moving him about the bedroom in a dance of emasculation and humiliation. I was easily blocking his ineffectual clumsy punches and kicks. I soon left him cowering on the floor. Luke's knees were drawn to his chest and he was sobbing and sniffling like a woman. I now turned my attention to my adulterous wife. I pointed to the mewling wretch on the floor and said. "Look at your young stud now, Lisa, as handsome and trim as I am not. I give you Luke, the absolute epitome of manliness in your eyes. Luke: the magnificent stallion of your canal-depraved adultery. Luke: the mewling inspiration of your deceitful heart in celebration of your adultery. I give you Professor Ares... Ares, does the irony escape you, Lisa. The living reincarnation of the ancient Greek God of War, yes, that Ares!" Or if you prefer his Roman counterpart, Mars. The valiant and brilliant professor, despoiler of cities and conquer of nations. I said, mocking them both and laughing. Your lover and protector... your champion! The man who would have me arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for his sake but not for yours. Such an inspiring sight Ares makes.... weeping on the floor. Go to him, Pandora. Be the proud standard-bearer and shield maiden to this absent manhood professor. She remained frozen on the spot. I went to my top dresser drawer and removed my US Navy Kabar Fighting Utility Knife from its leather sheath. The knife was a gift from my father upon graduating boot camp. I kept the blade well oiled and razor sharp. I walked over to Lisa and grabbed her long silky ponytail. "Perhaps your champion the black belt would like a decoration for his war helmet. Traditionally in ancient times, dyed horses tails were used, but this will have to do. I severed her ponytail from her head just above the elastic tie to keep the ponytail in place. Her remaining hair fell forward, covering her shamed face. Her once waist length hair was now barley touching the nape of her long neck. I wasn't through with the miserable offal. I picked Luke up by the hair and made him stand on his feet. Open your mouth, punk, or I will cut your testicles off!" I was bluffing, however the poltroon did not know that. I shoved Lisa's severed ponytail into his mouth so it hung down evenly from either side of Luke's face. I then ordered him to bite down, telling him to keep it there or else and then cut the elastic hair tie. Next, I threw the knife at his feet, the point burying itself in the floor. He flinched, but didn't dare move or meet my eyes, his perfect white teeth clamped down on Lisa's ponytail. "Your sword, War God!' I stepped back and folded my arms, waiting.................................. "I thought as much. I believe we have established who is a man and who isn't, you foul, mewling wretch. In your case, having a functioning penis doesn't necessarily make you one." I calmly, espoused. "We need to explore your assessment of me. Specifically, and I quote you in part; "unlettered and unwashed brute." Unwashed brute as I just demonstrated, perhaps? However, you lecherous poltroon, I must take exception to unlettered. This mistaken notion needs to be dispelled and shown the light of day." I explained calmly and reasonably. "Let us go outside and discuss it ...bitch!" I grabbed his testicles, squeezing with my implied threat, and led him like a tamed gelding to his parked muscle car. The knife remained stuck fast to the floor. Following close behind, and wrapped in the sheet, Lisa stood in the driveway and watched, making no attempt to stop me. I threw her emasculated lover over the hood of his black Corvette muscle car. I then gave Luke a spanking on his bare buttocks with my open hand. While spanking him, I quoted John Dryden, from Alexander's Feast (1697), "None but the brave deserves the fair." I quoted from J.M. Barrie in his Rhetorical Address at St. Andrews in May of 1922. "Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes!' As I slapped his shamed red buttocks. Luke's teeth were still firmly clamped on the ponytail. I included Ernest Hemingway, in Men at War (1942). "Cowardice as distinguished from panic is almost always simply a lack of ability to suspend the functioning of the imagination". As the police arrived and got out of their patrol cars, standing to watch, I finished with Charles Churchill's "Night" (1761) "Keep up appearances, there lies the test. The world will give you credit for the rest. Outward be fair, however foul within. Sin if thou wilt, but then in secret sin". I stepped away from the Corvette, putting up my hands and displaying my palms to assure them that I wasn't armed. The effete professor retreated to the drivers side seat, covering himself with both sheepskin seat covers, wet from his urine. Lisa's ponytail, my thoughtful gift to him was thrown carelessly to the ground. Snot and tears were running down Luke's face. