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Valerie Hates Dan Ch. 01

By: julems90



"Hey Vals," I tensed hearing this voice come from behind me. It was unwelcome, yet all too familiar. Sly and just above a whisper, it was loud enough that I could not pretend I had not heard it. I let out an inaudible sigh. I needed all the mental strength I could scrounge up when dealing with Daniel McAllister.

"It's Valerie," I said as a greeting, pleased that I sounded stern. Now, if I could keep up the firm and collected demeanor, it would be a miracle.

"All your other friends call you Vals," he accused.

"Yeah, my friends." I stressed.

"I'm hurt," he responded, not sounding at all wounded. The smirk nearly ruined my attempt to appear calm.

"What do you want?" I asked rudely. The smirk grew more pronounced and one questioning eyebrow arched.

"Do you talk to all your customers so harshly?" He had me there. If my boss heard how rude I sounded, he'd be furious. This time my sigh was audible. He could tell he was getting under my skin.

"Can I help you?" I asked him, my tone dripping with false obsequiousness. 

"Nah, I came by to say hello," he said and swaggered away. After he was out of sight, I clenched my fists and counted to ten. It didn't really help, but at least I managed to half smile when a customer approached me searching for Apothic Wine.

Daniel McAllister has been pretty harmless that day, but the problem was that any encounter with him got me annoyed. I loathed Daniel McAllister; he knew it and relished in it. Jerk.

His short visit alone kept me distracted all day. I seethed about him to myself the entire walk home.

I was so preoccupied that I bumped right into someone.

"Oof, Sorry," I mumbled.

"Vals?" I looked up into the handsome grey eyes of my older sister's boyfriend.

"Oh. Sorry John," I said, flushing at my clumsiness.

"It's okay. Are you alright?" His brows furrowed together in concern. He was always a sweet, caring guy. I could see why my sister liked him. 

"Yeah, I'm fine, are you okay?" He laughed merrily.

"I hardly even felt it." Considering I was just tall enough to reach his toned chest, I could believe it. It felt like walking into a wall.

"Are you heading home?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said, then face me a scrutinizing stare, "are you sure you're okay? You look...distracted."

"I am a bit preoccupied," I admitted.

"Yeah? Me too."

"What about?" Suddenly, I realized how close we were standing, and I made a move to take a step back, but before I could, his hand went behind my back and pulled me closer.

"This," he whispered and kissed me hard. It was short, but intense. I could barely react before it ended and I still was reeling when he walked away whistling. I turned around to go after him and demand an explanation. I needed to set things straight. But out of nowhere, Daniel McAllister appeared and effectively blocked my path to John. 

I groaned. He was the absolute last person I wanted to see. Could my night go any worse?

"So? How long has that been going on?" He asked, nodding towards John's retreating figure.

Yes, my night could get worse.

"Nothing's going on."

"Didn't look like nothing to me," he replied. I wanted to hit him and it surprised me. I didn't usually have violent thoughts.

"Well, it is nothing."

"I should tell 'Ris," he said, referring to my sister. Her name was Marissa, but everyone called her 'Ris. 

"Why tell her about it when all it would only do is upset her? He kissed me. And once I get a chance to talk to him about it, I'll decide if 'Ris needs to know."

"You kissed back," he said.

"No I didn't."

"Maybe you did and maybe you-"

"I didn't!" I insisted.

"Don't interrupt me Vals."

"Valerie." He pretended not to hear me.

"As I was saying, maybe you did and maybe you didn't. I still think I should tell 'Ris."

"Please don't. She'd be so upset and so angry." And when 'Ris was angry, life was miserable. She would find some way to get even with me. Even though I had nothing to do with it.

"Well, perhaps we could work out a deal," Daniel pondered aloud. I was immediately suspicious.

"What kind of deal?"

"Be my girlfriend."

"Your what?!"

"My girlfriend," he repeated.

"No!" 

"Fine," he seemed unconcerned, "maybe your sister won't care. Only one was to find out." He started striding purposefully towards my house.

"No! Wait! Daniel!"

"Yes?" He asked without turning or stopping. His legs were so long that I needed to run to keep up with him.

"Please don't tell her." I really could not fathom the idea of what would happen if he told her what John did. I doubted she would ever talk to me again.

"I made you an offer. Take it or leave it." He was at my door now, about to knock.

"Fine!"

"Say it," he ordered, "the whole thing."

"Yes, Daniel. I'll be your girlfriend," I muttered. 

"I suppose that'll do, for now," he said, seeming amused at the glare that shaped my whole face. I figured if I was a rotten enough girlfriend, he would break up with me and maybe, finally, leave me in peace.

"Can I go now?" I asked.

"Is that any way to talk to your boyfriend?" But before giving me a chance to say anything, he said, "Come to my house tomorrow at ten AM. Dress nice." And he swaggered away. What had I just gotten myself into?

At least he hadn't kissed me good-bye. I didn't know if I could handle two unwelcome kisses in the same day.

The morning came way too quick and I hadn't slept very much. I needed to talk to John and figure out if I should tell 'Ris about what had happened.

I dresses semi-nice. I didn't want to be a good girlfriend, but if he was taking me out somewhere fancy for breakfast, I didn't want to look underdressed. 

At ten AM exactly, I knocked on his door.

"You're late," he said as soon as he opened his blue door.

"I'm right on time," I protested. He showed me his watch which read, '10:10'. I looked at mine to see the longer hand creeping towards the first dot making it not even '10:01' yet.

"Your watch is ten minutes fast," I told him. He grabbed my wrist and ignored my struggling and protests until he had managed to set my watch ten minutes fast as well.

"Don't change it," he warned as he saw me preparing to fiddle with the dial, "if you do, I'll change it right back." I figured I could change it back again, but I didn't want him touching me again, much less grabbing my wrists, so I dropped my hands to my side keeping my frog watch ten minutes fast.

"Good. Now, I invited you over today so we could discuss my expectations for you as my girlfriend, and we should corroborate a story of how we started dating. Your friends will be suspicious do it'll have to sound convincing," he sighed, like it was a chore.

"Um... okay." He looked at me expectantly, but I didn't know what he wanted so I remained quiet.

"We'll work on that," he said smirking, "follow me." He led me up a carpeted staircase and down a hallway into a white bedroom all the way at the end. The bedroom had some navy accents, but the whiteness overwhelmed me. It was almost stark and sterile. There was little in the room that hinted at it belonging to a real person. There were a few photographs on a shelf and a stereo on top of a navy dresser. He pointed me to a desk on the corner. On it, I saw a mug filled with BIC pens and a stack of three hole punched loose-leaf.

I sat down wondering what on Earth was going on, but I didn't speak yet; something about Daniel McAllister scared me. His smirk today seemed more menacing than annoying and smugness oozed out of his pores when he looked at me.

"So, I have some rules for you to follow and I want them to write them down so you know what I expect of you." That sounded ominous. What he expected of me?! Like me was some teacher or lord of the manor. Did most girlfriends have to follow some set of rules? I didn't have any experience to go on, but my friends never mentioned it and if 'Ris ever was handed a set of rules, she probably would've snorted and tore them up.

Sure, there were things my friends and sister did and did not in order to please or piss off their current flame, but these things seemed more like guidelines.

