around the man’s fist, other times his hand held her head down. Always, the woman was controlled.
Women knelt, kissing the feet of the men before them. One piece showed a woman stretched out on a table, with her legs hanging off the sides. The man’s entire hand and forearm was in her vagina, her lower abdomen enlarged by its presence. Other women lay spread-eagled, arms and legs extended in a position of exposure. Sometimes ropes bound the women. Two pieces had men holding female extremities. A thin red line trailed from one woman’s vagina. Another showed blood from both the rectum and vagina.
Collars around the women’s throats were common, as were piercings of every imaginable part and some not so imaginable. The women’s expressions varied. Some women had an ecstatic facial expression, as if they’d found heaven. It was obvious that they enjoyed their vulnerability. Some faces showed resignation. None of the women looked horrified by their position. Similarly, some of the men’s expressions showed tenderness, even love, as they inflicted horrendous pain on their partners.
How can anyone enjoy such cruelty? she thought, even as she wondered what it would be like to surrender all control. Kate didn’t think she could ever leave herself so vulnerable, especially after she’d witnessed her mother’s subjugation.
“Do you like this part of my collection better?”
Kate jumped. She hadn’t heard him enter the room. How did he do that? She kept up her brave front as she said, “It’s barbaric!” Her face flushed, knowing that revulsion hadn’t been her only response.
“Yes, that’s a common feeling, but I hoped you might be willing to experiment,” he said, implying that if she felt so inclined, he’d be happy to oblige. He moved close to her, close enough that his aftershave enveloped her in warm musk.
“I am attracted to you,” he said holding her eyes. “But I believe in making my preferences known, especially since they aren’t common.”
Chapter Five
When Kate didn’t speak he continued, “There are women who enjoy being dominated, not only enjoy it, but thrive under domination, only becoming sexually fulfilled if a man is in control, possessing and owning them. I want those women. I need those women. I’m only satisfied by domination,” Michael’s eyes seemed to pierce Kate’s defenses. “I know we work together and I’m your boss so that creates other problems but if you are interested in experimenting, we could work something out. Are you interested?” he asked, his soft voice contrasting with the hard gleam in his eyes.
“No! That’s rape,” Kate said, gesturing toward his collection.
“Rape occurs when a woman does not consent. That’s submission,” he stated emphatically.
“What’s the difference?” Kate asked before she could stop herself.
He smiled, “Submission occurs with a woman’s permission. Not only does she want to submit, she craves it and needs it. She is never really satisfied without the domination of a strong man. It is an integral part of her persona. Haven’t you ever felt the need to be dominated? Are you interested in exploring that part of your sexuality?”
“I saw my mother hurt like that and I don’t believe any woman would willingly choose that kind of pain and humiliation. I know I’m not interested.”
“Your mother? Your biological mother?”
“I don’t want to talk about my family,” Kate said, ignoring a wave of regret. Submission made a woman a sex object rather than a willing partner. Kate couldn’t, she wouldn’t ignore all her beliefs for a fling with any man. Yet she was curious and felt comfortable enough to ask her questions. “You could have nearly any female you want. Why do you prefer a type of sex that is not socially acceptable? Why do you want to subjugate a woman?”
“There are many societies, Kate. Sexual exploration of all kinds, including domination, is valued in my culture. I come from a long
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