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, and his buttocks red and purple with bruises. I am pleased to say not to be undone by his sore testicles. One of my neighbors, Patty Green, telephoned the police. Patty explained the situation and was laughing while giving the blow-by-blow details and requested that they take their time. Patty's husband Bill, a retired city fireman and now Town Justice of the Peace, captured the entire episode with his camcorder. Ironically, this actually saved me from going to jail or being sued. Fortunately, I knew both the responding officers. While initially laughing, but trying to maintain their composure, they took my statement and statements from the mentioned witnesses. When they tried to interview the punk for a statement, Luke refused to get out of his car or give them one. Surprisingly, Lisa refused to cooperate as well. Although, I strongly objected, the officers allowed the absent manhood professor to return to the house and get dressed. I was very agitated at the thought of him in my home again and as a result, I started to have chest pains and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. After a two-day stay in the hospital, and extensive testing, I was diagnosed with stable angina. This time, John, my doctor, ordered me to loose 60 lbs or it could worsen and I would be on medication for life. I left my toupee in the wastebasket of my hospital room. My neighbors and connections kept me from prosecution and I was given an appearance ticket for disorderly conduct and I plead guilty to a violation and paid a fifty-dollar fine. As I said, the copy of the tape prevented me from being sued, why risk further public humiliation. I wasn't the only one with connections. I was brought up on departmental charges for conduct unbecoming an Officer. I could either resign, retiring at half-pay or be fired. I resigned. One month later, I was served with divorce papers. With the help of her lover, Lisa retained a high priced lawyer. We settled out of court. I agreed to give her everything except for my book collection. I have an extensive collection of Folio Society and Easton Press, to name a few publishers. I kept the contents of my study. This included the barrister bookcases, my reading lamps, and leather chair with matching ottoman. The agreement also included my antique oak roll top desk and my oak futon. She agreed to waive her attorney fees and sign off on my pension. My attorney thought I was crazy, wanting to negotiate a more equitable settlement. I refused to listen. I was hurt and angry. I was cuckold and made the fool. I wanted things over and done with. It wasn't about the money................it was never about the money! I could always make more. I dominated and humiliated my hated enemy, Luke. I forced him to crawl at my feet. The coward..............the hostage of my conquest was paraded on the streets.... a testament to my victory over him. It was never about the money.............it was about honor. He would remain forever the ransom-less hostage...redemption denied! I moved out and found a small studio apartment. I did some major repair work for my landlady, Margie, a mature woman in her seventies. This kept my hands and mind busy. It did nothing for the tear in my soul. In consideration for this, and for maintaining the property, I lived there rent- free and took my meals with her. I had a brief affair with Margie's daughter, Mary. Mary was a lovely recently divorced woman with her last child now away at college. Her husband, a high school math teacher, was a verbally abusive bastard, calling her fat, stupid and worthless. She was a kindergarten teacher and was anything but those things. As Mary said, "Enough is enough, so I left the asshole." Our affair lasted for about a year. I was upfront with her about being on the rebound and Mary the same, we, two people... hurting. The sex was wonderful while it lasted and most importantly, we were a great comfort to one another. Meanwhile, Lisa put the house up for sale, including all the appliances and remaining furniture. When all the assets from our divorce settlement were calculated, she walked away with over $ 400,000.00. Lisa and her lover moved to California where Luke found a position, teaching. I always wanted to open up a bookstore and be my own boss. Twenty-five years plus of punching a clock was enough for me. But first I need to do something about my health, so I started walking. I walked everywhere possible and in no time lost the sixty pounds. Mary started walking with me,and although our affair now over, we remained good friends. She lost about 25lbs, a plus for her as well. After 2 years, I had the down payment saved for my bookstore. I took out a loan, and bought a large brownstone for taxes. I remodeled it, and was soon in business for myself. I hired my old landlady, Margie to help out part time. I lived on the third floor in two of eight rooms not counting