Amy was quietly sitting on the steps, her bare body shaking a bit, her bound hands resting on her knees. She looked up as I walked in.

I crouched beside her. Her face was a mask of fear.

"How are you doing?" I asked her gently.

Tears sprang to her eyes, but she forced herself to continue looking into my face. "I. I hurt. Down there."

"I know, sweetheart. I know. It will begin to fade soon."

"I didn't know. Honestly. I didn't think. I don't want to be punished like that ever again. I. I'll do whatever you want. You know that. I screwed up, but I'll try to behave. Please. Don't whip me there again? Please?" She was softly crying. Not sure whether it was the residual pain or the realization that she was completely a captive. That she didn't have her former freedoms. That I still could hurt her if she didn't obey.

I gently touched her bare shoulder. She looked back up at me with bloodshot eyes.

"Please. Let me go? I can't do this much longer."

"Amy. Sweety. You are doing fine. The pain will be gone tomorrow, and I'm not going to put you through anything else tonight. Maybe just help in the kitchen. That's all." I gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.

She forced herself to stop crying. Sniffling.

"I don't have to have sex with you? Nothing?"

I almost laughed. "Could you have sex with me?"

She shook her head numbly. I knew that I could have forced her, but after the treatment between her legs this afternoon, I suspect she'd be in a bit of discomfort. I wasn't going to force her anyway.

Christi and Jane walked in with their arms full of groceries. Carrying as much as they could. Jane particularly having trouble with her bound wrists.

"Guess I should be helping them," Amy spoke quietly.

I nodded. "But before you go, tell Christi to start making something for supper. You help her as much as you can. Alright? I'll come back and make sure you are doing alright."

I reached forward and gently picked up Amy's hands by the connecting chain. I unlocked her wrists. She sat still and idly rubbed her wrists, making to get back to her bare feet.

"It was nice of you to let them have clothes."

"They won't be in them long."

"Still. I hope that you'll let me wear something soon. I'd really like that."

"If you behave, we'll see."

Her eyes teared. "Would you have let me wear something, like them, if I hadn't fucked up with Kara and Julie?"

"Perhaps. But don't worry yourself. Jane was lucky. I hadn't planned on dressing her at all. Probably not. I like you too much nude."

"They are gorgeous in those clothes."

They had emerged from the kitchen and were making their way back down to the cart again.

"I know. You don't think I'd let them look dumpy, do you?"

"I guess not," she actually cracked a smile.

As Christi and Jane passed us, she stepped down and joined them. She seemed a bit more relaxed. Perhaps knowing that her punishment was actually over. That I wasn't going to be putting her in more pain tonight. At last nothing she wouldn't be able to handle. It wouldn't
have been wise to continue it anyway. She would have gone beyond the corrective stage, and perhaps into the insanity stage. Despite her new vitality, I could see her still wincing as her welts made themselves known as she walked. I couldn't imagine what she was going through.  But she'd be fine by tomorrow. She needed rest and a break from punishment. To be a semi-normal girl for a while. Jane and Christi were good company for her.

I slowly climbed the stairs and poked my head into the master bedroom. There weren't any voices from the girls. Elizabeth had managed to turn herself somehow more towards the bed. Her head was resting on the carpet, her nude body still wrapped in the cruel bindings. Her bare feet turned upwards connected to her bound wrists. Sheila remained, slightly more comfortable, tied spread on the bed. Her ankles bound securely together, though by her position it appeared that she'd at least struggled with the bindings.

Sheila looked asleep, her head resting to the right side, cradled by her outstretched arm.

I walked into the room and sat down beside Elizabeth. With her head down, I couldn't tell if she was asleep as well. Though I couldn't imagine being asleep.

"I thought I heard voices," she whispered. "I thought maybe I was dreaming."

"I didn't know if you were awake."

"You think I could sleep like this?"

"You never know."

"You've obviously never been tied up like this before. You probably have no concept of how much it hurts after a while."

"I'm sorry. I didn't intend to leave you this long."

My fingers began to release the knots in the ropes holding her body so snugly. Having trouble with Jane's knots.

"I didn't think you were ever coming back. How long have I been in this thing?"

"I actually lost track of the time. Probably five or six hours."

