9 comments/  14911 views/  3 favorites

Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 02

By: carvohi



So Valerie, office unknown, little girl everybody ignored, had been invited to the boss's big party. The boss, Marcus Burke, had been her idol ever since he'd paid a little attention to her when she worked at data processing. He'd taken her on a couple casual lunch dates, nothing great, even bought her a coffee once or twice, but it had affected her. She had the biggest crush on him any woman ever had for any man. He was her hero, her knight in shining armor. She'd gone all out for the party, new dress, new hair do, new everything. The party, this was supposed to be her big chance, her moment to shine. She'd get him to notice how sophisticated, how cosmopolitan, how really beautiful and smart she was. Then came the terrible disappointment. When she reached the party she was side tracked into becoming a serving girl, a maid. It sounded like an important way to help her boss, maybe even get noticed, but once she stepped out where the party was going on, she knew the truth. She was just the little nobody again. Dressed in a cute little maids outfit, patent leather shoes, white stockings, puffy white lace trimmed short sleeves, silly white peter-pan collar, fluffy little panties, tidy little white lace trimmed apron with a big bow in the back. She even had a white bow in her hair, she knew she was, just like at work, poor little Valerie, the girl everybody overlooked. 

To her surprise, she didn't stay poor little unnoticed Valerie for very long. The man whom she had originally perceived as the butler descended on her. "Where have you been? Here take this tray and note pad. Pass among the guests and ascertain what they would like to drink. Identifying, obtaining and serving drinks shall be your primary duty until dinner is served. Mr. Burke is standing over there. The man pointed to a far corner. You're to keep an eye on him at all times. He's relying on you."

Valerie took the pad, pencil, and small tray, and she set about finding Mr. Burke. It didn't take long. She found him amid a large group of very well dressed men and women. The men were guffawing and the women were hanging on his every word. He was poised, handsome, and debonair. He was the center of the universe. Every comment, every observation, she could tell, revolved around him. 

Keeping a safe distance between from Mr. Burke she walked among the guests. She was being vigilant for conversation, and for requests for drinks. She passed by Mr. Burke several times. She hoped he'd notice her. Perhaps, she thought, he'd acknowledge her in some secret way. Maybe he would give her a surreptitious wink? Perhaps he would condescend with a slight nod? Two or three times she passed by quite close, but he never, not once, gave the slightest indication she was even alive. She'd hoped for so much more. After more than an hour a simple nod or a wink would have made her evening. Her wonderful fantasy, her dream evening, had turned to ashes. Once she passed so close her elbow brushed his sleeve. He didn't even see her. He looked right through her. She really was the invisible girl. Tears welled up in her eyes. 

One person did see her, a woman, and she made a point of signaling for her. Valerie saw the woman, a little short of stature and slightly heavier than the norm, waving a finger in her direction. As quickly as she could Valerie moved to where the woman was seated. She recognized the woman as someone who like bourbon and who liked to talk to the men. She was pretty. She had on a pale blue blouse and black skirt that came just to her knees. Her modest obesity was no impediment to her good looks. In fact, Valerie noticed she was one of the women the men seemed to gravitate to. She was either a very important person or a very personable one. Valerie thought, if she ever met this woman out someplace she'd probably like her. Once she got to where she was sitting the woman asked her to lean over.

The woman took a kerchief from her pocket, spit on it, and wiped Valerie's left cheek. Showing Valerie the red stain on the kerchief she said. "I see you've met Hannah and Hilda."

Valerie didn't know who those people were, and she didn't know what to say to this woman. So she said the only thing that seemed appropriate. "Ma'am?"

The seated woman gave Valerie a generous smile. "Hannah and Hilda are sisters. They're employees here. One of them must have kissed you on the cheek before sending you out."

Valerie realized who the woman was talking about. "Yes. They dressed me, and one did kiss me on the cheek."

The woman held out her hand. "She got you good. My name's Rosalind." She leaned and gently tugged on Valerie's collar forcing her to lean lower. "I'll bet you're Marcus's secret agent."

Valerie played dumb. "I don't know what you mean."

Rosalind asked. "What's your name."

Valerie answered. "I'm sorry. I'm Valerie Carlyle."

The woman named Rosalind asked. "Tell me Valerie Carlyle. What do you do when you're not serving drinks at private parties?"

Valerie had to make something up. "I work for a catering company headquartered in town."

"That's good. Very good." Then she dismissed Valerie with a smile and wave of the hand. "You can run a long now."

Valerie was glad to get away. Rosalind, or whoever she was, was the first, and thus far, the only person who'd actually noticed her. Up to then she'd been disappointed in her anonymity. Now she preferred it. 

After Rosalind it was a long time before she was noticed again. The next time it wasn't nearly as pleasant.

Occasionally someone stopped her. They would ask if she could obtain a certain kind of mixed drink. She'd write down the request, go to the bar, secure the requested beverage and return it to the appropriate person. As the early evening wore on she started to receive more requests than she could easily keep up with. She wasn't having trouble getting the drinks, but the people would order from one location and then migrate to another part of the room. To overcome this Valerie started making little notes on her pad about what they might be wearing or some unique aspect of their appearance. This all went along fine for nearly an hour. It was helpful in getting the job done, and it helped assuage her disappointment. Then one of the guests glanced down at her harmless little note pad.

The woman who espied the pad asked. "What are you doing?" 

The woman didn't sound very nice. "Are you taking notes on what everyone has on?" 

The tone of her voice made Valerie uncomfortable. "Are you planning on buying some of these expensive gowns after you leave work tonight?" 

The woman seemed to want to embarrass her. "You don't think you can afford any of these nice things do you?"

Valerie had been very careful all evening to be discreet in her notations. Excepting for Rosalind no one had noticed her all night. She was surprised anyone noticed this. She stopped and spoke to the woman. "No. I mean yes. I am taking notes on people's attire and appearance, but that's because people keep roaming around the room. This way I can more readily match the drink with the person who ordered it."

The woman took the pad and looked more closely. "Let me see. Who is this? It says sallow cheeks and squinted eyes. That isn't me is it?"

Valerie, reaching to get the pad back, responded. "Well actually no. That was somebody else. At the time I think they were being forced to squint because the lighting was too strong."

The lady held the pad away. She intrusively pointed at the notepad again. "You know what I think. I think you're a rude brash girl. I don't know where they got you, but I find your little scratch marks on that pad offensive."

Valerie was taken aback. There was no hidden purpose to her notations. Their purpose was only to be an assist in getting the right drink to the right person. She said. "I'm very sorry. I can assure you these are strictly personal notations only to help me find people when bringing them their drinks."

The woman sneered. "Stupid aren't you. Can remember from one moment to the next." She made a nasty joke. "Must be the public schools."

Valerie felt like everyone in the room was staring at her. Many were! It was like they were accusing her of being some stupid girl. It seemed that way. Her eyes started to well up with tears. She didn't know what to say. She just stood there, hands holding her little tray, the pad now sitting on it innocuously. "I'm sorry. I'm really very sorry." That was all she could get out without crying.

Just then Mr. Burke appeared. It was as if he came out of nowhere. He looked at the disgruntled guest. "Pamela, whatever is the matter?"

The woman, now known as Pamela spoke. "This person, this maid, is writing offensive little declamations about all your guests."

Mr. Burke looked at Valerie. "Is this true?"

Valerie was visibly upset. Her tear filled eyes started overflowing. "No sir. I've just been making little notes to myself about the guests so I would be able to get their drinks to them correctly if by chance one moved to a different spot while I was ordering and bringing their drink."

Mr. Burke looked at her closely. He said in a serious tone of voice. "Let me see the note pad." 

Valerie handed him the pad. She was visibly shaking. She never intended to offend anyone. Why had the woman stopped her? She wanted to go home. She was sorry she ever came. She didn't belong here. She wished she could put this whole terrible night behind her.

Marcus looked the pad over. He looked at Valerie. He looked back at the woman. She was standing with a nasty smirk on her face. He turned to the woman called Pamela. "Well Pamela it was nice having you here this evening. I hate to see you leaving so early, even before dinner. Mr. Burke then turned to the man Valerie identified as the butler. He said. "Brian get Ms. Brainham's coat. She's leaving now."

The woman now identified as Pamela Brainham looked at Mr. Burke in shock. "You're telling me I have to leave?"

Mr. Burke replied. "I'm afraid so. I'm telling you that you have to leave. Good bye."

The affronted woman gave Valerie a menacing look. She looked back at Marcus. "You're taking up for this, this serving person?"

Marcus answered. "Yes!"

Valerie noted how emphatic the yes was.

"Yes!" He continued. "I am taking up for this serving person." He gave Pamela a menacing look that matched the one she'd given Valerie. "We all serve someone or other. Don't we?"

The butler arrived with her coat.

The Pamela woman turned. "Thank you Brian." She obtained her coat and stalked off.

Marcus turned and gave Valerie a meaningful look. It made her want to crawl into a hole and hide, just run away somewhere. He said. "If this is how she would treat someone who is only trying to help me, then how would she behave around someone I wanted as a client? No, I don't need anyone like her." His demeanor abruptly changed. He gifted Valerie with a gentle smile. Handing her back her pad he said. "Nice list. Keep it up." He walked away without another word.

Valerie stood there in utter amazement. He had expelled a guest because they had been mean to a maid. She thought. That's a good man there. Then she thought. That's one of the reasons why I'm doing what I'm doing. I understand. He's gotten to know me. He trusts me. He knows I wouldn't do anything ill mannered. Using me he can single out those he doesn't want around him. Valerie thought some more. I don't know whether to be flattered or angry.

Shortly after the incident with Ms. Brainham the chef announced that dinner was ready, and that the guests should all start for the dining room. As he was making his announcement one of the original two ladies who had assisted Valerie earlier in the evening intercepted her. "Ms. Carlyle." She said. "Of course you won't be needed serving the dinner. We've set aside a small table for you in the kitchen. It isn't what you expected, but you'll have an opportunity to eat the same things the other guests are having. You'll find the food is quite good."

Valerie answered. "Thank you, I'm not especially hungry, but I'd love the chance to have something to drink and perhaps sit down a few minutes." She followed the lady into the kitchen area, where, in fact, she did see they had set aside a small area for her. She thought. I'm not going to let this upset me. The idea that they have put me out in the kitchen is to be expected. I'm doing Mr. Burke a favor, and I know now his interest in me was strictly as any tool he would use in his business. I'm one of the help, and this is where the help eats. Having reconciled her hurt feelings with some good old fashioned rationalization Valerie sat down to enjoy a cool beverage and a small taste of the dinner she had hoped she had really been invited to.

The guests started wandering into the dining room, but Marcus Burke, host for the evening, made his way into the kitchen. He was looking for Valerie. He wanted to thank her for her efforts thus far, and ask her to continue in her role as assistant and maid throughout the rest of the weekend. Entering the kitchen he asked one of the kitchen personnel if they had seen the drink hostess. The cook said she was in the adjoining storage room eating. Marcus went to that room.

He found Valerie inside the small storage room sitting and having a short drink of water. He thought she looked lonely, maybe a little forlorn. "Hi Valerie?"

She turned around and responded. "Oh hi Mr. Burke."

He felt bad about where she was sitting. It was a cloistered little space. Probably nothing like what she expected. "I'm really glad you accepted my invitation to come tonight, and I'm doubly glad you volunteered to pick up the slack regarding serving drinks." He was trying to be cheerful. "You have no idea what a help you've been."

Valerie gave him a wan smile and answered. "I'm glad I could do some good." 

Marcus noticed the smile. "You've been a big help. I mean it. Can you do me another big favor? He hesitated.

Valerie sat very still. She had a suspicion whatever he wanted wouldn't be something she'd enjoy. She gave no response. She just sat very still.

Recognizing she wasn't going to jump up and ask what he wanted. He went on any way. "I want you to continue helping with the drinks after dinner. I don't expect things will run too late this evening. I have about seven, well now only six people who are staying over until Sunday night. Valerie, if you could see your way clear? I would really like it if you stayed on for the weekend. I'm sorry, but I'm asking you to stay as a server. If you would I'd be really grateful. If you don't want to I know you probably have other things to do. And I'm sure those other things would be more enjoyable than going around here helping other people have a good time."

Valerie felt trapped again. Gee, he was asking her to do something she had never intended, but it was for him, someone she thought she liked. She didn't want to do it, but she gave him the answer he wanted. "I'll stay."

Mr. Burke walked over to where she was sitting and sat down beside her. He took both of her hands in his. "I can't stay any longer I have to preside over dinner, but I want you to know you're a real trooper. I can't thank you enough." He continued to hold her hands for another moment. "You know you look absolutely beautiful tonight. That maid's uniform looks like it was custom made for you." He took one of his hands and using his thumb, and index finger ran them over the peter-pan collar. "Ms. Carlyle I really think a lot of you." Would I be out of line of I gave you a kiss?"

What was she supposed to say? "You can kiss me."

Mr. Burke leaned over and gently placed a kiss on her lips. "I think you're wonderful." Then he got and left to entertain his guests.

Valerie finished her small meal, and had another glass of water. She returned to the main room at just about the time all the dinner guests were finishing their meals. It was late, and most had to leave. Another smaller group of guests stayed for after dinner cocktails. It was Valerie's responsibility to see that everyone got served. Valerie had to admit she was getting tired. She hoped this affair would end soon. She felt more than a little glum. She had hoped she would be the belle of the ball, and as it turned out she had been demoted to maidservant. Valerie decided she would give Mr. Burke one more morning and lunch, but tomorrow at 1:00 at the latest she would be leaving. That would get her home later in the afternoon, and give her time to salvage the remainder of the weekend. 

Close to 11:00 the last guest not planning to stay the night left, and the remaining guests had been shown to a room. The two ladies who had side tracked her at the start of the evening found her, and said all she had left to do was collect the discarded drink glasses and take them into the kitchen. Once that was accomplished she was to see Mr. Burke in his private study. 

Valerie hadn't thought she'd be degraded to glass collection, but with a sigh of disconsolate resignation she moved about the room collecting the last of the evening's debris. Close to midnight she found herself with nothing left to do. After asking one of the other cleaning people where Mr. Burke's study was she went off in that direction. 

She found his study door was slightly ajar. Valerie knocked quietly. Mr. Burke heard the knock, saw her standing at the entry and, with his hand, summoned her in. "Valerie." He said. "I'm glad you made it. It was a long evening wasn't it?"

Valerie responded. "It sure wasn't what I expected."

Mr. Burke walked over to a large leather sofa and sat down. He patted the seat beside him and said. "Come over here Valerie."

Valerie walked over and sat down.

Mr. Burke continued. "Yes, I guess it was a surprise. I bet you're tired. I'll show you the room where we've placed your clothes so you can get some sleep before you start again tomorrow, but first I'd like to visit a little." He smiled and waited as she settled in beside him. "Valerie, how long have you worked for our company?"

Valerie answered. "About six months."

He continued. "Then I suppose you're pretty comfortable with most of our operations."

She said. "Well I know a little bit."

Mr. Burke spoke again. "Valerie I've decided to find you a new job in the corporation. It's a job for which I think you're ideally suited. One I'm convinced you'll enjoy once you get then hang of it."

As he was speaking one of the two ladies from earlier on the evening appeared with two glasses of wine. It was a dark red wine. The glasses were placed on the low mahogany table in front of the sofa.

Mr. Burke picked up the two glasses. "Here have a little wine." He started to sip the wine from one of the glasses and proffered the other to Valerie. He continued. "Ms. Carlyle your work around here tonight has been invaluable to me. Indirectly through your actions a corporate saboteur was exposed, that was Pamela Braintree. As you traveled the room I was able to watch the actions and the reactions of several of my other guests, and thanks to that two more people were also determined to be unacceptable. So you see you've played a key role in the success of the company. In fact what you did tonight far outstripped all your earlier work, as prodigious as that has been. That's why I want you to come here and work as a kind of standing silent assistant. What do you say?"

Valerie was listening, but the wine was making her more tired and a little light headed. "What do you mean a standing silent assistant?"

Mr. Burke went on. "Well for instance tonight. No one here knew you worked for the company. They considered you just another serving person. In that regard you were able to insinuate yourself into situations where you could hear conversations without their knowledge. As they talked I discreetly watched their body language, and was able to confirm my suspicions about two more people. So you can see what I want you to do. I want you to stay here at my house and function as a kind of spy. It not only will be financially rewarding for you, but it will be exciting. Additionally, you'll have more than the usual amount of free time, and you'll have ample opportunities to take advantage of the many amenities available here. Also, you'll be doing something for me that I'll always appreciate."


Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 02



Valerie was overcome. She was being offered a job as maid. She said so. "Mr. Burke I didn't go to college to become someone's maid. I have a career. I have my own dreams."

Before she could continue Mr. Burke interrupted. Reaching over to her he placed his right hand on her left shoulder. He started toying with the fronds of her hair. He took his left hand and reached out to touch her left cheek. "Valerie you don't exactly understand. That's not what I mean. I want you here with me, but I can't do this any other way. I know you have feelings for me, and I have feelings for you." He leaned a little closer. "Valerie there's nothing wrong in what I'm asking. You'll be free to leave any time. I know you, and I know how you feel."

Valerie wanted to explain to Mr. Burke why she couldn't consider what he was suggesting. She didn't want to be a maid even if it meant something special between the two of them. She was crazy about him. She wanted more than what he had in mind. "Mr. Burke." She started.

He interjected. "Call me Marcus. And don't say anything yet. But do say yes, at least for a little while."

Valerie was thinking. I could help out like he said for a few days, and then I could go back to my regular job. She'd stay the weekend. "Mr. Burke, I mean Marcus, suppose I agreed to stay on for the weekend. I could help out a little, and by Sunday evening when it's time for me to go home we'll talk again."

Marcus said. "I'd love that Valerie. Now just lean back and relax a few minutes. We can talk some more and get better acquainted."

Valerie leaned back and nestled in the crook of his left arm. She stifled a yawn. She said. "I'm really getting tired."

Marcus listened and spoke. "Here lay down on your stomach. Put your head on my lap. Let me rub your temples."

Valerie laid down as he suggested. She felt a little over awed. Placing her head on his lap she closed her eyes. 

Marcus started rubbing her temples. After a few seconds he asked. "How does this feel?"

Valerie responded. "Feels good." She was so tired she couldn't even articulate a complete sentence. She leaned over more to her side. Resting her cheek on his knee. She wanted to say how silly this was. How she should go home. She didn't though. It was like he had some sort of hold on her. 

Marcus said. "Here I'm going to rub your back and shoulders." He got off the sofa and knelt beside her. "Lay still while I get those shoulders."

Valerie lay on her stomach on the sofa. It was soft. It was a cloth fabric, not leather like she thought most men would have. It had a kind of velveteen feel, soft, cool, and smooth but not sticky. Marcus took one of the small throw pillows and placed it under her head. She felt relaxed, really comfortable, lethargic. Marcus started massaging her shoulders and the top of her back. He said. "My, you're really tense. Let's get you more comfortable. Let's get this uniform off. I can tell it's tight and restrictive. Besides, you've been in it all night."

Valerie leaned around. Eyelids half closed she spoke. "Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

Marcus replied. "Don't be silly. Here." He slowly started to unbutton the back of the uniform. As he worked the buttons he continued to rub and massage her back and shoulders. "Just relax and think about fluffy cumulus clouds. Think about furry little puppies." His voice was a soft melodic whisper. As he got closer to the bottom buttons he cooed. "Let's get this off of you." She made no effort to resist. He started to pull the uniform down from her shoulders and arms. It was easy since the uniform was well fitting, and by this time Valerie was quite compliant. He could tell she was enjoying the attention, and didn't feel threatened at all. Slowly but surely he got her out of the uniform leaving her only in the soft chemise, bloomers, and stockings. Ignoring the stockings and chemise he went to work on the frilly panties. The elasticized waist wasn't tight. It was easy going. He gently rolled them down her abdomen and upper thighs. He took the silky panties and rubbed them over the upper parts of her legs. He imagined for her the feeling of their soft silky descent lent an added eroticism to what was happening to her. 

She looked over and warned him. "I'm not accustomed to losing my underpants. I don't want you looking at me."

He smiled and took the discarded uniform. "I'll cover your lower body." He did just that. "There, now you're dignity is secure." 

Valerie, with her eyes closed wearing an enigmatic smile stretched her arms upward in a graceful yawning motion. Her movement caused her breasts to shift beneath the confines of the chemise. She offered no other reply.

He continued rubbing, but now he devoted more time to her back, concentrating on her lower back. Since she had no underpants on he could see her ass clearly even though it was supposed to be covered. He thought it was a nice ass. He started concentrating his massaging efforts more on her hips and on the upper portions of her rear end. He knew she was becoming increasingly lethargic, but also a little aroused. He watched, as in an absent-minded display of self-stimulation she reached down and caressed her-own vagina. The red wine she had been given had not been tampered with. He knew just the wine itself would serve as a natural relaxant and would help loosen any inhibitions. He leaned forward to her face. She was facing him with her eyes closed. He leaned in and gave her a casual kiss on her left cheek. He noticed the cute lipstick mark left by some overly compassionate woman earlier in the evening had been wiped off. He wondered how many discreet touches her ass, breasts, and face might have endured over the course of the evening. How many fingertips had passed across those fluffy panties searching for that lovely little ass? He started softly rubbing her face, her head, and her neck. He kissed her ear and started, very softly, working on the nape of her neck. He took a single finger and rubbed it up and down the back of her neck. He watched as her hackles rose, that the soft baby fur that trailed gently below the arch of her neck. She shivered as if she were chilled. He could tell she was becoming more aroused. He whispered. "You have an adorable face. You're pretty. I love your chin and your dainty little ears. You've got a sweet pert little nose." He took a finger and traced the bridge of her nose. He watched her closed-eyed smile. He knew the code. He knew the words women liked to hear.

Valerie was enjoying the attention she was getting. She was fantasizing. Here she was with her prince charming. He was massaging her, kissing her, and just generally making over her. He loved her. She knew he did.

Marcus kept rubbing. He took his fingers and the palms of his hands and started kneading her shoulders. "You have really beautiful skin. Your complexion, it's a delicate shade of soft pink. You're so soft. You're quite beautiful." 

She was lost in a dream world of her own making. She'd felt the uniform slide off her behind but didn't care. She felt his hands easing it down her body, down her legs, and off her feet. It felt good. He was doing this to her, and she loved it. As he started to kiss her face she wanted to snuggle up. It felt so good. She had to do something. As he was kissing her neck and rubbing her back and ass she leaned over, she took her left arm and stretched it toward him. She wanted to kiss him, and she leaned into him with her lips puckered.

Marcus saw she was moving toward him. A bit disappointed about earlier, a bit fatigued from the work, now she was looking for a little gratification. Women, they were all the same, all always so predictable. He wrapped his right arm around her and leaned in for a kiss. He got off the floor and pulled her body up into a semi-seated position, with him holding her in his arms. He was kissing her now, and she was responding. They embraced. He climbed on the sofa and carefully got on top of her. She was responding, but in a languid sort of way. They rubbed cheeks and kissed. He used his hands, his fingertips, and traced around her shoulders, down her arms, across her belly to the crest of her vagina. He lay a little to the side and started to manipulate her clitoris. She started pushing against his fingers. She wasn't trying very hard, but she was starting to press and wriggle against his fingers and palms as they lingered on her labial lips and clitoris. He could feel how wet she was. He rolled forward to get on top. Using one hand to cup her head and another to fondle a breast he started to slowly enter her. His manhood was fully erect, hard, and full. She was tight! Incredibly so! Gradually he allowed his head to enter. He eased his way inside her. This, he thought, was a small woman. Her vaginal walls pressed tightly against his shaft. It felt good, but he wondered if she didn't feel just a twinge of discomfort. He started slowly easing in and out. He knew she was in a semi-stupor He didn't want to move too fast. If he moved too quickly it might arouse her from that sense of lassitude that was making his efforts so easy. She slowly started to respond with her own languid thrusting motions. Together they rocked back and forth, in and out. 

She squeezed her vaginal walls tightly around his member. It hurt, but felt good too. 

He pressed in until he believed he reached her innermost extremity. He could tell she was on the verge of an orgasm. So was he. They both entered the same convulsive, erotic, exciting, physically overwhelming moment together. It was an earthquake, a volcanic eruption, a meteorite had hit the earth. Then he had to let go. His semen escaped into her vagina. He'd moved hardly more than a few times. He'd barely eased his way in, but she was so tight, that alone was a powerful aphrodisiac. 

She could feel his immensity. She knew something about penises. She read about them, how they became engorged with blood, but she never imagined they could be so big. He was so big and he got so far inside. No tampon ever went that far. It hurt. But she didn't care. This was Marcus! His hot, wet life force was pouring into her, deep into her. It interrupted her torpor. She was out of her mind with the exquisite delight and torture of complete sexual surrender. She squirmed, bucked, and twisted. She tried to turn on her side, anything to explore this experience's fullest depths and at the same time escape the painful reality of what was happening to her. He had taken something from her she could only surrender once. How had he managed to induce her to give up that one thing she'd saved so long? Yes. Together they crossed a chasm, but it was a crossing she'd never made before.

They lay on the sofa. She was in his arms. He was in her vagina. She felt full, complete, but hollow and empty at the same time. Did he know what he'd taken? If she told him, what would he think of her? Would he even believe her? She was afraid to think of that.

Marcus felt exhausted but delighted. They lay there for several moments until his erection became a distant memory. He sat up. He was done. "Here, let me help you get your uniform back on. We can't go walking through a house that's full of guests and employees and you with nothing on. 

Like an automaton she stood up while he lifted the black uniform back over her shoulders. He quickly re-buttoned the back. He took her hand. "Let me show you where you're to sleep tonight."

From his study they walked together down the hall toward the stairway that led to the room Valerie would be using. As they walked he held her hand. She thought. It's like my fantasy has come true. Is it really true? Is this really happening to me? Her eyes started to fill with as yet unshed tears. This was her fantasy! This was the man she wanted! But she'd given up the one thing, the only thing that separated her from millions of other women. If she told him what he'd gotten, would he listen. Would it make any difference? If she said she'd been a virgin, would he think she was trying to make something up just to use him? It made her afraid.

They took the stairs up three flights, then down another hallway, made a turn and walked down yet another hallway all the way to the last door. The walk hurt. It felt like she'd used muscles never used before. It felt like she'd torn something. Valerie thought there was something trickling down her legs. Maybe it was his semen?

Marcus took out a set of keys and unlocked the door. He opened it. "This is a spare room we seldom use. It is clean, and everything in it is new. It might be a little small, but you'll only be sleeping here." 

She walked into the room. It was a stretch to actually call it a room. There was a single bed, a small dresser, and a small vanity. She walked a little further and saw there was a bathroom. Opening the door she saw it was very much like those bathrooms found in lower deck rooms on some cruise lines. It was small to the point of being cramped, but everything did look clean, and she was certain that after tomorrow night she'd not be in need of it. After tomorrow night, where would she be after tomorrow night? The floor wasn't carpeted, but made of a porcelain type of material. She'd consider the room more a cell than a room, but as she thought, she wouldn't be in it very long.

Marcus spoke. "I'm sorry. I know it's inconvenient. There's plenty of soap, shampoo, depilatory cream, baby powder, and cosmetic materials for you. There are also hair fasteners should you feel the need. Someone will be in around 9:00 tomorrow morning with some breakfast and something for you to wear for lunch. By the way, you haven't been told about tomorrow. You'll be serving lunch to the few guests who spend the night. Later there will be another dinner, smaller than earlier, and we'll will have very few people. You'll be serving for that as well." He turned to go, but before leaving her to her reverie he took her in his arms, squeezed her close, and kissed her. As he closed the door behind him he said. "See you in the morning. You've made me very happy tonight."

All Valerie could say before the door closed was. "Me too."

She sat down and tried the bed. It was hard, but functional. She looked in the bureau. The first thing she saw was her little black dress. The dress she'd bought for the party. It was all folded so neatly, like new, like it had hardly been worn. It looked so forlorn. She touched it. She found a pair of pajamas. They were very simple, white, with a button up front and traditional collar. The panties were short, also buttoning up the front They came to about mid-thigh. She took off her uniform, the black uniform with the white peter-pan collar and cuffs, the shoes, the stockings, fluffy panties, and the chemise. She folded everything neatly and placed it all in the bureau beside her dress. She turned back to the pajamas. The pajamas were cotton and a little stiff. But she felt they would work for one night. 

She sat back down on the bed and surveyed the rest of her surroundings. She thought, nothing particularly luxurious. She did take serious note of one thing. There were pink stains on the bed. She realized now what had been trickling down her leg. It wasn't his semen that had trickled down her leg, but her blood. His semen was still inside. She lightly touched the pink streaks on the bed. She started to cry.