the bathroom and kitchen. The second floor was for storage and overflow from my store. My needs were simple, I had my books, but............. I mentioned before that I was once self-conscious about my hair loss. I bought top-of-the-line electric hair clippers with all the attachments and guide combs. I kept my hair clipped close to the scalp with those clippers. Vanity denied became a strength...I was now content with how God made me. Three years after my divorce, Lisa walked into my bookstore about an hour before closing. I was putting some books away and my back was to her and I did not see her walk in. She politely asked if the owner was available. I recognized Lisa's voice right away. Although it was obvious that she didn't recognize me. Having lost sixty pounds, with a close cropped head, and that ridiculous toupee gone. When I turned around, the surprised look on Lisa's face was most satisfying. I too was surprised. She had put on some weight, perhaps as much as twenty pounds. While we were married, she was always dieting. She spent hours at her heath club exercising. Under My Thumb 12 Why couldn’t they hold Scooby meetings right after school when it was daylight? No, we want you to go tromping through the neighborhood. In the dark. Alone. All by yourself. With the demons. Willow grumbled to herself as she traversed Sunnydale’s park warily. Her eyes darted around, taking note of her surroundings. There weren’t any other people on the well worn path. She’d been hoping for safety in numbers. Maybe she shouldn’t have taken this shortcut home from Giles’ apartment. They’d decided to avoid the library tonight because Oz would be locked in and their presence would only anger him. Actually, it was bad for both of them, it would only distract the Scoobies and Oz would probably end up injuring himself. She had convinced her friends that she was safe. The vampire population was quite low since Angelus had taken over. Usually, a master vampire kills off any minions that are in the area because he or she wants loyal followers. The rest of the Scoobies had agreed with her decision to walk by herself because they believed she wouldn’t run in to any trouble. Although, they had asked her to carry a stake in her back pocket and a bottle of holy water in her jacket just in case. Willow froze. She could hear the sound of an animal snuffling in the undergrowth right off the path. A stray dog? I can only hope. Dammit. She heard it, she had to look. It was the unwritten rule of Sunnydale. She peered into the shadows which were alleviated only by the hazy light of the moon. Suddenly, a creature stood up in the bushes. Its hair was a silvery gray and it was oddly familiar. It’s mouth had a terrifying array of sharp white teeth and it’s lips were curled back. The werewolf sniffed the air and howled. Oz! It was Oz! She recognized his wolf form. No two werewolves looked the same. He must have escaped from his pen at the library. Cordelia had been watching him. God, what if he’d killed Cordelia? Wait! What if he kills me? Willow screamed. Wolf-Oz snarled. She backed away slowly, trying not to let her fear show. Fear only egged werewolves on. “Easy, Oz. It’s okay.” She held up her hands and made sure her voice was soothing. He proceeded to sniff the air and began to follow her. Willow continued to back up, hoping that she could stall for time and come up with a plan. Where’s a hefty tree branch when you need one? She was so lost in her own worried inner workings that she stepped on a rock and tripped. Willow grabbed for something to keep her upright and got a hold of the rose bush. It sliced into her palm. Wolf-Oz howled at the scent of her blood, hungry for more. She continued to inch back and bumped into something hard. . . something that smelled like tobacco and leather. “Seems you’ve got a bit of a problem, pet.” Spike! Great. She could choose how she died. Death by mauling or death by blood loss? I truly hate this place. “You could say that.” Wolf-Oz growled at Spike, clearly feeling possessive of Willow. Spike chuckled. He walked around Willow and faced the ferocious animal. “Come on then. Let’s have a go, puppy. I’ll teach you some new tricks.” He moved into a fighting stance. “Don’t hurt him!” Willow cried. “What?!” Spike said, appalled. His eyes were still fixed on the werewolf. “Just so you know, pet. He wasn’t planning on only playing a game of fetch with you.” “I know that!” Willow snapped. “But I also know him. His name is Oz, when he isn’t a wolf. He’s my friend.” She was almost tempted to run and let the two of them sort it out, but she couldn’t leave Oz with Spike even if that meant she was leaving herself in a dangerous position. Spike rolled his eyes. She wanted to protect a werewolf. Probably one of those tree- huggin’ granola types. “Next thing you know, you’ll be buying him a bone, letting him sleep on the end of the bed–“ He didn’t have a chance to