"Rules?" I asked. Maybe he would further clarify.

"Number One," he started, not clearing anything up, "you will speak only when spoken to. Number two-"

"Wait!" He turned to me, calm and smirking as usual. He seemed to be amused and had obviously been expecting me to break his first rule so quickly.

"Yes?"

"That's not how a relationship works. I'm your equal. Not some...oh no." It sunk in. He wasn't really expecting me to be his girlfriend.

"Is something wrong, Vals?"

"Valerie. And YES! I agreed to be your girlfriend, not some little doll you can tell what to do! You know what? I'll tell 'Ris myself what happened. This isn't worth it." I started to get up, but he blocked me and whipped out his cellphone. He had my sister's number on the screen, and his index finger hovered over the call button.

"Alright, Vals. We tell 'Ris. And while we're at it, we can tell her that you slept with him too. And Lionel," he said referring to 'Ris's last boyfriend, "and we could call Bridge and maybe Lily. How about Joanie. We could them that you've dabbled with their boyfriends." The awful part was that they'd probably believe him and tell the entire world.

"I'll be ruined. Please don't Daniel. Please?" I liked me begging, I could see it.

"Listen Vals," he said, "I've got the power here. Now, you can follow my rules and I won't tell anyone anything- other than that you are my girlfriend. And wouldn't it be nice not to be a third wheel? All you need to do is follow my rules."

"All the time?"

"I think we can bend the rules in certain situations, but Vals, I think you'll learn to find following the rules comforting and rewarding." I doubted it, but I held my tongue and wrote down rule number one in neat letters.

"Good Girl," he said smirking, and I simmered with rage, but stayed silent, "number two, you will not speak to other males unless it is in a professional setting or if I approve of it. Number three. You will wear what I want you to." It was getting ridiculous, but I kept writing. Later I would figure out how to get out of this.

"Number four. In private, you will address me as Sir and in public, 'D.' In public, I will call you Vals and you will NOT correct me. In private, I will call you whatever I wish." The non-correcting was going to be a hard habit to break. It would take some practice.

"But mostly, you must do what I ask of you at all times and do it to the best of your ability. Any questions?"

I had many, but there was one that was really worrying me...If you could call it worry. Actually, I was downright petrified of his possible answer. 

"Do you expect us... to...to be...um..." he seemed to enjoy watching me struggle to put it into words, "physical?" I could feel my face heat up.

"Absolutely. But don't worry, I'm willing to wait on taking your virginity for a little while."

"How'd you know...?"

"That you're a virgin? Everybody knows and you seem to be forgetting rule number four." I scanned my paper.

"Sorry," he waited so I hastily added, 'Sir."

"Better. And as I said, I'm willing to wait a period of time for that particular intimate activity, but do not think it means we won't be engaging in other-ah- physical activities." I felt my face paling now. He knew I was a virgin, but did he know that I had only ever kissed before? And yes, the kiss with Tim Dolans my sort of boyfriend a few years back had been a full on French kiss. But that was the extent of my experience.

"Oh, and Vals," he said.

"Yes...Sir?"

"If you do not follow my rules, you will be punished. Push me too far and I'll tell 'Ris. But don't worry. You'd have to push me VERY far for that. I have many other ideas cooked up that will help you learn not to break the rules. I imagine you will face a fair few of them."

He picked up my rules and placed them in a purple folder. Then he went to his closet and pulled out a pink (hot pink) frilly back pack. I felt somewhat nauseous just being in the same room with it since I was a slight tomboy. He then dropped the folder into the backpack and handed it to me.

"For you to keep. I want you to bring it with you every time you come over. It's good for you to have in case I ask you to bring over things or I give you things."

"Thank you, Sir," I managed. He knew I hated it. The way his mouth was pulled up in his usual smirk and his eyes flashed, daring me to tell him what I really thought of the horrid backpack. And now I would have to pretend to like it which would mystify my friends and family.

"And now, the hard part, what do we tell your friends? Any ideas?"

"None, Sir," I answered honestly. I saw the corners of his mouth turn down in disapproval.

"You'll have to think harder than that, Vals." I choked back the urge to say, 'Valerie.' I thought very hard, but before I could come up with any idea, he snapped his fingers.

"I got it! You'll love it," he taunted, "I saved your life." 

"Sir, this town is pretty low on the dangerous list."

"Don't speak out of turn," he reprimanded, "I've got it all figured out. You were about to cross the street when a truck turns the corner way too fast and almost hits you. I see it and pull you back so fast that you fall on top of me. You're so startled that I'm worried that you're going into shock. You're shaking and look close to tears so I take you to Reggie's Diner to get some food and sugar into you. Then you realize after some conversation and concern, that I'm not the awful guy you always thought I was and you agree to give 'us' a try." He looked pleased with his story- him the hero and I the damsel in distress. He seemed determined to change my tough girl persona into a quivering, pink-loving, girly-girl, but what could I do?

"By the way, I'm no longer going to call you Vals in private, understand?

"Yes, Sir." I wondered what he would call me. I remembered the rules read that he could call me anything he liked, but what would he use? It seemed unlikely that he'd use Valerie. Not after he fought so hard to call me 'Vals.'

"Good. Now, slut, we must-"

"What did you just call me?" I was too irate to call him Sir. And after that comment, I didn't think it much mattered. No way he expected me to let him call me THAT! Even in private. 

"Slut," he said, clear as a bell, "I can and will call you anything I want to. Unless you'd rather renege on our deal?" He already knew I wouldn't. "I won't remind you again not to speak out of turn or call me Sir. Next time, you will be punished. Do you understand, slut?" He smirked and I flinched. 

"Yes, Sir."

"Good girl. Now grab your back pack and we'll head to your place." I dutifully donned my frilly backpack, folder inside and followed him downstairs.

"And by the way, slut," I will be adding to that list of rules, be prepared for that."

"Yes, Sir."

"I really like hearing you say that." I did not speak, but instead followed him to his green Mazda. He politely opened the passenger side door for me and I was surprised, but he took things a little too far when he buckled me in, and used the opportunity to brush his large hand over my chest. I bit my lip to keep from shivering.

The drive to my house was quick and quiet. 

"Is anyone home?"

"Yes Sir," I said as I gazed in the driveway. My parents cars were not there, but 

I did spot my sister's car. If she was there, John probably was as well. 

"Who?"

"My sister and probably her boyfriend, Sir," responded quietly. I saw his smirk disappear, and his eyes hardened. But after a second it was back in place.

"Well, I hope nothing you do causes me to slip up," he warned, "and in front of your sister and John, call me D. Remember, act normal but in love." I wanted to gag, I was NOT in love with Daniel McAllister!

This time, he let me open my own door and undo my own seatbelt, but he grabbed me hand before we entered my house. I rolled my eyes when he wasn't looking. My sister and John were in the kitchen making what looked like a fruit smoothie. My already impossibly skinny sister was on yet another health food/diet routine.

"Hey, Vals," she said in a happy tone. I loved my sister, but was always on edge around her. You could never predict what mood she'd be in. And her bad moods were awful. 

"Hi, 'Ris, John," I said. John smiled and said a casual 'hey.' He gave no indication that anything had happened. No blush, awkwardness, silent treatment or wink. I wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or relieved. Just then, 'Ris noticed that I had not come home alone and her pretty eyes narrowed. She knew exactly who he was and how I felt about him.