Marcus went back downstairs to his bedroom. Not a bad night's work! He'd made some new business contacts. Exposed a couple potential cheats, and scored a home run with one of the girls from the office. It was a girl he liked. In fact he liked her a lot. She turned out to be easy though. They all were easy. Once just once, he'd like to find a real girl. He stripped out of his shirt, pants, and drawers and jumped in the shower. He watched the water flow over him. Were those traces of pink in the shower water? Crap! He knew she was too good to be true. He knew why she was so tight. She was on the rag. He finished cleaning up. Dried off, and jumped in bed. His last thoughts were of her. Yes, she was good. Just too good, too good to be true.



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 03



It was around 9:30 the next morning when Valerie heard a gentle rapping on her door. At first she forgot where she was. Outside someone was calling. "Good morning. Ms. Carlyle may we come in please?"

Valerie got up and opened the door. It was the same two ladies who'd intercepted her the night before. Those self-same ones who'd talked her into to pretending to be a maid for Marcus Burke, her boss. Valerie rethought that. They hadn't made her do anything. She ended up volunteering, but she had to admit their downcast looks and sad comments had put her on a serious guilt trip. "Hi." She said. Not having remembered a watch she asked. "What time is it?"

One of the ladies answered "Oh. It's 9:30. Time for you to be up and about." 

The other of the two ladies went on to something else. "We have your breakfast here. There's some fresh brewed coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon, a glass of OJ and some fruit. We're going to leave you to enjoy, but we'll be back in thirty minutes to help you get ready for your day." The ladies smiled and departed. 

Valerie felt silly. They were nice ladies. There was no reason for her to be put off by them. Besides, she had other things on her mind. She'd had sex with Marcus. She'd turned over the one thing she'd been saving all her life, and her pussy hurt. She had a headache too. Valerie turned down the bed covers thinking she might straighten the sheets and make the bed. Oh no! She really had given it up! The sheets were slathered with streaks of dried blood. Not a lot, but enough. She couldn't clean them up, and she couldn't hide them. Those two ladies would be back soon. What was she supposed to do? She reflected on what her father would say. He'd say. Always tell the truth. People forget their lies, but the truth, like glue, always sticks with you. That's what she'd do. They'd come up. See the sheets, and she'd tell them what had happened. But she wouldn't volunteer.

OK. She'd made up her mind. She smelled the coffee, the eggs. My God! She was hungry. She pulled the plate over, and went to work.

Once Valerie finished her breakfast she went ahead to the bathroom to clean up. They might have said they were coming back to help get her ready, but she still knew best how to clean her own body. She took off the pajamas and turned on the shower. She set the water just as hot as she could get it. Stepping into the shower she poured a healthy amount of shampoo on her hair, and started scrubbing. It felt good, and she liked the fragrance. Hair done she took a bar of soap. It looked, like Ivory, and started lathering up. She soaped and rinsed two times. After the second time she just stood under the water and let it stream all over her. It felt good. She stepped from the shower, turned off the flow, and wrapped herself in one of the towels. Valerie contemplated, considering she was someone who'd forever been changed by what happened the night before, she still felt OK. She pulled the cover spread over the bloody sheet and lay back down to get some more relaxed time before the ladies came back. 

Not long after Valerie got out of the shower the two ladies were back. This time they didn't bother to knock. Coming in they saw she had already bathed. One announced. "Oh, we'll go right to the skin cream. They took her bath towel, and seeing she was sufficiently dry they got out two tubes of some kind of cream. They started smearing it all over her. It felt good at first, but quickly started to heat up. One of the tubes was a cream they used only around her vagina. Valerie asked. "What is that you're rubbing on me?"

One answered. "It's just some ointment that will be good for your skin."

Valerie didn't know if they were telling the truth, but she let them continue. 

After a few more seconds one of the ladies spoke. "We'll have to put you back in the shower briefly to rinse off the cream." They helped her back in the shower, and using soft cloths they rinsed and wiped away all the cream.

Valerie noticed as they wiped, all residual hair on her body was floating away. Also she noted most of her moles and other body marks seemed to have significantly faded. They slowly wiped her completely dry. 

Next one of the ladies said. "Ms. Carlyle we're concerned about your feet and hands."

Valerie looked up in surprise. 'What?"

The other said. "We want to give you a manicure and a pedicure." Magically the other lady produced two plastic basins. They were soon filled with hot water.

One said. "Let's get your feet and hands in the basins for a nice soak." 

Into the basins went her hands and feet. One lady poured in some sort of solution. Valerie started to have a mild sizzling sensation. "What did you just put in those tubs?" She asked.

One lady answered. "Just some medicated salts. They'll help clean your hands and feet and soften your nails and skin."

Not long after, the ladies were working industriously on her appendages. Both clipped, abraded, and wiped her hands and feet. Each applied a clear nail polish, and they were done! 

Valerie watched the process with fascination. When they were finished all her fingernails and toenails had been clipped well back from their tips. They were so far back as to be nearly nonexistent. There was no pain, but she could see all her nails had been cut back to the quick, that soft sensitive flesh found under the nails. She held her feet out, and arched them to get a better view. She held up her hands and examined everything closely. The only comparison she could make was with those of a baby's hands and feet, all soft and pink. Her nails were clipped so far back, and her flesh was so soft and sensitive she knew doing anything other than the simplest of tasks would be not only difficult, even uncomfortable. She touched her cheek, swept her fingers across the bed spread. She picked up the fork she'd used at breakfast and touched the tines. Her fingertips were too sensitive to be able to apply any but the slightest pressure. She had the hands and feet of an infant, soft, delicate, and especially with regards to her hands, borderline nonfunctional.

The first lady spoke to the second. "Isn't she adorable?"

The second responded. "She's the sweetest." Turning to Valerie. "This is our best work."

Then the other lady reached in the hallway and brought in a large box. While one slipped to the hallway, the other started to remake the bed. She announced. "It's time to get dressed." 

Valerie watched as they opened the box and got out what was inside. They took out a white blouse. Made of a soft and translucent material they put it on her. One stood behind her holding the blouse, while the other helped her slip her arms through the short sleeves. The sleeves barely covered her shoulders and were a loose fit. It had a low cut angular neckline. One lady buttoned the blouse up the front. There was no button line. The buttons were small and round, like little pearls. They went through narrow vertical holes that were at the very edge of the front seam. If Valerie moved she could see there would be small gaps between the two sides of the front of the blouse. Like last evening, no bra was provided, but the blouse was tailored in such a way as to give her limited support. Next from the box came a black pleated mini-skirt made of a light lilting fabric. It was almost see through and came to just mid-thigh. It was held together at the top by two or three small buttons in the back. There were loopholes for a belt, and they produced a small black piece of silken cloth. This they passed through the loops and tied off at the back. Out came a pair of nylons. They were black. Each lady took one and pulled it up a leg. The nylons came almost to her crotch. Next out of the box was a pair of black panties. Compared to the fluffy attire of the night before these panties were downright conservative. They fit loosely, but comfortably. Last they brought out a pair of black ballet shoes. To say they were true ballet shoes would be a misnomer. They were soft, and fit snugly, but comfortably around her newly scrubbed feet. They had a low heel, perhaps two inches, and a soft insole. The height of the soft heels was in no way uncomfortable, but they did elevate her feet enough to give her legs shape.

One of the ladies pointed to the vanity. "Sit here so we can put on your make up." Like the night before the make up was minimal. Valerie was glad of it. Just a little pink blush, some pale pink lip-gloss, a little tad of mascara, and some pale blue eye shadow. At the last moment one lady pushed something against her left cheek.

Valerie looked in the mirror and saw a small stick up of two little overlapping red hearts had been stuck to her cheek.

The lady commented. "Mr. Burke will like that."

The other lady peered at her. "You think so?"

The first responded. "Look at Ms. Carlyle. He'll like them."

Valerie thought the hearts were a little over the top, too cute for her tastes, but what if Marcus connected the two hearts with the two of them? If could work. 

They did up Valerie's hair. This morning they rolled it into a bun, and tied it off with a black bow in the back. The bow matched the mini-skirt, and Valerie thought it looked very attractive.

The last thing they did was give Valerie her instructions. She was to provide all the food and drink for the guests at the table. The kitchen staff would prepare each plate, and Valerie was to take them, one at a time, to the guests. As the guests ate Valerie was to take a seat on a stool behind the dining table and be prepared to offer assistance should the need arise. 

The two ladies got ready to escort Valerie downstairs. One looked at the other. "Did you see the sheets?"

The other replied. "You mean the blood?"

The first nodded. "Yes, the blood."

Valerie couldn't help but overhear them. "You saw the blood?"

The first of the two ladies asked. "You and Marcus did something last night?"

"Yes." Replied Valerie.

The first lady asked. "You're a?"

Valerie interrupted her. "I was until last night."

The second lady asked. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-six." She answered.

The two ladies stood there and stared at each other. Both had the same expression. Disbelief!

Valerie walked into the luncheon area, which was really a side section of the same room they'd used the night before. She saw a large table had been set with, she counted nine settings. She started preparing for what she was expected to do when Marcus walked in. 

Marcus entered the lunch area and saw Valerie standing near the serving counter. He walked to her. "Good morning Ms. Carlyle. Did you sleep well?"

Valerie turned and answered. "Yes, thank you, and did you?"

Marcus responded. "Last night I met an angel, and after that I slept like a baby." He laughed and went on. "I see you're going to help us out again today."

Valerie answered. "I said I would stay through your evening meal, but after supper this evening I'm headed back to the city."

Marcus walked in closer. "I'm glad you're staying at least through supper. By the way you'll have free time after lunch. Can I persuade you to join me for a while?"

Valerie answered. "I don't know. What do you have in mind?"

Marcus sensed a trace of tension, perhaps laced with cynicism. He wondered if she thought their sex last evening might have been just a flash in the pan. He didn't plan on it being a flash in the pan. He spoke carefully. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not interested in taking advantage of you. What happened last evening was real. It was real for me, and I think it was real for you. When I ask you to spend some time with me after lunch it's because I enjoy your company. I like talking to you. I like looking at you. You're pretty. You're fun, and you're a great maid."

Valerie smiled but her answer wasn't as pretty. "Don't you have guests to entertain after lunch, and I don't like the idea of being the pretty, fun, maid."

Marcus gave her an apologetic look. He stroked his chin with one hand. He put on his best supplicating look. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said as a put down. I think you're gorgeous, witty, charming, and intelligent. Someone worth having a conversation with, and I want to spend my free time with you, and as for my guests. They can fend for themselves this afternoon. I have a much more important person I need to see." He'd started to refer to her as a guest, but avoided the term. He didn't want her to reflect on what had been happening.

Valerie gave him a half smile. "Oh Really? I wonder who that could be?"

Marcus reached out and grabbed her. Pulling her into his arms he gently tapped the top of her head with his knuckles. "I'll give you a hint. She's getting head pats right now."

Valerie pushed him away. Laughing she said. "OK. OK. Where shall we rendezvous?"

Marcus gave her a warm deep smile. "We'll meet out back at the swimming pool, by the bath house. How does that sound?"

Valerie smiled but gave him a serious answer. "I don't have a suit."

Marcus grinned. "We'll skinny dip."

Valerie looked up at him. "Oh no we won't."

Marcus answered. "Well I guess we'll have to find you a suit."

At that moment some of the lunch guests starting ambling in. Valerie went into her servant's mode. Marcus walked toward the door to greet his guests. As he walked away he reflected on the girl behind him. There was a somewhat gullible young woman, with beautiful black nylon covered legs, small soft pouting breasts whose nipples winked through the soft material of a thin white blouse. A girl with small soft hands, almost cherubic, a delicate heart shaped face made up to look more like a child than an adult, and hair wound in a gentle bun with a feminine little black bow. Though he knew what he was doing, he knew he had to be careful. She didn't know, but she was becoming a brand new creation. Something he wanted.

Valerie had her work cut out for her at the luncheon. She could tell this was going to be demanding group and her with almost no experience. She started with drinks. Everyone wanted something different. They seemed like a friendly crowd. She thought she recognized two of them from around the company. If they recognized her they didn't let on. Rosalind was there. 

Early on she made her first mistake. While handing out drinks one of the women at the table dropped her napkin. Valerie bent down to pick it up, but she'd forgotten the looseness of the underpants, the light lilting material of the skirt, and its near transparency. She felt cool air flutter around her ass. When she leaned back up she could tell by the looks of some of the people they'd seen a little more than she would have preferred. No one said anything, but she felt a twinge of embarrassment. Why hadn't she remembered to bend at the knees? This bending over at the waist was an open invitation to trouble. 

A second similar accident occurred when she was distributing the desserts. Having to hand out the ice cream, depending on what the people wanted wasn't a chore, but every time she leaned over to place the cream, spoon, and napkins in the proper places her breasts had a tendency to lean precipitously close to the edge of her blouse neckline. Once one breast pressed a little too firmly against the flimsy material. One of the buttons popped loose! Her breast, for about a second was fully exposed to anyone who looked, and everyone did look. Everyone did see! She got the cream on the table as quickly as she could, and then politely turned and re-buttoned her blouse. It was an embarrassing second or so. She glanced over at Marcus and saw he was smiling. Valerie thought. He selected her clothes. He knew this sort of thing could happen! There must be a little bit of the perv in him. Maybe he wanted to see how I handled this kind of thing. That must be it. Well I hope I showed him.

It all seemed like everything was going easy for Valerie. She was making a hit with the guy she wanted, and after the evening meal she'd head on back home, rest up Sunday, and perhaps see Marcus again professionally on Monday. Valerie thought. Everything's as perfect as it could get considering her unique experiences so far. There was only one disquieting thing. One of his guests, Rosalind, kept watching her. No matter what she did, where she stood, how she bent or turned, Rosalind had her eyes on her. Valerie couldn't be sure, but it seemed like the woman was a lesbian. Valerie may be a lot of things, but she was vigorously heterosexual. It wasn't just the staring that was so disarming. The woman, Rosalind, kept making discreet little asides. Once Valerie overheard her saying "she smell's good enough to eat." A second time she swore the woman tried to touch, that is tried to rub up the back of her leg when she walked by. It gave Valerie the creeps. She planned on avoiding her as much as she could.

The luncheon ended, and Valerie was free to take a break. She didn't rest long though. She wanted to get to the swimming pool, since that's where Marcus wanted to meet her. Valerie had no clothes of her own except the black dress she'd worn on the first night so she went to the pool wearing the short skirt and white blouse she'd been serving in. When she got to the pool Marcus was waiting for her.

He hailed her from the far side of the pool "Valerie! Go to the bathhouse. I've found a bathing suit for you. I think you'll like it."

Valerie made a beeline for the bathhouse where she found the swimsuit folded neatly on a table. She lifted it up and opened it out. She agreed with Marcus. She fell in love with it. First it was one piece, that meant no trying to hide any tummy bulges no matter how small. Second, it had two substantial shoulder straps, about two inches wide, she guessed that would hold the top in place. There was very little chance of this suit slipping off her shoulders. Third, it was black. That meant it probably wasn't something that one could see through if it got wet. She slipped into it. The inseam was just right. It was an almost perfect fit. Taking herself and towel she went out to the pool. 

Marcus was there to greet her. "Wow!" He said. "You are a knock out!" "Valerie do you know how to swim?"

Valerie answered. "Sure do!"

Marcus said. "How's your diving?"

Valerie answered. "Diving's mediocre."

Marcus went on. "Well dive in. I'll meet you in the middle."

Both Valerie and Marcus dove in at the same time and swam out to each other. They met in the middle of the pool, both gasping, laughing, and spitting water."

Marcus said. "I'll race you to the far end."

Valerie said. "You're on."

The two swam at a fast pace toward the end of the pool. As they swam Valerie got the feeling that either Marcus was letting her win, or he wasn't a very good swimmer. Rather than take advantage or embarrass him Valerie slowed and stopped just as she neared the end of the pool. Slowing up, she acted like she was gasping for air. "Oh. I must have breathed in some water. I guess you win."

Marcus knew she had deliberately slowed to a stop, just as he had deliberately swum slower that he was really capable. But that didn't stop him. "Well it looks like that cost you the race. Now you'll have to pay some kind of penalty for losing."

Valerie was smiling. "What penalty did you have in mind?"

Marcus said. "Stay right there. I'll show you." Marcus swam over to Valerie's perch on the side of the pool. It was the deep end so she was hanging on to the side.

When he got there he went on. "Now Valerie you lost. So you understand you have to pay a penalty."

Valerie smiled. "I always pay my debts."

Marcus put his arms around her and kissed her. She kissed him back. Then he started pulling the straps of her bathing suit down. He pulled them down below her elbows to her wrists and then off her hands exposing her small firm breasts. He went on and started pulling the bathing suit down to her waist."




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 03



Valerie tried to stop him. "Hey. Wait a minute. What are you doing?"

Marcus said. "Why Valerie I thought you always paid up?"

Valerie responded. "I do. But what's the penalty?"

Marcus laughed. "I'll show you. He went underwater and started pulling her bathing suit all the way off. He came up for air with her suit in his hands. He threw her suit out of the pool over to a pool side table and chairs. He said. "Now I'm going to save you." With that he reached his arms around her, pulled her to him and started kissing her.

Valerie was sort of ecstatic, sort of scared too. This was like some adventure she might have read in a novel, a rich man with his new bride at a secluded estate. She kissed him right back.

Marcus continued to kiss her. Holding her by the back of the head, and with the palm of his free hand he rubbed her breasts, he used his fingers to tweak her nipples. He leaned down and kissed each bud. He smiled brightly at her. He thought to himself. Keep her off balance. Keep the whole thing light and easy. Keep smiling and laughing. If she starts to panic it could blow the whole weekend.

Valerie was feeling the warmth of his embrace and the pleasure of his attentions even in the cool water of the pool. She felt her insides start to moisten. But it occurred to her that she might not know what she was doing. She was naked in a swimming pool with a man who was her boss! Then again! It was Marcus. She felt like she'd known him a lot longer than the simple chronology of their relationship. See how he's smiling. This is supposed to be fun. Shit! She reflected. She'd given him her virginity the night before! What's the difference now?

Marcus took a finger and started rubbing softly against her nether lips. He inserted one finger and began to probe the inside of her maidenhood. He could feel her warmth and how moist and fleshy she was. He withdrew his finger, and using one hand pulled his swim trunks down around his knees. He deftly started to insert his penis in her womb. Like her he was thinking. The water was cool, but her insides were warm. He penetrated as far as he dared without causing any unnecessary discomfort. Her vagina was exceptionally tight against him. He knew tell her sexual experiences were few. She wasn't a virgin. He knew that from last evening. He knew she hadn't been with many men. She was small. It was tight, and felt good!

Valerie felt his finger inside her. It was like no other experience ever. A man's finger inside her while they were both in the swimming pool. This was all new to her. Then he had his manhood in her. He was large and hard. It hurt, but it had hurt the night before too. He was big, hard, and hot inside her. If it didn't hurt quite so much she's probably like it more. She'd read in a magazine that they called it intromission. It was a new experience for her. He didn't know it, but aside from the occasional vibrator and tampons, his penetration of her vagina was a first. He was the first man she'd ever had. She wondered if she should tell him.

They both pressed against the side of the pool. She pressed against the pool. He pressed against her. He inside her, and her impaled and floating in the water. There was no motion. There was no pumping, no twisting, swerving, or kicking. They were just two people completely entwined and united as one. It was one hell of a moment! It didn't last. They never do. He was too excited. She was too absorbed. He started to spurt his juices into her. She felt him pour his life force into her. He drove it in as best he could considering their unique aquatic situation and his desire to be careful. She floated in the water, impaled by his manhood, and feeling his power, and not completely sure what she should think. Then it ended. They held each other. They kissed, and then they both started to laugh. He laughed out of robust pleasure, the man, the conqueror. Hers was a nervous laugh, not quite sure if she shouldn't really be crying. 

He spoke. "I better get out of the water first."

She replied, relieved. "Yes. I think so. I'm in no position to do anything." 

He liked that, her reference to her own vulnerability, her helplessness. Pulling his swim trunks back up he swam to the shallow end and leaped from the pool. Walking to the table he picked up her swimsuit and asked. "And what is the lady prepared to pay for this item of apparel?"

Valerie responded her voice a little edgy. "And what is the cost of said apparel?"

Marcus answered with mock gravity. "The lady will have to bring the man great pleasure and joy after the evening meal."

Valerie realized she'd been duped, but at that moment it didn't seem to matter as much. It looked like she was spending another night at Prince Charming's Palace. "Well." She said with false modesty. "The lady will stay and do her level best to provide the pleasure and joy the man has earned."

Marcus laughed uproariously and threw the swimsuit into the water.

Valerie dog paddled to where he threw it, pulled it on, and swam to the edge of the pool to get out.

Valerie and Marcus sat at the table where Marcus used his cell phone to call up to the house for something to drink. Shortly, one of the kitchen staff brought down two plastic glasses and a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea. Marcus and Valerie spent the next hour or so laughing and giggling as they exchanged jokes and pleasantries. About 3:30 Marcus announced he had to go inside to make some phone calls. He told her she was welcome to stay by the pool or go to the room she'd used the night before to rinse off and rest up for the evening. He smiled at her. "You said you'd stay. I hope you'll stay and help serve the evening meal?"

There was a knot in the bottom of her stomach, a clenching knot. Valerie was unsure as to which way to turn. She had hoped she'd be eating dinner with him, not play at servant again. She wanted to stay as a guest, not as a server. But she had more or less promised. She couldn't let him down. If he wanted her to serve one more time, well, what's the harm? She said she would. Together they walked toward the house, holding hands like two high schools sweethearts. Marcus felt great. Valerie felt happy, but somehow she felt like she was giving away more than just her virginity. 

Valerie went to her little room and took a nap on the bed, while she slept Marcus made several phone calls. First he called his office and advised them he would be late getting to work on Monday. Then he contacted Valerie's boss in Human Relations. He spoke to Valerie's supervisor and explained that while Valerie should still be carried on the Human Relations payroll, she would be staying and working here with Marcus at his house. The work she did would be confidential in nature.

Around 6:00 the two ladies whom Valerie had come to identify privately as tormentor one and tormentor two, but in fact were Hannah and Hilda, arrived to help her prepare to serve the evening meal. What Valerie still couldn't quite fathom was why it took two women to prepare one woman, when the two could do the serving without the third woman's involvement at all. At any rate the two ladies appeared and went to work. First they completed the usual processes, the shower, the many skin creams, the eye shadow, the blush, and the lip-gloss. Valerie was, as before, even more amazed at the way the cleansing creams kept reducing the sizes of her moles and other imperfections. These she thought were some expensive creams.

They worked extra hard on her hair. For lunch they had put her hair in a loose bun. This time they took great pains to make her hair in the tightest possible bun. Instead of a casual ribbon do up they put in a tight fitting white ribbon bow with two streamers that drifted down the back of her head to the bottom of her neck. She could feel the tail ends of the ribbon on her neck, and she found them annoying. They were a persistent reminder of the presence of the bow that she thought was childish and a little degrading.

The ladies had prepared her make up and hair, but as yet no dress or uniform had appeared. One of the ladies stepped into the hall and came in with what she was to wear hanging in a clothes hanger bag. They opened the bag and extracted a small bag that Valerie soon saw contained her undergarments. First, there were the underpants. While Valerie rested one arm on one of the ladies shoulders they pulled the underpants up. The panties, or briefs, were ruffled in the back but smooth in the front. There was no elastic to hold them in place, but there were laces, one on each side that the ladies drew tight and tied off in neat bows at the top. When they finished her panties felt tight and uncomfortable. They squeezed her too tightly at the waist. Valerie wondered if this was what women used to have to wear before elastic, buttons, and safety pins had been invented. She didn't have too much time to ponder the underpants as the ladies pulled another item of apparel out of the container. This second item was a tight fitting corset, a formfitting undergarment with uncomfortably tight cups for her breasts that only provided support for the underside of each breast the material only reaching just below each nipple. It was held together by several almost microscopically small clasps that went down the front. The corset pulled her already small wasp like waist even tighter, and made it hard for her to take a deep breath. Next came the dress, or more accurately uniform. 

The outfit was black, as black as anything she'd ever seen or worn. It was made of a sturdy silken looking material. They slipped it through her arms, and using a button hook, they buttoned up the dozens of buttons that held her in it. She couldn't see the buttons. They were in the back, but she bet there must have been fifty of them considering how long it took the ladies to get them done. The collar at the top of the dress was brilliantly white, peter-pan style, about three inches in width, and of the stiffest and most heavily starched material she'd ever worn. The collar fit tightly around her neck, and was so stiff and unyielding as to be immediately uncomfortable. She felt it. The surface felt like silk, but silk so heavily starched as to be resistant to all but the most determined attempts to bend or reshape it. Valerie wondered how she would ever make it through the evening with anything like this around her neck. The ladies buttoned the cuffs of the uniform at her wrists. She looked down at the cuffs. They were also incredibly tight, bright white, made of the same silken substance, and just as stiff and unyielding as the collar. The wrist cuffs, were like the collar, about three inches in width. The uniform skirt extended down to just above her knees. Still short, but the longest of the outfits she been expected to wear thus far. It was pleated like everything she'd worn, but these pleats were large, perhaps two inches, and stiff. When she moved they made a perceptible rustling sound that she found distracting.

Asking Valerie to sit down the ladies each put a pair of black stockings on her legs. Her stockings, like the ones from the night before, went all the way to her crotch, and they were held in place with adhesive that affixed the material to her skin. The stockings were tight, and as uncomfortable as everything else she had on. Accompanying the stockings was another pair of black shoes with what looked like three-inch heels. They were the highest of heels thus far worn, but they were still modest by most standards. The shoes were tight, had black bows on the front near the base of her toes, and buckled at the ankle. The buckles were black. The shoes pinched her toes. They hurt, especially since the pedicure, even before she stood up. 

The last thing that went on was an apron. It was a smallish wrap around; white and stiff like the collar and cuffs. The ladies tied it off in a big white bow in the back.

The last thing the ladies did was to ask Valerie to look herself over in the mirror. Valerie looked, and was amazed at her almost complete transformation. The prior evening she was a guest in a maid's uniform. For lunch today she wore something that could only be described as being like a uniform. Tonight she was a full-fledged honest to god, one hundred percent pure maid. No one looking at her could ever doubt that she was a maid, or that she might have always been a maid. Looking in the mirror she thought she looked marvelous, but in a way she found humiliating and degrading. Pretty yes, beautiful certainly, but in a demeaning subservient style. 

She twisted and turned in front of the mirror. The tight collar, tight cuffs, disarming trails of the bow in her hair, the swish of the skirt all made her feel self conscious The uniform and the way it displayed her body was beautiful. This was a self-appraisal, at first exhilarating but followed by a most profound feeling of apprehension and a deep and ominous disquiet. Looking herself over in the mirror, her beautiful self, her now matchless complexion, her magnificent coif, her perfectly made doll like face, her shapely even statuesque legs. But it was all with the appearance of a maid. She wondered if she wasn't psychologically and emotionally being transformed into a maid. Someone else's thing! Valerie considered it. Was she a maid? Was that what she was cut out to be? The message in the mirror was undeniable. She cringed, then thought better of it. No. She told herself. After tomorrow she'll go home. She'll become Valerie the Human Relations Officer again. Valerie the maid will be a part of her past, a part of a singular weekend that ended when she went home. No she reminded herself. She was Valerie the professional. Valerie the servant did not exist, except for this single weekend with and for Mr. Burke.

Valerie smiled at the two ladies. "As before, you've done a beautiful job. Thank you. I only hope I can still please our boss Mr. Burke."

One of the ladies responded. "Oh thank you. You're the perfect specimen. You make the perfect server."

The second lady chimed in. "I agree you're perfection personified. You look like a living doll. Mr. Burke is going to love you. I'm sure of it."

Their words were meant to be pleasing but in fact they were very disconcerting. She loved the thought of being told she was pretty, of being pleasing her employer, but she wasn't quite sure that being a maid was the way she wanted things. She thanked them, as they walked with her down the hall toward the dining area. Valerie was confused, out of sorts. She wished she could be a part of the group gathering to eat, participating in challenging discourse, being listened to and giving valued opinions, but at the same time she was interested in making Marcus, that is Mr. Burke, happy. If pretending to be a maid, or server, or waitress made him happy, then she would pretend. She knew one thing. He loved her. If being a maid for an evening fertilized that love, then she wanted to be whatever he wanted her to be.

As they walked into the dining room the two ladies disappeared. Valerie was, once again, left to her own devices. As she started to make her way to the kitchen to get her instructions for the meal, Marcus appeared. 