finish the conversation. Wolf-Oz attacked. Spike was caught off guard when the creature scraped his cheek with its talon-like nails. It left five bloody gashes on his handsome face. “Bad dog!” Spike yelled, clocking the huge beast in the face with his fist. Wolf-Oz howled. The vampire punched him again and knocked him to the ground. Then he kicked him in the stomach and banged his massive furry head against the ground. Wolf-Oz passed out with a whimper. Willow ran over to her friend, checking for his pulse. She was relieved to find one. His breathing seemed to be normal, he was just unconscious. She glared up at Spike. She was sick of arrogant male vampires. “You could have killed him!” “And your point is. . .?” She stood up to her full height, pressing a slim white finger to Spike’s chest and poking him every once in a while as she spoke to emphasize her points. “I didn’t ask for your help! Who the hell do you think you are? I can do things myself, you know! I’m the best friend of a Slayer! And I’m a witch! ” Well, sort of. . part of the way there anyway. Then she realized that she was poking a master vampire in the middle of nowhere on the Hellmouth. She stopped touching Spike and stepped back. She gulped and her face turned a ghastly white. “I have to go now.” While I still have all my pieces and parts. She turned on her heel and was about to walk away when he grasped her elbow. Knew he wouldn’t fall for that. “Hold on there, pet.” He spun her around, he was feeling a little thirsty. She was a tasty morsel. “I thought you left Sunnydale, Spike.” She knew his name. Didn’t she say something about being a Slayer’s best friend? “Nah, knew it would piss Angel off if I stayed. I never get tired of that. Besides, Dru likes the energy here. Says it makes her visions ‘all swirly’, whatever the hell that means.” He took a good look at her for the first time. Familiar face. He could place her now. Humans sometimes looked all the same to him.“You’re Willow, right?” “Um. . .yeah.” How did he know her name? She looked at him in askance. “Angelus told me about you.” He looked her over, considering. A slow smile broke over his face. “He did?!” Her face flushed with embarrassment. “Yes.” Spike tilted his head to the side. “By the way, I never did thank you for making him all poofy and soul-having again.” Whew! He was grateful too. She might be going home with all of her blood. “Does this mean you’re not going to bite me?” Willow asked, rubbing her neck absently. He looked her up and down. “I am hungry and you look very tasty.” Willow silently cursed herself for bringing it to his attention. He took a hold of her palm which was streaked with crimson and held it to his mouth, inhaling the spicy scent of her magick infused blood. “No bloody wonder Angelus was fascinated with you.” His chilly tongue swept out to lap the blood from her hand, taking care not to hurt her wounds. It was slightly raspy, like that of a cat. After he licked away the last droplet he pressed a kiss to her palm. “Thanks for the snack, pet.” She sagged in relief. “Oh. You’re welcome. ” She smiled, then frowned. Was it ‘okay’ to thank a vampire for taking her blood? Buffy wouldn’t think so. She shrugged. “So. . .um, Angelus talked about me?” He found her fascinating? He nodded. “What did he say?” He merely rose one black eyebrow. “Okay. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” She glanced down at Oz. “I’d better get him back to the library anyway.” Spike knelt beside the fallen werewolf and thrust it over his shoulder. There was no way she could carry him for that distance. “Lead the way, pet.” “You’re going to help me?” “Why not? Dru’s having a tea party for her bleedin’ dolls, nothin’s good on the telly. Might as well.” “Well, thank you.” She walked beside him as he carried Oz back to Sunnydale High. ********* “Cordelia? Are you here?” Willow called out as she entered the library. Willow began to see red. The brunette was nowhere to be seen. If Oz had almost gotten hurt because she skipped out to party with the twits she called friends, she was going to . . .going to . . .she didn’t know what. But if she was fooling around with Xander when she was supposed to be watching Oz, then she would sic Spike on them both. All of a sudden, the door to Giles’ office sprang open. Cordelia emerged, a threatening scowl on her face. Her hair was messed up, her dress was ripped, her makeup smudged, and one of her heels was missing. And she was holding the tranquilizer gun. “Get the hell away fro--- Willow?” “Cordelia? What happened?” Willow blushed. Stupid question. “Are you alright?” “Do I look alright? Omigod! Willow, duck!” The tranquilizer dart flew through the air before Willow could figure out what was about to happen. “Ow! Bloody hell! She sh-“ Spike slumped to the floor, Oz rolling out of his grip. Willow stood in shock staring at the cheerleader. “I didn’t know you had such good