"Dan, hi," she said in an icy voice. I was the only one who ever called him Daniel. I had hoped that by using his full name, I could influence him use mine in return, but it had never worked.

"'Ris," he said with a nod, "and you must be John. Vals told me about you." Daniel said seeing John's questioning look at Daniel knowing his name. 

"What are you doing here?" 'Ris asked with venom.

"Vals invited me over," he answered, doing a superb job pretending he didn't notice her challenging tone. That's when 'Ris noticed us holding hands and her eyes popped before narrowing again,

"Vals, can I speak to you alone for a moment?" I looked at Daniel and he gave me an infinitesimal nod so I let go of his hand and followed her into the other room with a quiet sigh. When we were in the living room, and (hopefully) out of earshot, she faced me. 

"Vals, what the Hell is going on? You hate Dan!"

"'Ris, I know I did, but I don't anymore," I lied. I tried to sound convincing but I don't think I succeeded. 

"And why not? Didn't he tease you all the time when you were younger and hasn't he lately started to kind of follow you around?" True and true.

"He...um...saved my life and afterwards he was really sweet and kind. I decided to give him a chance and he's been...well, pretty awesome."

"Right," 'Ris responded raising her left eyebrow with obvious disbelief. I don't know if she thought she could catch us in a lie, but she headed back to the kitchen and turned to Daniel with an accusatory stance.

"So, how'd you coerce my sister into dating the likes of you?" I almost died, her choice of words too close to the truth. Of course, Daniel couldn't murder me with all the witnesses, so he laughed politely. I had to save the situation.

"'Ris, I'm telling the truth. He didn't force me into anything. He-"

"Vals, I want to hear what Dan has to say," she interrupted, her voice dripping with false sincerity, "your story sounds fascinating."

"Well," Daniel said, "I was over n Rex Ave and I saw Vals. She was about to cross the street when some idiot truck driver turned onto the street way to fast. I managed to pull her back and I took her to Reggie's to get some sugar into her system. She seemed like she was about to go into shock. I was worried." He looked at me, his expression could've made him the poster boy for genuine concern. 

"And after- like I told you- he was so sweet that I realized I should give him a chance," I finished, taking his hand to try to make it look real. He gave my hand a squeeze which I hoped I could take as a good sign.

'Ris still looked suspicious, but Daniel had confirmed what I had said. What could she do? I suppose she could have called us both liars, but no one could prove this. 

Once we managed to escape her clutched, we trudged up to my room. Daniel kept quiet until we were in, with the door closed. This would never fly with my parents but my sister had promised not to tell on me if I kept quiet about her. I had made this deal with her long ago even though she had scoffed at the prospect of me ever having a boyfriend. I guess, technically, I still didn't. 


Valerie Hates Dan Ch. 01



"You told your sister my story," Daniel said once we were ensconced.

"Yes, Sir," I responded. He sounded disbelieving, but he recovered.

"Good." He replied in his usual arrogant tone, "onto the wardrobe."

"Sir?" I queried, hoping I wouldn't get in trouble for speaking out.

"Yes, slut?"

"What are you going to do with the clothes you do not like?" I was hoping he would just tell me what he did not like and I could keep it off to the side to wear when he wasn't around, but my instincts told me that he would not do that.

"I'm going to throw them out," he said as if I asked a question to which I already knew the answer and was wasting his time. All that money! In the trash? I doubted much of what I had would meet with his approval.

"Sir?" He looked at me with impatience.

"If you are asking me to let you keep them, do not finish that question," he warned. I quickly revised my plan.

"Could we donate them to the Good Will?"

"A generous, slut, huh? I hope you'll be as generous to me when the time comes." Personally, I hoped the time would never come. I didn't answer him, but I don't think he noticed. He was already opening my drawers. He started with the top one which held my bras, panties and socks. At least the most embarrassing stuff would be done first. 

"Go get a few large bags," He commanded, "we'll need more than one." The smirk was back.

I came back a few minutes later to find him still pawing through my drawers, a pile of panties at his feet. Now he was holding up a beige bra. He tossed it unceremoniously in the pile.

"Put those in the bag and find a piece of paper. Write down, 'panties-six' on it. I'll replace the number of each item just so you don't feel short on clothes."

I did as I was told. Five bras, twenty shirts, ten pants, eight sweaters. All of my hoodies.

"I will not be replacing those. I'll buy you a nice jacket or two instead."

"But-"

"That's six," he said, counting the number of time I spoke out of turn or saying, 'yes, sir.' I clamped my mouth shut. According to him, every time I spoke out of turn, it was a punishment. I was apparently up to six. So many memories were being donated to the Good Will and while I had nothing against donating my clothes, I was anti-donating special memories. 

To my count, I had three pairs of panties, one bra, two shirts and two pairs of pants left. He let me keep my three dresses and my winter coat. He threw out all my bathing suits.

"Sluts do not wear one piece bathing suits." He said with disdain. At least it wasn't summer. I had a few months to figure out how to get out of this nightmare- or at least get over my fear of bikinis. 

"Why do you even wear half of this stuff?" He asked gesturing to the pile of clothes destined for the Good Will. Of course, my bras, panties and bathing suits were in a pile for the trash. "You have a nice figure, yet you hide it." He seemed frustrated and curious.

"I just feel more comfortable in loose clothes," I answered honestly, "I don't have to worry about gaining a few pounds or getting them dirty or torn. I'm the type of girl to climb a tree, not the type to match my eye shadow to my blouse, Sir." 

My answer obviously appalled him. I could tell by the way his mouth turned into a grimace ad the sigh that escaped.

"Never let it be said that I picked you for the ease."

"Picked me...Sir?" What did he mean?

"To be honest, slut, I've wanted the kind of relationship we are in now for quite a while. I wasn't sure how to bring that up with a girl. And I wasn't sure if any girl would do what I said or willingly engage in the type of activities I would like to try. And I'm sure you know, slut, I've had my eye on you for a long time. I followed you home thinking I could maybe figure out a way to get you to willingly try some of these things, but then I saw you and John. This is even better, you're stuck with me."

I didn't know whether to be angry that he stalked me or flattered that it was me that he wanted. Both, I suppose, more angry, but I wasn't at liberty to say this. In my silence, he grabbed the four bags and started downstairs. I hurried to follow, still reeling from his last comment. 

My sister was nowhere to be seen, so I didn't have to explain the bags, but I'm sure Daniel had some kind of explanation up his sleeve if we ran into that particular problem. 

"Onto the shopping spree," he said and I suppressed a groan. I HATED shopping, especially clothes shopping. And to make it ever more unappealing, I was sure I wouldn't like anything we were to buy.



Valerie Hates Dan Ch. 02



I was right. Six hours later, I was cranky, tired and had accrued eight more future punishments, plus an entirely new wardrobe. Daniel had paid for everything and I wasn't sure how.

"Our last stop. Victoria's Secret," he announced.

"You can't be serious, Sir," I complained.

"I am. And I don't want to hear you whine anymore, slut. You have fourteen punishments to atone for. I don't think you want to make it fifteen."

"No, Sir," I mumbled. I definitely did not. 