Marcus saw Valerie coming into the dining room. He wanted to tell her how wonderful, how natural she looked. He went over to her. "Valerie, I think you look like perfection this evening. I've never seen you, or anyone for that matter, look so stunningly beautiful. You're adorable. If this wasn't an important social gathering I'd cancel it and I'd have you for dinner." Taking her two hands in his he stepped back a little and gave her a thorough appraisal. "Look at you." He said. "Your shoes, your nylons, the shape, length, and style of the dress. They're perfect for you. I love your apron. It's the cat's meow. Look how the dress enhances your delicious waist. Your hair, your face, I dream about people like you. You are a fantasy, my fantasy, come true. I love the look of your collar, it' so white, it sets off the delicate beauty and color of your face. And the cuffs only enhance the beauty and delicacy of your sweet hands. I'm in love. You can't be real. You're a mirage." He leaned forward and kissed her on her lips. It wasn't a sexual kiss. She thought it was a warm, tender, loving, kind of kiss.

He said. Spin around for me."

She spun around. The short pleated dress whirled up around her waist.

"Spin around again." He ordered.

Valerie spun a second time with the same result.

"Poetry in motion! You're like a beautiful doll, a beautiful porcelain doll. I'm in love." Those were the things Marcus said.

Valerie stood there, spun there, and listened to the splendid things Marcus, her wonderful Marcus, was saying about her. Marcus was in love with her, she knew it. He'd even said it. Deep down inside she had this intense feeling he was falling head over heels in love with her. She didn't know exactly when she felt he started to fall in love with her, but she knew it had to be true. She listened to his comments, his praise. It made her more self-conscious. Her professional poise was being obliterated, but her emotional well being was nourished. He was in love with her just as she was right now. She couldn't think of anything better, at least at that particular moment, than being a maid, a serving girl, his maid, his serving girl. He called her his porcelain doll! She thought. He loves the way she looks, and it wasn't just because she was a maid. He was in love her inner being. She was beginning to believe that. His kiss on her lips only confirmed her powerful feelings. It was a warm kiss. It was a love kiss. When she kissed him back, she only hoped hers conveyed the same massage.

Marcus thought to himself. He loved the look and the manner of this young woman. He hoped he would able to encourage her to stay longer. She fit in so well just this way. He had already cleared the way for her continuance by calling her supervisor. Now he had to find a way to convince her. She was what he wanted. The thing he desired right now.

The dinner began with drinks. Most of the guests, there were eight of them, opted for something hard, but the woman named Rosalind chose a white wine. Valerie wondered why the woman kept watching her. She felt like she was some kind of object, like a dog at a show. Following the drinks and the always available cheese and crackers the guests retired to the dining table.

Valerie continued in her new role by bringing everyone an appetizer. There were three appetizers to choose from. One could select mushroom caps filled with crab, chicken wings, or tiny crab balls. Most people selected the crab balls, but two chose the mushroom caps. Valerie was careful when she served making certain she placed everything on the correct side, and to keep out of peoples' way as they drank, talked, and ate. Like her everyday job, Valerie's job tonight was to be as invisible as possible.

Following the appetizers everyone was given the option of soup or a salad. Most people chose the salad. It's what she would have chosen if she had been a guest and not a server. Valerie's job was to get the salads on the table and also see to it that the proper dressings were near the people who wanted them. Valerie was successful in getting the soups and salads out. Everything was going as she had been instructed.

As the people finished their soups or salads it was Valerie's job to clear the plates, and then come back and inquire as to what entrée each wanted. There were three choices of entrée. The guests could opt for prime rib, roast chicken, or lobster. Most chose the lobster. 

By the time Valerie got to the delivery of the entrées she was beginning to feel a sense of ennui. It occurred to her that, while she was helping all these other people eat, she hadn't eaten since early in the day. Valerie hoped she could get through the rest of meal without any mistakes.




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 03



She brought the entrées out, and all the guests began to dig in. While the guests ate Valerie passed around the table filling water glasses and offering everyone either a white, or a red wine. Tonight she was careful to bend at the knees and not the waist. She got through the entrées, the waters and the wines without a hitch. 

As the last guest was finishing their entree it was Valerie's duty to again clear the table. She was moving slower and more deliberately now. She was really starting to get tired. She didn't intend it, but once she emitted a slight sigh. One of the guests overheard it and commented to Marcus saying. "Well, Marcus I wonder. Are you working your help too hard? Your girl here seems to be either bored or running out of gas."

Marcus was blushing. He looked at Valerie. "Everything all right?"

Valerie self-consciously replied. "Yes Mr. Burke."

He continued. "Look if you're tired we'll find someone else. We'll get someone from the kitchen to finish up."

Valerie was flustered. She'd been trying hard. The sigh was so slight. She said. "No really. I'm fine."

Marcus concluded the conversation. "Well then go ahead finish the table and get everyone's dessert order."

Valerie was surprised and a little hurt. "She'd been trying so hard. He knew she was new at this. He didn't know how much the damn shoes hurt, or how uncomfortable the collar was. She felt like she was being strangled. He sounded so stiff and formal, so cool, so indifferent, so imperious. She hoped she hadn't spoiled things for him. Her only response was. "Yes Sir."

After the brief interlude with the sigh the desserts went fine. She got everybody's dessert orders, and brought everything out. Most people had chosen apple pie with ice cream. It was her favorite. She wished she could have some. She was quietly pleased that Marcus had selected the pie and ice cream. She daydreamed. They were so much alike.

Marcus watched Valerie as she continued to serve through the meal. He knew she was tired, and he realized she hadn't eaten. This was quite a burden to place on her. He'd wished he made sure a second server would have been on hand. But he thought this is good discipline. He'll only give her a mild scolding, no punishment. She'll get better.

As everyone was finishing his or her desserts Marcus stood and invited everyone into the parlor for after dinner drinks. As he led the group out of the dining room he motioned to Valerie. He told her when she got close enough. "Go to the kitchen and tell one of the kitchen people to come in and serve the after dinner drinks. I want you to stay in the kitchen and get something to eat. I know you must be exhausted."

Valerie heard what he said but she couldn't believe it. She was done for the evening. She was being dismissed. She wasn't sure just why. Was he still ill tempered about the sigh and the guest comment or did he really want her to rest? She inquired. "Are you angry with me?"

Marcus answered. "No. I just know you must be tired. You got up early, served everyone lunch, went swimming, and then you've been out here working the evening meal. You deserve a break."

Valerie wasn't convinced. "You're upset with me because I sighed and embarrassed you in front of your guests."

Marcus replied. "You didn't embarrass me. You couldn't embarrass me. You're too pretty. You're too perfect to cause me any embarrassment. I just know you're tired. Go on in the kitchen, eat something, and relax. Then a little later before everyone leaves I'll come and get you. We'll talk then."

Valerie listened, and was even less sure after his comments. What did he mean 'we'll talk then'. She wanted to please him so much. She answered. "OK I'll do what you say, but if you need me I'll be right in the kitchen waiting."

Marcus replied. "That's my girl. Now scoot."

Valerie liked the affection behind his use of the word girl and she liked the warmth behind the order to scoot, but for some reason, and she couldn't put her finger on it, she felt she was being humbled, maybe just a little bit. 

Valerie went off to the kitchen to grab a bite. When she got into the kitchen all the other help, actually she meant the regular help, were sitting down taking a break. Most were doing what she was sent in to do, eat. She said. "Mr. Burke told me to come and get something to eat."

One of the kitchen girls replied. "Help yourself, there's plenty out on the counter, and more of everything in the refrigerators. Grab a plate and help yourself.

One of the other kitchen girls asked. "We've never met you before. How did you come to be hired?"

Valerie answered. "Well to be honest I was supposed to be one of the guests for the weekend, but somebody somewhere got sick or something, and those two ladies who keep showing up asked if I would pitch in."

Everyone at the kitchen table sat quietly and just looked back and forth at each other. Then one of them spoke up. "You must be Ms. Carlyle."

Valerie answered. "Why yes. How did you know my name?"

Another staff person answered. "We saw your name on the original guest list. Then we saw there was an asterisk beside your name. Now we know why."

Valerie continued. "Yes, I work with Mr. Burke in the downtown office. I was in Data Processing, but recently I was transferred to Human Relations."

The original staff person interjected. "Are you staying any longer?"

Valerie answered. "Not after dinner. I'll be heading back to the city later this evening."

All the staff people sat in silence. No one offered any information, and no one else seemed to have anything to say. Every one just sat and ate in silence.

After about two hours all the kitchen people had finished their work and had gone off to their own affairs leaving Valerie alone. She sat and waited patiently until after midnight before Marcus made his way to the kitchen. As he entered he acted surprised. "Valerie you're still here?"

Valerie said. "Well yes. You said to wait."

Marcus replied. "That's my good girl. Look all the guests have gone home, and I can see there's no one left in the kitchen. Here." Extending his hand he went on. "Come on let's go in the parlor and sit and talk awhile."

Valerie took his hand and together they went into the parlor, and sat down on one of the love seats side by side. Her uniform, still starched and still stiff, crinkled around her.

Once in the parlor Marcus spoke. "Valerie, it's much too late in the evening for you to drive back to city alone. I can see you're way too tired. I want you to spend the night. Besides tomorrow I'm completely free, and I am determined to show you a good time."

Valerie thought about it. She was tired and driving all the way back into town didn't sound very appetizing. She answered. "If I stayed, what did you have in mind?"

Marcus had her hooked. "Valerie." He asked. "Have you ever been horseback riding?"

Valerie answered. "Yes, but not in a long time."

Marcus went again. "Have you ever been sailing?"

Valerie answered. "No, I can't say that I have."

Marcus went one further. "Valerie. Would you like to go sailing and horseback riding with me tomorrow?"

Valerie answered. "What would we do first?"

Marcus thought. Yes he had her. He responded. "What would you like to do first?"

Valerie answered again. "Well I don't know. How about the horseback riding?"

Marcus reached out to her. "Done!" Then he went on. "Valerie, you're a real girl. I mean I really like you. You're special. You're special to me."

Valerie was thinking how good that sounded. She told him. "I like hearing that."

Marcus went on. "While you were upstairs napping today I went into town and got you something. I'd like to give it to you if that's all right."

Valerie sat still saying nothing.

Marcus took her silence for a yes and reached in his pocket. He pulled out a small jewelry box. "Valerie this isn't much considering all the time and effort you've put in since Friday night, but I had to do something. Please accept this small gift, let me off the hook." He handed her the jewelry box. It was an oblong box, so Valerie correctly guessed it was a necklace, but she was stunned when she got it open. She was looking at an enormously long string of what had to be the most expensive pearls she'd ever seen. 

Marcus reached over and took the box. He said. "Here lean forward. Let me put them on you."

Valerie leaned forward and Marcus took out the pearls and held them up. It had to be at least a thirty-inch long necklace.

Marcus spoke. "It's supposed to be a double string. That means, so they tell me, you can wrap it around your neck twice. Let's see if they told me the truth." He took the pearls, unhooked the clasp, and laid them out. He reached around Valerie's neck and pulled the dress collar up. He lifted the necklace over her head and placed it around her neck circling it twice, and last refastening the clasp. He pulled the collar back down, readjusting it. The pearls fit neatly under the stiffly starched white collar. In fact the pearls finished off the uniform. They completed the uniform. Marcus looked at her. "Turn around. There's a mirror behind you."

Valerie turned around. She looked. The pearls were beautiful. They completed her attire. She was fantastically happy. She turned around to Marcus. "Oh. They're wonderful. Are they really for me?"

He answered. "Yes, they're really and truly yours. Are you sure you like them?"

Valerie answered a little stiffly. "Oh Yes. I do."

Marcus thought she sounded a little uncomfortable. He gave her a look of concern. "Are you all right?"

Valerie's eyes were filled with tears. She couldn't help herself. She was getting ready to cry. She had to hold them back. She had to say something. She blurted out. "You're my first."

Marcus looked at her. "First what?"

Valerie went on. "You're my first man?"

Marcus asked. "What nobody's given you pearls before?"

Valerie said. "No. I mean I've never been with another man before. You're the first man I've ever slept with."

Marcus reached forward and pulled her close. He wrapped her in his arms. He said. "We've made love. But you know we've never slept together. Maybe we ought to find a way to complete your sentence."

Valerie was deeply folded in his arms. She was nestled as tightly as she could get. "Marcus, I love you."

Marcus answered carefully. "That's a wonderful thing to say. I want you to know I feel much the same way about you. You've been making me very happy. Come on. Let's go to bed." He bodily lifted her in his arms. "Tonight my dear we'll complete you sentence." He carried her down the hall, up the stairs, and into his bedroom.

Marcus opened the door to his bedroom. He and Valerie both went inside.

Marcus spoke first. "Valerie is it really true that you've never been with any other man?"

Valerie answered. "Until Friday evening I was a virgin. But I'm glad I'm not anymore. I'm glad I gave my virginity to you."

Marcus gave her a warm smile. "That's very humbling Valerie. Let me ask you. Is it safe to say you haven't done any other kinds of sexual things."

Valerie answered. "When I was in college there were guys who wanted me to do things, but I never did. Somehow it just didn't seem right. I always wanted to save myself for someone special, someone like you."

Marcus held out a hand. "Come over here and lie down on the bed. I want you to lie down on your back."

Valerie did as she was told.

Marcus whispered. "I'm going to undress you, and then I'm going to show you some of the other ways men and women can make love."

Valerie knew about the other ways, she'd just never done them. She kept quiet. She thought it was better to let Marcus take charge.

Marcus slowly went to work on the uniform. There must be at least fifty buttons back here he thought, but he took his time. As he undid the buttons he lavished attention on Valerie's neck and her head. He spoke to her about her appearance. "Valerie I thought you looked beautiful this evening. I couldn't take my eyes off you while you were serving everyone. You're so graceful. You moved with such fluid beauty, and the uniform was made for you. You looked so natural in it." He carefully undid the cuffs, holding each of her small delicate hands in one of his while he unclasped the buttons that had imprisoned her wrists all evening.

Valerie loved the way his hands felt. She saw how her tiny hands disappeared in his. He was so strong and yet so gentle.

He rubbed and massaged her. As the dress came down he massaged her shoulders and her upper back. The uniform came further down, and as it came down so did his hands. First he moved to her lower back and then to her rear end. He marveled at the smoothness and beauty of her ass. It was a heart shaped work of art. He told her so. "Valerie you have a beautiful body. Your back, your rear, your legs are magnificent. I can't get enough of you. I've been thinking about you all night."

Those were the kinds of things Valerie loved to hear. Those were the things she'd read about in the many novels she'd bought. Those were the things dreamy men said to beautiful women. This was her dream. She knew better and better he was in love with her. He didn't exactly say it to her when she told him she loved him, but she just knew he loved her.

He leaned forward and kissed her lips. He kissed her eyes and her cheeks. He lavished attention on her nose and her chin. Marcus understood where he had read how big cats in the wild sometimes ate their live young. They must feel the same frenzy of hunger mixed with lust he was feeling right now. He wanted to eat her up. He was careful though. He knew he had to go slow. If he went too fast he'd scare his little sparrow off.

Valerie loved the attention. She loved the way he hovered over her. He made her feel safe. He made her feel loved and wanted. God she thought how she loved this man.

Leaving the pearls on, Marcus pulled off the rest of her clothes. He pulled down her ruffled panties. Down came her stockings and shoes. Off came the top. She was completely undressed, naked, fully exposed. He turned her over on her back. He took a finger and traced his way around her navel. He heard her giggle. He reached out and caressed each breast. Her breasts were firm and pear shaped. Her nipples were taut and becoming extruded. She breathed a deep sigh. She took her arms and tried to pull him down on her, but he wouldn't let her. He knew she was getting hot.

Marcus didn't waste any more time on her breasts. He had other plans. Drifting down to her stomach he kissed his way to her vagina. Her pussy was smooth, like a child's, exactly the way he liked them. He licked her labia lips. Her kissed her clitoris and then he bit on it ever so slightly.

Valerie was so happy. The rubbing, the massaging, the kissing, the licking, and the nibbling were all new to her. This was love. This was what bliss was all about. She'd read about it. She knew this was how it would be.

Marcus continued to lick her puss. He stuck a finger in her ass and she jumped. He pulled it out and went back to kissing and licking her pussy. Damn he thought. He'd almost set off an alarm. He'd better be more careful. She was wet, but he had no intention of using her just yet. He wanted her to experience an orgasm just from his mouth. He could tell she was getting there. Her labial lips were starting to swell.

As he continued to kiss her slit and labia, he fondled her breasts. He discerned an immediate reaction from these additional ministrations. Valerie was really wet. He pushed hard with his tongue on her clitoris. He bit softly into her labia. They were fully engorged now and protruding. 

Valerie started to squirm, then twist, then buck. She was on the verge of something. She was nearing a pinnacle moment. She was there. She bucked, she bounced and she twisted. She let out a low moan, followed by another even deeper moan. She reached it. She was bucking to the point of jumping. She called out for Marcus to stop. She cried out that everything was too sensitive. He kept working her slit and her vaginal hood with his mouth, lips and tongue. She was wailing. She grabbed his head and pulled him into her vagina. His face was covered in her dew. She wrapped her legs around his head and squeezed mightily. She was totally absorbed. And then it was over. She was too exhausted too sensitive to carry on. She shouted. "Stop! You've got to stop! It's too sensitive. I'm too sensitive!"

Marcus continued to slather his tongue up and down the crease between her labial lips.

Valerie cried out again. "Stop! You've got to stop! Oh please! Please! I'm too sensitive."

Marcus leaned back and started rubbing her breasts. He climbed up further on the bed and held her in his arms. He caressed her cheeks. He kissed her tenderly on her lips. He knew right then and there that she was his. He had her, he knew it, and she knew it too. From now on she was going to be his willing servant, his girl, his doll, his whatever he wanted her to be. He had achieved his goal. The next step was to apply his control in more practical ways.

Marcus leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You're mine. Say it. You're mine."

Valerie looked over at him. "I'm yours. I belong to you."

Marcus said. "Tell me you love me."

Valerie answered. "Oh I love you. I love you Marcus."

Marcus stroked her hair, her head, her face, and her neck. He pulled the white ribbon bow free and let her hair fall loosely on the pillow. He took one finger and traced around her cheeks, chin, and face. He leaned down and kissed her eyes, her nose, and her lips one more time. Then he said one last thing. "It's time to sleep together."

Valerie rolled over toward him. "I love you Marcus Burke. I'll do whatever you want. I'll be whatever you want me to be. I'll wait tables for you. I'll carry your drinks. I'll do whatever you want. I'm yours forever."

He looked down and smiled. "Right now I want you to go to sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow." In the softest of tones, like a sweet songbird he whispered. "Horseback riding, boating, lunch, dinner, walks in the moonlight, making love." He let his voice trail off with those last words. He watched as she drifted off. He stifled a chuckle and made a mental note. Yes my little doll baby we do have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.

Together, in each others arms they went to sleep.



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 04



The next morning Marcus got up before Valerie had awakened. He looked down at her while she slept, so innocent, so clean, and so pure. He bet she really had been a virgin the other night, if that was the case, so much the better for him. That meant she'd already made a significant commitment. Everything else would fall into place so much more easily. There was something else that made it great too. If she really were a virgin, then she was all his. Imagine! It was like Christmas, a never been used brand new toy.

Marcus got up, stealthily showered, shaved, dressed, and left the bedroom. Going downstairs he made arrangements for their day. The ladies would go up and dress her while he finished what he had to do. They would start with a morning horseback ride, a short respite, followed by a filling lunch. After lunch he planned an afternoon of sailing on the nearby lake. The breeze was fair so he could handle the small sailboat with minimal concern. It was only a little sunfish. He thought they'd end up with a light snack, some wine, and perhaps a little intimacy. Later in the evening he thought a private dinner, just he and Valerie. It was his hope that, by the later part of the evening the exercise, his charm, and if necessary some special pharmaceuticals, his own private stock, would all induce her to skip work Monday. If he succeeded in keeping her here tomorrow, he'd be able to keep her all week. If he had her for the week, then he had her.

Marcus walked back into his bedroom. He heard the shower running so he figured Valerie was busy. Not knowing what else to do he sat back in one of the chairs and pretended to be reading the newspaper he'd brought back up. She had no clothes so he knew her appearance in the next few moments would be as nature planned it. How appropriate, him dressed, her naked. Him Tarzan! Her Jane!

Valerie turned off the shower and, wrapped in a towel, stepped into the bedroom. When she saw Marcus sitting and reading the paper she put one arm high on the bathroom door and leaned her body slightly forward. She made an inviting sight. 

Marcus thought she looked lovely. What a lovely thing to possess. He said. "Come over here."

Valerie didn't need a second invitation. She walked demurely to where he was and partly leaned partly sat on the arm of the chair. 

He pulled her onto his lap. "Well my little sparrow I have a lovely day planned for the two of us. Are you ready?"

She snuggled up and cooed appreciatively. "Yes sir."

He kissed her on the cheek. He thought nice, nice and docile. "Before we get started there's one minor little problem we have to tidy up."

She leaned back. She was curious. "What's that?"

Marcus gave her a sober look. "You do remember last evening when you were serving?"

Valerie nodded.

He added. "You remember the unexpected and untoward noise you made?"

Valerie gave him an incredulous look. "You mean when I sighed?"

Marcus had to be careful. This was going to be an important step. "Darling." He deliberately used a term of endearment hoping to soften what he had planned. "You know that was a formal dinner?"

She answered. "Yes, but I was tired."

He squeezed her. "I know you were dear." Another endearment matched by an affectionate squeeze. "But it was still a formal affair. The sigh was an honest mistake, but during those kinds of things it's a distraction, and distractions can cost money."

She realized he was being serious. She wanted to get this out of the way. It was an unpleasant interlude she didn't like. It could spoil her plans. This was to be the day she drew him into her web of love. "I'm sorry Marcus. I don't know what else to say."

He pushed her onto his lap and bounced her slightly. "It's OK. But I really think I should punish you."

She didn't feel comfortable with the direction this was going. "Punish? What do you mean punish?"

He laughed. "You were a naughty girl. Not seriously naughty, but naughty just the same. You were a naughty little girl." He deliberately repeated the word naughty, and he deliberately insinuated the term little girl in the sentence. He wanted to put her in a place where she'd be more amenable to his future plans. He hesitated, and then added. "I think you need a spanking."

Valerie gasped. "You're kidding!"

Uh oh thought Marcus. He had to go to plan B. Gently pushing her to her feet he stood up himself. "Never mind. It was just a joke." He said it in an off hand manner and started to walk to the door. He turned around. "The ladies, Hannah and Hilda, will be up shortly. I had them run out last evening and buy you some riding apparel and some other things to wear for today. I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast." He paused. Then added. "I hope what they selected will be acceptable." He turned and opened the door.

Valerie called out. "Wait! Don't go!"

He turned back. "Why? What's the matter?"

She sort of stared for a second. Something was wrong! She responded. "I'm sorry. You can spank me if you want to." She must be crazy she thought. She'd never been spanked in her whole life.

He waved as he walked out the door. "It was just a joke. Never mind."

She suddenly knew it hadn't really been a joke. She'd made a deal out of something silly. But it apparently wasn't silly to him. She'd overreacted. Now she'd hurt his feelings. She followed him to the door. The spanking comment must have been some kind of test, or some affection thing. She knew from stories she'd read men were funny about that kind of stuff. She got to the door. What to do? What to do? She didn't have anything on. She couldn't chase him down the hall. She knelt on the floor. "Master! Come back. I've been bad. I need a spanking!" 

Marcus turned around. She was on the floor in the hallway with nothing on. Internally he thought, this was great! He laughed. "Yes you do need a spanking! You're out here in the hall with no clothes on. Get back in the bedroom!" He smiled and laughed again. "Get back in there and wait for the ladies! Now you owe double!" He smiled and waved, turned and continued down the hall.

Valerie slipped back into the bedroom a little bit relieved. She'd retrieved the situation. She laughed to herself. All men are just boys at heart. 

Marcus went on downstairs. That had worked out better than he thought. 

Shortly Hilda and Hannah arrived at Valerie's room. They walked in again, as had been the case the day before without announcing their presence or asking. One said. "We have clothes for you, and we have to get you ready."

The other announced. "Quickly now into the shower."

Valerie obediently went in and turned on the water. Hilda, she believed it was Hilda, stood at the side of the faucet and started to lather her hair. "Don't you do anything." The lady asserted. "We'll do it all."

Valerie replied. "You don't have to bother. I can clean myself."

The second lady emerged with some bottles. "No dear. That's our job. We'll get in trouble if we don't do our job. You don't want us in trouble do you?"

Valerie smiled and responded. "Of course not."

The first lady, presumably Hilda went on with the hair work. The second she could tell was preparing her attire. It didn't take long and the first lady had Valerie's hair washed, her body fully scrubbed, and ready for dressing. Out came one and the other went for the clothing. They had purchased a very attractive outfit, not an official riding outfit, but good garb for riding. There was a practical cotton bra and panty outfit. A pair of loose fitting jeans, and a relaxed fit button up cotton blouse. They'd also found some good soft cotton socks, and a pair comfortably fitting shoes. Presto! In seconds Valerie was ready for a rodeo! 

Valerie and Marcus met in the kitchen, had a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon, and were off to the barn. Two horses had been selected. A robust looking young stallion and a slightly smaller less vigorous mare were awaiting them. Marcus helped Valerie on the mare, and climbed on the stallion. 

Off they went for a gentle morning ride. Marcus wasn't confident about Valerie's horsemanship so he made sure they took it slow. Her horse was older; twenty to be exact, and well trained so she had few problems. They walked down the path to the woods and cantered along some of the back ways of the wooded area. It was a quiet pleasant ride for both. When a young girl Valerie had taken some riding lessons, and wasn't a complete novice. The horse was a kind gentle old mare, and the two of them got along well. Marcus enjoyed the ride, and he enjoyed Valerie's presence, but he was careful to keep conversation to a minimum. He understood the least thing could startle a horse, and Valerie could be thrown and injured in a split second. 

They meandered down to a little stream where they got off and sat on some rocks while the horses rested. Valerie was the first to bring anything up. "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know whether you were kidding or serious about the spanking."

He answered. "If you had agreed I would have spanked you. Certainly not hard, but only as a tease. Don't fret about it. It was just a joke."

She answered. "I've never been spanked. I always thought that kind of thing was sort of degrading anyway."

Marcus didn't exactly bristle, but he made it clear her comment wasn't appreciated. "I didn't have your degradation in mind. You're a liberated woman. You do what you want. It was a joke, nothing more, nothing less." He got up. 

"Come on. Let's head back."

She knew she'd slipped up again. She knew now he had wanted to spank her. He had meant it. She knew he'd never bring it up again, and more than likely their weekend together was just what it was, a weekend. Later today or this evening she and he would kiss good bye, she'd go back to the city, and that would be the end of it. He might have over stepped himself a little bringing up a spanking, but she'd ruined everything with her stupid mouth. Worse, if she tried to fix things by offering to get spanked now, it would seem like she was trying to appease a child. That would never do. He'd see right through it, and never go for it. If she wanted this relationship to continue she had to think of something, and think of something pretty darn quick. 

As Marcus went to remount his horse Valerie went over to the stream and stood facing the water and away from Marcus. 

He rode over to the stream and spoke. "Come on. Get on. It's time to go."

Valerie ignored him. She kept facing away, and toward the water.

Marcus dismounted and walked over. "Come on." He said again.

She turned around and reached her arms up around his neck. "Kiss me." She said.

He leaned down, put his arms around her and kissed her. Then he said. "OK. Come on. Let's go."

She didn't move, and she didn't relinquish her hold on his shoulders. She puckered up. "I want some more."

Marcus figured it out. She knew what the score was, and didn't like the odds. She didn't want things to end, but she knew there was nothing she could say. She'd punted the ball into his part of the field. If he wanted her, she was still available, but it was his move. Suddenly he realized he wanted her very much. He stepped away, took the reins to the two horses, and tied them to a nearby tree branch. He returned to where she was standing. "You may not realize it, but this is a very special place for me. I used to bring my first wife down here when we were first married."

She had to say something, and if she wanted to hold on, whatever she said had better work. She looked up at him. "I'm glad we stopped here, but I don't want this to be our place just because you came here before." She walked several paces down the bank in the general direction away from the house. "I don't want to be your girlfriend at your first wife's special place. I want a special place of my own."

Marcus really liked this girl. She wasn't just pretty. She had character. It still didn't change things. He knew what he wanted. He'd have it his way, but he recognized she wasn't just another addle headed good bodied bimbo. So much the better! He walked back to where the horses were tied, got the reins, and walked back to Valerie. He handed her the reins to her horse. "OK." Pointing down the creek away from the house. "There's the path. There's the creek. We'll keep going till you find a spot."