aim.” She looked to the two slumbering males on the floor. What now? Too many guys, not enough cages. ******** Angelus hopped up onto the balcony outside of the room of his favorite redhead. He peered into the darkness. No one was home. How’s that for a twist? She was always home. Angelus shook his head. He wasn’t clear on how he had regained control. To be truthful, he could barely remember how he had gotten over here. He could feel the soul in there somewhere. It just didn’t seem to have any influence over his actions. He gazed up at the moon, it seemed to have a strange pull on him. What was going on? There was a slight noise coming from inside. Angelus listened carefully. Someone was coming down the hall! The wicked vampire grinned as he smelled the faint hint of roses, sage, and magic. Willow. There was another scent too. But who was with her? The scent of bleach filled the air. Buffy? Back up, when did Buffy start smoking? His eyes narrowed as he watched his blonde childe follow Willow into her room. What the hell was Spike doing here? Angelus stepped back from the French doors before they spotted him. He learned a long time ago that patience brought it’s own rewards. Leaning against the wall, he settled back to listen in. Somebody was going to have a lot of explaining to do. ******* “The bleedin’ chit didn’t have to shoot me! I was helping.” Spike looked disgusted. With himself or with Cordelia she wasn’t quite clear on. “Yes. But, for one, that’s a first. You’re usually trying to kill us, not help us. For two, she was just attacked by a werewolf. It would make anyone jumpy.” Willow pointed out. “Also, not the sharpest tool in the shed.” Spike chuckled. “You’re not as quiet as you pretend to be, are you?” Willow put a finger to her lips. “Shh! It’ll be our secret.” He gave her a rakish grin. She probably needed to have her head examined. She couldn’t believe that she had just invited him into her house. Somehow she knew that he wouldn’t harm her. He’d had plenty of opportunity but he hadn’t acted on it. Besides, she’d invited his sire in already. . .the more, the merrier. Willow knew that Cordelia wouldn’t keep quiet about Spike. She should probably start working on reasons why she’d been with him. The truth would be unpalatable to the other Scoobies. She needed a hellmouthy excuse. Possession? Coercion? Mysterious memory loss? She’d think of something. “Excuse me, luv? Am I boring you?” “What?” Willow blinked. “I mean, no. I mean. . .I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind. What were you saying?” “Nothing important.” She was a bewitching creature. No wonder Angelus was so taken with her. It was a shame that he hadn’t gotten to her first. Spike had been searching for the right human to sire for decades. He wanted a real prodigy for his childe and she fit the bill. But Spike had learned long ago that he never wanted to be involved with another woman who’d been with Angelus first. They never appreciated him. It was a pity, really. “I should probably go anyway. I have to get some dinner.” “Oh?” She said politely, then it struck her that he meant ‘somebody.’ “Oh.” “Don’t look so glum. I’ll make it quick for the poor sod.” “Right.” She gulped. He was going off to kill someone. “Actually. . .I don’t have to go yet.” Spike’s gaze strayed to her throat. He got closer to her, invading her space. He’d never been able to get his hands on a woman that still belonged to Angelus. Drusilla had come to him only after she’d fallen out of favor with ‘Daddy’. He wouldn’t hurt her. Maybe he’d play with her a bit , it might be fun to . . . “I don’t think you have to go either.” Spike looked up only to see Angelus’ fist connect with his face. The blond vampire fell to the floor and gazed up at him in equal parts dazed disbelief and horror. “Angel, what are you–“ Willow stared hard at him. He wasn’t the same. ‘Angel’ now walked with that familiar cocky swagger. His eyes roved over her form in a blatantly possessive manner. He’d been acting strange lately but not like this. . .it could only mean one thing. “Angelus?” She asked, her voice squeaking. She was thrilled and terrified at the same time. He must be really angry. Really, really, really angry. Wait a minute! How did this happen? “But. . .but. . .I--” “You what? Cursed me with my soul again?” Angelus sat down on her bed and schooled his features into Angel’s trademark tortured expression. “You have no idea how that made me feel.” Then he laughed and it wasn’t completely in amusement. Meanwhile, Spike had gotten to his feet and had quietly inched his way to the door. “Sit down, my boy, I’m not done ‘talking’ to you yet.” Spike cursed under his breath but dutifully sat down on the chair by her desk. At least his sire was far more interested in the would be witch than him. He lit a cigarette and watched how this scenario would play out. Willow still couldn’t wrap her mind around what happened. She’d