It’s late and all the paralegals have gone home. But I’m still here in Cubicle Hell working on Janice’s deposition summaries. I haven’t decided what to do about Asher.
Out of inertia— or perhaps stubbornness— I’ve continued carrying out my plan to work hard for Janice, even at her busywork, so that if I need an out I have one.
And yet.
During lunch, I’d gone home and taken my dog Lucia for a jog to clear my head. Or so I told myself. Maybe it was really just an excuse to shower. To shave my legs. And to put on the black lingerie.
I’d looked at myself in the full- length mirror, wondering if I could actually go through with this. The lingerie is damn hot, and made me look like a billionaire myself. I’d decided hell yeah, I can do this.
I’d put on my same black skirt suit over the lingerie and then I’d returned to the office. I knew better than to approach Asher again. He wants to be the one to approach me. To give me commands and make me follow them.
I’ve learned this about him, and accepted it. And, much to my surprise, I even like it.
So I’ve been sitting here for the rest of the day, half telling myself I still have an escape plan— and even working at it— but mostly waiting for some sort of sign, some signal, some command, from Asher.
My blazer is slung across the back of my chair, since no one else is around, and my shoes are off. My back hurts from slouching over in the inexpensive computer chairs the paralegals use.
Just as I’m about to give up on Asher ever contacting me and decide to head home, I see the flashing notification of a new intra-office instant message. I click on it.
Asher Marks: Have you decided to be my pet?
I hesitate. But then I tell myself not to wait too long, lest I blow my chance yet again. I feel desperate, almost humiliated. And I love it.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss.
Asher Marks: Prove it.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss.
I stand up, ready to go up to his office. But the notification light flashes again.
Asher Marks: Stay there.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss.
Asher Marks: I want to see what you decided to wear for me before I decide whether or not this arrangement will continue.
Well that’s confusing, I think. How can I…?
But then another message appears.
Asher Marks: Unbutton your blouse and show me your bra. But only if it’s the one I gave you and told you to wear. And only if you’re willing to do as I say from now on.
What the hell?
I turn around, wondering if he’s come down to my floor. I don’t see anyone. I turn back to the computer.
Asher Marks: Just do it. Unbutton your blouse. Don’t question me. Don’t make me regret anything ever again.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss.
I add:
Madilyn St. Clair: I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.
And then I unbutton my blouse. Just the top three buttons.
Asher Marks: Further.
I unbutton it all the way, and then, remembering, I type:
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss.
Asher Marks: Take it off.
I swallow, careful not to look too reluctant, because I’m assuming he can see me.
But how?
My heart pounds as I think about the possibility of someone coming in. Either a lawyer to pick up a file from their paralegal’s desk, another paralegal who forgot something and needed to come back for it, or even the night janitorial crew.
How humiliating.
I can feel myself wetter than I ever thought I could get.
Apparently I’m not opposed to a little bit of humiliation.
I take my shirt off.
I’m standing in the empty room, in only a black bra.
Asher Marks: Show me your nipples. I bought you a bra capable of that for a reason.
Without even hesitating, I unsnap the portion of the bra that covers my right nipple, and then my left.
Asher Marks: Play with them while I watch you. Tell me you’re my pet.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss. I’m your pet.
Asher Marks: Say it out loud while you play with your nipples.
I take my nipples in between my fingers and rub them. They’re so hard and erect, and it feels so good.
“I’m your pet,” I tell him, out loud, wherever he is. “I’m your pet, Boss.”
Asher Marks: Very good. I can see you’ve decided to follow my instructions. And I have one more for you.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes Boss?
Asher Marks: Put your blazer on— and only your blazer— and come to my office immediately.
Finally.
I thought he had planned to leave me here, playing with my nipples all night without getting to see him. I don’t think I could bear that kind of torture if he decided to tease me again like last time.
Madilyn St. Clair: Yes, Boss. Your pet is coming to you.
I gather my blazer and throw it over me, gripping it tight against my near- naked chest.
Hurrying to the elevator, I keep my blazer clutched around me, looking around to make sure no one is here. I’d be mortified if anyone saw me like this, but I guess that’s part of the excitement. And part of Asher’s game.
I’m a willing pawn now, playing along without knowing— or even caring— what the end game is.