"Oh God. No wonder I hurt. My ankles. And my wrists. My back. You have no idea."

"Relax. I'm letting you out."

"You know what I want even more than out?"

"What?"

"A drink of water and a hot bath. Just throw me in the way I am."

"The water I can get you. But I think I'll untie you for the bath."

"Oh God. Thank-you."

I left the woman bound and walked downstairs. The girls were in the kitchen sliding food into the refrigerator and cupboards.

"How's it going?" I asked them as I drew two glasses of water. Sheila was going to be thirsty as well.

"Almost done with the food," Jane replied from the refrigerator. "By the way, what do you want this slave to be doing after she finishes putting the food away? Help with dinner?"

"No. I want you to set up tonight's entertainment. Come upstairs and see me after you've finished." Jane looked faintly worried at the mention of entertainment, but continued whatever she was doing.

Christi spoke up from the other side of the room. "Anything in particular you want for dinner?"

"Surprise me."

"Alright. But I don't want to be punished if you don't like it."

I smiled at her. "You better guess well. You know damn well you are getting punished if I don't like it."

"Should I make the same for all of us? Or are us slaves having Kraft dinner?"

I laughed. "Much as that sounds like a good idea, all of you girls have been pretty busy today. Long day. Make a good meal for all of us. Don't forget about Sheila."

Christi nodded, putting something away in a cupboard. Smiling that she was at least going to get some of whatever she cooked.

I walked towards the exit. I turned at the last second.

"Christi?"

"Yes sir?"

"I don't want you to stain those clothes. If you are cooking anything likely to spill, take them off first." She paled a bit. "Don't worry, you can put them back on again afterwards. I won't be bothering you but you really don't want to spill on them. Understand?" She nodded at the implied threat. There wasn't a child on the planet that would be more careful of spills. She might even strip to cook just to ensure that she didn't spill on herself. Skin washes a lot easier than denim.

I left the girls in peace, making my way back upstairs. I ducked into the bathroom and flipped on the bathtub, drawing a hot bath for Elizabeth. The poor girl had suffered more than I'd intended and she deserved some soothing for her muscles. Normally I wouldn't allow the
girls to bathe this way, preferring them to shower together, but this was an exception. The tub looked big enough for two. Easily. I'd put Sheila in there as well. Even though she hadn't had the strict bondage to contend with, the hot water would probably soothe her bruises for
which I wasn't responsible.

I returned to the room. Sheila was awake, her eyes following me from the bed.

"Oh God. I'm dry as a desert. That second one for me?" Sheila asked hopefully from the bed. Her eyes glued to the glasses of water in my hands.

"Elizabeth first, and then yes, you can have the second glass."

"Oh God. Elizabeth. You are going to let her go aren't you? She was in such pain. I couldn't. Actually I could. Imagine."

"Yup. Next thing on my agenda. Can only do one thing at once."

Sheila smiled. "I'm sorry, master. Just anxious for her. I. Just thought that you weren't aware of how long she's been tied like that, or how much it hurts. And she said that she wasn't being punished."

I sat down beside Elizabeth again. She turned her head, spotting the water.

"What does this slave have to do for her water?"

"Nothing, pet. All yours. No strings attached." I tilted the glass towards her mouth. Her position made it very difficult to drink and she managed to get more on the carpet than down her throat.

"Maybe you should wait until I free you?"

She was silent for a minute then she began to slowly lick at the carpet where the water had spilled. I couldn't imagine her getting much from that, but the sight made me rock hard. This bound nude woman using her tongue on a carpet for her water.

I began to loosen the knots around her elbows. She gasped as her arms began to fall out from the strict ropes. Her circulation returning to parts of her that she had forgotten even existed. I managed to get her wrists and ankles separated from each other. She almost screamed as
she unfolded her bare body. Straightening her legs for the first time in hours. Tears welling up in her eyes. I moved down and unwrapped the rope from about her ankles. Separating her bare feet. She cried out again as she slowly spread her legs apart. The tops of her feet
scraping across the carpet. I began to work on her wrists. Finally releasing them as well. She did scream as she moved her arms from behind her back. The ropes had held them in position so long they had cramped. She lay on her front, her legs slightly apart, her arms at her sides, slowly flexing her fingers for a few minutes. Weeping with the pain.