given him the soul permanently. He couldn’t have come back without some sort of a catalyst. Angel slept with Buffy! It was the only conclusion she could come to. She was about ready to pass out. He looked distinctly unhappy with her. “W-what are you going to do with me?” “Whatever I please.” Angelus smiled, showing a row of gleaming, white teeth. Under My Thumb Lisa jumped up and quickly returned with her selection, and then sat down beside me, as close as she dared...testing. "Is this book alright, Adam? "Poems of Childhood" by Eugene Fields, what an interesting choice. Open it and choose a poem and then read it to me out loud. Then continue picking poems and reading until I tell you to stop. Everyday you will choose a short poem and memorize it until you can recite it perfectly without the book." She started reading out loud. The first poem that Lisa read was "Little Boy Blue" not from the nursery rhyme, the little boy blue with the horn that most people are so familiar with. She read the poem as instructed and did a pretty fair job. When Lisa finished, she closed the book quietly and gave me a thoughtful look. I let her choose some others until I was too tired to stay awake much longer. "It is bedtime, and as it is Sunday tomorrow, I will be sleeping in until noon. The store is closed and I allow myself this simple pleasure. When I awake, you will be bathed, have shaved your pussy, plus anywhere else you shave, and then you will stand inspection. Hard- boiled eggs, toast and black coffee, will be ready for breakfast, thank you. The Sunday paper will be in the Bookstore security gate at the front door entrance. Leave the inner foyer door ajar after you punch in the code for the security alarm." I said, taking out a piece of paper with the code, 5, 4, 7, and 2 from my robe pocket and handing it to her. "You will please get the Sunday paper and have that on the table with our breakfast." This was actually a test to see if she did exactly as she was told and get the paper, naked. I would know for certain if she didn't. "How will I get the paper, Adam? Someone might see me through the outer glass door. I don't have any clothing. You want me to, I mean, naked...I can't. "You can and you will. I said, getting up and touching her face. "Good night, Lisa." I woke up with a big grin on my face. The coffee was brewed, hot, strong and black, just how I liked it. I poured two cups of coffee, adding sugar and milk to Lisa's cup, as she liked it and took a sip of mine. The table was set nicely for two, with the book of poetry from the night before at Lisa's place setting. She remembered the orange marmalade that I always put on my toast. Breakfast would be ready momentarily as the eggs were already peeled and cooling in the bowl. Everything was perfect except for that damn noise... I went downstairs to get my beautiful and naked Lisa trapped between the doors. She was crouched in a corner and trying to cover herself with the Sunday paper as best she could. Trying not to laugh, I let her in and then reset the alarm. Once upstairs, I said. "Your coffee is poured, just the way you like it. Sit down and relax. I'll finish making breakfast." "You knew that was going to happen, didn't you?" She asked, accusingly. "Don't use that tone of voice with me, Lisa Marie. Do you wish to be spanked again?" "No Sir." She answered, looking down. "I gave you the code and I warned you about leaving the door ajar. When you got trapped, why didn't you punch in the code?" "I did punch in the code nothing happened!" "Of course something happened, the alarm went off and woke me up. I requested to sleep until noon and it is only 11:45 AM. Did you reverse it?" "No you didn't tell me to do that! I did exactly as you told me, even going down there naked. What if somebody saw me?" "They would have seen a beautiful buxom woman? I walked up to her and put my hands around her waist. "Thank you." Lisa said, somewhat mollified, a hint of a smile starting to show. "Do you think I'm fat now, Adam?" "The truth is I deliberately did not tell you to reverse the code and you are not fat. You are buxom and voluptuous. You are also not the young girl of 22, as when I first met you. You are a woman of 41 now, just as I am a man of 51. Of course your body is going to change. I know about your total hysterectomy. My insurance was billed by mistake. It doesn't matter to me and you are no less of a woman in my eyes. No doubt Luke, hinted, implied or out right said something to you about both those things. If Luke were here right now, I would pummel him again. I would pummel him for putting those cruel thoughts of doubt into your mind. And, Lisa?" "Yes, Adam." She answered, her voice breaking. "I forgive you, however, you will obey me and you may hug me now whenever you wish." Lisa put her arms around my neck and hugged me. She was crying, her wet face was pressed against my neck. I held her for a