Valerie hopped on her horse and started down the creek. He followed behind at a safe distance. 

They ambled down along the bank for at least half an hour. There had been several spots he thought looked appropriately romantic, but she eschewed everyone. Finally they rode into a grassy area between the water and the woods. It was a pretty good spot. Valerie dismounted. She looked at Marcus. "Here."

He dismounted and walked over to stand beside her. 

She looked up at him. "Did you bring your wallet? I brought mine." 

When he left the house earlier the last thing on his mind was his wallet, but he had remembered. For the life of him he couldn't have explained why. "Yes. Why?"

"Give me your driver's license." While he fumbled through his wallet to get his license she pulled out hers. She knelt down on the soft damp grass. They were far enough from the water's edge to be on firm soil, but it was still close enough to be fairly soft. He handed her his license. She started digging in the dirt. After looking at her hands, she looked up at him. "I'm sorry. I got very a thorough manicure yesterday. My hands and fingernails are sore from the reins, and I can't seem to break this ground."

He knelt down beside her. "What do you want me to do?"

She answered. "Could you dig a hole. Maybe down six or seven inches. I want you to bury our licenses in the ground here."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a penknife. He started tearing away the sod and digging into the dirt. Once he reached what he considered an appropriate depth he asked. "How's that?"

She took the two license cards and put them in the hole. She put his on top. She started pulling the dirt back into the hole.

He said. "No. I'll do that." He pulled the dirt into the hole till it was completely filled.

She took the surface grass he'd cut away and tried to push it on top.

He took the grass and finished the job for her. He asked. "Don't you think we should put a marker here, so we'll know where they are?"

She looked at him. She had tears in her eyes, and he couldn't figure out why. "No. I don't want to remember where the licenses are buried. They're here. They'll always be here. This is our place, our place forever. If we never come back, if you never see me or speak to me again after today, this will always be our space. No matter what happens. No matter how many women you date, take to bed, take horseback riding, or marry. This spot. This one spot will forever be ours. She stood up and started to pull down her jeans. She got her jeans and her panties down, revealing a bare ass. "Now I want you to spank me."

Marcus was a damn good businessman, a great horse trader. He could spot a good deal a mile away, but women often baffled him. This time he got it. He reached over and started to pull her panties and her jeans back up. "No." He said as he finished redressing her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. They both sat back on the ground, stark still. They sat and stared at the babbling brook. He took his hand and pulled her head over so that it rested on his shoulder. Speaking in a general way, not to her, or to anyone, he said. "You picked a good spot. This is a beautiful spot, a perfect spot."

Neither spoke. Neither tried to kiss the other, or touch the other beyond the ever-present head, shoulders, and arms. 

After perhaps fifteen minutes, or maybe it was thirty, who could tell. He said. "We both forgot to wear gloves. Let's get back, and have same lunch. Later I want to show you my little sunfish."

She smiled up at him. "OK. I'd like that."

They remounted and rode back to the house in silence. Valerie thought about what had happened. She hoped it solved a problem and maybe helped seal a connection, a connection she desperately wanted to cement. Marcus was doing some thinking too. He had intended that she would be his fun sexy housemaid. Now things were starting to get complicated. The big question. Could he have his cake and? He thought about it. Well yes! Yes he would.

They got back to the house where lunch was already prepared and waiting for them. Both ate hearty sized B.L.T. sandwiches, and washed them down with a cool Coors Lite. It was a tasty lunch. Marcus enjoyed it, and he could see Valerie did too. He also realized the horseback riding was new to Valerie, and she starting to stiffen. He suggested. "Let's go out on the sun porch. There's a nice old- fashioned glider. You can lay back and relax, while I give those aching muscles some attention."

Valerie smiled. "Great idea on all counts!"

They moved to the sun porch. Valerie hit the glider like an exhausted meteorite. Marcus pulled in at her feet where he could get at her legs. She grabbed a small throw pillow and cuddled it to her head. He grabbed her feet, pulled off her shoes and socks, and started rubbing up and down her legs. He suggested. "We can rest here a while, and a little later I'll take you out on the lake."

She responded in a kind of low whisper. "OK."

He went on. "The lake's only about three miles down the road. We'll drive, and then I'll show you this little sail boat."

She answered. "Mm. Mm."

He continued. I don't know if you've done much sailing. I like the water. I've found a small boat on a rough lake is almost as much fun as big boat on a bigger body of water. Have you done much sailing?" He waited for an answer.

She mumbled. "Mm. Mm."

He said. "I guess you're pretty tired?" 

There wasn't any distinct answer, only a low mumbled mumble.

He added. "I think I'll take you out and drown you. Is that all right?"

He heard a soft response. "Sounds cool." She'd drifted off to sleep.

With no room on the glider, and not being tired at all himself Marcus went down to the barn to check on the lawn equipment. He thought he'd' take tomorrow off. It was Monday anyway, and cut the grass. 

It was close to 4:00 before Valerie started to stir. Marcus had never gone to sleep, but he saw how tired the riding made her. He also recalled she had worked all the day before, and everything just might be getting to her. Things weren't working exactly like he planned them, but he was flexible. She'd given away the most precious gift a woman had to give. He figured if she just needed a little more sensitivity? He could be sensitive. Hell, he'd make sensitive his middle name. 

When she did wake up he told her. "Valerie I'm glad to see you had a nice long nap. You really needed it. What do you say we go inside and watch some television until dinnertime? Later we'll just lay back on the living room sofa. I'll find a couple old movies on the Internet, and we can just cuddle."

Valerie heard him but thought he still wanted to go sailing. After earlier in the day she didn't want to disappoint him again. "Marcus I thought you wanted to go sailing?"

He answered. "Valerie you've been asleep for quite a while. I'm not sure you're up to it."

Valerie wasn't going to disappoint this man. Everything could have come crashing down that morning. An hour or two on a lake wouldn't kill her. Besides, she loved him. Pleasing him was what she wanted to do! "I've never been sailing. I'd really like to give it a try."

Marcus was leery of the idea but answered. "Look we'll go out a short while. We'll get you your sea legs. Then sometime later we'll take the big cruise."

Valerie wanted desperately to please. She wasn't going to let him down. "That sounds OK. Let's go out now and see how we both feel once we're on the water?"




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 04



Marcus, who was already dressed for the excursion produced another outfit. "Well if that's what you'd like? Here's a little something the girls got. Try it on see if you like it." He handed her a full-fledged sailor suit. It had a sailor's cap, wide bell-bottom trousers, a sailor's blouse with bow tie, and a pair of low cut white tennis shoes. As he handed them to her, in reference to her modesty he said. "I know. I'm turning my back now."

She smiled and slipped into the suit. It was an almost perfect fit. She thought the pants were a little long, and the sleeves were either too long, too short, or they were three-quarter. She didn't know. There was another cotton bra cotton panty set, all very comfortable and very functional. Once dressed she announced. "Ready!"

Marcus turned around. "Wow! Everything you wear looks like a million bucks! Come on let's go."

Again they walked hand in hand down the steps and out the front door. This time they had to drive to the wharf which was down the road. When they reached the wharf Marcus took her by the arm and pointed to two boats. One was large, and the other was small. He said. "We're going out in the little sunfish. It's a tiny little fellow, but we're staying close to shore, the wind's mild, and things are balmy. We'll only stay out for about an hour. I don't want you to get overtired or sunburned."

She smiled. "Always the gentleman. You're my kind of guy."

Marcus played along. "And you're my kind of gal."

They got in the boat. He hoisted the small sail and off they went. True to his word she did almost no work. All she had to do was ride along and bend from side to side every now and then. The water was pretty calm, and there was only a mild breeze. She lay back on the boat and soaked up the evening sun. "Oh." She said. "This is the life."

Marcus answered. "Yeah. I could do this everyday." Then he looked at her more closely, with a sly grin he added. "Almost every day."

Valerie just lay back and smiled. She wondered what he had in store for later."

They enjoyed the boat, the sun, the breeze, and each other for the allotted amount of time. Then around 7:45 he announced it was time to head for home. They were back at the wharf in no time. He had them speeding back to the house by 9:00.

When they got back to the house Marcus looked her up and down with a little concern. He said. "Valerie I believe you got a little sun out there this afternoon. Let's go back out on the sun-porch. It has a pleasant western view. We can watch the stars on the western horizon. Maybe I could rub a little aloe on some places where you look a little pink."

Valerie felt more than a little brittle. She was starting to feel fragile, like she was coming down with something. She hoped she would be all right. She still had to get home. Tomorrow was Monday. "OK. I'll let you make over me some more."

Marcus answered. "It'll be my pleasure."

He walked her to the sun-porch. On the way they stopped by the kitchen and he asked one of the kitchen people to bring them a tray of lunch meats, some bread, some salads, and a pitcher of iced tea.

On the porch he pointed to the glider. He said. "Down girl."

Valerie obliged him, but she wasn't sure another massage was what she wanted. "Marcus. I wonder if I couldn't take a short nap. I have to get home. Tomorrow's a workday." 

He gave her a closer look. He tilted his head as though he were trying to figure something out. "You don't look too good." He picked up his handy dandy cell phone and called inside. "Could somebody bring out a thermometer?"

Valerie started to get up. "I'm all right. Look it's getting late. I should leave."

Marcus gently pushed her back down. "Not yet. Let me take your temp."

One of the staff had arrived with a thermometer. Marcus shook it down and plunked it her mouth. "You didn't eat anything out of the ordinary?"

Valerie thought back. "No. But I did have a taste of that Beluga Caviar on the table this morning. I didn't like it."

He gave her a very serious look. "I guess not. It was bad. It was on the table to be thrown out. How much did you eat?"

Her ears and eyes were wide as saucers. "I'd never had caviar before. I suppose I tried five, maybe six spoons. I wanted to give it a fair chance."

"Well you gave it a fair chance. The stuff was rotted. Christ!" He said. "Horseback riding, sail boating, and bad caviar." He took the thermometer out of her mouth. "You're sick kid!" He hit another button on his cell phone. Someone somewhere answered. "Valerie will be spending the night. We'll put her in my bed. Please change the sheets, get a big bowl of ice, and put in a call to Doctor McCall's answering service. Tell them we have a case of food poisoning at the Burke's and we'd like an appointment as soon as we can get one for the morning."

Valerie's stomach was starting to churn and she wasn't sure if it was because of the sudden fuss, or if it was something she ate. "No Marcus. I'll be all right. I'll go home and get a good night's sleep and be fine in the morning." She started to try to get up again.

He pushed her back down. "No Valerie you won't go home. You're staying right here. Tomorrow we'll get you to the doctor's, and don't worry about work. I'll put in a call."

She was feeling worse by the minute. He was right. She was getting sick. Still she had her reputation to think about. "What will they say when they find out, I stayed over at your house?"

He answered. "They'll think you were sick. They'll think what a wonderful man that Mr. Burke is. They'll think how lucky she is to have him as her personal nurse. That's what they'll say."

She was feeling achy, and the light was hurting her eyes. She knew the symptoms. She started to cry. "I'm sorry. I ruined your weekend."

He put a finger on her lips. "Shut up. You didn't ruin my weekend. You made my weekend perfect." He leaned over and picked her up. He marveled at how little she was. She was so light. He took his left hand and cradled her head against his chest. Her hair felt soft, fluffy, in his fingers. She had tiny little ears. He nuzzled her. She smelled good, a fresh clean smell. He could feel how warm she was. She felt so delicate and frail. He carried her through the first floor and upstairs to his bedroom. The staff had everything ready. He laid her on the bed. He covered her up with a sheet and light blanket, turned off all but one light, and put a cool cloth on her forehead. He reached into the night table beside his bed and pulled out a bottle of Tylenol. There was a water glass beside the bed. He filled it, put two of the pills in her mouth under her tongue so she wouldn't choke, and tilted her head up. "Here. Take these and drink all the water."

She looked up at him like he was some kind of father figure. Her a little girl, and him a grown up. She swallowed the pills and drank the water. She was all dreamy eyed. "Thank you."

He sat back. "Try to go to sleep. I'm going to lay down on the divan over in the corner."

She gave him a wan smile. "Yes sir." She'd drifted off to sleep before he found the divan.

Marcus stayed awake most of the night. He had a couple good books he'd been working on nearby anyway, and there was the crossword in the newspaper. She awakened twice during the night, but they were more fever awakenings than actual wake ups. He kept a close tab on her temperature by feeling her forehead, and he kept cool cloths on her all night. Every now and then he wiped cool water on her face and arms. He couldn't help it. Even if she was feverish, he just really liked touching her. She didn't have any clothes on. He'd slipped them off right after she went to sleep. She didn't get an old fashioned R.E.M. sleep, but she got some of the rest she needed. Off and on all night he played amateur voyeur. He'd slip the coverlet down and look at her. She had such perfect little pear shaped breasts, sweet little aureoles, and perfect little nipples. He took a finger and traced around one of her breasts. He took the same finger and touched up under her arm gently sliding it down her side. She moved and squirmed a little so he stopped. She had such perfect eye lashes, and her eyebrows had such a gentle, delicate, arch to them. He couldn't help it. He had to do it. He leaned down and gave her some butterfly kisses. It tickled, and he liked it. He realized he was getting stupid, so he got up and went back to rest on the divan. 

Sometime the next morning Valerie awakened. She felt like she'd been in a brawl. Every muscle ached, her head was pounding, and she was dying of thirst. Over on the divan she noticed Marcus slumped down like he'd been in a losing mob fight. She started to tally up the previous day's events, the short circuited spanking and how it almost ruined the relationship, the horseback riding, the few moments by the stream, her finding a special place by the stream, lunch, her afternoon nap, sail boating, the bad caviar and subsequent illness. She still felt queasy and weak. She lifted her underarm. She stunk! She looked back at Marcus, still asleep on the seat. Wow! She bet he'd stayed up with her all night! Gee! It's Monday, she's supposed to be at work. She took another look at the man in the chair. He really looked wiped. He looked handsome too. 

She slithered her head back down on the pillow and studied the man across from her. He was tall, sort of handsome, muscular, and he'd stayed up all night taking care of her. He was a little older than she was, but not much. He had some crow's feet around his eyes. He needed a shave. He had strong looking hands. They weren't heavily callused, but they were obviously a man's hands. He didn't have what you'd call a flat athlete's stomach, but it wasn't round either. Looking at him it was easy to see he took care of himself, but he wasn't obsessive about it. Masculine, manly, but not narcissistic, that was Marcus. He was muscular, but not muscle bound. He had a sharp nose, high cheekbones and manly chin. He wasn't good looking or anything, but he looked good. Not really handsome, he was just good to look at. At least she thought so. She liked looking at him. He'd carried her upstairs in his arms the night before. She'd felt so safe. She knew she wasn't making any sense. She must still have a fever.

She glanced at the night table beside her. There were two glasses of water, one was half-empty, and the other was mostly full but she saw there were still shards of ice in it. He must have tried to get her to drink some ice water, or maybe he'd just put chips of ice on her lips like they do in the hospital. He'd taken care of her. He'd nursed her. There was an opened bottle of Tylenol. She remembered him giving her some. She saw a wash cloth on the table. It looked like it was still damp. The water from the cloth had stained the tabletop. It looked like a mahogany table, not cheap! She remembered him putting something on her forehead. She remembered how good it felt. He had a half dozen people working around here who could have done all this stuff. He'd stayed up, taken off from work, and done it himself, just for her. She dribbled down further in the bed sloshing the covers up around her head and shoulders. God she felt sore. God he looked so damn good. He looked all crumpled. His pants were all bunched up around his waist. His shoes were off, and one of his socks was half off. His Tee shirt looked like it was on backwards. It must have been a tough night for him. Why would he do that? Why would he hang around with her when he had his work and probably a hundred other things to do? Mondays were always busy. He'd stayed here with her. Why did he stay here with her? She knew why!

Valerie felt like she'd been run over by a truck. Oh! She felt awful! She was so tired. She drifted back to sleep. God she hurt. God was she ever in love! Her whole body was one mass of pain. This was the happiest she'd been in her whole life. 

Marcus woke up slowly. He saw, though she had been moving around, she was still asleep. He quietly got up and went over to look her over, an angel, his little angel. He went in to take a shower. He'd take a few days off. He was tired anyway. He'd give Valerie some quality time. Work her over a little, feed her some pills, Tylenol, get a doctor out, get some antibiotics in her, maybe a little chicken soup. He'd already cleared her workload off. A little home grown TLC, and then he'd set her up around here. He still wanted his live in, his little sex toy. She was going to fit the bill nicely, very nicely. He was getting a hard on thinking about it, but that was just going to have to wait a few days.



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 05



Well it was another Monday morning. What a difference this one was from last week's. Last week there was no Valerie in the Burke house, no young woman on the verge of a major life change. In fact, before this Friday night, just two days ago, Valerie had seen herself as just another guest at one of her bosses Friday night parties. She had high hopes, and that was for sure, but she never dreamed, not once in her wildest fantasies how events would unfold. She had certainly gotten a lot more attention from Marcus, her boss and before Friday night her dream lover, than she'd imagined. Since Friday night she'd gone to bed, surrendered her virginity, been, or rather portrayed herself as a maid, and been thoroughly loved. As to whether she'd been loved or manipulated, that was still not something she fully understood. 

Marcus, Mr. Burke, had certainly paid her gobs of attention, but he seemed like a strange one in some ways. He'd definitely invited her to his house, but once there she'd been reduced to playing maidservant, a role that, prior to Friday, would have been completely out of her world-view. She still wasn't exactly sure how she'd been maneuvered into that one. It had something to do with her high hopes and fantasies, her own loneliness, and the supplications of two very sweet ladies, not to mention the blandishments of a very interesting man. At any rate she'd had her life engineered in ways she never dreamed possible. If someone had asked her last week about her being a maidservant she'd have laughed in his or her face. Yet she had not only played the maid, but had played the maid three times, once at an evening meal, then a noon time meal, and then again at another evening meal. She especially remembered the second evening meal. The outfit had been absolutely the most uncomfortable apparel she'd ever worn, black maid's dress, stiff peter-pan collar, equally inelastic cuffs, brilliantly tight white apron with a ridiculously large bow in the back, and cruelly tight black patent leather shoes. She was sure, thinking back on it, that it was deliberately intended to be that way. None the less, she'd hung in, but only to make a minor missive that almost exploded into a major crisis, not once but twice. She'd been tired at the second late meal, and had emitted a soft but discernible sigh. One of the guests made an issue of it, and Marcus didn't let it go. He had abruptly dismissed her that evening, and the next morning had offered to punish her with a spanking. The offer of a spanking escalated into a minor crisis, at least she thought so, and it wasn't resolved, if it had been resolved, until later in the day at a romantic spot by a stream. Regardless, Sunday had seen her rewarded with a nice horseback ride, a romantic interlude beside a creek and a sailboat ride. Regrettably the day ended with food poisoning. She'd nibbled on some bad caviar set aside to be trashed. She supposed she could complain that the caviar shouldn't have been left out for anyone to see, but no one made her try it. Now here she was. It was Monday morning, and she was as sick as all get out. Sick with food poisoning. Marcus had stayed with her all night and had taken care of her. She loved Marcus, loved him like nothing anyone could imagine, and she knew he cared about her, loved her even. Still there was a kind of opacity to Marcus. She remembered when she was a little girl she had an old dog. She remembered how her dad would look at that old dog in a funny kind of way, like he was trying to decide whether to keep feeding it or shoot it. That's how Marcus looked at her sometimes.

Marcus came into the bedroom. "Good morning little darling. How do we feel this morning?"

Valerie yawned and answered. "Sore. I don't feel good."

"Well you'll have to get up in a little while." That was his first response. "Dr. McCall agreed to see us at 11:00. He said if we got there then he wouldn't make us wait."

Valerie replied. "What time is it now? I don't know that I need to go to a doctor."

Marcus interrupted her. "Yes you do little girl. Food poisoning isn't something you play around with."

Valerie yawned again. "So how much time do I have?"

Marcus smiled. It's 9:00 now, and we'll need about twenty minutes to get there. Don't worry about cleaning up. Just rinse off a little. I put a new toothbrush out for you. It's the red one. There are some pajamas in the bathroom. They're your size I hope. You can wear those."

Valerie got serious. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

He quipped. "I'm not being nice. You'll probably get a needle, and I bet it'll hurt." Then he did get serious. "Anyway. I like being nice to you." He leaned over and very gently fluffed the hair on her head. He put his face close to hers, their lips almost touching. "You're my little sparrow." Then he acted like he was lightening up again, but she couldn't be sure if he were kidding or serious. "Besides. You're going to be my sexy litttle maid."

She evinced a little laugh, a slightly nervous little laugh. "OK." 

They went to the doctor's. Shots were administered, prescriptions written, and instructions meted out. Among those instructions was the admonition there be a minimum of seven to ten days rest and quiet. No excitement, no real activity, and lots of sleep and bed rest.

Valerie found herself the guest of the man who'd deflowered and launched her on a path of domestic service. A paradoxical circumstance to be sure, her hero, lover, employer, companion and potential life partner was also the font of her gradual abasement. Valerie, rising corporate star was at home with the man whose ambition was to convert her to maid, sexual serving girl, and common scullery. Will she be able to rise above the subliminal suggestions, the covert insinuations, and subconscious suppositions and bring her lover, her idol to bay. Or will she succumb to the soft insinuations of warm hearted staff, the seductive soft poetic sing song voices of nondescript onlookers, the gentle loving embraces of a man whose plan was nothing less than her sweet subjection, her total emotional spiritual submersion into his personal fantasy. 

For seven days from Monday through Sunday, Valerie found herself surrounded by a cast of loving caring and controlling cooks, maids, cleaners, and of course, her omnipresent lover and prospective puppeteer. Every whim, every desire, every wish, as long as it didn't require her to leave Mr. Burke's, now her, bedroom, was granted. She was bathed, scented, clothed, cherished and coddled. No woman not even the most favored darling in the richest sultan's seraglio, received the attention and care on such a scale as Valerie. 

A masseuse visited every day. Morning and evening supple hands plied and kneaded soft muscles, and smoothed aching calves. To Valerie's secret wonderment ways were found to discreetly intrude into those special feminine places where the slightest touch evoked the most pleasurable sensations and the secretion of warm sticky womanly juices. Special feminine secretions that invariably induced a moist sponginess that became a constant reminder of her ever-present physical, carnal, needs. 

An in house dietitian brought her menus with lists of foods she'd never dreamed existed. Now she got to taste the Beluga caviar she'd dreamed about. Now came the soft breads, rich heavily iced pastries, scrumptious berry muffins she'd, till now, only considered the most outlandish luxuries. House personnel thrilled her pallet with sweet tea in the morning, honeyed milk for lunch, and the most divine ambrosias and nectars, in the evening. Assistants surrounded her, plying her with tasty treats, herbal delights, and wondrous delicacies beyond the imagination. Weight, body fat became secondary concerns, full recovery required calories. 

She had her own personal hairdresser who twice daily brushed, combed, and groomed her gorgeous locks. Her hair was curled, trimmed, thinned, beribboned, and pampered beyond recognition. A stylist decorated her face with mascara, eyeliner, lip-gloss, and pink blush for her cheeks. In the mirror Valerie disappeared, and another person, a youngish, soft, sweet adorable childlike angel emerged. Valerie watched as almost daily she saw the prim businesswoman slowly suffused into a new image. Another visage slowly emerged, the woman, the adult, was being eroded, being supplanted by something new, something different, a child, a young child, a cherub. Still others saw to her feet and hands. Clear polish decorated fingernails on hands destined to never touch anything harsh or abrasive again. A dermatologist guaranteed her flesh remained soft and malleable by washing her delicate skin with the most gentle of aloes and herbs guaranteeing a constant veneer, a gentle sheen that brightened her flesh like she was a freshly blossomed flower. 

Owing to her feverish condition those first days her hours were filled with oral readings. A librarian was called in read to her as a means to while away the hours of inactivity. The stories all had a consistent theme, the strong caring man, the weak dependent woman, dominance and deference, mastery and submission. Her reader had a soft melodic voice that intoned to her beautiful tales that all always entailed voluntary womanly subservience. They were beautiful stories, stories that offered love, security, and comfort. And always there were her two ladies, a persistence presence, there to remind her of her hero, her idol, her God, the deity who was dedicating his every waking moment to her happiness, full recovery, and future well being.

Marcus took the week off. He visited her room three, four, five times daily. He kept a schedule for her courtiers. No moment was to left unguarded, unused. She was to be overwhelmed with attention, spoiled with constant fondling and adoration. He brought flowers, gifts, and he brought his love. Valerie lay back in a thick rich king sized bed, surrounded by fluff and frill. Her attire never approached anything wearable beyond the confines of the bedroom, but what she wore was opulent. Soft silks, velvet and velveteen chemises and coverlets. Beribboned pantalets, soft silk negligees, negligees that were changed two, three times a day. Breasts, aureole, and nipples, labia and clitoris were constantly harassed by the soft caress of the most insidiously stitched velvety fabrics enticing her to drop her beautiful tiny pink fingertips to those hidden special places for a discreet surreptitious touch, tentative scratch, or wanton little rub. She wore outfits trimmed in lace and overlapping soft gentle silken scalloped embroideries. Only the softest, most intricate, most expensive Bobbin, Brussels point, and Filet lace festooned her body. She lay like a porcelain doll in a weltered sea of beauty, attended, flattered, and fawned. 

On the seventh day she was allowed out of her gilded prison, but only to be permitted access to the interior of the house. It was a large dwelling with numerous rooms so the restriction was hardly debilitating. But to guarantee her compliance clothing was restricted to lightweight jumpers, rompers, and two piece pajama sets. Outfits, all loose in construction, with tiny buttons for too wide button holes, or slippery ribbons to be tied but never double knotted, or silly little lace up sides and fronts; things all totally unsuitable for any wear beyond those interior rooms. Everything was silk, soft, and provocative. She was allowed to traverse all the floors, but she was forbidden anything more laborious than carrying a small teacup or a dessert plate brimming with snacks. All real work, such as dressing, cleaning, grooming, was still the province of her aids, assistants, and guardians. 

Marcus had a substantial library, and she welcomed its quiet confines like an old friend, but in the evenings he sought her company and together they sat and talked or watched old movies, mostly romances. During those evenings he doted like an old hen. Careful not to offer any particular physical gratification she might crave, he still conscientiously coddled and cuddled, rubbing strong hands across shoulders and back, tracing masculine fingers up the nape of a soft delicate fragrant nape, or passing a hand across the innermost sides of a briefly exposed thigh. He shared every thing he did both outside and at their place of work, now only his place of work. For two additional weeks from her first release from the bedroom they shared this common schedule. If she grew restless or bored she was never allowed to nurture it. Someone was always quickly at her side, ready to serve, assist, mollify, and entertain.

For three weeks, if one counted the first week of real recovery, Marcus refrained from any attempt at sexual activity beyond his so adept sleight of hand contact. He behaved, though it bothered him greatly, like it didn't matter. It took tremendous resolve, his most determined will, and the stress of the harshest self-discipline to keep from enjoying her, but he had a plan. He was making something, a treasure, a perfect toy, a sexual plaything, a doll, and he was dedicated to accomplishing his aim with meticulously perfect detail. When he finished she would cease to be Valerie. She would be his child woman, his thing, his pet, his piece of fluff, his accessory. He understood she had intellect. He wasn't interested in destroying her mind, only reshaping it. She'd be the same dedicated worker, the same motivated thoughtful woman who buried the licenses, the same woman he loved and admired, but she'd be re-framed. Subliminally she had to learn everything she did had to be dedicated to his well being, his happiness, and her happiness depended on that, and that alone.

Had Valerie known or understood how she was being transmogrified, metamorphosed, she probably would have denied its possibility. She would have refused to believe her habitation of first just the bedroom and then just the house was her cocoon, that she was being remade and reshaped to believe and accept a condition that normally she might have resented. Then again, the soft seductive chrysalis was a uniquely wonderful time. Who knows? Had she been forewarned she might have become a willing conspirator in her own recreation.

At the end of her third week Marcus told Valerie her job at Human Relations was being temporarily filled by a new recruit. Marcus asked if she would reconsider his first offer of staying on as his personal assistant here at the house. Valerie agreed with the one stipulation she be given time to sublet her apartment in the city, put her furnishings in storage, and bring her own clothes out. Marcus agreed to all her conditions except the clothing. He insisted she store her old clothing excepting those personal affects with which she had an emotional connection. In fact, he insisted she bring everything that had important personal value out to the house. But he wanted her to be free to choose and buy whatever she wanted from stores and Internet order houses of his choice, pointing to the fact that his choices would not require her to worry with costs. He wanted only the best for his little Valerie. 