Keeping my eyes on her, I sat up on the bed beside Sheila. I tipped the glass to her lips and she greedily drank. Finishing the entire glass.

She whispered to me, "Can this slave beg to be untied. She's been here so long and she wasn't as uncomfortable as Slave Elizabeth, but ..."

I looked into her eyes for a moment. "I'll let you go in a minute. I want to talk to you."

She nodded. Not understanding why she had to be tied up for me to talk to her, but accepting it because she had no real choice in the matter.

Elizabeth screamed again as she gathered her strength and managed to get to her hands and knees.

"Oh God. It hurts."

"I know. I really hadn't intended it to. At least this much. Honestly."

I crouched down beside the crying woman.

"It'll work itself out. In a few minutes."

"God I hope so. It feels like my whole fucking body fell asleep. Please."

"I won't rush you. Let the circulation come back. I know it hurts, sweety. Take it easy. Take your time. Let the blood flow back."

"If. You ever really want to punish someone. Leave her like that for five or six hours. They'll do anything you want to get out. And no marks."

I looked at her elbows, her ankles and her wrists. There were pretty rope marks around each. Though I could already see them fading a bit, but she was going to be sporting them for a few hours at least. I was surprised that she wasn't bruised.

"Your wrists and ankles aren't even bruised," I pointed out to her.

"Yeah. You try moving in that thing. Christ. I could barely pull at the ropes enough to bruise myself. It hurt to even breathe after a while."

She managed to pull her abused body to its knees. She cried out again, closing her eyes. Pain evident on her face. Finally she opened her eyes again and looked at me. I tilted the remainder of her water up to her lips. She took a deep breath and drank the fluid. Her throat
swallowing prettily. After she finished she licked her lips.

"Now what do I have to do for you?" she asked quietly.

"You feeling alright?"

"Sore as hell, but I'll do whatever you want. If you promise never to put me in that again."

"How about take a bath for me?"

Her eyes registered complete confusion. The words not quite registering in her mind.

"A bath? For you?"

"Alright. How about taking a steaming hot bath for yourself?"

"For me? What?"

"That bondage fog your brain?"

"Probably."

"I drew you a bath. It looked like you really needed one. Go soak."

"Oh my God. You are kidding." The words finally registered into her tired and pain filled mind.

"If I hadn't forgotten about you so long, I wouldn't have let you have a bath. Shower, perhaps. But I suspect that this is the only way that you are going to be remotely coherent tonight. If I let you have a soothing bath. Now scat."

She smiled and leaned forward on her knees. Crying, but not in humiliation and pain anymore. She gave me a huge hug. Pressing her bare body against me and gasping with the pain her muscles caused as she did.

"A girl couldn't ask for a better master. I don't believe you drew me a bath." Her face full of wonder. Like a child. Getting a gift that she never expected but loved.

"Get outta here, or I'm going to go pull the drain plug."

She grinning and fought her way to her bare feet. Swaying and grimacing in pain. She limped to the door and turned one last time.

"I didn't think I'd ever be free of those ropes. Thank-you for not leaving me in them longer. And the bath."

"Git!"

She scrambled out into the hallway as fast as her sore legs could take her. I listened for a moment until I heard her splash into the water next door. Heard the water I'd left running turned off. I leaned back on my hands. Just sitting on the floor, thinking.

A soft voice brought me out of my reverie.

"M-master?"

I turned to look up at the bed. Sheila's wide eyes were looking down at me sitting on the floor.

"If you don't want to be disturbed, I'll be quiet."

I rose to my feet and dragged a chair over, sat down facing the bound bare girl.

"It's alright." I traced a finger down her left side, causing her to wince. The bruise didn't look any better than this morning.

"You wanted to talk to me before you released me? You are going to untie me, right?" Her face was hopeful.

"Yeah. How are you doing? Still tender over here."

"It still hurts. I'm not surprised. But I can take it. I can do whatever you want with me."

I smiled. "You are eager to please."

"You are going easy on me and I almost feel guilty."

"You have got to be joking."

"I feel like you are taking out whatever you were going to do with me on the other girls. It's not fair. I can do whatever you need from me. Sex even."