while, stroking her poor short hair. Finally, wiping her tears, I pulled out a chair for her to sit down. And as promised, I made the toast and we sat and ate our breakfast. "Sunday is now my only day off and I like to sit and read the newspaper, quietly." I explained to her. "You are welcome to sit and read with me as long as you are quiet." It was a nice quiet breakfast and I was reading the business section, when. "Then you don't think I'm fat? She asked from out of the blue. I put the paper down. "I could come up with half a dozen platitudes or clichés and you still might not be satisfied. I could offer you flowery speeches and in your mind they still might be disingenuous assurances. I could try to spank that ridiculous thought out of your pretty head for doubting my veracity. I will answer your question with a question. Have I ever lied to you? In speech or in actions, have I ever failed to show you how I feel about you?" I got up from the table and offered Lisa my hand, helping her up. I took her gently in my arms and kissed her. Then, I walked her to the far wall and made her stand in the corner. "You will stand here until I tell you otherwise. If you are quiet and a good girl, I will not make you stand there for the rest of the day. I am going to finish my paper and you will please remain quiet. " When i let her out of the corner, and on her own, Lisa went down on me licking and sucking on my cock. "Slow down, and take your time. Just like that, use your tongue on the tip, now in a circular motion. Now, lick the shaft...very good. Try licking and kissing my balls. That feels wonderful.... yes keep it up, God I wish your hair was longer. Keep on sucking all of it and use your tongue while you are sucking." I exploded in her mouth and my orgasm was incredible. I was so happy that she went down on me without asking, that in my exuberance, I managed to break a rung on my chair. Oh well, it was worth it. Lisa put two stones in the mason jar that afternoon. I shared two special kisses with her as I was walking out the door to get her clothing. I returned with four nice housedresses, all in fine pima cotton. One was short sleeved the other two had three quarter sleeves and the last, full long sleeves. All four dresses were cut to fall at the knee or just below. I also bought Lisa undergarments and the necessary toiletries. She opened her bag of toiletries first, removing her shampoo, conditioner etc..... I have seldom seen her so happy with such simple things, including the hairpins and elastic hair ties. She chose the dark green dress with the three quarter sleeves to wear first. She then modeled for me, turning slowly and smiling and then going into the bathroom to look in the mirror. "You look lovely in that dress, my dear. I called to her from the kitchen. "I will enjoy seeing you wearing nice dresses that I chose for you from now on These are very modest and proper to remind you that you are my woman and a lady. " She came into the kitchen and hugged me. I had to admit to myself that I missed her hugs. I also missed her long hair. I could tell that Lisa got the hint with the elastic hair ties and hairpins. "Adam, will you show me your Bookstore? All the housework is done. You can teach me the job when the store is closed. It will save time and will be more efficient that way. I will know were everything is so that I will be ready when the time comes." I am going to run a few miles and then take a 20-minute nap. You are going to get the owners manual for the stove and read it. When I wake up you will tell me what you learned. There is a Betty Crocker Cook Book as well as the manual in the drawer by the refrigerator. Find the recipe for roasted chicken, potatoes, onions and carrots and then memorize it. When I return from my walk, I will quiz you on what you learned. She memorized the recipe, repeating it back and I set her to the task of preparing supper. There was no television (I didn't own one) telephone calls or hair appointments, or any appointments to distract her. I did not stand over Lisa and check her every move. She sat in the kitchen with her poetry book waiting for the timer to ring from time to time reminding her to baste the chicken. As a consequence of no necessary distractions, our dinner was exceptional, simple but exceptional. My generous praise was an incentive to encourage Lisa that she could cook if she put her mind to it. Two weeks had gone by. Lisa was always up 90 minutes before me preparing my breakfast and getting ready for inspection. There would be no more lying in bed until 11:00 AM or noon for her now as those days were over. I am an early riser, waking up at 5:00 AM, and I generally am in bed by 10:00 PM. Lisa stood naked before me every morning and evening. I would make sure that her legs were silky smooth and her armpits hairless. I paid particular attention to her vagina and ass area, sending her back to shave it