"Okay, here we are." He grabbed my hand and pulled me in. 

"Can I help you?" A pretty, young girl asked us, a measuring tape around her neck.

"I have an appointment with Gloria," Daniel said. An appointment? This sounded serious.

"Alright, I'll go get her for you," she said in a perky voice and trotted away, ponytail bouncing with every step. Too soon, an older, but still attractive lady approached us. Her name tag read 'Gloria.'

"Hello, D," she greeted, "this must be Vals," she stuck out a hand and I shook it. 

"Yes, this is her, think you can help us?"

"Absolutely. I've been browsing the store all morning looking for items that fit your specifications."

"Okay, I'll be back in an hour."

"Great." He turned to me then.

"Phone," I handed it over reluctantly. If Gloria noticed his domineering nature, she said nothing.

"Don't run and don't you think about doing anything that would displease me, understand?"

"Yes, D," I said. Gloria had to have heard that, but she still said nothing or looked concerned. Maybe it was her job to smile all the time, no matter what she heard. Phone in hand-my phone- Daniel exited, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Let's get started, shall we?"

"Alright," I agreed reluctantly. She then whipped out her own measuring tape and to my embarrassment, I discovered that I'd been wearing the wrong bra size for years now. I'd been sporting a 32 B while in reality I was a 34 C.

"Didn't you notice that your bras didn't fit right?" She asked with a gentle laugh.

"Not really," I answered honestly. She just laughed again. And then she beckoned me to follow her. 

I was surprised with what she picked out. Daniel had picked out mostly pink, whites and pale yellows and baby blues to dress me in, but most of the lingerie Gloria had handed to me was black and lacey. The only exceptions were a red teddy, a deep purple corset and two white lacey bras just in case the black bras showed through some lighter tops Daniel had purchased. I didn't dare argue with Gloria.

Black bras, corsets, teddies, negligees, and a few matching bra and panty sets. All things that I would never ever buy myself. And everything fit perfectly. An hour later, Daniel strolled into the store and I was back in the clothes I had come in, four pink, striped bags in hand with Gloria at my side.

"How'd it go?" He asked Gloria.

"I think you'll be pleased." He started to pull out his credit card.

"Already paid for," she said with a smile. He didn't seem surprised and put his card back without a change of expression. He thanked her and took the four bags in one hand, while his other hand firmly grasped mine.

"Bye, D. Be, Vals," Gloria called out. I waved half-heartedly. And then Daniel handed me my phone back.

"I took the liberty of deleting a few of your contacts, but I wrote them down in case we really need them." He raised an eye when I just nodded. Truth was, I was too tired to argue. And I didn't feel like myself anymore. I had all new clothes, acted differently, spoke differently, and with a new nickname, with a guy I never dreamed I'd date. Plus, my watch was ten minutes fast! And while that might not seem like much, the little detail of my watch overwhelmed me. I coached myself not to cry. I couldn't let Daniel see me as weak.

My parents still weren't home so Daniel and I put away my new clothes. He told me to change into something new, so while he was in the bathroom, I put on skinny jeans, a fitted pink tee, complete with the non-sexiest, black bra and panty set I bought.

"Give me your old clothes," he demanded. I did and he eyed me critically.

"Good enough," he said, "we'll burn these later. Let's go."

"Where, Sir?" Wasn't this enough for one day? What else could he possibly need me to do?!

"My house," he responded, "You have fourteen punishments coming your way and I want you to meet my father so you'll be joining us for dinner."

"Yes, Sir," I replied meekly. I had forgotten all about the punishments. What was he going to do to me? 

"Slut, I'm going to give you a choice. You owe now, fourteen punishments. Fourteen small punishments. Three small infractions equals one medium and five equals one large punishment. So, how do propose I break these down. I won't be giving you a choice in the future, but today, I will. Should I give you fourteen small punishments or a mixture between large, medium and small?" I did not know what a small, medium or large punishment consisted of, but I had a feeling that he would not care.

"Two large, one medium and one small, Sir," I answered. Best to break it up into the smallest increments. 

"Alright." We has pulled up to his house and he led me. Funny, how this morning I was horrified and scared to even touch him and now, just hours later, taking his hand almost became second nature. I really wasn't myself.

And someone I had to pretend to be a happy, normal girlfriend in front of Mr. McAllister after being punished by his son!

We proceeded into Daniel's room and he pointed me to the desk.

"Get out your folder and a piece of paper." I did so and grabbed a pen from the mug.

"Yes, Sir," I said while following his orders. Did he want me to do lines? Write, 'I will not speak out of turn' fifty times?

"I want you to have a clear understanding of what punishments entail. Write down what I tell you, and DO NOT interrupt me. If you do, you will be given one big punishment. Understand, slut?'

"Yes, Sir."

"Small punishment include light spanking, short corner time- ten minutes, or mild humiliation." Medium punishments are mild paddling, mild corner time- fifteen to twenty minutes, bondage- same amount of time, mild humiliation. Large punishments include belting, corner or bondage time for a minimum of thirty minutes and severe humiliation.

"And then there are random punishments. I will use them to fit my needs after I see how you react. They include kneeling on grits, ice cube play, tickle torture and revoked privileges. I may add more later. And you may NOT ask questions. I figured today I'd use the random punishments so we see how you react."

"Okay, Sir."

"I believe you picked two large, one medium and one small punishment?"

"Yes, Sir." He smiled a truly frightening smile. He went to his bed and reached under it pulling out a box of grits.

"Ready?"

"Sir?" He sighed.

"Yes, slut?" 

"Did you get this idea from Secret Life of Bees?" 

"A generous and clever slut," Daniel chuckled as he poured a liberal pile on his hardwood floor at the foot of his bed. "Kneel," he commanded in a voice that sent shivers down my spine. "Wait." He changed his mind suddenly and I stopped, my knees slightly bent. I wasn't sure why he told me to pause but I was thankful for the reprieve, no matter how short it was. Until...

"Take off your pants," he ordered. That made me stop and stare dumbfounded.

"Sir?" I managed with a squeak.

"You heard me slut," he rumbled, "take them off! It won't hurt with jeans protecting your knees. Not that I need an excuse to have you undress."

I was still too stunned to move.

"Sir," I moaned, a plea.

"I asked you to take off your jeans," Daniel said in a dangerously patient, even voice, "I did not ask you to remove your panties or shirt or bra. But if you pause any linger, I will forcibly remove every article of clothing on your body." His tone never raised above an indoor tenor and it remained logical and calm as if he was reasoning with an unruly child.

As much as it angered and mortified me, I took off my jeans but kept my eyes downcast. Meeting his eyes would make it worse.

"Look up," he said and I did, as soon as my knees came in contact with the grits. He made me keep eye contact while I kneeled. He lounged on the bed. 

"The pain was bearable at first. But as it dragged on, I felt it get to me, the grits cutting into my soft knees. I could feel my eyes sting with tears but I held them as I kept my gaze steady with his unwavering eyes. There was no sympathy or anger in his face. He was eyeing me as if I was some science research project that he did not much care for. I wasn't sure how much longer he planned to keep me there, feeling the pain, knowing that I was bleeding, but fighting the tears. He COULD NOT win.

"Danny," I heard a man's voice boom from somewhere below us, "dinner!"