"Relax. I'm not taking out anything on the other girls. And I just want you to get better. Get rest, for now."

"Thank you. Is that all you wanted from me?"

"Someday I'm going to have to find out what really happened to you here. I'm interested."

"I'll be happy to tell you. I don't mind. Mayer made me tell him about it for thrills. Describe the last days tortures in minute detail for his amusement."

"I'm just curious. It's not really for titillation."

I began to loosen the knots around her ankles. Releasing her. She drew up her knees as I released her wrists from the rope holding her body to the bed. As her wrists came free she pulled them in and shook them out.

She smiled up at me. "Thanks. I was getting tired of that position."

"You sore as well?"

"A little. Being tied up in the same position is hard on the muscles. Even in a relatively comfortable position. Elizabeth really was in a lot more pain that I was because of that."

"I hadn't intended that."

"Obviously you can do whatever you want with us. But its just something to be aware of. It's probably more appropriate for a punishment, is all."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"She didn't complain too much about it while you were gone. I would have been cursing you."

"If you are sore, you can go join Elizabeth in the bathtub. Tons of room for two in there."

"Can I take one alone? Later?"

"I don't think there will be time." I wasn't about to let her bathe alone anyway. If she managed to get a hold of a knife or razor, that could be it. I simply didn't know her well enough to allow her to do anything dangerous on her own.

"Alright. I'd love a hot bath. And I like Elizabeth. Important to like the person you bathe with." She grinned. I idly wondered what these two talked about in my absence.

I took her hand and pulled her up. She winced at the pain in her face and side as she rose. I walked with her to the bathroom.

Elizabeth was stretched out under the water. Her head back against the porcelain. She looked up as we entered. Her body was visible beneath the clear water. Her arms floating. Bare breasts just under the water as she laid back. She made no move to cover herself. She smiled up at us.

"This feels so absolutely wonderful. I could stay in here forever."

"Room for Sheila?"

"Of course." Elizabeth pulled her legs back a bit, bending them until her knees broke out of the deep water. Sheila daintily stepped into the water at the other end, gasping as the hot water caressed her lower legs. She inched herself into the water. Her skin reddening with
the heat. Almost crying out as her crotch lowered into the steamy water. Finally she settled and the two girls entwined their legs. Completely unselfconscious. Comfortable with each other.

I sat up on the counter and just watched the two nude beauties relaxing until Jane walked in.

"Yup. Just these left." Her hands were full of toiletries. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair clips, make up. That sort of thing. She dumped them on the counter and straightened them up. The short chain between her wrists hampering her. But she knew better than to complain.

Sheila opened her eyes as she heard Jane's voice.

"Holy shit!" she exclaimed from the tub. "He let you dress? That thing is gorgeous. What? Where? Oh my God. When he dresses you up, he dresses you up."

Jane almost laughed. Her voice raised in mocking. "Holy shit! He let you take a bath? Actually ... you don't have any idea what a privilege that is."

Elizabeth opened her eyes. Smiling. "I got about five minutes in here *alone*," she boasted.

Jane's eyes widened. She crouched beside the tub. Her bare feet contrasting against the evening gown as she leaned forward on her toes. She gently pulled Elizabeth's arm out of the water and traced the rope marks.

I heard her whisper to Elizabeth. "I'm truly sorry, Liz. I didn't want to tie you up like that. God. It must have hurt."

"It did, sweety. Don't sweat it. I know you didn't want to do it. I know who to blame." She threw a withering look my way. "I'm alright now. This bath is wonderful."

Jane rose to her feet. Looked at Sheila. "You alright? How's the bruises?"

"They still ache. But Elizabeth is right. This bath is wonderful. I could stay in it all day."

"And become a prune," I interjected. "You can stay in there for a while, and then both of you get ready for supper. Okay?"

They both nodded. I motioned Jane over to my seat on the counter. She walked over, head bowed.

I released her hands. She was the last girl to be wearing fetters. And I needed her free. I told her what she had to do, and her eyes lit up.

"You're kidding," was her only response.

"Don't let any of the others know. And tell them to keep out of that room."

"Alright. I can't believe you are going to let us do this."

"Enjoy. Go get it set up, then help Christi and Amy in the kitchen. Set up the dining room. There's room for six there, right?"