over unless they were perfect. If I had to send her back a third time, she would be spanked. Whenever practical, discipline was deferred, giving her time to contemplate and worry about the upcoming punishment. This mentioned deferment was very effective. Usually, if I was not pleased with the inspection, she skipped one meal as punishment or was not allowed to listen to the radio or play the stereo. The result was that she turned to books more and more to occupy her free time. As I said, Lisa was restricted to the third floor and not allowed outside, except on the roof to hang out the wash to dry. I only ate two meals a day now to help keep fit. The loss of one meal for her was a big deal, the same for music. She absolutely hated standing in the corner. The loss of a meal also meant standing in the corner until I was finished eating. After another six months had gone by, she was comfortable with the rules and my routine, and her hair is growing out nicely. It was like we were courting again except I did not have to take her home... well the sex part was. I was getting more hugs and kisses then ever before and Lisa could not wait to start working more hours in the bookstore. I was now allowing Lisa to come downstairs to give Margie her paid lunch break. And with Christmas fast approaching in just three weeks, Mary was helping out weekend evenings as well. Lisa was aware of my brief love affair with Mary, as Margie had inadvertently let it slip.... or perhaps not so inadvertently? I could find no fault with anything Lisa was doing; the mason jar was one quarter full. I am allowing her to sleep on the futon now, the next step, with me in bed. One early Sunday afternoon I was cooking brunch for us. Her sister Janice and the children were going to spend the afternoon here and then Janice would take her girls to the movies. Mark wouldn't have anything to do with Lisa, but he loved his wife and in the end accepted a compromise. Janice was an exceptional housekeeper and Lisa wanted everything to be perfect as this was their first visit. This was something that Lisa never cared about before. She walked up behind me putting her arms around my waist, hugging me. "Adam, may I go to the movies with them?" "Well, that depends, what is the movie rated?" I asked, putting the eggs and bacon on the plate and handing it to her. "It is rated G for General Audience and is age appropriate for the girls. And if it's OK with you, may I to go shopping with them afterward?" How much money will you need?" I asked sitting down at the kitchen table and she sat down next to me. "May I please have forty dollars? She asked "Yes you may...eat your breakfast, it is getting cold." I picked up the paper, and put it in front of my face to hide my smile........................... Before they left for the movies, I took Lisa's nieces downstairs to the bookshop and let them select a book each as a gift. Wendy chose; "Make Way For Ducklings" and Debbie, the youngest, selected "The Cat In The Hat." They were both lovely and well-mannered children, Wendy just turning 6, and Debbie, precocious Debbie was going on 4. I lamented the fact that I never had any children and that her nieces were too young to remember me since my divorce. Lisa came downstairs with Janice wearing one of her long green housedress, a garter and stockings and black pumps. Lisa's natural virgin hair was about 5 inches long now, and her face was makeup free. My only concession to her was to allow her to pluck and shape her eyebrows, plus apply clear nail polish on her short natural nails. "Janice, would you please wait with the girls in the car, I have to talk to Lisa about something." After they left. "If there are any change in your plans please telephone me." "Yes Adam." "Here is one hundred dollars; a fifty, two tens, five fives and five ones. There is enough there to buy yourself a purse/ wallet combo and makeup if you wish. Do not put the makeup on, and be sure to bring back all the receipts. Your nieces are delightful children, and are welcome to visit here anytime. "Yes, Adam, thank you for letting me go and having my family over for a visit. She said, hugging me tight. I took her face in my hands and kissed her mouth long and deep. "One more thing, little girl, are you wearing panties? I asked, running my finger through her short hair. "Yes of course I am?" "You will please take your panties off. You will not be wearing them on this little excursion. Your dress is long enough and no one will know except you and I." Lisa blushed a marvelous shade of red... however, she also complied by handing over her panties too me. "This will remind you that even in public or with your family you are my woman and under my thumb. Have a nice time and remember you are a lady, my Lady. But first give me a kiss goodbye. I do enjoy your kisses, my dear. When you return this evening, I may let you sleep with me.......................