Crown

Crow’s feet crinkled the corners of his eyes. With a smile, Richard crossed the room to close the door. The sound of a deadbolt sliding affirmed my fate. Here, I was at my master’s mercy.

“Kneel on the bed, Thena.”

My heart rate quickened. This is what I came here for. I set my wineglass on the nearest dresser. The mattress was higher than most. I climbed up on it like a child might, one knee then the other, ungracefully plopping onto my rear. I scooted, situating myself in the center of the crimson bedspread. In yoga, it’s called Virasana or Hero Pose. Except that here with Richard, I spread my knees wide.

Richard wandered around the room resting his hand on a whip, or a set of handcuffs. “Tell me about your darkest fantasy.”

Like a kid in a candy store my eyes grew wide, and I smiled. Suddenly the possibilities were endless.

He asked, “Ropes? Chains? How about something new?”

Laughter exploded from my mouth. “Everything is new with you, Richard.”

His gaze flew to a tall red candl