"Room for twelve."

"Good. None of you will have to be on the floor."

"I can't believe you care."

"You want to argue, or get going?"

She scampered out, her gown flowing around her body as she left.

"What the heck was that all about?" Elizabeth asked lazily from the water.

"You'll find out. Now, I'm going to relax before dinner. You two can stay in there for another fifteen minutes. Then out. I don't want you pruned for dinner. Dry off and then come to the master bedroom. Understand?"

"Yup." Both girls answered together. Dreamily. Relaxed. They had better not fall asleep in there. They really weren't going to like their punishment if they disobeyed. This was not the night to disobey.  Jane knew why.

My eyes wandered to the counter where Jane had arranged all the toiletries. The extra jewelry was sitting there. Two anklets, a bracelet and a necklace. All diamonds. Christi had probably given them to her and she'd forgotten to mention it in her excitement.

I turned just as I was about to leave. "Oh. And girls?" They turned towards me. Elizabeth arched her neck to see. "There's a present for each of you on the counter. Actually two each. Share them and I don't want to see you without them. Okay?"

Elizabeth craned her neck up to see onto the counter. But she was far too small to allow this maneuver. The gifts were safely hidden at the back of the counter. She relaxed back into the water. Content that she'd find out what her present was later. Pretty sure she wasn't going to like it anyway. Especially if it was something she had to keep with her. I smiled as I saw her mind working. Probably thought it was nipple clamps or something. She was in for a pleasant surprise.

I walked back to the master bedroom. Alone for the first time in a long time. I lay back on the bed. It was still warm from Sheila's body heat. I fingered the ropes that had held her, wondering what it would be like to be restrained for so long. Unable to free yourself.
Vulnerable. Naked.

I leaned my head back and relaxed. No girls to worry about. The silence only broken by the occasional sharp sound as something was dropped in the kitchen and the soft murmur of Sheila and Elizabeth softly talking in their bath. I closed my eyes. Just listening to the silence. Enjoying it. Quiet.

I heard the girls get out of the bath. The water splashed and the vibrations of their bodies as they moved around the bathroom. I could hear the faint sounds of the hot bath water draining from the tub and the girls drying off. I heard them as they entered the bedroom. Unsure
what to do. I could sense them as they moved to the center of the room and just knelt. Unsure if they should wake me up. Or just kneel quietly until I woke and gave them further instructions. Neither particularly wanted to guess wrong.

I opened my eyes and hitched myself up on the bed, saving them the decision. Glanced over. They were kneeling in the middle of the carpet. Quietly watching my movements. I could see that their fingers were pruned the way they were kneeling with the palms of their hands
upturned on their naked thighs. Legs together. Elizabeth had chosen the necklace and Sheila was wearing the diamond bracelet on her left wrist. Presumably both were wearing the anklets. Even though I couldn't see, their feet were probably pruned too. Their skin almost
glowed, in that way women's skin glows after a bath. I could watch them all day, kneeling there.

Elizabeth spoke softly. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed to speak, but thank you for the gifts. They. Are beautiful. I wasn't expecting that."

"What were you expecting?"

"I don't know. Knowing you, maybe some nipple clamps, or a new vibrator, or platinum handcuffs. I don't know. But thank-you. Did you pick them out?"

"No. Actually Christi, Jane and Anne did."

"Anne?"

"You don't want to know."

"They are gorgeous. Whoever she is."

Sheila was silent.

"Is there anything else we can do for you?"

"Nope. Just kneel there and look pretty until dinner is ready."

I leaned back and rested again.

A soft voice, hesitantly spoke again. "Sir? Can I speak?"

I opened my eyes again. It was Sheila.

"What's up?" I asked kindly.

"Can we. At least talk while you are resting? Please? We'll talk quietly."

"Sheila. I'd prefer if you didn't. I'm enjoying the silence."

"Alright. I'm sorry." She lapsed back into silence. Her expression was one of confusion and hurt. Not sure why I couldn't just let them go to another room and talk. But she knew better than to question it. It was better than being gagged. And she knew about being gagged.

I closed my eyes again and relaxed into the comfort of the bed. I could hear the soft breathing of the girls as they just quietly knelt and waited. Probably a bit uncomfortable on their knees.