"We'll be there in fifteen minutes," Daniel called back. Fifteen more minutes of this!? Could I make it? I tried to think of other things, but Daniel would clear this throat meaningfully every time my eyes dropped.

"If you drop your eyes one more time, slut, you'll be there another five minutes," he finally said breaking the silence. With my eyes trained on his, all I could think of was him.

"You can get up now," he said sometime later. Gratefully, I tried to get off the grits, but my legs were quivering.

Unfortunately, my knees buckled as soon as I got to my full height. I braced myself for hitting the floor and shut my eyes, but I didn't hit the ground. Instead, two arms caught me.

I opened my eyes and found myself looking right into Daniel's grey eyes. 

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Just lost my balance, Sir," I whispered. His concerned stare unnerved me. He set me on the edge of the bed and inspected my knees. I didn't need to look at them to know they were bleeding.

"Stay put," he said and left, returning a few minutes later with a wet paper towel, some cream, a broom and a dust pan. Once he swept all the grits up, he kneeled in front of me and treated my injuries with a gentle hand.

"Do you know why I punished you, slut?" 

"Yes, Sir," I answered.

"Can you explain to me why?" He sounded like a teacher, talking to a recalcitrant student.

"I spoke out of turn, did not address you properly, and resisted your authority, Sir."

"Do you think you'll be able to behave better in the future?" He raised one eyebrow and I had to answer honestly. I knew he wanted a meek, 'yes, sir,' but though I was tired and felt as if I had been pushed past my limits today, I knew that I had yet to be broken. I WOULDN'T break. After a good night's rest, I'd be ready to test the limits again. Maybe he'd grow bored with my bad behavior and let me be. Maybe I'd find a way to talk to John.

"I'll do my best, Sir." He raised an eyebrow, displeased with my answer, but said nothing.

"Time for dinner, slut," was all he said.

"Yes, Sir," I responded and he offered me his hand. I took it and together and walked downstairs.

His dad was at the head of the table and though he looked almost exactly like Daniel, he as much more imposing. And sitting to his left was...

"Gloria!" No wonder Daniel got the lingerie for free... she was his... but what mother picked out lingerie for his son's girlfriend? Especially after he was dating this girl for less than 24 hours? And the way he spoke to me in front of her... what kind of mother condoned that?

"Hello Vals," she responded quietly, "D," she said and exchanged a nod with Daniel. I shot a look at Daniel then. What was going on?!

He looked at me with an odd smile.

"Gloria is to my father as you are to me." I listened to the analogy and looked up at the father who glared at me.

"Your slut has yet to learn to keep its eyes averted in the presence of a Master," he growled at Daniel.

"I haven't introduced that rule to her yet," he explained.

"And why not?" The father thundered. My fight or flight instinct was telling me to run and perhaps Daniel sensed it. His hand gripped mine more tightly and he tugged it gently so I had to move closer to his side. I was not fond of Daniel, but at the moment, I was more terrified of the father and the closeness of our bodies made me feel safe.

"And why not?" The anger and loud voice made me shudder. I looked at the ground thinking maybe it would quiet him.

"I gave her a lot of rules and it's the first day. She knows she'll get more in the future. I figured I'd get her used to a few at a time."

Mr. McAllister did not look pleased with Daniel's idea, but to my surprise and extreme relief, he shrugged.

"She's not my slut," he replied but his tone implied that he believed Daniel's methods were wrong. Daniel tugged me over to a chair across from Gloria and in between the two McAllister men.

"Sit," Daniel ordered.

"Yes, Sir," I mumbled, making sure not to meet anyone's eyes. This was an awful situation. I wish I had just told 'Ris from the start, but now he was threatening me with telling everyone lies. Normally, a lie would be shrugged off on my part. What's a little gossip? But I knew Daniel; he could blow one up to epic proportions. Enough so that my parents would believe it, and my friends and the bosses at my job... I had to play along- for now. 

But his DAD was in on it! And Gloria! This wasn't just some sick game that Daniel was playing. He was raised to do this to me. I heard a 'ding' from the other room. Gloria stood up as if it was calling her name. 

"Go help Gloria, slut," Daniel said and I got up quickly with a standard, 'yes, Sir,' and followed her into the kitchen.

She was taking food out of the oven and instructed me to grab the pot with the mixed vegetables. She was cheerful and I wondered why.

"Gloria, may I ask you something?" I hesitantly queried in a soft voice.

"Sure thing, Vals," she was so open.

"Are you happy? Here? In this situation, I mean?"

"Being Mr. McAllister's slave?" I hadn't heard that term being used before, and I flinched but I guess, thinking about it, that was what we were. 

"Yes."

"Yes, I'm very happy," she laughed at my shocked expression, "at first, I wasn't. I was terrified, and angry- and always in trouble. Take it from me, it's easier if you don't make waves. Just do what D says and in return, he'll take good care of you. Eventually, I got used to being here and doing what I was told to do, and now I doubt I could be happy or comfortable anywhere else. Master is good to me."

I thought about what she said, but I doubted I could just do what Daniel told me to all the time. I wasn't built that way.

"Serve first to Mr. McAllister. Remember to keep your eyes down, and then serve to D. Then serve me. What's left is for you. Understand?" I nodded and she shooed me out into the dining room. I quickly looked down and approached Mr. McAllister.

I scooped some fresh mixed vegetables onto his plate until he held up a hand which I took to mean he had enough. I moved onto Daniel and did the same thing. I then started to glob them onto Gloria's plate.

"That's enough," she said and I looked into the pot. There was just enough left for me to have a very small serving. My stomach growled and I realized how hungry I was. I hoped there would be more chicken left than there was vegetables.

But alas, when Gloria finished, there was one small piece of chicken for me. I was so hungry and even on normal nights, I would eat more than this. Daniel must've noticed my expression.

"Is something wrong, slut?" He taunted. I knew how to answer it.

"No, Sir." I lied and began to eat, slowly as if the slower I ate, the longer it would last in my stomach. It didn't really work.

With only a nudge, I knew to help Gloria clear out dinner. While I was helping her, I noticed something for the first time.

"Is that a collar around your neck?" I asked curiously. She fingered it the way someone might play with a necklace.

"Yes, it's a symbol of my ownership."

"Oh," I replied, not sure what to say. Would Daniel make ME wear one?

When we were nearly done, Gloria gave me a nudge.

"Now you go on, I'll finish here."

"I can stay and help," I protested. No way I wanted to go back to Daniel. I had a few more punishments to suffer through. One of each size and my knees still hurt from the grits. Gloria gave me a look.

"Go," but she shot me a sympathetic glance. She obviously knew what I was trying to avoid, or at least put off. I sighed and allowed myself a whimper, but I did what Gloria said.

Daniel was waiting for me in the dining room, but at least his father was gone.

"Come," he said as if I were a dog and I followed him upstairs to his room. 

When we were there, he pointed to his bed.

"Sit." I did so wondering what had put the ice in his eyes and tone. I was used to the smirk and the coldness took me by surprise.

"Obviously, I must add a new rule," he muttered, "but first, I think we should finish your punishments." The word 'punishments' put the devilish glint I was accustomed to back in his eyes. 

"Yes, Sir."