Over the next several days Valerie returned to her apartment, accompanied by movers of Marcus's selection, where her furniture was wrapped and stored. An appropriate lease is drawn up and literally overnight someone offered to sublet. Almost overnight all her personal worries had been removed. All she needed to do was go to work for Marcus at his house, doing what he wanted her to do. To accomplish that end Marcus set up a luxurious two-room office suite in the far end of the house. Replete with the most up to date electronics Valerie would be ready to go to work by the beginning of the fifth week since her first visit that Friday night so long ago.

When the time for her to start came Marcus sat Valerie down in front of her new computer. "Here's what I want you to do darling." He started out trying to be as sweet as he could. "Starting today you're going to be my social secretary. You'll do most of your work from home, but I expect you'll spend a good amount of time on the road as well. As my social secretary you'll be planning meals at home for me and my guests, you'll be putting together outings where I'll be escorting clients and prospective clients to restaurants and various public activities from the theater to sports events. You'll be planning office activities like holiday parties, birthday events, retirements, and so on. You'll also be planning and coordinating trips, trips locally and internationally. I want you to devote your energies to the contribution of my success in all these regards. Do you understand?"

Valerie nodded.

He smiled. "You can expect to be attending in one format or another every single activity you set up." 

She was listening carefully and giving him a very serious look. Smiling, she nodded her head in understanding.

He reiterated. "This means you'll be expected to attend all these events. Got that?"

Valerie nodded. "Yes sir."

He kept going. "That means you'll have to act and dress the part."

Valerie nodded again. "Yes sir."

He smiled and lightly rubbed her ear. "That means, you know, you'll have to spend a lot of money on clothes."

Valerie smiled. "I will."

He looked at her. "You will."

She answered. "Yes. I will."

He gave her a serious look. "Nothing cheap."

She answered. "No sir. Nothing cheap."

He smiled again. "Only the best. Understand?"

She nodded.

He said. "No Walmart."

She nodded again.

He said. "No Target either."

She said. "OK."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of plastic. "This is your credit card. There's no limit." He backtracked. "Well there's a limit, but if you exceed it you'll never know. Buy whatever you want."

She took the card. "I understand. Buy whatever I want. No limit."

He added. "I'll be buying things too. You can be sure I have my own ideas about what you should wear and how I want you to look."

Valerie nodded.

He added. "You are my social secretary. I know what I'm looking for. You got that?"

She nodded, smiling.

He spoke again. "I have clear ideas about how I want you to look and behave. Can you do that?"

She grinned and asked. "I have to go to the bathroom. Can I go to the bathroom?"

He grimaced. "Shit. Go ahead, but hurry back."

As Valerie walked away to the bathroom Marcus reflected on their exchange. He was sure she got it all, and he was sure she would get it all right. He was also just as sure she wasn't taking much of this very seriously. He wanted some kind of confirmation that she understood she was to be singularly devoted only to him. He wasn't sure he was getting it.

She came back, sat down at the computer and asked. "OK. What's next?"

He pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. "This Thursday afternoon and evening we'll be having a 5:00 o'clock martini session followed by a casual dinner. It all should end not later than 9:00. We're expecting six guests, three couples, all married, but no children at the house this time. I'll e-mail you their names in the morning when I get to work. You find out what they all like to eat, how they like their drinks, and the things they like to talk about, no politics and no religion. Get all the necessary alcohol, snacks, and dinner foods together. Set up the seating. Set up everything else that needs to be done. I'll have something picked out for you to wear. You'll act as serving person, and you will eat with us. No before dinner drinks for you, but after dinner you may have one. You will essentially be the lone serving person, but you'll also function as social facilitator and as my significant other. That will entail some affection and some intimacy on your part, but no kissing or anything like that. You're to be the gracious hostess. Understand?"




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 05



Valerie was getting excited. She was fidgeting, not from boredom but from the idea of what he was suggesting. She answered. "Yes sir, facilitator, social hostess, intimate and friendly but no warmth." 

He reacted a little bit. "Yes warmth. No touchy cute stuff." 

She answered. "Got it. Warmth, but no touching."

Exasperated he really flipped out. "No! I want you to touch me. I want you to pretend like we were a real loving couple. I want you to be affectionate and warm, just don't grab anything you wouldn't grab in church."

She turned around and grabbed at his crotch. "I get it. Warm, affectionate, sweet, but no crotch touching." She giggled. "Let's go to church Sunday."

He grimaced. "You know what I want. Make sure you do it, and do it right?"

She giggled again. "No church?"

He got up to leave. "We'll see. It's been a while for me." He strode off in the direction of the kitchen.

She watched him walk away. She smiled, she said to no one in particular. "You're going to church, and you're going to take me, and you will say I do. You will say I do. I do I do I do."

Their discussion about the Thursday night dinner party had taken place early in the week. Marcus e-mailed the names of a planned attendees, and Valerie had no trouble uncovering their favorite foods and drinks. The orders were called out to liquor stores and the food marts, and deliveries were made. By 3:00 Thursday all the pieces were in place. Valerie had gotten the low down on the guests. For the most part they were regulars. She guessed this dinner was as much about her as about anything. 

Marcus pulled in the drive at 4:00. Valerie was there to greet him. "I've laid out a nice casual outfit, blue shirt, tan slacks, loafers, and dark blue tie, matching socks. I think you'll look very handsome. If you hurry you'll still be able to get a shower."

Marcus leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks." He looked at what she had on. "Is that what you're wearing."

"No." She said. "I have something picked out, but I wanted to get you started first.

He answered in the affirmative and went his merry way. Since her bout with the caviar he'd been sleeping in one of the back bedrooms, so there was no competition for shower or bathroom space. With Marcus packed off Valerie went upstairs to get herself ready.

Marcus had told her he would pick out her attire, but during the rush and hubbub of the week he'd forgotten so she selected something she thought he'd like. Already having showered, all she had to do was put on some make up, fix her hair, and dress. Make up was no problem. It was the usual soft pink on the cheeks, pale blue eye shadow, a tad of mascara, and a little clear lip-gloss. Her hair she did up in two braids with tiny bows on each end. She tied the braids off at the back of her neck with another pale blue bow. Next she went to get dressed. Since Marcus was wearing a blue shirt she'd selected a matching blue blouse. It buttoned down the front, small translucent mother of pearl buttons, and had a traditional lapel collar that scooped low enough to give a fulsome hint at her breasts. The blouse was long sleeved, and the cuffs were held in place by buttons identical to the front. The bra she selected was a half-cup semi-transparent item that offered the minimum in the way of real support, but would hold her breasts sufficiently to avoid embarrassment. However, the material of both the blouse and bra was thin enough to allow a hint at her breasts. If she were chilled or sufficiently aroused her nipples might distend enough to cause some interest. She thought, how naughty it looked. She had a pair of equally transparent white silk panties that matched the bra. The blouse was well tailored and came in nicely at her waist. She donned a short mini-skirt; tan in color that matched the pants she'd selected for Marcus. It was a frothy lightweight item with numerous pleats, all very comfortable but just a little naughty, like the blouse and bra. She decided against nylons, and pulled on a pair of pale blue knee high socks that matched her blouse, and finished her legs off with a pair of tan high-heeled shoes. The heels were an understatement, only three inches, just enough to accentuate the muscles in her legs. The last thing she put on was her one and only accessory, her richly expensive double set of pearls that Marcus had given her some weeks before. She looked herself over in the mirror. She thought she looked pretty good, not overly sexy, but certainly pert and sassy. She could double as a servant or the classical housewife dependent on the direction wanted Marcus wanted to go. She went downstairs to await the guests and her employer.

The guests all arrived punctually at 5:00. Valerie was ready. She received each guest as they came up the steps to the house with grace, charm, and wit. She'd memorized the names of children, and asked about them in a friendly interested way. One family had an ailing mother at home under constant care, and she remembered to ask about and comment in a caring but not condescending manner. 

Marcus made it downstairs just as everyone was making his or her way into the parlor. A table had been set out with the appropriate alcoholic substances, and Valerie went right to work preparing and affably serving everyone their favorite beverage. Once all the drinks were distributed she stood to one side and attentively listened to all the conversations. She was quiet, attentive, and unobtrusive. When someone looked like they needed something, a drink, or some cheeses, she quickly, but not hastily moved in their direction making quiet inquiries about any wants or needs. Occasionally she was asked a question about some issue under discussion. Valerie was alert, and ready with a response, but her responses were always noncommittal and flattering to the person asking the question. When dinner was announced Valerie assisted everyone by taking their drinks and setting them aside, and by helping them all get seated. Last to be seated, the last thing she did was to inform the cook everyone was ready. Since Marcus had told her she was to eat with them she'd had a place set at the far end of the table closest to the kitchen. As the dishes were brought in she was at hand to make sure everything went smoothly. Dinner, like the earlier cocktails went exactly according to plan, and after dinner in the den events were just as successful. Valerie had everything in hand from the first car door opening until the last car door closed sending off the last guest.

Marcus watched Valerie throughout the evening with quiet pleasure and admiration. This was, to the best of his knowledge, her first ever dinner party, and she was the perfect hostess. She'd come a long way since that first night in the maid's attire. He reflected on what she had on. It matched what she'd laid out for him perfectly. This was the kind dedication he wanted.

All evening he'd tried to be discreet, but he could barely take his eye off her. The way she walked, the way she was able to talk and communicate without getting enmeshed in some of the arguments was remarkable. Some of the conversations were quite heated at times, and he noted how when Valerie found herself in situations where the least wrong word could have created an intellectual conflagration she was able to extricate herself with alacrity. No matter what the topic, she navigated her way through without taking sides. She never held an opinion, but she always held sway. At every turn he watched as she side slipped an argument, praised a thoughtful remark, or quietly demurred when something could not be graciously responded to. He noticed how prettily she behaved. She was pretty, but tonight she behaved like a very pretty young person, a young girl. When she walked her breasts gently swayed, and when she leaned, sat, or twisted he noticed the enticing way the blouse accentuated her subdued sexiness. That was it! She was sexy, but not sexual, a delight to look upon, but too pure to ogle. Her legs were one of her great treasures. Without nylons one could see their natural shape, and her skirt allowed him to peak at, but not really see her upper thighs. It was mesmerizing just watching her as she gracefully promenaded about the room. Oh what a tease she was!

And her face! There was her hair, plaited in child like feminine braids. To see her cheeks, with their pink luminescent glow! God! Look at those ears, those perfect ears with their delicate little lobes. See her eyes, how those big beautiful blue pools were surrounded and shaped by that voluminous eye shadow that matched her blouse. Look at her pursed lips, that luscious mouth, glistening and smiling and periodically revealing those magnificent white teeth. God! If he could just kiss her, kiss her right now. He thought, would this party never end?

Marcus reflected on the short time after dinner when they all retired again to the den for a few after-dinner liquors. Valerie was Johnny on the spot again filling glasses with the various selections each of the guests most liked. She'd done her homework. But that wasn't the best thing. Once everyone had their liquor and were all settling in on one of the sofas or easy chairs Valerie came over to his seat and genteelly knelt at his feet. While everyone quietly discussed the issues of the day she demurely placed herself at his feet. Her feet tidily resting under her upper thighs with the mini-skirt just barely covering those luscious legs, she casually allowed her right arm to rest on his left leg, her fingertips just inches from his crotch. Twice she allowed her head to softly press against the side of his leg. Marcus noticed the other men. They were impressed. Though she wasn't his wife, and not clearly his girl friend or mistress Valerie had adopted the classic submissive pose a long time intimate would've taken. Marcus found it very arousing, it was just the kind of behavior he wanted. He could tell the other men were affected too, and not surprisingly, so were the women. One of the wives, seated next to her husband on the sofa began to discreetly rub the inside of her husband's crotch. Marcus watched as they passed surreptitious looks. He bet that couple would go straight home, and in fact, they were the first to leave. 

The dinner party was over. The last guest had departed. Marcus turned to Valerie. "Come back in the den. I have something."

Valerie obediently followed Marcus into the den. They each sat down on the sofa recently vacated by one of the couples.

Marcus reached behind the sofa's thick folds and pulled out a box. Valerie immediately recognized it as a large jewelry box.

He handed her the box. "Here. Open this up and see what you think."

Upon closer scrutiny Valerie saw it might indeed not be something that held jewelry. She fidgeted with it, but got it open. On the top of the box she saw he had obtained for her another copy of her driver's license.

He told her. "You're going to need that in the future I'm sure."

Valerie took the license and put it away. "Thank you Marcus." She laughed. "I couldn't leave home without it."

He wasn't done. "The box has other stuff inside."

Valerie dug a little deeper. Yes indeed there were other things in the box. There were three other smaller boxes. They were numbered, and she could see they were numbered one through three by size, the largest being the first. She was getting nervous. Taking the largest box she fiddled with the paper wrapping. It was wrapped very tightly. She got it open. Inside there was another necklace. This necklace was small, maybe twelve or thirteen inches in circumference, but that wasn't it's distinguishing characteristic. This necklace is embedded with dozens of stones, gem stones, diamonds. "Marcus!" She cries out. "This is beautiful!"

He leaned forward. "Here let me help you put it on." He lifted the necklace and reached around behind her neck. He unclasped the pearls, set them aside, and fastened the new necklace in place. He leaned back. "It fits."

She felt the necklace. She was thrilled. "Oh Marcus."

He said. "Turn around and look in the mirror, and see if you like it."

She turned. She looked in the same mirror she used when he'd given her the pearls. She put her hand to the apparel. She looked at him. "This is wonderful. I think I'm going to cry."

He responded. "There are two more boxes." 

Valerie lunged at the second box the medium sized box. It, like the bigger box was tightly wrapped. She struggled with the paper. Her hands were shaking. Finally she got the paper off and the box opened. She saw its content. "Oh no!" She exclaimed.

He said. "Take them out. Let's have a look."

Valerie took out a diamond tennis bracelet. Beside the tennis bracelet were two diamond earrings. She quivered with nervous tension. She was overjoyed. "Marcus." She couldn't get out another word. 

Marcus took the bracelet and affixed it to her left wrist. "This OK?" He asked.

She only nodded. Tears are flooding out of her eyes. She couldn't speak.

He took the diamond studs, each about half a Karat. He opted for something a little smaller, not because he was cheap, but because he could not allow those precious ears to be overwhelmed by over large stones. He attached each stud to an ear. He asked. "What do you think?"

Valerie wasn't able to talk. She looked at the mirror. She looked away from Marcus. She kept her gaze on the mirror not because she wanted to see what they looked like, but because she was too upset, too excited to look at Marcus. She touched the earrings. She flicked her wrist back and forth to see the light shimmer off the stones of the bracelet. She fondled the necklace. She turned back and looked at the man. She was crying, not boohooing, but the tears are flowing down her cheeks. She dropped her head to her chin. She looked back up. She whispered. "Marcus. Thank you. I don't know what to say." Her voice was so low she was barely discernible. 

He smiled. "Still one more box."

Valerie looked at the last box. It was the smallest one. She was afraid. She was afraid to pick this one up. They'd only been in the house together a scant five weeks. They'd only known each other scarcely eight months. It couldn't be. It wasn't. Of course it wasn't. There had been no intimation of anything out of the ordinary. She picked up the smallest box. She grappled with the tape and paper that guarded what was inside. She wrestled with it until she was down to the actual box. She held it in her hands. She looked over at Marcus. He was smiling

He said. "Go on."

She was too upset. This was too much. She put it down on the sofa between where the two of them were seated. She kept her eyes downcast. No more, no more, she thought. Was this the box? Was the content of this box her dream? She was just too afraid.

He spoke again. "You won't know what's inside until you open the lid."

She stared at the box. Afraid! Terrified! This was cruel. Her heart's desire was just inches away. 

He spoke up. "If you don't want it, I can always find somebody else to give it to."

"I want it." Was all she said, but she still let it sit on the sofa.

"Tell you what." He said. "I'll take it, ride down to the stream to where we buried our licenses, dig them back up, and put the box in there. What do you say?"

Valerie reached out for the box. She picked it up. She held it in her two hands. Her hands were shaking. She was shaking. She was shaking all over. She stifled the beginnings of what she was afraid could become a crying jag. She flipped open the top. It was yellow gold! It was small, not more than perhaps one Karat, Tiffany setting, a perfect stone! She couldn't tell, her eyes were so blurry, the tears blocked her vision. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand getting tear smudges on the sleeve of her blouse. She looked over at the man, Marcus. Her Marcus! She had nothing to say. Absolutely nothing could be said. If she tried to speak she knew she would go completely to pieces.

Marcus took the initiative. He took the ring out of the box, reached across and took Valerie's right hand. He slipped the ring on her finger. He cupped her hand in both of his. "You don't have to give an answer. I want you to think it over. There's no rush."

She looked down at the ring on her finger. It was all so right. The ring! Him! Everything! "No. I've thought it over. The answer's yes." She reached, fell, leaped forward into his arms. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! I'll marry you. I'll marry you! I'll marry you!" 

He hugged her close. He took one arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. He took the other and cupped her head into his chest. "This ring is a gift, a free gift. If you change your mind it's still yours."

She was crying. She was borderline hysterical. "I won't change my mind. Never! I'll never change my mind." She went on, blubbering and talking, and shaking. "I'm going to make you so happy! I'm going to make you so proud of me! I'm so happy! This is the happiest day of my life!" 

He asked. "Do you like children?"

She cried out. "I love children! We'll have so many children we'll need a larger house! She started blathering. "I'm going to make your life perfect! You'll see!" She started whimpering. "We're going to make babies! We'll fill this house with children. You'll see! There won't be a scratch free piece of furniture anywhere. We'll have formula and poop stains on every rug!"

Marcus took his left hand and, holding her by the hair on the back of her head pulled her head. "We better get started. I'm not a young man. If we start tonight I'll be fifty-six when the oldest finishes college."

She leaned up and kissed him. That made him around thirty-three, about what she figured. She kept doing the numbers. She'd be fifty! 

 Marcus kept holding her, kept kissing her. He could tell she was tired. It had been an eventful day. She needed to get to sleep. "Valerie I think you should go to bed."

She was crushing herself against him. "Why?"

He whispered in her ear. "No I mean really go to bed, like go to sleep."

Valerie gave him a quizzical look. She reached down and felt between his crotch. "Oh really? You think I should go to sleep. What's that?"

Marcus reached over and pulled her on top. He started pulling her blouse off. She became a willing partner in her progressive dishabille. He tugged at her blouse and bra. She undid her skirt and wiggled out of her panties.

With her completely undressed he said. "Come here. Sit on my lap."

Valerie looked at his lap. He had a hard on the size of Mount Whitney. She wasn't sure she was up to this, but she started for his lap anyway.

Marcus yanked his pants off, then took the girl and hugged her to him. He slowly lifted her down on his erect penis. She was on the dry side, but he decided this time there ought to be some friction.

Valerie felt him very clearly as he lowered her on him. She was dry. It hurt a lot, but the roughness of his penis on her dry vaginal walls also felt good. She hated and liked the feeling both at the same time.

Marcus lowered her on him, but didn't try to do anything else. He just started kissing her. He pulled her close, and just started enjoying her. He reached one hand back behind her, found her ass, and squeezed a cheek.

Valerie liked what he was doing. She put her arms around him and started kissing him back. He was inside her again. She knew that. By being inside her she felt she and he were one person. She glanced at the ring on her finger. Together now they were one person!

He kept her close on his penis without any movement. She was impaled on him, and he was in charge. She was his. He was in control.

As they continued to kiss the next logical things started to happen. They each got progressively more excited, and she started to move up and down. As she got wetter she was able to slide with greater ease. It was tight, but it was a great feeling. She felt the sensation of imminent finality. She didn't try to stop it. When it came she just stopped undulating and held him as close as she could.




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 05



He could feel she was on the verge of orgasm. He was too. As she reached her climax he let his semen fly. It spewed into her like a volcano. Four weeks worth! He could feel her response as she felt it burn its way deep inside her. Then he was done. He was spent, and he was glad of it. It had been an exhausting day and evening. He'd really pondered whether to make the offer. In the end he decided it didn't make a whole hell of a lot of difference. He wanted to keep her around, and he figured she was just about what he wanted. He was getting his cake, and he was going to get to eat it too. 

Valerie felt totally wasted. This had been the most exciting, most arduous, most grueling, most wonderful time of her life. When she thought it was ending, she didn't want it to end. She wished it could go on forever, now it would go on forever. She started humming a little tune, a child's nursery tune.

Marcus heard her singing. He asked. "What's that?"

Valerie said. "Oh. Its just a little song about a girl who lived happily ever after."

Marcus hugged her closer to him. Yes. He thought. This time I might actually be getting the real deal. Time would tell. Only time would tell. "OK." He said. "Time for bed."

She didn't offer an argument. She answered. "Yes sir."

Marcus picked her up in his arms just like he was carrying a baby. He'd already done it before so he knew she was light as a feather. He said. "Come on. It's been a long day. I'm putting you to bed." He carried her up to his bedroom, now presumably, their bedroom. They both needed a good nights sleep. Tomorrow, with all its hazards, would be around soon enough.



 A note to anyone still following along. An engagement is a promise, only a promise. The water may seem calm, but there is an as yet indiscernible chill in the air, the ship is steaming along, it's her maiden voyage, like the pride of the White Star Line. Look out! What's that up ahead 



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 06



The next morning Marcus got up before Valerie awakened. He had her day planned, and he was certain, if things went according to plan, Valerie could be easily managed into a life he would enjoy. So, dressed and off work, plans in order, Marcus drove away.  

Valerie heard a car pull away. She yawned herself awake, and spun around on the bed. She and Marcus had slept together in the main bedroom. She reflected on how they cuddled. Valerie had lain with her back to his chest. He had an erection most of the night. She recalled how it had rubbed and throbbed against the cheeks of her ass. She thought about his hands. She had lain with his left arm under her head, but his right hand had spent a good part of the night toying with her breasts. He had taken his thumb and his palm to caress and arouse her nipples. 

She thought about how much time his hand had spent between her legs. He had rubbed his fingers up and down her slit. He even occasionally pinched her labia together. She thought about how he had used his fingers to rub her clitoral hood and her clitoris. Once he had taken his index finger and squeezed into her ass. At first she wasn't sure if she liked it, but he kept pushing in and out at the entrance to her ass. It started to excite her. 



Valerie remembered how he'd called the crevice to her ass her peach. She had gotten so aroused from his fondling that she'd even had a small orgasm. She had pretended to be asleep after her excitement, and she reflected afterward on how he had taken his whole hand and squeezed her entire pussy. It was like he was claiming her as his. She loved the feeling, and loved the thought of him. 



Holding out her left hand she looked at the ring on her finger. This was the proof she needed that showed he loved her. This ring was irrefutable evidence that he had claimed her, and she was his, not because she loved him, but because he loved her. This ring was her badge of honor, her trophy. She took her fingers and rubbed her pussy, but then thought better of what she was doing. Then she put her fingers back down to her clitoris again. It would be so easy to get off. She pulled them back away again. No. She wanted him to do the touching. When he gets home she wanted to be ready. Shit! She was ready right now. 



Valerie slipped her fingers back between her labia. She tickled her woman's lips with her fingertips. It felt so good. No this was wrong, perverted even. She did this kind of stuff when she was fifteen. She stopped. In her mind she said I'm saving myself for the man I love. She squeezed her legs together. No, she couldn't wait. Back to her pussy both hands went. She tickled, squeezed, and fondled herself for more than an hour. Every now and then it felt so good she had to stop. She'd lay backward and covered her head and face with one arm while the other was still reaching and rubbing her lower abdomen. Then she'd surrender again and take both hands down for some more fondling. Finally something happened. Wow. What a relief! 



Valerie lay there on the bed. The bed sheet was damp with her stuff. She rolled over on her stomach and pushed herself against the bed sheet. Mm. What she wanted to do was touch herself some more. She rolled back on her back. She put the fingers of her hand to her nose and sniffed. She put one in her mouth and tasted it. Yep! Still tastes like salted fish. Why do men like it she wondered? She took her hands and rubbed up and down her chest. She rubbed her breasts. She took her fingers and tweaked her nipples. She rubbed up and down the sides of her face and around her ears. She felt the diamond earrings. She took her fingertips and massaged her head, the nape of her neck. Taking the palms of her hands she rubbed them over her nipples. She took her arms and squeezed her breasts together. 



She rolled on her stomach again and reached back to her ass. She rubbed her ass cheeks. She took a finger and pushed it in her peach! Peach! Ha! Only a man could have invented a word like that! She didn't push in very far. Not far! It sure felt strange. She thought. What am I doing? I may never get out of bed. I could do this all day! Better not.

Leaning up on her elbows Valerie looked around the room. "This is where we'll sleep, dress, bathe, and make love. She could smell his after-shave, his smell. Her smell now too. Her mind wandered. Here are his things, and I'm here with them. This is where I belong. This is what it's like to be happy. Sitting all the way up she espied a folded note. Getting out of bed she went to the table, opened, and read it.

Valerie, darling:

I'm off to work. Call downstairs and ask for one the girls, Hilda or Hannah. They'll show you what you need to do next. Later tonight we're having a guest to dinner. You'll serve. Be a good girl. Have a great day!

Marcus

Valerie considered the content. Get Hilda and Hannah. Get ready to be a server tonight. Be a good girl. Not real romantic! Men were like that she supposed.

It was time to get going. In the bathroom she found all the accouterments she needed. She bathed, washed her hair, and made herself up. She applied her make up exactly the same way she'd been doing, a little of this and a little of that. Using two white ribbons she tied her hair back into pert little pigtails. Behind the bathroom door on a hanger she found an outfit. It included a translucent peter-pan collar short sleeved button up blouse. The edges of the collar and sleeves were trimmed in white lace. The blouse was tailored to fit her breasts and help hold them in place. She thought it wasn't like having a bra, but it was comfortable and did provide some support. She pulled on a very cute looking little baby blue bib overall set. A pair of white knee-high stockings and a pair of pretty little white tennis shoes finished the outfit. Looking herself over in the mirror she thought she looked like a little girl. Then she thought better of it. Actually she looked like a grown woman dressed in a sexy little girl outfit. She sort of giggled to herself. This makes me look like every teenage boy's wet dream. 

Feeling lighthearted and happy Valerie sashayed down the stairs and skipped her way into the kitchen. She was feeling youthful, silly, ebullient, and maybe a little foolish all at the same time. She hadn't felt so good in years. She asked the first person she saw if they knew where Hilda or Hannah could be found. Valerie was told Hilda was in the study, so she made her way there. In the study she found the woman she was seeking. "Good morning Hilda. Marcus said you had something for me."

Hilda saw Valerie come in. Thinking this was about the happiest she'd seen anyone in a long time she answered. "Good morning Ms. Carlyle." Then giving Valerie the once over she added. "My. Don't you look to be about the prettiest little thing south of the North Pole? Turn around so I can see you."

Valerie smiled and gave Hilda a 360.

"You are one beautiful little girl. It's no wonder Mr. Burke wants to keep you around." Hilda went on. "Mr. Burke left some things here for me to show you. Are you prepared for a day in front of the computer?"

"Thank you for the compliment." She started to not too discreetly wave her left hand around in the air.

Hilda looked at her hand and gasped. "My! What on earth do you have?"

"Oh nothing. Just something Marcus gave me last night."

Hilda reached out and held her fingers. "That's beautiful, just beautiful. Does this mean what I think it does?"

Smiling, Valerie answered. "Yes. It does."

"Who else knows?"

Shuffling her feet Valerie answered. "I don't think anybody."

Hilda didn't give her chance to finish. "Wait here." Calling into the kitchen in a loud voice. "Hannah! Hannah! Everybody! Come in here! Look at what we've got!" Out of nowhere a dozen different people emerged from a dozen different places, cooks, cleaning people, maids, the gardener, and Hannah. Hilda pointed to Valerie's hand. "Look!"

One after another they looked at the ring. They checked it out. Hannah especially. They were all impressed and excited.

The cook asked. "How did you do it?" 

Valerie started to answer, but was cut off.

Hilda, always the most outspoken, said. "Look at her! Who wouldn't want to marry a pretty little sprat like that?"

One of the maids interjected. "You're a nice girl Ms. Carlyle. Everyone's noticed how you are. That old Marcus is a tough customer. Hard to catch that one is"

The maid was cut off by Hannah. "Watch it now. You're talking to the future Mrs. Burke, your prospective boss."

Valerie shot in. "It's OK Hannah." She turned to the maid. "Thank you for the compliment. That was nice of you. It is a pretty ring isn't it? I'm so happy. And listening and watching all of you, that makes me even happier. I feel like I'm a part of all of you. I feel like I've died and gone to heaven." She heard someone in the background make an indistinct comment, something about another woman, the woman Rosalind. "Who's Rosalind?" She asked.