Finally I heard a faint voice from the bottom of the stairs. Sounds didn't travel particularly well in this home. It sounded like Jane or Christi calling that dinner was on the table.

I opened my eyes. Elizabeth and Sheila had both heard the call as well. They looked anxious to go. I suppose being forced to kneel naked for twenty minutes with nothing to do but keep silent makes a woman a bit restless. I forced them to remain on their knees while I slowly
got up.

Finally Sheila risked breaking the silence.

"M-master?"

"Did I give you permission to speak?"

"I'm sorry." She closed her mouth again.

"Come on. Dinner is served. I think." It had been about three minutes since the call.

Elizabeth and Sheila both scrambled to their bare feet. Waiting for me to tell them they could go downstairs. Elizabeth's eyes expressive. Wanting to say something. Ask if she could go downstairs. As I approached the door, I knew why. It hadn't reached to the bed yet, but the smell of dinner, whatever it was, permeated the room. Garlic. My mouth began to water. I'm sure the women were in as bad a state. Hadn't eaten since breakfast. I thought I could hear Elizabeth's belly rumble as she smelled her coming food.

I gave them both a pat on their bare bottoms. "Go on. You two are like a pair of lions, smelling the kill. You can talk now as well."

The girls gratefully scampered out of the room. Elizabeth calling a word of thanks over her shoulder. I could hear the two of them thundering down the stairs and towards the dining room. I followed them at a more sedate pace.

When I got into the dining room, I stepped back in shock. The girls had made the dining room up into something to rival fine dining establishments. They had moved the extra chairs over to the other side of the room. Now there were only six chairs towards one end of the huge table. The end of the table was obviously reserved for me. Jane and Christi flanked me, and the rest of the girls were seated demurely in the remaining chairs. Candles graced the table, and the lights were dimmed. Their hair and faces glowed in the soft light. They were all waiting patiently for me to allow them to eat. Hands clasped in their laps. I glanced at the table before I sat. Christi had prepared a full dinner. Bread. Wine. And a steaming bowl of pasta. Some sort of cream sauce. A huge tossed salad.

I sat and looked over at Christi. Her red sweater flickered in the candlelight. I idly wondered what our illustrious Mr. Mayer would think of us, three clothed, three unclothed strangers using his kitchen and dining room as though it was our own. Drinking his precious wine. I didn't particularly care what he thought.

Christi smiled. She whispered to me. "Did we do good?"

I nodded. It had been a long time since we'd had dinner together. And this really blew my mind. I guess they were probably looking for something to stimulate themselves as well. Christi saw my questioning look at the pasta.

"Carbonara. I used some of the lunch meats. I really hope you like it. My last boyfriend did." She whispered to herself, "God. I hope he likes it."

She picked up the serving spoons and put some pasta onto the plate in front of me.

"Can I serve the rest of us as well?"

I nodded, watching her body move as she doled out the noodles. Giving the girls less than she did me. I wasn't going to stop them from having seconds if they wanted it. There was tons of pasta.

I picked up my fork and spoon and twirled the first strands of linguine on the fork. I popped it in my mouth, my mouth exploding with flavour. The best carabonara I'd ever tasted. Garlic.

I looked up. Christi looked worried. I reassured her.

"Excellent. What are you all waiting for?"

Christi smiled and swallowed in relief. She experimentally dipped her fingers into her plate and pulled at a few noodles. Having trouble with the slippery food. Tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes. Frustrated with her dinner and her inability to eat it. She snatched her hand back, the pasta still a little hot for her. She stuck her fingers in her mouth to ease the burning sensation.

The other girls watched as Christi slipped her fingers out of her mouth and stood. She licked the cream sauce off her fingers carefully. I could see the tears brimming in her eyes as she grasped the bottom of her sweater and pulled it over her head in one swift motion. I was  too surprised to react. Her breasts fell free and she sighed. She began to unbutton her jeans.

I finally found my tongue. "Christi?" I asked her. "What are you doing?"

"I'm. I'm taking my clothes off."

"Uh. Why?"

"I'm going to spill. And I don't want to get punished. Not tonight. Please just let me take them off." She swallowed heavily. Hardly being able to stop the tears.