"I think we should introduce you to bondage, and my paddle and maybe some ice cube torture." My insides churned with apprehension. 

"Yes, Sir," and he smirked. My voice was shaking.

"Grab your ankles, slut," he ordered and I did so, not quite understanding why. I heard rustling around and even footsteps approaching me.

"Since it's your first time being paddled, I will allow you to keep your pants on, but know I won't always be so lenient," he waited a beat, "a good slut would thank me."

"Thank you, Sir." I said hurriedly, trying to inject sincerity into my tone.

"Better. I believe fifteen would be best," I waited, my body cramping a bit from the awkward position I was bent into.

I heard it before I felt it. The swooshing through the air and the smack on my bottom followed immediately by a stinging pain.

"Count," a voice ordered. It was not D's but before I had time to focus on it, I got another smack.

"Two, Sir." I said.

Woosh! Smack! Pain.

"Three, Sir," I breathed. They kept going until I didn't think I could handle it. By seven, I was crying the numbers. And by fifteen, I thought I would collapse from the pain, but I was proud in an odd way. I had kept count and I hadn't let go of my ankles. The pain in my bottom far outdid the cramps in my leg.

"Up, slut," Daniel commanded. And I rose, fiercely trying to taper down my tears, but when I got to my full height, I came face to face with Mr. McAllister. I quickly dropped my eyes to the floor to ward off his stern disproval and perhaps a lecture.

"At least she can learn," Daniel's father said with a snort. Heat rose to my cheeks but I bit my lip. I would not cry and I would not retaliate.

"And she made it to fifteen."

"Perhaps she'll make a better slut than I first believed," Mr. McAllister said thoughtfully. I wanted so badly to run again. I had a feeling it was just being in the presence of Mr. McAllister; he made me acutely uncomfortable. It also unnerved me that Daniel seemed to be able to read my mind. He put a hand on my shoulder. To some, it might seem a symbol of reassurance, but I could feel the weight he was placing on me. I knew it was to keep me rooted, but odd enough, it was sort of comforting.

Finally, Mr. McAllister left.

"On the bed," Daniel ordered. I scrambled to do his bidding, not wanting another round with the paddle. He smirked his usual smirk. 

"Anxious for your last two punishments, slut?" He asked with a taunt. I refused to answer. I sat on the edge of the bed, my bottom hurting, waiting for further orders. Mr. McAllister might terrify me, but I wasn't so afraid of Daniel that I would allow myself to stare at the floor. It was much better to meet his eyes and pretend to be unafraid.

"Take off your top and bra and lie down." My bra?! That was NOT happening. I was not ready to go there yet! He seemed to be waiting as if he actually expected me to undress.




Valerie Hates Dan Ch. 02



"Could you repeat those instructions, Sir?" Surely I simply misheard him. His voice turned cold, but he repeated his instructions.

"Shirt off. Bra off. Lie down."

"Sir..."

"Don't talk back," he growled, "lie down." I breathed a sigh of relief when he decided to let me skip the first two orders. Lying down did not feel good on my bottom, but it was better than being topless and in pain.

"How's the ass feel, slut?" He asked.

"It hurts, Sir."

"And why does it hurt?

"Because you paddled me, Sir."

"And why did I paddle you?"

"Because I broke the rules, Sir."

"Right." He grabbed my left hand and pulled it above my head. I felt cold metal encircle my wrists and I heard two clicks. I barely processed what he did when the same thing happened on the right side. He had handcuffed me! I gave an experimental tug, but all that happened was the metal scraped my wrist. My hands were stuck.

I panicked a little, but when he came at my feet, I was ready. I kicked and struggled as much as I could. But lying on your back, while your hands are stuck, not to mention, you bottom hurt and the wrists are starting to as well, really doesn't give you a fair chance at winning. I barely got a solid kick in before Daniel had my legs pinned under him.

"You really like getting punished, don't you, slut?" I think we can add one more medium punishment to the list." While he talked, he tied my legs together and then to the end of his bed. I couldn't move much, and it terrified me. I felt myself shaking.

"Now, slut, can you do something for me without putting up a fight?"

"Yes, Sir," I whispered.

"Open your mouth wide." I had a feeling I wouldn't like what was about to happen, but I did what he asked. I had no desire to be paddled, or worse, belted. Still, when I saw him coming at me with a red ball attached to an odd looking harness-like thing I went to shut my mouth, but he grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked it hard.

"Oww-," my moan of pain was cut off by the ball being shoved into my mouth and he pulled the harness around my head to it was effectively stuck in place. 

"Don't look at me like that, slut," he said disdainfully, "we both know you deserve a lot worse than being gagged. It might even do you a favor. While it's in, you can't get in trouble for talking out of turn." He chuckled at this. I just tried not to cry.

But all threatening tears dissolved when he pulled out a sharp knife. Was he going to kill me?! I should've just let him ruin my reputation. At least I'd still have my life. I struggled with all my might, but the ropes and handcuffs ripped at my ankles and wrists.

"Stop struggling. I don't want to hurt you," he murmured, surprising me with a gentle and soothing tone. I was confused. He had a knife, he was trying to comfort me... what was going on?

"Be still, I'm not trying to hurt you, Little One." He continued. He ran his knife-free hand over my hair, and brushed my cheek with his thumb. 

Against all odds, my instincts my told me to trust him and I lay still on the bed, my eyes trained on the silver glint of his knife. I wanted to move so bad, wished I could run when the knife came closer and closer to my neck.

"Trust me, Little One," he whispered. He ran the side of the knife against my neck. His other hand kept finger combing my hair. I kept my breaths shallow. He moved the knife to the base of my neck and then to the collar of my shirt. It was there he turned the knife, and with one swift slice, my shirt was ruined. I felt the cool air on my chest and stomach. If I had a free hand, I would gather the tatters of my shirt and try to cover myself up.

But he wasn't done.

"Too bad, I liked this bra," and then it was ruined as well. He wasn't done with the knife yet, though. The dull side ran over my breasts, the cold reacting intensely with the heat of my embarrassment rising. I could barely whine with the ball gag. 

"Shhhh," he repeated. He put the knife onto his bedside table and just looked at me, he moved his hand from my hair to my cheek. And then to my collar bone. He traced small circles on my skin, never touching my breasts.

I resented myself at this point, I could feel my body becoming aroused, but I wanted him to move his hands lower. I could imagine they'd feel amazing, strong and rough, and wonderful. I tried to shift a little, hinting at what I wanted.

"No, no, slut," he chuckled, "this is a punishment, you're not supposed to enjoy it. But I do like that you are so responsive to me. I knew you would be." Somewhere in my haze his words registered with me. I didn't want to want him. STOP, I ordered myself, but all I could do was emit a wanton whimper. He laughed again. 

"I'll be right back, don't go anywhere," he taunted. And since I really had no choice, I stayed put, and waited. After a while, I got tired- really tired. It had been such a long day. The position I was stuck in, while not luxurious or familiar, wasn't terribly uncomfortable. And with no one else in the room, I didn't mind being so exposed. Without meaning to, I drifted into a nap.

"MMMrrpph!" I awoke with surprise as an ice cold something attacked my neck. I tried to flick it away, still half disoriented, and confused by my inability to move. I started to panic. Cold, stuck and mute! 