Hilda took Valerie's hand. "Don't worry about Rosalind. I know her about as well as anybody. She'll be happy for you too."

"But who is she?" Was the only thing Valerie could think of to say.

Hilda scanned the room as if to warn everyone away. "Marcus can fill you in on Rosalind."

Valerie didn't follow up. She thought about an old novel she'd read as a child. Rebecca, that was it! It had been a novel about a young girl who married a man and moved into a house that had hidden secrets and unnamed dangers. Was this what Rosalind was all about? She put it out of her mind. That was nonsense for high school girls, nothing like that happened in the real world. Still, she wondered, who Rosalind was?

Hilda dismissed all the staff to return to work. She took Valerie's hand. "Marcus left some instructions. He'd have given them to you direct, but he wanted you to sleep in, and, as you'll find out, he likes to go about things in unorthodox ways. I have what you need to know for today, and probably for the next several days." She pulled Valerie into the girl's office suite, walked her to her computer station and started. "Go ahead and sit down. Here's what you need to do." She got serious. "Mr. Burke has left you with five categories of web sites he wants you inspect. The job's going to be tedious and time consuming. He doesn't expect you to finish everything today. Are you ready?"

Valerie nodded.

"OK, here goes. He wants you to examine several web sites that specialize in uniforms for women. You know those kinds of outfits you've been wearing lately. You look at the apparel, select the ones you like, you submit your sizes, and place an order, not for the clothes, for the design. Mr. Burke is sure to have everything custom made. The second set of sites applies to regular everyday and evening attire. He has set out close to thirty of these sites for your examination. You find apparel you like, submit your size and preferences, and make an order. The third group of sites is all for jewelry. They cover all kinds of gems, stones, metals, and so forth. You look everything over. Pick out the things you like the best, and send in an order for the designs. Remember you're not buying jewelry, you're buying the designs. For these sites he's set a ceiling cost figure. Try to stay beneath this amount."

Valerie looked at the price limit she had been given. She thought she could never in her wildest dreams spend that much money. Valerie asked. "Are you serious?"

Hilda answered. "If you don't think it's enough I'm sure Mr. Burke will raise the figure."

Valerie exclaimed. "No. I mean that's way much too much money."

Hilda smiled again. "It's the amount he wants you to spend Don't forget when you buy a design you're actually buying a patent, and that's a lot more expensive."

Valerie stared at the amount. "OK." Then she turned to Hilda. "Who's this jewelry supposed to be for?"

Looking at the ring on Valerie's hand, then looking at Valerie she answered. "It's for you dear."

Valerie sat there stupidly. "OK." That was all she got out.

Hilda went on. The fourth set of sites Mr. Burke has for you to look over deals exclusively with marriage apparel, wedding cakes, bridal dresses, veils, reception ideas, invitations, and so on. Don't place any orders in any of these sites, but do let them know Mr. Burke is looking. Also keep a personal record of everything you like.

Valerie listened. She had nothing to say.

Pressing on Hilda said. "The last category of web sites deals with reference material. He has indicated about ten such sites. Here are three of them." Hilda took the cursor and pointed to the three sites named on the monitor. They were, 'A Woman's Day', 'A Maid's Day', and 'Greeting People in Seventeen Languages.'

Valerie read the names of the sample sites. She asked. "What? He wants me to investigate and study the content of these sites?"

Hilda answered. "Yes. That's about it. As you can see there's a lot of research ahead of you, and you know it won't all get done in one day. Now let me see. It's nearly 11:00 now. If you break for lunch and take an afternoon break you might get four hours work done. Try to wrap things up today by 4:00. Mr. Burke will be bringing a guest home tonight. I'm sure he's told you. He wants you to serve. I'll see you at 4:00 then. Is that all right?"

Valerie answered. "I suppose so." Valerie was thinking along some odd lines. She remembered the offer Marcus made early on about her becoming a kind of full time maid. Last night he'd asked her to marry him. It was all a little confusing. Was she going to be his full time live in maid, or was she going to be his full time wife? She didn't see how she could go the first route and the second route too. She just wasn't sure. Well, she'd figure it out, and if she couldn't, he'd explain it all.

Hilda got up to go. "Well take care. I'll be back later."

Valerie smiled and turned back to the computer. It was going to be a long couple of days.

Valerie started with the reference sites. She was afraid to look at the wedding sites, because she knew she'd only end up day dreaming. It didn't matter. No matter what she looked at she kept drifting off. Even the uniform sites seemed to call her off into a fantasy world. She dreamed about her future, her future with Marcus, Marcus, Marcus and her, she and Marcus, Marcus and her forever and ever. It just went on and on. It was silly. She held up her left hand. There it was. Proof positive. She was going to be Mrs. Marcus Burke. She took an hour just writing her name on a notepad, Valerie Burke, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Valerie Burke, Mrs. Marcus Burke, Valerie and Mr. Marcus Burke, over and over and over again. 

When she got bored writing her prospective name she started writing down names, names for the children they would have, boys names, girls names, androgynous names. She filled up page after page with names, names from her family, from history, from web sites she looked up. 

Then there was the guest list, and bride's maids. She made that list too. Oh! How she wanted to get on the telephone and start calling all her girl friends, old and new. She couldn't wait to tell them, her parents, everyone! She'd gotten her man! She was all morning and all afternoon on her own, her very own, magical mystery tour! Barely into any of the web sites she was supposed to be researching she heard her office door open. It was Marcus! She was pleased. "Why Mr. Burke, aren't you home early?"

Marcus answered. "I wanted to see you before dinner, and brother am I glad I made that decision. Stand up will you?"

Valerie stood up and modeled her outfit for Marcus. 

Marcus took her hand and turned her around and around. "Jeez! You look like a little doll baby. You're prettier than a puppy and perkier than a fresh flower. Look at you. If you were a cookie, I'd eat you up in one bite. Come here." He reached around her waist and pulled her to him. Leaning forward he took her head in his two hands and planted a massive kiss on her lips. "Delicious" He said. "You're delicious." He reached down behind her legs and scooped her into his arms. He carried her over to a nearby sofa. Plopping her down on her back, he knelt beside her and started doing some serious kissing. Between kisses he said. "You don't mind that I came home early?"

Gasping for air Valerie answered. "I don't mind, but can we afford it?"

Marcus started laughing. He said. "I don't know. Let me see what I'm bargaining for." He started to undress her. First he undid the buttons holding the tops of her overalls. Letting the bib drop he peered down at her perky little breasts as they were partly exposed and partly concealed by the skimpy blouse. He said. "Mm Things look good so far." He unbuttoned the blouse, pulled it down and started kissing her nipples. While nibbling, kissing, and pinching her nipples with his teeth he went on. "Things taste pretty good." 

Pulling her overalls all the way off he looked down at her clean smooth pussy. No underpants! He could see she was already moist. Taking his tongue he started licking and nibbling on her labia and her clitoral hood. He took his tongue and licked straight up the cleft that separated her two labial lips. Peering up at her he interjected. "Yummy." Last, taking his hand he started to rub her entire vagina. Moving back to her mouth he planted a long lingering kiss. He concluded his remarks with. "You're scrumptious. We can afford every penny."

Valerie was in heaven. She started pulling his hair. She said. "That's not what I meant."

He answered as he climbed on top of her. "Who cares?"

Marcus didn't waste any time. He was hungry. He wrapped his arms around her, and immediately propelled himself inside her. Moving back and forth with his hips he kick started her body.

Valerie was as eager as he was. Hell, she laughed to herself, she'd been rehearsing all morning. She responded to his every push with one of her own. They rocked back and forth. She was wet. He was big and hot. Together they were poetry in motion. In and out! Up and down. Their bodies worked in unison. They both exploded at the same time. He had penetrated deeper than ever before. He felt that he had reached the limits of her womb. She absorbed the pressure thrusting with uncontrolled pleasure, and when he ejaculated into her she climaxed as never before. She wanted to scream, and he wanted to cry out, but neither was willing to relinquish the lips of the other. 

Breathing heavily, partly from the exhilaration and partly from exhaustion they both lay together, hugging, kissing, and fondling. As he slowly pulled his penis from her vagina Valerie did something she had never done before. She reached down with her hand and let her fingers roll over his manhood. It felt sticky, soft and totally magnificent. She figured the gooey feeling was from her wetness and his sperm. She wondered what it tasted like? She brought her hand up and sniffed it. Yuk! She'd thought about kissing him there, but after that smell she didn't dare. 

After several more minutes of quiet kissing, fondling, and hugging Marcus rolled off the sofa. He said. "Here I brought something home for you. He reached into his nearby suit jacket and pulled out a small box. Opening it he produced a tiny pin. On it were two letters, one superimposed on the other. The letters were V. and B. Valerie Burke. Talking softly he said. "I thought you might like this."

Valerie took the pin. Of course she liked it. She thought it was wonderful. Her first thought was how thoughtful, how considerate he kept proving he was. Second thought, the letters under girded everything that had happened the night before. Third thought! He'd been thinking about her all day while he was at work. He had to have, otherwise why buy a pin? She held up the pin. "I love it Marcus. Thank you." She leaned forward and kissed him again.




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 06



"Good afternoon Ms. Carlyle. I'll be seeing you later." He got up and left her to her fantasies.

Later that afternoon Hilda reappeared to pick Valerie up. She inquired. "Ms. Carlyle, how have you been doing this afternoon?"

Valerie answered her. "Well I can't say for sure. I started off pretty well, but got side tracked. Started is really the wrong word. I worked mostly on the research materials on women, maids, and courteous behavior. I haven't gotten out of that section yet."

Hilda responded. "Well that's a good start. I know you had some unexpected interruptions. Sometimes those things just can't be helped. Right now we have to get you ready for this evening. You'll be our only server. Mr. Burke has only one guest, but she's an important one."

Valerie already knew what Hilda was talking about but didn't want to hurt her feelings, so she answered. "I think I can handle that."

Hilda replied. "Good." Now let's get you upstairs and dressed. You'll be wearing something Marcus picked out. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure it will be interesting, something pretty."

Upstairs the two people, Hilda the woman and Valerie the girl found the attire Marcus had decided she would wear. They laid it out and looked it over. It was pretty, but not to Valerie's liking, not at all. Hilda laughed and said something about Marcus having a way about him. Hilda also advised her that tonight the make up, hair styling, and clothing were to be vastly different from anything thus far, vastly different. 

Hilda helped Valerie shower using a type of soap that gave Valerie's skin a pink sheen. Out of the shower Valerie sat at the table while Hilda got her ready. Her face was given a base coat of an added layer of soft pink, something they'd never done before. In fact Hilda rubbed the cream into her face rather strenuously, and kept rubbing it down her neck and around her shoulders. Her cheeks were swathed in yet another coat of pink only to be finished with several dabs of soft red on cheeks proper. Her eyes were highlighted in their usual pale blue, but their edges were trimmed in more pale red. Dark mascara outlined her eyebrows and eyelashes, and her lips were embossed with a pale red and then covered in shiny gloss. Looking in the mirror Valerie saw a nine or ten year old child, not a woman fully grown. More was yet to come. Her toenails and fingernails were polished in pink, and Hilda even dabbed a little red on her aureole. 

Her hair was treated in a new way as well. Rather than the more typical braided pig tails she'd used before, or the perhaps a pony tail, tonight Hilda brushed, teased, and curled it out, cutting away the longer strands until she had what could only be described as a glorified Shirley Temple. Valerie thought she looked ridiculous, but Hilda wasn't done. Tiny ribbons were tied into the fronds closer to the front only to be capped off with two barrettes. 

Out came the clothes. First a chemise covered her upper body. It was soft, silky, translucent, and offered almost nothing in the way of support for her breasts. In fact the chemise tended to push her breasts inward actually de-emphasizing her breast size. 

The chemise was followed by an equally translucent pair of, for want of a better term, bloomers. They came to just above her knees, were lace trimmed, billowed suggestively at the legs, and were held in place with ribbon at the back. Hilda tied the ribbon off in a double knot, highly unusual, thus making it impossible for Valerie to get at it or undo it. The bloomer legs were held in place by a combination of elastic and ribbons Hilda tied off on the outer side of her legs at the knees. Valerie felt silly wearing them. 

Over the chemise came a blouse, equally translucent, soft sort of fluffy scalloped collar edged in white lace, short sleeved, puffy capped translucent shoulders also edged in lace. The thing buttoned down the front with small pearl buttons and overlarge buttonholes, all very impractical. 

Hilda was just about finished. She drew out a soft white jumper, and helped Valerie slip into it. It was tight at the bodice further reducing the size of her breasts. It had a high cut waist held in place by a four-inch wide tight pink silken belt. The jumper billowed gently from the high waist, and came to just mid thigh where it was trimmed in more lace like the sleeves and collar. The jumper was pretty, Valerie had to admit that, but it was a child's jumper, just as the blouse and lingerie were intended for a child. Worse, the jumper was as translucent as the blouse, bloomers, and chemise. Standing in front of the mirror she could see her legs, bloomers and all, barely hidden beneath.

Hilda had one more remedy to insure Valerie's total humiliation, her shoes and stockings. Hilda helped her into a pair of white stockings that came just above the knees. They were white, tight and though comfortable if such a thing could be considered comfortable they were so thin as to offer no real cover for her legs. Her pink skin could be seen through the stockings like a beacon welcoming the most salacious thoughts. Last came the shoes. They were white, patent leather, low cut, and opened toed. They were held in place by a thin black and silver buckled strap, and allowed just a tantalizingly smidgen of pink polished toenail to provocatively peak through the nearly transparent stockings at the bottom. Like the stockings, the jumper, and the blouse the shoes revealed just enough to spark the most prurient imaginings. 

Valerie looked herself over and cringed. She was beautiful that was certain, but she was not the person looking back at her in the mirror. The person in the mirror was not real. It was a plaything, a bauble, a trinket, a sexual phenomenon, an artwork, but not a real person. Yet there she was. She could see herself in the mirror. It was she, and she was real. Was she what she saw? Who was she? More appropriately whose was she? She was somebody's. Marcus's sexual object, his idea, his toy, his mannequin! 

This creation looking back at her was what he wanted her to be. In order to become Mrs. Marcus Burke she had to stop being Valerie the self-reliant independent human being. Is this what she wanted? She knew she wanted Marcus. She wanted Marcus more than anything. He wanted her too, but he wanted her in a special way. Could she be what he wanted, and still be who she was, or for that matter if she became what he wanted could she be anything? She thought so, but couldn't be sure.

Hilda kissed her on the cheek. "You have a good time tonight."

As Valerie started down the stairs she heard Hilda softly yell. "Be brave! Behave!"

In the dining room Valerie saw who the guest was. It was the woman Rosalind. She was supposed to act as server and waitress for Marcus and this woman, this woman she mistrusted and feared. Who was this person?

Marcus saw her coming and stood up. "What do we have here? Poetry in motion." He turned to the other person. "Look Rosalind. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"

The woman got up and walked over. "Turn around dear. Let me look you over."

Valerie dutifully spun around in a 360.

The woman grinned at Marcus. "She certainly is beautiful. Somehow you always come out on top."

Valerie didn't like the way the woman referred to her in the third person. She didn't like the idea that she was just another great thing. The 'you came out on top' made it sound like she was some kind of trophy, some memento, a feather in ones cap, something one got after a job well done. Least of all she disliked the ways Marcus referred to her. She was poetry in motion, an anything so beautiful. That was the snare. Marcus never referred to her as a person, always some thing, a piece of poetry, a charm, just another souvenir, never as a person. He didn't seem to be able to relate to her as a person, man and woman, it was always man and thing, a beautiful, personable, charming, lovable, darling, adorable thing. 

Marcus looked at Rosalind. "Are you hungry?"

Rosalind answered. "I could eat a horse."

Marcus turned around. "Valerie you can start serving now."

She gave Marcus an extra obsequious look. "Yes sir. Right away sir."

He ignored her. He'd already turned back to Rosalind. "I've been working on the O'Hara deal. It looks close to being finished, and it could be a big one."

The two people, Rosalind and Marcus sat across from each other at the table.

Rosalind answered. "I've been watching that one myself. Get that Marcus and we'll be in driver's seat next month when it comes to the Senate hearings."

Valerie brought in the appetizers.

Marcus glanced over. "Just set them there." He turned back and continued talking to Rosalind. They went on and on about the high stakes O'Hara deal. They munched on the appetizers, and washed them down with beer.

"Valerie where's the salads?" Ignoring any possible response from his fiancée he turned back to Rosalind. "You'll like tonight's salads. The cook invented a new vinaigrette recipe. It's to die for." He glanced in Valerie's direction. "You eating? Oh. And bring us both another beer."

Valerie answered. "Yes sir."

Rosalind looked Valerie's way. "She is very pretty. I like her outfit. Did you pick it out?"

Marcus looked over in Valerie's direction. "I pick out all her clothes." He looked back at Rosalind. "I like dressing her up in pretty things. She is a pretty little thing isn't she?"

Rosalind answered between gulps of beer. "You've got a cute one there. That's for sure. You going to keep her?"

Marcus peered around at Valerie who was pretending she didn't hear. "I'm going to marry this one."

Rosalind. "You are?"

Marcus. "Yeah. Sure. Why not? Valerie come over here."

Valerie heard everything. She was steaming. She walked over to where they were sitting, and stood at the empty chair that was where she was supposed to sit if she ever got a free moment. 

Marcus told her. "Valerie show Rosalind the ring I gave you."

Valerie held up her hand.

Rosalind looked it over. She took the girl's hand in hers. "Perfect stone. Tiffany setting. Matches the earrings. You get them too?"

Marcus slurped up some lettuce. "Yeah. One goes with the other."

Rosalind looked at Valerie. "You're one lucky girl."

Valerie wanted to punch her in the nose. She wanted to stuff a fork in Marcus's throat, but she did neither. She politely curtsied and answered. "Thank you Miss Rosalind. I think so."

Rosalind looked back at Marcus. "Good girl there. Prize catch. Yes. You should keep her."

Valerie was steaming. Prize catch! She wasn't going to make it to the end of dinner.

Rosalind looked at Marcus again. "You marry her. I'll be the maid of honor." She looked at Valerie. "What do you say?"

Valerie tried to be polite. "I'm sure you'd make a wonderful maid of honor, but I have someone else in mind I'm afraid, an old friend."

Rosalind looked at Marcus. "Well. I better be good, that is if I want to be invited."

Marcus gave Valerie a dismissive look. "Go check on the main dishes."

Valerie scurried out of the room before she said anything else. She was really pissed off.

As she walked away she heard Rosalind. "Has a mind of her own doesn't she?"

Marcus replied. "She does. At least for now."

The rest of meal was the exclusive province of Rosalind and Marcus. Valerie slipped around in her little Shirley Temple outfit filling water glasses, handing out and taking back plates, and generally trying to stay out of the way. Neither Marcus nor Rosalind seemed to care. She reflected on her first evening when she was asked to play the maid. She was invisible then, and now, even engaged to the man at the table, she was still invisible.

Around 9:00 Rosalind left to go home. Valerie still hadn't figured out who she was, or what hold she had on Marcus. She only knew she wielded great influence, more than she thought imaginable. She also knew the two of them talked all night and treated her as though she wasn't there, even after having just received a diamond betrothal ring. Marcus and the woman Rosalind had some kind of really strange relationship, but then Valerie considered her relationship with Marcus. What was she to him? Was she his betrothed, the woman he loved and wanted to marry, or was she just some decorated piece of porcelain? 

Marcus approached Valerie after he'd seen Rosalind off. "You were kind of rough on her don't you think?"

Valerie answered. "I don't know. I'm marrying you, not her. Being the bride, doesn't that entitle me to some rights regarding who's at our wedding?"

He replied. "Of course you'll have a voice in the wedding, but I want to remind you little girl I'm not patient with rude or intemperate behavior. You came off a little strong with someone whom I have great respect for."

Valerie was mad. "Who are you marrying? Her or me?"

Marcus shot back angrily. "Maybe I won't marry anyone. And maybe I'll just keep you around as something to play with."

There it was again thought Valerie. Am I a person or some pet? Instead of someone he said something. She wasn't real to him. She was some kind of sex toy. "Look." She was angry. "You always talk about me like I was some kind of thing. Like I'm a toy! I'm some plaything! A prize! I'm this I'm that! But never a person! What's with you?"

"You want to know what's up with you? He responded. "I found you in data processing. You were some little nobody typing on a word processor. I picked you out. I said here's someone with possibilities."

Valerie reacted. "Possibilities? What do you mean possibilities? You saw someone you could shape, mold, re-make. You thought you could what? Just grab me from my hum drum irrelevant existence and turn me into your little trinket, your little figurine?"

Marcus was feeling defensive. "No! No! I liked you right away. You had something, an aura. You were special. Different."

Valerie felt the strongest she'd felt in weeks. "Special? How special? Easy to fascinate, easy to control, easy to manipulate?"

Marcus was getting pissed. "Do you feel manipulated? Did I make you go to lunch when we first met? Did I make you come to the party? Did I force you to take that ring?" He hesitated, regretting the last remark. "The ring's yours. It's your no matter what you decide, for me to mention the ring was manipulative." He wanted to explain something, but he wasn't having much success. 

Valerie wanted to back down. She didn't want to lose this argument, but she didn't want to lose him either. "I'm upset. I thought tonight's dinner would be different. Look. I don't know who this Rosalind is. I thought I'd be treated more like an equal, like a real person, your future bride, not some scullery maid."

Marcus caught the retreat in her tone of voice and comments. He thought he had her. "Do you know how many women I could have? Do you have any idea how many women have been after me, are after me? They all want one thing. Marcus Burke! The great Marcus Burke, and of course, his money. Then I met you. You weren't like that. You were different. You were shy, bashful, sincere. You weren't some cougar on the prowl. You understand?"

She understood. "I understand. You feel like some kind of prize catch, a target. I get that. But Marcus. I'm still a person. I'm real. I have feelings. I'm not your toy. I'm not some kind of thing you can dress up and parade around like I was some prized object. I'm not a bauble I'm not a piece of jewelry." She blew up. "What do you want? A wife, a lover, and a mother for your children, or do you want some kind of treasured pet you can keep on a leash. I'm a girl, a woman, not a God damned poodle!" 

Whatever she'd just said triggered some very deep emotion in Marcus. What it was he didn't know, understand, or even recognize. He only knew he was really mad, out of control. He exclaimed. "I'll show you!" He reached out and grabbed her by her shoulders. He pulled her close, but instead of hugging or kissing her as she might have expected he grabbed her jumper and ripped it down the front. He grabbed her blouse, and with one yank tore it from her body. With his next move he shredded the chemise. Down went his hands to her bloomers, and in another violent surge they fell away in tatters. 

Left only in her stockings and shoes he grabbed her by the waist and threw her on the nearby sofa. In a split second he was on her. He yanked her around until she was lying across his lap. "You've needed this!" He shouted. Taking his powerful right arm he swung down, and with the palm of his hand smashed a violent shot on her right ass cheek. Where the hand and fingers hit it instantaneously turned a vivid crimson. His arm rose and fell again, this time on her left cheek. Two, three, four times his powerful maul fell on her delicate ass, each blow left a vividly bright scarlet imprint. 

Valerie cried out. "Marcus! No! Oh God. Please! Marcus you're hurting me! Stop! Oh please stop!" Her cries turned to tears. He tears to mournful beseeching moans, her moans to bitter pleas for mercy. "Please Marcus. I'm begging. It hurts. It hurts so much!"

Only after he'd leveled an even dozen strokes on each soft pliant little cheek did Marcus finally relent! He yelled. "Would I do that to a toy? Is that what a man would do to a pet? I would never hit a dog. I'd never hurt a puppy, or a kitten. You're neither. You're a human being. I know who you are. You feel like you're treated like a toy. Well guess what!" He shouted. "Boys play with their toys. They don't break them!" He pulled her around and held her close. He wrapped her small body in his arms. He took his strong right hand, just seconds before used to cause pain, and caressed the back of her head. He pulled her head to his and kissed her beautiful face. He pressed her body so tightly to his it hurt her. 

Holding her as though he was afraid to let go he started softly cooing. "I love you Valerie! "I love you Valerie!" 

He pushed her away slightly. Far enough away to be able to see her clearly, but close enough to guarantee she couldn't look anywhere else. "If I call you by pet names. If I say you remind me of something rare and delicate. If I tell you that I think you're like a precious object, it's not because I'm trying to objectify you. It's because those are the only words I can think of!" 

He squeezed her arms and pinioned them behind her back. He leaned forward and kissed each sweet precious rosebud. "You're beautiful, clean, wholesome, pure. Those are rare qualities in a person. I see those things in you. Is it wrong to make comparisons using objects? I don't know. I never thought so. If you think it's bad. Well I'm sorry. Look!" He shouted. "I'm just a man looking for a little happiness. You make me happy. I'd like to share that with you." He pulled her back close, squeezing her so tightly she could scarcely breathe.

Valerie spoke. "But what about the woman Rosalind?"

He interrupted. Whispering into her ear. "She isn't important right now. I'll tell you about her when the time comes. I know you're curious, but I owe that much to her."

Valerie quieted down. "I don't know. I trust you. I'll wait." Valerie could feel his body. Was he shaking?

Marcus grew calmer. "I'll fill you in sometime. Not tonight though, tonight I have some other fences to mend."

Valerie asked. "Really? What?"

Marcus asked. "How's you ass?"

She leaned into his arms. "It hurts. It really hurts a lot."

Again marveling at how little and light she was, he picked her up. "Come on let's go upstairs. I'll you show what I can do."

She didn't say anything. She thought, maybe something had been cleared up. It had hurt, but things had become a little less fuzzy.

While he carried her upstairs Marcus made two remarks. "I'll never, ever, hit you, hurt you or spank you again. I don't hit women. I've never done anything like what just what happened before" Then as an after thought he added. "I know this is short notice. We're entertaining again tomorrow night. It will be a big do. Five couples with children. I expect you'll get everything ready after I e-mail you their names from work. I'll be more attentive tomorrow night. I promise."




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 06



She hugged him close. Her ass cheeks really stung. " I'll get everything ready."

He kissed the top of her head as he carried her up the steps. "You choose what we wear." Then he added. "I love you Valerie Carlyle. I really do."

Valerie listened to his sweet endearments. If he loved her, really loved her, why didn't he tell her about Rosalind? What was the awful secret? Nothing would ever be really resolved till this conundrum was put to rest. She wondered what it must have been like to be aboard the Titanic just before the iceberg was sited. Was she headed for the same kind of ruination? She prayed that it wouldn't be so. 



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 07



Here she was, back in his arms again. Who was she? What was she? What was she to become? Was she his maid? His porcelain doll, his betrothed, his whipping girl? What? What did he want from her? What did she want? What did she want from him? 

Downstairs he'd just ripped off her clothes, rather his clothes, clothes he'd 

selected for her. Then he'd given her a horrible spanking, a real thrashing, afterward he apologized and re-proclaimed his love. Aside from the obvious, that they were headed upstairs to the bedroom, she didn't have a clue where this relationship was going.

Marcus laid her across the bed and got undressed. She thought he had a good, not great body. "Valerie I'm going to postpone tomorrow night's dinner party. You don't have anything to wear, and I think we need to get reacquainted."

"I'm game for whatever you want Marcus."

He lay down beside her. "Roll over on your stomach." She obeyed. He took his hands and started to massage her back and her shoulders. It felt good. After what had happened downstairs his present ministrations were a pleasurable and relaxing alternative.

He lay on his side. Resting his weight on one arm he took his left hand and started rubbing her ass cheeks. They were red from the thrashing. The red hand marks, the touches of blue from rising bruises looked good on her. He wished he hadn't promised never to do it again. Rubbing between her cheeks he found and touched the gateway to her colon, her rounded little light brown wrinkled rectum. "This is what they call your peach. It's a word I think they invented in the harems of the Middle East. If you looked at a woman's ass you'd agree peach is a good word." He rubbed between her ass cheeks. "You would have made a good harem slave Valerie. Maybe that's something we can look into."

She liked the attention and affection, but he was at it again. Now his fantasies were putting her in pasha pants and chains. She wondered what she'd look like dressed as a harem girl.

He took his index finger and gently pressed it just inside her ass hole. "This is your peach. It's a little one. It's pretty." He leaned toward it and gave it a soft kiss. He took his hand and continued rubbing her cheeks. "You have a great little heart shaped ass. It has a beautiful reddish hue right now. I'm a good spanker." 

She thought he was just a little too proud of what he'd done. Valerie doubted if he would keep his promise about spanking her. He liked that kind of stuff. If it hadn't hurt so much she might not mind too much. But wow! It had really hurt!