"Sshh... Little One, it's okay," a familiar voice calmed me and the cold feeling was gone, "wake up." I grasped at the kind voice, calming, until I woke all the way, everything crashing into place like a mini tsunami. I blinked and made my breathing slow down and my heart responded a minute later, starting to beat at a normal pace. 

"There you are," he said, like I'd been missing, "it's time for your last punishment. Then we have one more rule to discuss and then you can go home. Tomorrow you have work from eleven to seven. You will come here first. I will drive you to and from work from now on. You may NOT pick up extra shifts without checking with me first. Understand?" Mute, I nodded. "You have medium punishment scheduled for tomorrow. Now it's time for today's last one." He picked up a clear glass so I could see it filled with ice. Without a word, he picked up the first one from the cup, and ran it along my neck and collar, down my naked sides, across my stomach, placing it right on my bellybutton.

"Let's make a deal, slut. There is an ice cube on your stomach. If it doesn't fall off, I will end this fun as soon as it melts. For every time it falls off, I will stick one cube down your panties, and they will remain there until they melt." If it was just the cube on my belly, I could do it, but he wouldn't make it easy to keep it there. He took another cube and placed it right against my left nipple, sending a spasm through my whole body. I felt and icy trail running off my belly button and don my side. He did not talk, just put the cube back on my stomach and undid my pants. He picked up a third cube from the cup and slipped it right down my panties as promised. I whimpered, but other than that, stayed still.

He then repeated it, still with the left nipple. And again, I couldn't stop a flinch. It wasn't as violent as the first, but it was enough to make the ice cube fall off again. Another ice cube down my panties and another go at the left nipple. This time, I managed to restrain myself. He then moved onto the right nipple. He approached it slowly, but pressed the ice hard against it. I failed to keep the cube from falling, but by the second try, I had it. The cold in my panties was growing unbearable, but I could tell the ice cube on my stomach was melting fast. 

"Open your eyes," he commanded and I opened them to see his face. He was holding an ice cube with his teeth and he leaned closer and closer until the ice cube wad touching my left nipple. Between that and his warm breath, and his other hand sneaking around to grab my other breast, firm and rough, I couldn't help it. Half of me wanted to flinch away from the cold, but the other half wanted me to be closer to him, as close as I could. If the cube had stayed in place, it would've been a miracle.

I knew the process now. He would keep going until I could stay still through the torture. But expecting it didn't make it any less erotic or easier. Two more cubes were slipped in. I had lost count of how many were numbing my vagina. The last time he tried on my left nipple, I got lucky. It should've fallen off, but I wiggled in such a way that it stayed in place.

I readied myself for the torture to continue on the other side, but nothing came.

"It melted, slut," he whispered in my ear. Finally! But... did I really want it to end? It was torturous, but it was also heavily sensual. He must've deduced from my expression that I was a little let down.

"Don't look so sad, slut. You still have a handful of ice cubes that have yet to melt." He laughed, but began to let me out of the bondage. Legs first, than hands. I laid still, not daring to move. 

"Go sit as the desk and pull out the rule list." I hurried over, ball gag still in place. To my surprise, he left the room without an explanation. It was so tempting to sneak out and run, but where would I go? Running wouldn't do me any good. In fact, it might only make everything worse. I pulled out the rules and sat patiently. It took me a minute of wiggling to find a semi-comfortable way to sit with all the ice. I wondered idly how I was to go home with no top. He wouldn't make me go home...naked?

When he returned, he held a yellow plastic bag and kneeled before me. 

"Wrists," he said and I held them out. He sighed heavily as he examined the cuts and scrapes and forming bruises on them. He did the same with my ankles. After he looked, he pulled some ointment out of the yellow bag and spread it liberally on all my mangled extremities. When he got to my feet, it felt like he was giving me a foot massage. Then he put some bandages around each.

"You really shouldn't struggle so much. Look what you did to yourself," he said finishing up on my left ankle, "all done. Now let's get that rule written down. Please write, 'I must keep my eyes averted in the presence of my Master and other Masters unless specified." I jotted it down, then waited for further instruction which I was given promptly. I was told to pack up my rules and then kneel at the foot of my Master's bed. I did so quickly, happy that there were no grits this time. He was sitting at the edge and when he saw me ready, he pulled out a bra and shirt. 

"You and Gloria aren't exactly the same size, but I figured these would do for now. Remember to return them washed as soon as possible," he put them on me and sighed, 'I suppose I should let you go home now." He gently removed the ball gag and I moved my jaw a bit to loosen the stiffness.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Now don't abuse the power of speech or it will go right back on, understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Go put this in your backpack. I have a feeling it will be a highly valuable training tool." I did as I was told, too tired to care. Except there was one tiny thing I did care about.

"Sir?" His sigh was audible and frustrated.

"Yes, slut?" 

"It looks like I had an accident." He turned around and looked at my pants which bore a huge wet stain since all the ice had finally melted. 

"So it does. It'll teach you to be more obedient," he replied, "let's go." I followed, unhappy and little more than mortified when he insisted I had to say goodbye to his father and Gloria.

He led me to a room off the foyer that was dark and decorated with all deep colors. There was a fire roaring and Mr. McAllister sat in a plushy red chair facing the fire, reading some book. Gloria say at his feet, enjoying a glass of wine. Occasionally, Mr. McAllister would brush his hand through her hair. Both seemed perfectly content.

"Father, Val's here to say good night." Mr. McAllister did not say anything, but glanced up at us. Daniel nudged me.

"Good bye, Sir. Good bye, Gloria," I said to the floor.

"Say thank you," Daniel hissed only loud enough for me to hear.

"And thank you for...helping me on my first day." I hoped that's what Daniel wanted to be thankful for. Mr. McAllister smiled, as did Gloria. 

"Looks like her punishments did her a world of good," he said, "but you may have to housebreak it," he looked pointedly at the wet stain, "or invest in adult diapers." I felt my cheeks burn in humiliation and anger. I wanted to punch him, and maybe Daniel, though I was not as angry at him for some reason.

"Let's go, slut," Daniel said placing his hand on my shoulder. Maybe he could tell I was contemplating the various, painful ways I could kill his father.



Valerie Hates Dan Ch. 03



He walked me to my car and then followed me home. I don't know where he expected me to go, or what he thought would make me stay at home once he left. I half expected him to take away my car keys once we got to my house, but he didn't. He didn't walk me to my door either, which was probably just as well since 'Ris was waiting to pounce. As were my parents.

"So is it true? That nice boy Daniel McAllister saved your life?" My mother never understood why I hadn't liked him.

"I thought you weren't friends," My dad pointed out.

"What happened to you?" 'Ris wanted to know, pointing at my pants.

"I-uh- spilled something," I lied. My sister didn't look convinced, but my mother was too busy extolling Daniel's virtues to my father who was now totally uninterested since the Flyer's Game had started. 'Ris was still eyeing me. Thankfully, my mother started in on a comparison of John and Daniel. According to my mother, they were both excellent, but my sister kept insisting that John was way better. She even told mother to ask ME which areas Daniel beat John, but mother just waved her hand and I made my escape to bed. I was too tired.