He kept rubbing her ruby red ass. "I'd like to put a little heart tattoo right here." He pinched a piece of her left cheek, almost dead center between the base of her back and the lower cleft where her ass cheek met her leg. "I'd like to tattoo a little red heart right there and have my initials printed inside. Maybe I could have my initials appear on a little banner that crossed the heart."

"I think you're crazy." The last thing she wanted was to have some man's initials permanently inscribed on her body, not his initials. Especially not his initials! "You want to brand me?"

"I didn't say a brand. That would be way too primitive." He hesitated. "A brand could be fun." He thought some more. "No I think a heart, a small banner, and my initials inside would look totally cool." He was getting into it. "It wouldn't be a big tattoo, just big enough for you and I to see in bed. A pair of Panties or a bathing suit would always cover it." He was warming to the idea more and more. He kissed her ass just where he thought the tattoo could go. "It would be a permanent mark, like me staking an indelible claim." He fluffed her hair. "This babe is mine."

"Your serious aren't you?" She was trying to figure some way to get off this silly subject. "Men don't go around putting their marks on women anymore like they were cattle."

He slathered his hand up and down her back. He leaned in close to her ear. "This man would like to. I think it would be an important gesture on your part." He kissed her ear. "It would be like saying I love you."

Now she really didn't like the direction of the conversation. "Why does the woman always have to be the one to make the gesture?" Looking for a way to get off this subject she added. "Besides. Tattoos hurt."

"What if I told you there's a way to guarantee putting on a tattoo would be painless. Would that help convince you?"

She wondered how she got from no that's a bad idea to being convinced it wouldn't hurt. "How could it not hurt. They jab needles into you."

"Well actually the needles only penetrate the top surface of your skin. If that were numbed, there wouldn't be any pain." He decided this was going nowhere. The seed had been planted. He'd bring it up later. "Look just think about it. You know a pretty little heart right down here." He pinched her ass again where he thought it should go. She jumped slightly. He swatted her ass lightly with the tips of his fingers. She jumped again. "Yeah. A little heart with my name in it would be really special. It would be special to me." He kissed her ass again.

Rolling over on her side she touched the left side of his face. "I'm really tired. Can't we just go to sleep?"

He pulled her forward and lay back on his back so she could rest her head on his shoulder. He kissed the side of her face. "Good night my little angel. Oops!" He said. "Good night my little human being."

She pinched his right boob.

"Ouch!" 

They lay side by side, no sex and no lust, just a peaceful kind of love. Slowly the two of them drifted off to sleep. Her dreaming about how to get things where she wanted them, him thinking about a heart shaped tattoo.

The next morning Marcus, reluctant to leave home, trudged off to work, but he called Valerie at 11:00 and invited her to lunch saying he wanted to treat her to something special.

Valerie got to the restaurant a little after 1:00. Marcus was waiting for her. "I already ordered you a cold Coors and a light Caesar salad. Is that all right?"

Valerie adjusted her skirt and sat down. "I'd like that. What special thing did you have for me?"

Fiddling with the paper napkin that came with the beer he said. "You don't beat around the bush. I took the rest of the day off. Maybe we could go shopping?"

"What did you have in mind?" Valerie hoping to rebut any future remarks about a tattoo. "Not some tattoo parlor I hope."

He caught it. "You'd like a tattoo wouldn't you?" But before she could answer. "No. I wanted to take you clothes shopping. We don't have a lot time before our next big business big party, and I thought we could pick out a few things you might like." Hesitating briefly he added. "Everything age appropriate."

"What do you mean? Age appropriate."

He replied. "Well you're still my little girl when we're at home just the two of us, but I liked your selection the other evening when we had matching outfits. It wasn't just the good taste it was the thought I liked. You're a smart woman with a good eye. I need that. I mean a person with that kind of savvy. That was one of things that attracted me to you in the first place."

Pleased with his remark she asked. "You have me all afternoon. Where do you want to go?" 

They rushed through lunch, left her car parked on the lot, and it wasn't long before they reached one of the better boutiques in town. They went inside and agreed to separate. Marcus went for the sporting apparel for men. He wanted some new boots. Also,since riding apparel for women was in the same general section, he started looking over things he could get Valerie so when they went riding she'd be better equipped. Get her some better dressage. She'd be surprised and pleased.

Valerie went to the ladies section and started looking around. She saw several things she especially liked. Some things she thought she'd prefer, and there were some things she was sure Marcus would like. There was one outfit she wasn't sure of, but had the sales person put aside. It looked like something Marcus would like her to wear at the next party. She'd get it and surprise him. 

The two rejoined in the middle of the store where Marcus asked her if she'd picked anything out. She responded she had, and asked if he'd like to inspect. He said no. He wanted to start trusting her judgment more. It was a welcomed answer.

Back in his car they started to head back to the restaurant. Marcus turned and asked. "Would you like to stop in at a tattoo parlor?"

"Not really."

"You wouldn't want to even just stop in and look around?"

"You've really got a hair up your ass about me having a tattoo don't you?"

He replied. "Well yes and no. I thought it could be cool, but if you feel threatened by it I won't bring it up again."

Frowning Valerie retorted. "I'm not threatened. I just don't think it's something I want to do."

"It's OK. I understand. A lot of women feel that way."

"What way?" She wasn't sure what he was driving at.

"Well you know. A tattoo with somebody else's initials or name could mean almost anything. Some women feel threatened. You know insecure." He stopped and modified his comment. "Feel uncomfortable by that."

"That's right." She said. "It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"OK. Let's drop it."

"Right." She answered. "Subject dropped."

They drove on in silence. It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear. Soft cumulus clouds fluffed the sky. 

Valerie smoothed her fingers through her hair fluffing it out. She adjusted her skirt. "Marcus. I wish you hadn't brought up the tattoo thing."

"It's OK. Let's forget about it."

They drove on for several more minutes. "Tattoo parlors are always in the seediest parts of town. I'd be embarrassed being seen going into one."

"That's not true Valerie. Tattoos have become a socially acceptable part of the culture. Tattoo parlors can be found in even the best parts of town."

"I don't really believe that. You'd have to show me one."

"OK." Marcus pulled the car around and started up one of the streets that led to one of the nicest section of the suburbs. They drove along for another twenty-minutes when he slowed down and pointed. "There you see? This is a nice neighborhood. There's a tattoo parlor, and it doesn't look seedy."

It was a nice neighborhood, and the facility he pointed to didn't look anything like she expected. It was a smallish store in one of the newer outdoor mall type facilities that had been cropping up around the country. It had stylish streetlights, a red bricked sidewalk, and several of the more modern types of specialty stores typical for one of these places. In fact no sign anywhere even mentioned tattoos. There was a small sign that said something about creative body art. 

"See, nice quiet neighborhood, discreet setting, clean all around." He turned the car around and started to leave.

"You really want me to get a tattoo?"

"Not if you don't want one."

"I don't."

He kept driving away from the neighborhood where the parlor was. They were on a quiet tree lined street. Flowers were in the gardens, freshly cut lawns, no sign of weeds or crab grass, no litter anywhere. 

She adjusted the front of her blouse, checked the buttons, and retraced the line of the collar around her neck. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to just go in and look around"

"No. Forget it. I don't want you to have one."

Feeling relieved. She looked down at subtle cleavage that peaked out the top of her blouse. "You're sure?" 

"Do you think you'd get one if you saw something you really liked?"

"If I saw something I really thought was special. I suppose I'd think about it."

"Well OK. We'll go back and look, but just look." He chided. "But we won't get anything."

He turned back around and drove to the mall. On the parking lot, still in the car but in front of the parlor Marcus asked her. "One last time. Are you sure you want to go in there?"

She unconsciously sucked in her stomach and squared her shoulders forcing her breasts against the front of her blouse. He could faintly see her nipples press against the thin linen fabric. "We'll just look around and leave."

"OK." He got out and helped her from the car.

The inside of the store was nothing like Valerie thought it would be. It was immaculately clean. It doubled as a dress and shoe shop and jewelry shop as well as tattoo parlor. She didn't see any big hairy men with cigars and potbellies. In fact there were several stylishly dressed customers looking at the dresses and jewelry. They all looked pretty normal to her. A pleasant looking young woman came over. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Marcus stood to the side and stepped away.

Valerie looked the young sale's person up and down. She noticed a small tattoo on the left side of her neck. "Is that a tattoo?"

"It's what we prefer to call body art. The term tattoo is so yesterday."

Valerie looked at the woman's neck. "It's permanent isn't it?"

"All tattoos are intended to be forever, but they can be removed." She pulled up the sleeve of her blouse. If you look closely, right here on my arm you can see where I had one removed."

Valerie was hard pressed to see the mark. It was there, but so indistinct as to be almost totally invisible. "I don't think I'd ever get one. I mean. I just don't see myself wearing one."

"That's fine. Many people don't have any skin art. I just liked the little decoration I have on my neck. If I ever get tired of it, I'll have it removed. Can I show you any of our jewelry or our dresses? We have a small collection of designer models." 

Valerie smiled at the girl. "No thank you."

The girl was turning to go when Valerie proffered. "Do you have any books with designs?"

"You mean for art?"

Not knowing what else to say Valerie responded. "Yes art."

"Sure. We have an assortment. Is there anything you had in mind?"

"I'm not getting any tattoos. I'm just looking, but do you have any pictures of say hearts?"

"Certainly." The girl stepped away for a second and returned with a large loose-leaf notebook. Here's a whole book with pictures of some of the simpler hearts that people have had. In some cases the celebrity's name who bought it is found beneath.

Valerie took the book and started looking though it. She was amazed at the sizes, shapes and colors of some of the designs. She was also surprised at the names beneath. She expected to see names like Madonna and Angelina Jolie, but some of the other names were quite a surprise. She looked at Marcus who appeared to be totally disinterested. "What do you think of some of these designs?"

He made a pretense of yawning. Actually he was as excited as hell. She was talking herself into it. "Some of them are quite nice."

"Do you see any you like?"

Marcus was careful. He picked one or two he thought were small, neat, and very vanilla.

Valerie pretended to know what she was doing. "They're OK. But if I was to get something I'd want a little more color."

He answered. "Get whatever you want."

Valerie looked at the sales girl. Pointing to a particular design. "How much does this cost?"

Behind her Marcus waved the sale girls off, pointing downward.

The girl gave her a ridiculously low price.

"How long would it take to put on?"

The sale girl looked at the design. She studied it with the eye of an expert. "Depending on the colors. At the outside I'd say." She espied Marcus pointing downward indicating she should give a low figure. "An hour not much more."

"Will it hurt?"

Marcus, still behind Valerie, was vigorously, but silently, shaking his head back and forth indicating the negative.

"We can take a small needle and inject something that will numb the area. We'd numb the skin surface before we inserted the numbing needle. Almost identical to what a dentist would do if you needed a filling. However, afterward there would be some discomfort, a little itching, and you have to keep it moist for several days. Real pain? No. Nothing out of the ordinary. However, most people prefer to not get it numbed. The actual application of the art is noticeable, but hardly painful.

Valerie turned back to Marcus. "I'm going to do it."

He gave her his best serious look. "You sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure."

The saleslady looked at Valerie. Give me five minutes to get things ready. We'll do it back in the application room. Maybe you'd like to come back. We have some odds and ends back there you could look at."

The saleslady walked into the back followed by Marcus and Valerie. Marcus held his arm lightly on Valerie's shoulder. He couldn't believe his good luck. Was she ever easy! On the way back the saleslady turned. "You can wait here. I'll be five minutes."

Marcus and Valerie looked around. They were in another room. This one was filled with leather apparel and an array other kinds of things. This was what one might call the adult section. There were harnesses, but clearly not designed for a horse. They saw corsets, and other outfits not intended for everyday wear. There were head harnesses, bits, even funny shoes that looked really stupid. There were glass-covered trays filled with handcuffs, leg cuffs, collars, and leashes. 

Valerie picked up a pair of handcuffs. "This is a part of the store I would have normally expected."

Marcus held his hands out, palms up. "I didn't know about this. You can change your mind if you want."

"No." She said. "I'm getting you a tattoo."

Another salesgirl appeared. She took the handcuffs out of Valerie's hands. "You don't want that. Here let me show you something you'd like." She walked Valerie over to another glass case.

From the corner of his eye Marcus saw the first girl start to emerge from the back. He held up a hand and secretly waved her off. Holding up one finger as if to indicate just one more minute.

The second salesgirl was getting out a case that held a bondage set. She started to get out the objects to show. Valerie pretended to be interested while the salesgirl went through her routine. She showed her a set of wrist manacles. Six-inch wide cuffs held together with a nine-inch section of gold chain. The locking mechanism was an internal male and female clasp set with a small circular hole where a key could be inserted to lock or release the catch. The salesgirl showed her a similar ankle set, also half inch wide cuffs with an eighteen inch long gold chain, same kind of locking mechanism. Last in the set was a locking collar. Also six inches wide, it had a ring attachment on the front and an identical locking mechanism in the back. The set also had a six-foot length of gold chain with a locking hasp on one end and a leash handle on the other. It all looked very forbidding, ominous, to Valerie. It was something she'd never voluntarily put on. 

Marcus stayed back a little. He could barely hear their comments. He slowly walked over. "You like anything here?"

Valerie looked up. "This stuff is ridiculous." He looked at the salesgirl. "People don't actually buy this stuff?"

The girl replied. "Oh yes they do. This packet I'm showing you is a busy set of jewelry."

Valerie chuckled. "You call this jewelry?"

The girl was serious. "These are things married couples often buy. Sometimes two loving consenting adults try a little spice. If they love each other and trust each other it can be a lot of fun."

Valerie turned around at Marcus who'd finally reached the counter. "Could I trust you with stuff like this?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I bought something like." She hesitated and then pointed. "Like that. Could I trust you?"

He smiled. He reached down, took her left hand, and pointed to the ring. "Does that mean anything?"

"Yes. But if I put this stuff on I'd be."

Marcus interrupted. "I haven't mentioned anything about a premarital agreement. You marry me, you leave me, and you clean me out. I trust you won't." He laughed. "You want that stuff? Go ahead and get it, but you don't have to buy it to prove you trust me."




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 07



Valerie turned around and looked at the girl. "How much is this set?"

Behind her back Marcus gave the downward signal. 

The girl gave her a figure, and added. "This is as fine a set of jewelry of this type as you can get."

Valerie looked at the girl. Even as she spoke she knew she was being crazy. "Wrap it up."

The first girl made a timely reappearance. "Ready."

Valerie smiled up at Marcus. "You wait out here. I'll be about an hour."

"OK." What else was there to say?

He sat down on a bench near a mirror to put in his hour. About four minutes into his wait he heard a loud Ouch! Apparently the tattoo artist had begun work. He reflected on the afternoon so far. He'd gone shopping with his betrothed. They bought some beautiful clothes, She'd talked herself into the tattoo he wanted, and as a bonus she'd talked herself into some bondage apparel. He wasn't into that sort of thing, but if she wanted to try it out he'd go along. Who knew? Maybe he could get her into a harem girl outfit?

Valerie was sitting in the back of a tattoo parlor having her ass carved up. What had she been thinking about? Sure he'd suggested it, but she was the one who went ahead. Not only that, she'd completely lost her good sense and had him buy her chains and manacles. She loved him sure. They'd had a fight the night before, that they did. And he'd spent the entire afternoon paying attention to her. Still was she stupid? She was in for it now. She was being marked with his name. He could show her off now! And with the damn chains and all he could absolutely control everything she did if she put them on. Boy oh boy. Dumb, dumb, and dumber!

When she came out of the back area Marcus was waiting. "May I see it please?"

"I don't know why not. You bought it. It's yours."

Chuckling he said. "Maybe we could go into one of the dressing rooms and you could show me your new body art."

In the dressing room she pulled her skirt and panties down. A large plastic bandage covered the tattoo; there was oil on the outer edges. Trying to reach around to get at the bandage Valerie found herself unable to get at it. "Would you mind?"

"Not at all." He wanted to take the initiative on this anyway. Her ass still looked extra pink from last night's spanking. He was sure the salesgirl who applied the tattoo had noticed it. He carefully pulled the bandage away. It was small, but larger than Valerie had originally intended. It looked to be about two inches in width at its widest. It was colored in a vivid dark red. Across the center of the heart was a blue banner, and inside the banner was a phrase written in black script. The inscription read Marcus's Little Girl. He asked. "Do you know what the inscription on the heart says?" 

"It's supposed to be your initials."

He replaced the bandage over the heart. "It's a beautiful little insignia, small, delicately drawn and painted in. I'm going to cherish it, and I'm going cherish the wearer."

"Maybe I should look at it?"

He held her arms in his hands and looked over her shoulders. They were both looking into one of those triple door mirrors common in a dressing room. She was so pretty. The white short sleeved blouse she had on, with its scalloped ruffled collar just concealing her breasts but revealing her graceful neck so exquisitely. She was wearing her diamond earrings. They sparkled every time she moved. Was it the earrings that sparkled or was it Valerie's delicate, doll like, beauty that made things shine? 

Twenty-six and a virgin until a few weeks ago, and now she was his. Looking away from the mirror and down directly at her head he saw the soft wisps of hair around her ears and the nape of her neck, the genteel way her hair was tied off in a kind of casual but neat pony tail. She had tiny little shoulders. He could faintly see the straps of her bra and her cleavage was an indistinct shadow, a soft valley between beauteous little peaks. 

He looked back up in the mirror. She was staring at him. He self-consciously laughed. "You caught me." He spun her around so that her face was close to his and looking up. He cupped the left side of her face in his right hand. He kissed her soft lips. She tremulously returned the kiss. "You're going to be a beautiful bride. I really like being with you." He was starting to feel silly, like a high school boy. "Come on. Let's go someplace and get a coffee. We'll make plans." 

Marcus wanted to take her outside. He wanted to stand on the sidewalk and tell everyone that walked by this was his girl. He wanted to show her off. He wanted everyone to see him with her, and tell everyone how envious they all should be. He wanted to look at that tattoo again. He wanted to take her home and ram his hardening meat log up her delicate little ass! 

Plans she thought. What kind of plans she wondered. She'd like to talk about a wedding, her future, their future, and a future she wanted to plan with him. He seemed so happy right now, but there was still this enigmatic quality to everything he said and did. She wanted to get inside that head. There was something in there that wanted to block her out. It was like some kind of little guard dog was watching everything, and it growled when she came too close. He loved her. She loved him. For most couples that was all that mattered, but there was something else. Something was inside. Something was in there and she thought it tormented him. Rosalind had something to do with it, but what? She had to find out. This was becoming more and more like a Gothic novel! 

They were nearly out of the store when Marcus saw something on one of the racks. "Look! What's that?"

Valerie looked over and saw what he was pointing toward. It was a rack of clothing, womens' costumes.

"What do you make of that?"

She was in no way interested in anything else in this store. "Looks like a bunch of cheap costumes to me."

One of the salesgirls overheard the remark. "Oh no. Most of those are designer models. Would you care to look?"

Marcus interrupted. "No. My fiancée here has had enough adventure for one day."

Valerie, even if she agreed they should leave, didn't like the idea he decided she'd had too much adventure. After all! It was still her ass with the tattoo, and it would be her hands and feet wrapped up in chains. "Let's see what's on the rack." There she'd done it. She'd asserted her independence.

"OK."

They walked over to the rack with the salesgirl. "What do you think you would like?"

Marcus answered for both. "Nothing."

"Wait a minute Marcus. Let's at least see what's here." Valerie started pulling outfits off the rack. From among the Dorothy costumes, the French maids, the Playboy Bunnies, and sexy nurses she found a harem girl costume. She pulled it off the rack. It was her size. Attached to the hanger was a small bag. Looking in the bag she saw a tiara, what looked like a veil, and a jumble of small gold chains garnished with bells. "The costume looks cute, but the stuff in the bag must be pure cheese."

The salesgirl demurred. Opening the bag she pulled out the tiara. "Yes. This is only costume jewelry, but it's anything but cheap. Those are real stones." Pointing to the label on the tiara. "See! Tanzanite, Onyx, and a couple Star Sapphires." Not the best, but this is where the cost of the costume is."

Marcus gave the salesgirl a cool businesslike look. "We don't want it."

Valerie interrupted. She wasn't going to be railroaded. "Yes we do. How much is it?"

The salesgirl started to give a price, but saw Marcus pointing downward. She pointed to the sale's tag. "This is the marked price, but I see you've made some other purchases. Let me ask if I can reduce the price for you?" She stepped away.

Marcus spoke first. "I don't think you should get this."

He wasn't telling her what to do now. Not after the tattoo! "I think I should."

He shrugged his shoulders. "You're the one buying clothes today."

"Right!"

The salesgirl returned with the good news only the tiara had to be purchased.

At last! With a box of manacles under one arm, and a box containing a harem girl's outfit under another they returned to Marcus's car. He drove Valerie back to the restaurant where she could pick up her car. 

They each drove home separately. When they got home Hannah was waiting at the front portal expectantly. As she explained it the party he'd delayed from that night for next week couldn't wait. If it didn't come off sooner, it wouldn't come off at all. Marcus excused himself and went to his study. This put a modest, not serious, crimp on a lot of things, but he knew it could be managed. He had to call Rosalind, get Valerie on the right page, and call the bank. It wouldn't be a rush job, but it would be hurried. All the participants had to be on board. If that meant sooner, then sooner it was.

He made a beeline for his study, put in the necessary calls, and got the wheels in motion. Today was Tuesday. If everything went according to the new plan all would be in place for Friday night. That meant the couples with children wouldn't have to worry about it being a school night, so much the better. A well-planned meal, mutually beneficial business deal, and happy children always meant good things for the future, and this was a big deal. This was the O'Hara deal. It didn't just mean big money for the family. It meant job security for hundreds of employees, and it meant clout when the State Senate went into session after Christmas.

Marcus suggested they eat out on the sun porch that evening. It would be quiet and private. He also had other plans. The sun porch, though still only screened in, had a large comfortable divan, several large futons, a magnificent overhead fan, a wet bar, and a nice thirty-two inch television. He asked one of the housekeepers to find some thick comforters that could be thrown around on the floor. 

He took an early shower and slipped down to the sun porch. He carried with him a box containing an interesting set of wearing apparel, and another box that made a metallic clink if one jounced it. Tonight, for one night, he would be the sultan, and Valerie his Scheherazade. 

Valerie got the message he wanted to eat on the porch. She cleaned up and put on a simple sheath dress. It was arm-less and came to mid-thigh, made totally for comfort. When she reached the porch Marcus was waiting." I brought down the things we bought today. I thought maybe you'd like to try them on."

She knew things were too good to be true. She was set for a relaxed evening, maybe a little television. She was not equipped for a night of role playing with her being the slave girl and him the sheik. "I didn't put any make on or anything." That was her only defense.

"Oh don't worry. You look more beautiful without make up. Here. I'd like to see what we bought today."

She had no choice really. She'd been the one who'd chosen the harem dress, and it had been her decision to buy the other stuff. "OK. Where is it?"

He put both boxes on the floor. "I suppose you ought to put on the dress first."

Valerie opened the dress box and pulled out its content. It wasn't a dress at all, only a few layers of soft silk. She slipped off her sheath and started to put the outfit on. 

There was a pair of silken panties. Probably loose for a harem girl, or loose in terms of the pictures of harem girls she'd seen. They came up around her hips but were well below her waistline. The legs of the panties were loose and comfortable, more like tap panties. They were ruffled around the hem, and held in place by a thin ribbon she tied off at the front. There were three little gold buttons up the front. 

Next came a harem girl's vest. She slipped it through her arms and buttoned up the front. Her breasts were too small for the top, but glancing at Marcus, that didn't seem to be bothering him. The vest, like the panties were trimmed with thin ruffles, and the tiny buttons in front were gold. Both panties and vest were dark red, more maroon than red. In both cases all the stitching was with gold thread that seemed to emphasize her sexuality.

Next came a thin swath of transparent silk that was like a really short mini dress. She put her arms through and tied if off loosely at the waist. It drifted down to just where her crotch met her legs. It was long sleeved, and it had to be tied off at each wrist.

There was a pair of harem slacks too. These were affixed to the panties with an elegantly thin gold chain that she had to weave through several tiny holes in the waistband of the panties. The leggings were transparent like the mini dress top, and each leg had to be tied off at an ankle with microscopically thin threads of ribbon. 

Next she found the tiara and placed it in her hair. There was a transparent veil she attached to the tiara and used to cover her face. It went from one side of the tiara across her face just below her eyes to the other side. If she'd been wearing make up she'd bet she'd be really exotic looking. 

The last things in the box were the thin golden strands of chain. None of the chains was more than two or three inches long, but each strand had a small golden bell attached to one end. A picture inside the box indicated where each thin chain was to go. One was attached to each side of her veil, and one was attached to each wrist so that they dangled slightly. More of these tinkling little bells were meant to be attached to the edges of her panties, and one tiny bell was left to be affixed to a minuscule metallic ring that she found in the seam of the crotch of the panties on the outer side from her vagina. Two tiny earrings, equipped with dainty little bells had to be hooked through her ear lobes. 

A last thin strand of bell-laden chain was to be used to encircle her waist. As soon as she had all the pieces in place she realized it was impossible for her to move without the sound of softly tinkling tiny little bells. Even the slightest little movement resulted in a soft tintinnabulation, a gentle rolling of tiny jingling bells, a sweet delicate, always faint but discernible, melodic tune. Her every movement had become a faint cacophony of lyrical little noises. 

With the harem costume on Valerie reached for the second box. Marcus stopped her. "Let's save the shackles for later."

She didn't like his use of the word shackles. It conjured up something she never intended. She was glad he wanted to put them aside. She slid the box of manacles under the divan. "How do you like your harem slave girl?" Her every word was accented by the soft sounds of the bells.

He strolled over to the divan and sat down. "Come over here and kneel on the floor in front of me." 

She understood he was deep inside some personal fantasy. She abetted his other-worldly state by slowly flowing toward the divan and in her most genteel manner knelt elegantly on the floor before him. 

Marcus watched and listened to her as she seemed to float toward him. The bells around her wrists, ankles, waist, and at her ears and vagina were akin to a soft melodious symphony, a reminder that she was his. He thought of a house cat he and his sister once owned when they were children. That cat had a collar with bells. 

As Valerie sort of jingled her way over he thought of that cat. That cat was a lot of fun, but it was just a cat. One day it got run over by a car. It was sad, but hardly a tragedy. He gave Valerie a closer, more considerate, look. She sure sounded like a sweet little song, what with the bells a jingling and jangling, but she certainly wasn't some collared house cat. It was a cool fantasy having a tinkling jingling little slave girl, but this was Valerie, the girl he'd been enamored of at work, the girl who'd indulged so many of his little foibles. Was he crazy? She should be at Sach's Fifth Avenue buying mink, not flitting across the porch trying to please his childish conjuring. He realized he had to turn this around.

Kneeling at his feet she cast her eyes upward, giving her best Bambi impression. She placed her fingertips on his knees. She murmured, in her best Maureen O'Hara. "Here I am master."

He leaned down and gave her a kiss, not on the lips where she was expecting, but on her forehead. 

She looked up at him. "What in the hell was that?"

He broke into laughter. His laughter kept getting louder, like a snowball rolling down a hill. He pulled her up on his lap. He took a finger and titillated her left breast causing her to reflexively quiver inducing another wave of tinkling and jingling. He kept laughing, smiling at the obviously embarrassed and self-conscious young woman on his lap. "You sure are a symphony now! A real orchestra!" Then he stopped laughing almost as quickly as he'd started. His demeanor changed. "I think you've had enough. I like the little girl, the pliant submissive maid, but this is totally too much." He gave her a real kiss. "Now. Let's get you out of this stuff?"

She hadn't been laughing when he was, and she wasn't laughing now. "You have to decide what you want from me. Do you want a slave girl, a maid, a little girl, or what?"

He kissed her again and again. "I don't want a slave girl. I don't want a maid. I don't want a little girl. I want you. I want you for my wife."

She clasped her arms around him. "That you've got." While she spoke, deep down in one of the most secret compartments of her heart she heard a faint little voice. Barely discernible it whispered. It whispered one soft poignant word. Finally!

Together they spent the next several minutes disassembling her costume. It soon lay strewn all over the porch floor. 

He held her in his arms. He kissed all over her face. He ran his fingers through her hair. Her cupped the back of her head in his hands and proceeded to nestle his face between her breasts. He rubbed his hands up and down her back. He squeezed her rosy red tattooed ass. She clung to him and reciprocated his every motion, his every caress, all his touches and groping with commensurate movements of her. But mostly she listened, for his every touch, every kiss, every pinch, rub, fondling movement was accompanied with the same phrase over and over and over again. "I love you Valerie Carlyle. I love you Valerie Carlyle. I love you. I love you. I love you." He started blubbering. Him! "Be my wife. Share my life. Never leave me. I love you so much."