I woke up refreshed and invigorated, but still stumped over what to do. Maybe I should confront 'Ris if nothing else. About John. Maybe Daniel's threat was empty- but could I take that chance? And maybe I could forget how it felt to actually be aroused and caressed and tortured.

Daniel had told me I had to be at his place before work, but he didn't say how much earlier, so I decided to take the spare time I had to talk to 'Ris. If she believed me, maybe she could help me figure everything out. She had as much-if not more- social sway than Dan. If she didn't believe me... well, life couldn't be too much worse than it already was, could it?

'Ris was exactly where I expected- in her own bathroom, doing whatever morning beauty rituals she felt were necessary to stay beautiful. I never understood the makeup stiff. 'Ris was gorgeous without it, just like she was skinny without all the weird diets she tried out. But 'Ris insisted that she needed her foundation, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, lipstick and lip liner before she felt ready for the day. Sometimes she tried to do my face; I usually escaped. My idea of makeup was some lip gloss.

"Hey, 'Ris," I said hesitantly as I watched her apply mascara to her left eye.

"Yeah?" She asked, glancing at me. Only one eye was done so far.

"Can we talk?" I half hoped she would say no. My palms were sweaty and I had some major butterflies.

"Sure," she replied. She sounded friendly enough this morning.

"I stayed in the doorway in case she grew claws and fangs and I needed to make a hasty getaway.

"'Ris, I have something to tell you. And... it's not easy, but I SWEAR I'm telling the truth and that I had nothing to do with it." I caught a glance of my face I the mirror. My eyes were wide with pleading and sincerity.

"What?" She asked, still applying her makeup.

"The other day when I was walking home from work, I ran into John. And... he... John kissed me." Silence. I waited. Silence. And then her eyes narrowed.

"MY John?" Her tone was disbelieving, but she didn't sound upset or shocked.

"Yes."

"I can't believe it," she turned towards me and I got ready to comfort her, but it turns out she wasn't upset about him, "Is this why you're dating that SCUM Dan? My John rejected you and you had to get the first guy you found? Are you THAT jealous of me? That desperate that you need MY boyfriend?!"

'Ris," I pleaded, "I'm telling the truth."

"What- You couldn't have him so I can't either? Is that it?"

"I'm not interest-"

"Forget it, Valerie! Get OUT of my bathroom and go have fun with Dan McAllister!" She shoved me out of her bathroom and slammed to door in my face. I heard the click of the lock a second later. I dragged myself, defeated, downstairs and glanced at the clock. Ten minutes until work! Where had the time gone? According to my watch, I'd have to teleport there. I could make it ti my job at eleven on the dot, but there was no way I had time to stop at Daniel's.

Oh well, I had no time to worry about it either. I got to work with a minute to spare and tried to push Daniel out of my mind as I rang up customers and helped people find what they were looking for.

I was in aisle six A, straightening out the bottles of Ruffino Chianti when I turned around, face to face with Mr. McAllister. I blinked and he stared at me coldly. With a slight gasp, I dropped my gaze to the beige tiled floors.

"You're alive," he stated dryly, "I figured when you disobeyed direct orders so deliberately, you were dead. Or fatally ill." I kept my eyes aimed on the floor and didn't speak.

I saw two pairs of feet approaching. I glanced up for only a second to confirm that the shoes belonged to Daniel and Gloria. Both were looking at me just as angrily as Mr. McAllister and I felt like crying. 

"Do you have an explanation?" Daniel asked in a clipped tone.

"Not a good one, Sir. I lost track of time," he sighed, displeased.

"Is there a problem here?" My favorite manager Bryan asked from behind me. Thank Goodness for cameras!

"No, we were just looking for a nice chianti. How's the Ruffino?"

"It's decent. If you follow me, I can show you some nicer ones." Mr. McAllister indicated that Bryan should show him the way and Gloria followed him, leaving me all alone with Daniel.

I don't think I'd ever seen him look quite so angry.

"Give me your keys," Terrified, I handed them over.

"I'll pick you up after work."

"Yes, Sir," I mumbled. He pocketed my keys and with one last ice cold stare that sent shivers down my spine, he turned and walked away. I was in deep, deep trouble.

I couldn't really concentrate on work much after that. I pointed a lady the wrong way to Yellow Tail Shiraz, dropped a bottle of Menage A Trois Merlot and accidentally rang up a guy for a case of Grey Goose when in fact, he only bought one bottle. I would've missed that mistake too if the customer hadn't brought up that $363 seemed steep for one bottle. Luckily, he wasn't too angry.

After that little incident, Bryan pulled me aside.

"Vals, are you okay? Your work has been off all day, and you're usually one of our best part-timers."

"I'm not feeling great," I said truthfully.

"Do you want to go home?" He sounded concerned. "I'm sure Jackie or Vanessa can cover you. Or Jay, he's always eager for extra hours."

"No, I'm okay."

"Are you sure? You look a little pale." I'm sure I did.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I'm sorry for being a little distracted. I'll pay more attention," I promised. The last thing I wanted to do was cut my work day short. 

At seven PM, I clocked out and Daniel's car was waiting for me right outside. I got in the car.

"How was work?" He asked with a smirk.

"Fine, Sir," I lied. He made a derisive noise, but offered up no further comment. I waited to see if I was in for another scolding, but he said nothing.

My car was parked in front of his house. Once inside, we proceeded up to his room.

"Sit," he ordered pointing to the desk. I made my way over. Above the desk was hanging a white board. This was new. It was divided into three columns that were labeled L,M, and S respectively. Under the 'M' was one tally mark. The other two columns were devoid of any marks.

"Do you like my new board?" He asked. "It's a record of the punishments you have coming to you. You have one medium one. Do you know what it's for?"

"Forgetting to-"

"We'll discuss that later. This is from yesterday!"

"For kicking you and struggling, Sir?"

"Very good. Now, I have that punishment all planned out, but it will have to come a little later. Please grab your backpack and meet me at the bed," I got up to get it when he said, "No. Crawl there. Grab the backpack with your teeth and crawl to the bed." I dropped at once to my hands and knees and crawled over to the backpack. I grabbed it gingerly with my teeth and brought it to the bed.

"Drop." I let it go and it fell on the floor with a soft thump.

"Good girl," he said and patted me once on the head. It took me by surprise to find that I actually enjoyed his praise and meaningless reward of a kind touch.

He then picked up the backpack to pull out the ball gag. I opened up before he could even ask me to, desperate to avoid pain and somewhat eager for more approval. He nodded his head at me and again I couldn't help but be a little proud, but that all disappeared when he told me to lay on the bed naked. Still, I started to undress, removing my shirt, my bra and my pants. After all, he'd seen all those parts, why hide? I knew I had promised myself to be stronger today, but once I was actually in his presence, it was different. One part of me was terrified to displease him, the other part of me sort of wanted to obey.

"I said naked," he reminded me when he saw me hesitating with my panties. He pulled out his knife and I discarded them without another quibble. I laid down like he asked, acutely self-conscious.

"You don't shave," he noted. I knew where he meant and I shook my head, mute. He motioned for me to follow him and with another look, I knew he meant for me to crawl after him. He stopped at the bathroom and ordered me to sit on the bath ledge.

Then he came at me with a razor and shaving cream. I reared back, slipping and hitting my head against the bath tub floor with a 'Crack!'