She loved him too. She didn't say anything. She knew he knew. She just responded, and all the while tears streamed down her cheeks, and this time his cheeks too. Tears of love. Tears of joy. Tears of happiness. The sex this night was incidental. Tonight something far bigger, far more meaningful, more profound had occurred, a bridge had been crossed. They'd crossed it together. She didn't know where she was going. It was going to be a long road. She did not know what the future held, but whatever it was, she knew he and she would travel that road together.

They never did have dinner that night. Food wasn't on the venue. Happiness was the entrée this night of nights.

Meanwhile, in an office in another part of town, a woman was making telephone calls. Dressed in a dark business suit, pen in hand, clipboard on the table, Rosalind was making final preparation for Friday night's dinner. It was an important affair. Millions of dollars might change hands. It would be a critically important event. Nothing could be left to chance. There was no margin for error. It would be a night to remember. 



Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 08



Things were shaping up. All week since the harem girl night Marcus had been the perfect gentleman. They'd met for lunch twice, and on the second occasion he'd invited her old Human Relations boss and some of the clerical staff. Valerie got to wave her ring around under everybody's noses. Since the big dinner was scheduled for Friday Marcus begged off on an active Saturday, but he promised to take her to New York the next weekend to catch a play. She had to pick the play. He wanted to buy her a new car, but she demurred saying she had her own old Honda Civic plus the SUV she'd been driving. He said OK, but she didn't believe him since she'd seen a Lexus brochure in his den. 

It was like everything that had gone wrong before was suddenly going right. He was so attentive and considerate, and the two times he'd taken her to lunch he'd acted damn proud. He was showing her off, and quite honestly, she liked it. At the first lunch date he even called across the dining room for an acquaintance to come over. He introduced her as his future wife, and insisted she display her ring as proof. It was a little awkward, and a little bit embarrassing, but she liked it anyway. Everything was going perfectly. There was only the thing about Rosalind. He didn't bring it up, and neither did she. 

There was one other mildly disquieting concern, and she didn't dare bring it up with Marcus. Ever since she was fourteen she'd been just about as regular regarding some things as Old Faithful. That highly dependable regularity had always included her menstrual cycle. It had been five weeks since her first evening with Marcus, and she was three weeks into her cycle then. That made eight weeks, two months! She should have done something by now, but so far nothing. In the morning's she hadn't been sick or anything, at least not yet, but she was starting to feel a little off her oats. She thought she'd wait a couple more weeks to see what happened. Meanwhile there was the Friday night dinner party, and she had her part to play.

For her part Valerie put together the guests list, seating arrangements, and eating provisions with matchless efficiency. There were going to be a lot of children at the dinner. She set a separate table aside in a nearby room where she, Hilda, and one favored maid would concentrate on keeping them happy. The children's ages ranged from five to thirteen. It was quite a melange, but she was confident she could handle it. There were two with allergies whose food supplies that had to be managed. Well actually one child had an allergy and there was one with a food tolerance problem. She'd never known there was a difference until now. The allergy had to do with eggs, actually egg whites, while the tolerance problem was related to lactose and that meant milk.

Since the children would be seated separately, and she'd be close by if not at the table the whole time, she planned a simple coded format. The five normally healthy children would eat off the same standardized china plates the adults would use. So would the plates of the allergic and tolerance child, but they're plates would be discreetly labeled; the egg child's plate would be earmarked with a small yellow plastic snap, not more than a quarter inch in size. The milk intolerant child's plate would be marked the same way but with a blue snap. She would make sure the maid, Hilda, and both mothers would know the code. 

All the children would eat the same foods. There was to be only one exception. They would all get a portion of tenderloin, some mashed potatoes, fresh tomatoes, iced tea to drink, and a fruit plate for dessert. But just to be on the safest of safe sides, the little lactose intolerant girl would get French fries, since Valerie had checked and found out, only at the very last minute, they were using instant mashed potatoes with the children. It was a tacky decision using instants, but too late to change, excepting for the one little girl.

Valerie left nothing to chance. Some of the adults would have lobster or some other kind of shell fish, some had opted for a specially prepared roasted chicken, and a few selected prime-rib. None of these foods went to the children's table. Nothing could be left to chance, right down to the decision to serve iced tea instead of milk. 

The evening of the dinner was upon them. Marcus had left their choice of clothing in her hands and she'd outdone herself. Marcus was attired in a dark blue suit, starched white shirt, dark blue tie, and a pair of manly looking suspenders. Valerie had picked out a matching dark blue dress. It was short sleeved and had a narrowly scooped angular neckline that gave a hint of cleavage. The hem came to just above her knees. She wore dark blue high-heeled shoes with a pair of matching dark nylons. Knowing Marcus had a modest fetish about domestic attire she'd arranged that the cuffs of the sleeves and the edges of her collar would be sculpted with some ruffled trim. The ruffles were a tiny part of the dress, but they did hint at the illusion of her being something of a serving girl or maid. The affect was minimalist, but Marcus noticed it immediately. She could tell by the big smile. 

The guests started to show. Coats, hats, and shawls were placed in the foyer. Before dinner drinks were provided the adults while the children were given the opportunity to engage in a raft of activities she'd planned. The older children, thankfully being girls, hung with the adults and pretended to be involved with their conversations. 

Everything went according to plan.

Dinner was served! Valerie ushered the guests into the dining area, and briefly retreated to the children's dining area to help Hilda and the maid with seating and food dissemination. That's when the first signs of trouble emerged. During the pre-dinner entertainment social groupings emerged among the children. Now they wanted to sit according their new preferences. It meant some shifting, but nothing noteworthy. However, to be on the safe side Valerie told Marcus that she'd stay with the children while they ate. He didn't seem to mind, so she hunkered down between two of the youngest children correctly figuring a little meat cutting and bread buttering might be in order. The youngest children had no allergies or tolerance problems but the reference to butter was a misnomer. They were using a well-known and safe margarine. 

Out came the foods, and everyone started to dig in. The little one to her right, having been separated from his older sibling required some serious affection. The one to her left couldn't manage her meats so Valerie had to do some heavy duty slicing. As things commenced Valerie felt just a little proud of herself. A talented woman she thought, a real multi-tasker, slicing and buttering both at the same time! How positively silly! She was having a blast! 

Looking around the table, set up with eight seats, everything was going like clockwork. With luck she might even be able to leave things to Hilda and the maid and get to join the grown-ups. 

With children it sometimes seems the worst things happen when they're the happiest. Valerie looked around the table, and everyone certainly seemed to be happy. Even the two early adolescent girls were in the act, helping and entertaining. The were laughing and giggling and trying to make eye contact with the one boy who was they're approximate age. The younger boys were all being well behaved, and this in spite of her being warned one was a little hellion. 

Everything looked perfect! That's when it all blew up. Scanning the table for what she hoped would her last time before leaving for the adult section she saw the impossible. The little girl with the lactose problem had turned blue! She was grabbing her throat! Already the signs around her neck indicated a serious glandular problem.

Valerie jumped from her seat and ran round the table to the little girl. She shouted something she didn't remember just what and pulled the girl's chair back. She glimpsed at the plate. She had the correct plate. What could be going wrong? "Marcus!" She cried out. Marcus! Come quick!"

In an instant Marcus and a dozen other adults were in the room. He immediately recognized the problem and the seriousness of it. He shouted at Hilda. "Go in the kitchen and bring me some straws! 

Hilda was incredulous. "Straws!"

It wasn't necessary to repeat the message Valerie was already in the kitchen. Shouting almost breathlessly. "Straws! We need straws!" She didn't know what for, but if Marcus wanted them, they were needed. She fled back to the eating area, straws in hand. 

By then every adult was in the room. The stricken child's mother was hysterical. The father was trying to reach his daughter but Marcus pushed him away. The other men restrained him while Marcus went to work. 

Marcus grabbed the straws from Valerie's outstretched hand and started pushing one down the little girl's throat. How he did it no one understood but he managed to get it past the swollen glands and into her larynx. He was forcibly breathing into the straw, and alternately pushing her chest down with his hands. He was compelling air down her throat into her lungs using a rigid plastic straw! She was breathing because he was compelling it in spite of a throat clogged by glands swollen in reaction to lactose she was not supposed to ingest.

It was a matter of minutes before they heard the ambulance arrive. Seconds later the paramedics were on the scene. The girl was being injected with something, epineptheral maybe? Valerie had no clue. What she did notice was the blue aura had begun to fade even before the paramedics took over. 

Everyone followed the paramedics to the ambulance. The girl's parents joined her inside the ambulance. Marcus stepped back into the foyer, obtained a lightweight jacket and his keys. Turning to Hilda and Valerie who was standing beside her he pointed directly at Valerie and said in a low threatening voice. "I want you out of here before I get back."

Valerie was numb. "Marcus."

Looking only at Hilda he repeated in that same low ominous tone. "Gone. You hear?" He looked at Valerie. "Gone." He turned and ran to his car. He had to get to the hospital. He had to be with that family!

Valerie burst into tears. She ran after him! "No! No! Marcus! You're wrong!" She was apoplectic! This couldn't be happening. She'd done everything right. She had it right! Oh No!

Hilda had nothing to say. There was nothing she could say. She just stood there with a stricken look on her face.

It was Rosalind who made the first move. Stepping into the foyer recently vacated by Marcus she pointed a finger at Valerie. "You don't go anywhere." She turned to Hilda. "Keep her here. Let her wait over there." Pointing to a chair on the east of the foyer. In an instant she was gone as well.

Hilda walked Valerie over to a love seat at the end of the foyer. "Just wait here. This will work out. He's upset. That's all."

"I did everything right. It's not fair. It's just not fair"

"I know. But we always lash out at those closest to us. It's be all right." Hilda sat beside her and held her hand. "You'll see. Now try to stop crying."

"I'm crying about that little girl. I hope she's going to be well."

Hilda put her arm around her shoulder. "You saw. She was getting her color back even before the paramedics came. She'll be OK. You don't have to worry."

She kept crying. "I hope so."

Valerie stayed in the foyer all night long. She couldn't sleep, and she was afraid to get up and go anywhere lest Marcus come home and find her wandering about. The foyer wasn't being gone like he said, but it was the next closest thing. She kept telling herself. This can't be happening. This can't be happening. She felt all twisted up inside. Her whole body felt smarmy and shaky.

At the hospital Marcus sat in the waiting room with Rosalind and the girl's parents. Periodically a doctor or nurse came in and reported on any progress. Around 3:00 a.m. one of the emergency room doctors came in with a pretty definitive report. He explained the girl had a pretty close call, but it looked like things were working out. He had several questions and comments.

"Who was the one who put the straw down the girl's throat."

Marcus nervously responded. "I'm afraid it was me. Did I do much damage to her wind pipe?"

"Quite the opposite. The damage to her windpipe is minimal, and will quickly heal. But your quick use of the straw to get air into her lungs certainly saved her life, and absolutely guaranteed there would be no cerebral damage. I'd say the worst that will come out of it for our little girl is to not remember much of the incident. Otherwise, with some rest, she'll have a full recovery." The doctor reached out and clasped his hands on Marcus's shoulders. "You're a hero my man. That little girl will grow up thanks to you."

Marcus stood in place, rock solid still, immovable. He seemed to be looking off into space. He cracked for just a second. Eyes welling up with unshed tears, shoulders quivering like he was about to break down, but he held it in.

Rosalind watched him closely. "Why don't you go home. Get some rest. I'll call you if I find anything else out.

Marcus hugged his sister. "Thanks Rosalind. I've got a problem at home. It needs to be solved."

Rosalind was very worried about her brother. This was exactly the kind of crisis he didn't need. "Don't make any stupid decisions. Let's wait and find out the details."

He wasn't listening. He'd already left for the parking lot. His mind was made up. Valerie had nearly killed that little girl. They were all the same, stupid, self centered, thoughtless, and short sighted. He was angry with himself. He should have known better. Valerie at the best was a worthless twit, at the worst, well, he'd been here before.

Rosalind watched Marcus stalk off. She hoped she could intercept him before he did or said something he'd really regret. She turned back to the doctor. "What more can you tell us? What brought it on?"

"We got her stomach cleaned out and found some partly digested mashed potatoes, instant mashed potatoes. Most people don't realize instant mashed potatoes are often made with milk or milk by products. Usually there's some kind of indication on the box, a listing of ingredients, but besides the parents, who checks for lactose on an instant mashed potatoes box?"

The little girl's mother spoke up. "I knew that, but it never occurred to me she got instant mashed potatoes. Marcus's significant other, Valerie I believe, had said she was going to get French fries."

The doctor responded. "There were French fries in there too. My guess is, if you had a lot of kids she bartered her fries for something she seldom got, the mashed potatoes, or maybe one of the other children talked her into some kind of a trade. Kids can be creepy. They'll make those kinds of decisions without a thought and they'll do it right in front of you. If you're not watching every bite full, then, bang, you've got a trip to the hospital."

The doctor kept talking to the parents while Rosalind stepped away. That's how it happened. Valerie was cutting up some other kids meat, or wiping some gritty little face, and our sick little girl there was negotiating a food swap. I've got to get back to the house. Marcus doesn't know. Damn! She realized she didn't have her cell phone. Shit! Marcus never answered that stuff anyway. She yawned. She was so damned tired. She'd have to find a pay phone. But it could keep a couple hours. She looked at her watch. Hell it was nearly 4:00 in the morning! She had to get a little sleep, maybe forty winks. Rosalind walked over to a nearby emergency room sofa. It was big and soft. I'll just sit back a while, maybe an hour. Get myself together. Call in an hour. She was out like a light.

Back at the house, in a lonely dark foyer a sad and tearful young woman was trying to sort things out. Between the tears and the confusion she was trying to get things right in her head. I should have kept a closer watch. I could have gotten someone else to cut the meat, butter the biscuit. I should have been there. I should have anticipated something.

From an objective point of view maybe she should have. Maybe she could have, but no one knows for sure what can happen, only what did happen. Was she to blame? Kids do funny things. Recrimination can be an ugly word.

Marcus drove back to the house in a daze. He almost drove off the road. He'd loved her. He'd trusted her. He'd believed in her. But he'd been through this before. They were all the same. When push came to shove, when the bullet met the bone, they always came up short. Valerie was no different. He should have known better. This was it! This was the last time he'd ever put his trust, his faith, his love, or his heart in another woman's hands. The only woman who'd ever stood the test had been his sister. Rosalind was the only one. He'd never make this mistake again. 

But what was he going to do with Valerie. Yes he loved her. He couldn't imagine going on without her, but she had to go. He couldn't bring himself to do it. He was a man, but not man enough for that. He couldn't, wouldn't try to face her. He'd be too weak. He knew that if he looked at her he'd forgive her. How many times had his first wife made a fool of him? More than he cared to remember. He wouldn't be somebody's fool again. She'd make the choice, not him. It wouldn't be on his head. She'd have to leave on her own. If she loved him, really loved him, she wouldn't, and if it was all a scam? Then he'd find out the truth.

Marcus pulled into the driveway and went inside. The way he walked one would have thought he'd been smacked with a bat, more like a limp than a walk. He felt old, tired. He walked straight into the house, looking neither to the right nor to the left. Had he looked to the left he'd have seen the stricken, ashen white face of the woman he loved. He was just too damn exhausted. 

Hilda came out of the shadows to greet him. "How is the little girl?"

"She's going to be all right. Where's Valerie?"

Hilda wanted to say something about not rushing to judgment, but that wasn't her call. And she was afraid to tell him where she was. He might do something drastic. "She's about somewhere."

He had thought of something. It wasn't nice. "Put her back in the room upstairs. The one she used her first night. Clean the maid uniform she wore that second night, the black one with the starched collar and cuffs. Starch the whole damn uniform." He wasn't thinking coherently. "Put it on a hanger in the room. Tell her if she wants to stay, she stays as a servant, a domestic. If she doesn't like it?" He hesitated. "She can leave." 

Hilda put her hand on his sleeve.

He looked down in surprise.

"Marcus. I mean Mr. Burke. Don't do it."

"I'm done. I'm wiped. I don't want to think. I don't want to think about anything."

Hilda wouldn't' let go She was crying. "Don't throw her away! You throw her away now you'll be throwing your whole life away. You'll regret it the rest of your life."

Marcus was bleary eyed and mentally at a complete loss. "It'll wait till I can think this out."

Hilda let him go, but she warned him as he stumbled up the steps. "Don't do this. It will be the biggest mistake of your life."

He wasn't listening. 

Hilda went into the foyer. "He wants you to go back to the upstairs room. You're to be a maid. I've got to get the uniform you wore. He won't talk, and he won't listen."

Valerie heard what Hilda said in stark disbelief. "OK. I'm going upstairs." She knew what she had to do.

A few minutes later Hilda found Valerie in her tiny cell on the topmost floor. "I have your uniform for tomorrow."

"Thank you Hilda. I want to thank you for everything." Hilda closed the door and slipped down the hall. 




Valerie and the Bachelor Ch. 08



Valerie was exhausted, but she couldn't sleep. She walked over and felt the black maid's uniform. She remembered it's stiffly starched sleeves, the tight collar. The grossly uncomfortable shoes. She wasn't worried. She could handle that. It was the other thing she couldn't handle. He said he trusted her. He said he loved her. He said things were going to be different. They had been different for one week. One week! But once the first crisis came all bets were off. She understood this was a whammy of a crisis, but she knew she had it right. She didn't know what went wrong. She only knew she had it right, and Marcus never gave her a chance. He didn't let he get in a word. Not one word. God knew she loved him. She was probably carrying his baby. She burst into bitter tears. It didn't matter.

Valerie took one last look at the black uniform. She knew what she had to do. Opening the top drawer of the little chest she found her little black dress. The dress she'd bought at Nordstrums so long ago. It seemed like a million years ago now. She came in a dress of her choice, and in her own car. That's how she'd go.

She took off the diamond earrings. She took off the ring. Her ring! That ring had held so much promise. It was all so much sand. She couldn't stop crying. She didn't have an apartment, no job, only a dress and a car. She had to go home. It was a cool four hundred miles, but she had to see her mom and her dad. It broke her heart. She'd let them down. But she knew they'd be there. If no one else did, they loved her. They'd listen. They understand.

Her dress didn't fit like it should. It was too tight in the waist. That confirmed what she already knew. She could still zip it up. Putting everything away, all the jewelry, the ring, the earrings, the bracelet, the pearls, it all went in the top drawer, her beautiful dress she'd bought for that evening, the one with the discreet ruffles, she neatly hung it up. Quietly she picked up her purse, her black purse, got out her car keys. She'd leave tonight, right now. She was tired, but she could probably get a good start. 

Valerie slipped quietly down the stairs, past the bedroom where she and Marcus had slept, where he was sleeping now, down into the living room, past the kitchen, through the foyer, by the sun porch, out the door, past the stables where that old horse she'd ridden was probably sleeping. Her car was around the side right under the window she and Marcus used to look out. In the car she turned the key. After several cranks it charged. Putting it in gear she quietly started down the drive. She was going home, to her mom and dad, her refuge of last resort. 

Hilda stood at the kitchen window and watched the little Honda fade into the darkness. She started to cry. She couldn't let this happen. She rushed out of the kitchen and ran up the steps, double jumping the stairs as she went. On the second floor she hammered on the bedroom door. "Marcus! Marcus Burke!"

Lying in bed he'd faintly heard a car start. He didn't recognize the sound as one of his cars. Whose car was it? He was wide-awake! It was the sound of a Honda! A Honda Civic! Valerie's Honda! He heard Hilda hammering on the door and yelling. "Come in" He shouted.

"She's gone! She gone!"

Marcus jumped from the bed. He fell back down. He burst into tears. What in the hell had he done? His stomach was twisting into tight knots. He was going to throw up! Every muscle in his body seemed to be cramping up. He needed to piss! Jesus! What was he going to do? Oh God. All the worst words were crashing into his consciousness! Anguish! Agony! Remorse! Oh No! No! Guilt! Grief! Oh bitter pain! Terrible tragedy! What did he do? This was awful! "Hilda! Where did she say she was going?"

"She didn't say. She just left."

Marcus had to do something. Think! Think! What to do? Where was she going? She had no place! No! Yes! She would go home! She had parents! Where? Oh Where? Oh God! Where did they live? Check the records, Her files! They'd be in her records. 

Marcus scrambled past Hilda. Burst through the bedroom, nearly knocking the door from its hinges. Down the steps he flew, taking three at a time. Into the study! Thank God he always left the computer on. He typed in her name! Oh Jesus! There it was! Get a map. Get directions! He yelled out the door. "Hilda! Get my car back out! I've got to catch her!

Hilda was at the front door as he rushed past. "Are you gong to get her back?"

He wasn't listening. "I'm getting her back if she'll have me? She's got to take me back! I'm going to get her back!" He was crying. Really crying. Big tears! "What if she won't? She will. I'll pitch a tent on her parent's lawn. I've got to get her back!" He was hysterical! "I can't let her go! The big powerful SUV spun out, gravel spewing in all directions as the giant vehicle clamored down the driveway. 

Valerie drove on through the late night into the morning. After the first couple hundred miles she pulled into a Motel Six and rented a room. She had to try to sleep. She needed to call her mom and dad. If she got home, she'd be all right. They'd help her sort this out. They would be there. They were always there for her. She could count on them.

Marcus was a mad man. With his foot to the floor he raced through the night. He'd try to catch her before she got home. He'd get her to pull over. He'd explain everything. He'd tell her he was sorry. Oh was he sorry! She'd listen. She'd believe him. She'd forgive him. He knew she would. He prayed that she would. She had to. She just had to. Oh No! What had he done? What if she didn't forgive him? How could he go on? He kept going from one emotional extreme to another. First he'd get it right. His confidence would rise, then he'd crack. He'd break into tears. He was so busy planning what he was going to say he missed the big hay truck as it pulled from the side road. He lost control. His SUV, like all of them was top heavy. It started to roll. Everything went black.

Rosalind was awakened with a start. It was one of the doctors. "Ms. Burke. Ms. Burke."

"Yes."

"Ms. Burke we have some bad news."

Rosalind was slowly coming awake. "Oh what now? "What now doctor?"

"Your brother has been in an accident. He's at Saint Patrick's Hospital."

Rosalind was wide-awake. "What?"

"He was apparently traveling west on State Road 72 when he lost control of his vehicle. He's in their emergency room, and he's in pretty bad shape."

Rosalind was distressed but still in control. "Is he going to be all right?"

"Like I said. He's been hurt. Pretty banged up, but he had his seat belt and shoulder harness on. You want to talk to one of the doctors out there?"

"Yes of course." Rosalind got the phone the doctor proffered her. "Hello. This is Rosalind Burke. You have my brother?"

Over the line the doctor at Saint Patrick's explained what probably happened and what was wrong with her brother. She heard they hadn't done a MRI, but he was awake, in pain, and cognizant of what was going on. Yes she could speak to him, but only for a second. Over the phone she heard the slurred, obviously medicated voice of her brother. He explained where he was headed when he wrecked, and what he wanted her to do.

It was late in the after noon of the next day when the rented limousine pulled in front of the Carlyle household. Valerie looked out her bedroom window and saw the woman Rosalind step out. What does she want she wondered?

A few minutes later Rosalind was seated on a comfortable old sofa in the Carlyle living room. Valerie's parents agreed to leave the two women alone.

Valerie started. "I left him. So why are you here?"

Rosalind answered. "Let me try to explain Marcus to you."

Valerie was feeling incredibly hurt and just a little pissed. She really wasn't into explanation about Marcus. She gave a sarcastic answer. "Oh please! Do tell."

Rosalind started. "I don't know if you know. Marcus is my little brother."

For Valerie that was a first.

"When we were little there was another sister. Her name was Sarah. When we were little and in school the first one home had to be there when Sarah got back from day care. Our mother, well our mother wasn't reliable. 

As it happened one afternoon Sarah got home ahead of everybody. In those days we didn't have a lot of money, but our dad had bought us an above ground pool."

Valerie didn't like where this was going. What was Rosalind up to? Trying to pull the old heartstrings? "So where's this going?" Valerie wasn't feeling very sympathetic toward Marcus or his sister.

"When Marcus got home he found Sarah in the pool, at the bottom. 

Valerie leaned forward on the sofa. This was sobering.

Rosalind held up a hand as if to say stop. "He jumped in, pulled her out, and started to try to administer mouth to mouth. It wouldn't have mattered. She was already dead. The neighbors saw what was happening, called 911, and came over to try to help. Marcus was nine years old. Sarah was five. He wouldn't let her go. He couldn't. He kept crying that he would save her. He kept crying he heard her breathing. It was all too late. She was dead Valerie."

Valerie was having trouble with this. It wasn't going the way she expected.

Rosalind went on. "Not long after that our mother left us. She ran off with some guy, the milkman or mailman or something. That pretty much finished our father. He hung around in a kind of daze for another four years, but one day he dropped dead, heart attack. I wasn't eighteen yet so we went to live with relatives, an aunt. She was OK, but she had her own kids. We were just in the way. When I graduated and turned eighteen we moved off and I got a job. The little money I made, the welfare, and his Social Security saw us through for a while. Marcus is smart, and he did real well on the SAT's, and got into a pretty good state college. 

"I didn't know any of this. But why are you telling me? Couldn't Marcus tell me himself?"

Rosalind responded. "I'm coming to that. When Marcus was in college he met a girl and they fell in love. He fell in love. They got married. He worked hard. She fooled around. He stayed loyal faithful, and true, she, well she had a good time. She kept fooling around. He kept forgiving her and taking her back. Finally, he saw the handwriting on the wall, and they divorced. That was just a few years ago."

Valerie was genuinely touched. She could recognize, even understand a little bit, the frailties that created the kind of man Marcus had become, but that still didn't explain why it was Rosalind and not Marcus here to do the talking. That's what she told her. "I see. This explains a lot. But it doesn't explain why you're here, and Marcus isn't."

"Marcus was coming. According to Hilda he heard your car pull away. He panicked and started out after you." Rosalind saw Valerie was showing some real concern, but there was one more thing she had to clear up before she mentioned the accident. "When he got in his car to go after you he didn't know the details about the little girl who had the reaction that night at the party. He had no idea about what really happened. He didn't care. If you had been careless, or if it had just been bad luck, it was of no concern. He only knew he had to find you and beg you to forgive him. We know what happened now, and there was nothing you could have done about it. But he didn't know that when he started out after you. All he knew was that he loved you and needed you."

"So why isn't he here. He couldn't tell me himself?"

"He was on his way, but something happened. He lost control of his car. He had an accident."

Valerie was scared. She gripped the sides of her chair. This was not what she expected. She started to tremble. Fear was taking control. "Is he all right?"

"He's in the hospital, in intensive care. He'll be there a few days, and then we expect they'll let him come home."

For Valerie all was forgotten. He had cared! He did care. He was coming for her! He was hurt. "I have to go to him."

Rosalind held her hand up again. "He's sorry Valerie. He's sorry for everything. He wishes he'd trusted you more. He wishes he'd told you more. He's hurt. I mean sure he's got broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and some other problems, but he's hurt in other ways too. He remembers Sarah. That's an old scar. He felt somehow guilty about our mother leaving and our father dying. We both did. He lost touch with what it meant to be honest and tender with someone. He lost the ability to trust. That is he lost it until he found you. Then there was the party, the little girl choking. It opened a lot of old wounds. Now he's sorry. He sorry for the way he treated you. He loves you. He wants you to come back. He prays that you come back. But he knows he doesn't deserve you. He won't like it, but he understands." 

Rosalind hesitated. "Valerie please come back. He's my brother. I love him. He's changed so much. He was telling me about you weeks before I met you at that first party. He would tell me about your coffee clutches. He was coming back to life. You were bringing him back to life. Remember at that first party when I wiped off the lipstick kiss. He and I laughed about that." 

Valerie was already up. "Mom! Dad! I've got to go."

Valerie's mom and dad came in the room. Her dad asked. "You sure?"

She got up and walked over to her dad. She put her arms around him. "I'm sure Dad."

That was all four months ago. Now Valerie was standing beside her father again. Down at the other end of a long stretch of walkway was the man she loved. Between her and him was a white runner. It was a little awkward, her wearing white and all, what with the baby inside her grown so big. She sure wasn't invisible today. Everyone was standing, staring, waiting for her. His side of the aisle was a little sparse, but her side was jammed packed. The maid of honor was half way down now. It wasn't Rosalind. Her maid of honor was her best friend ever since childhood, but Rosalind was a bridesmaid. She'd become a good friend. 

There it was! That extra loud pitched music announcing the start of the bridal march. She was on her way! He was standing down there. He was looking at her, and he was smiling.