"Christi. Stop."

She actually began to cry. The rest of the girls were looking decidedly uncomfortable. Elizabeth was trying to pick up her pasta, not having to worry about her clothes. She burned her fingers a little as well. Her fingers got put in her mouth quickly as well. She sucked
gently at her digits, trying to ease the burning sensations.

Christi spoke through her tears, "Oh God. Please. I'm not hungry anymore."

I knew that was a lie. She was as hungry as the rest of us. She was just more afraid of punishment than of her hunger.

"Calm down. Calm."

She tried to stop crying. I wasn't quite sure what had upset her. Having to take off her clothes, or just the simple fact that she wouldn't have to if I just let them eat like human beings. Or both.

She looked at me with her baleful blue eyes. "I'm sorry. I know I'm not going to be allowed to wear them forever." Didn't even bother asking for cutlery. Knowing what the answer would be, if it wasn't accompanied by punishment just for asking. It just all seemed so unfair to her. I couldn't blame her. It just didn't seem right for her to have to strip and be upset in this atmosphere. Nor did it seem right that she couldn't enjoy this wonderful dinner she'd prepared.

"Christi. I don't want all of you to need showers before bed. Go on. Dress yourself. And then go get forks and spoons for everyone. I would have told you before, but I didn't realize that you were going to make such a wonderful meal. I had actually sort of forgotten you didn't
have utensils."

She face fell in disbelief. She hadn't been allowed cutlery since I took her. Clothes and cutlery in one day. She didn't need to be told twice. She picked up her sweater and rebuttoned her jeans. She pulled the garment back over her head, hiding herself again. She practically ran to the kitchen, returning with her hands full of forks and soup spoons. She distributed them to the anxious girls. Elizabeth was silently licking her fingers to clean them. Smiles on all the females, nude or otherwise.

"Don't get used to it. It's back to fingers tomorrow. You can thank Christi for it tonight. If this wasn't so delicious, you'd be using your fingers anyway. Showers or no. It's hard to enjoy it if you are worried about slopping. And it is excellent. Especially when it's hot. Eat up. Quit listening to me."

The girls dove into the pasta. Their fingers working the utensils. Savouring the flavour. Everyone enjoying it. Everyone complimenting Christi.

After the pasta, I was stuffed. Some of the girls, Jane and Elizabeth took seconds after seeking permission. Christi distributed the salad and bread. I buttered the bread for them, since they weren't allowed knives. And they happily ate the salad and bread with their fingers. Licking themselves clean afterwards. It was almost normal. Jane was stunning. Christi looked almost normal. If you ignored the fact that the other three were nude, and Jane and Christi were barefoot, and the women were eating with their fingers, albeit daintily, it almost could have been a dinner at a fine dining restaurant.

I finished up and leaned back in my chair. Satiated. The girls were still eating since their salads took a little longer, eating with their fingers. I just watched as they talked amongst themselves. Telling stories about their siblings. Families. Goals. University stories. I just drank my wine slowly. Not quite believing this scene. Hadn't expected this. It was actually quite nice. I was curious which of the girls had come up with the idea. Probably Christi or Jane.

Amy looked like she just might have had a bit too much wine. Her face was flushed and she was talking a bit louder than normal. But she was hardly drunk. I debated saying something, but she probably deserved a bit of an escape. Maybe it was dulling the ache between her legs. I took note as Christi purposefully, but discreetly moved the wine bottle down towards our end of the table. Away from Amy. Amy didn't seem to mind. Perhaps sensing that she was about to go over the limit, and into the realm of possible punishment for getting out of control.
And she'd was well aware of punishment today.

One by one, the women finished their meals. Sighing. Content. They all sat back and quietly talked. Sometimes including me in their conversation, but sensing that I really was content to simply watch them interact. They weren't shy. Even talking about sex and relationships. Almost as though they could pretend that they were just a bunch of friends on an evening out. Able to ignore the oddity of the scene in the low light. The nudity. Their positions. Almost forgetting that they were captives.

Finally Elizabeth, Amy and Sheila all rose, almost as if on cue, and began to clear the table. The nude women, still chattering with the clothed ones and myself. The three of them gathered up the dishes and finally exited to clean up.

Christi and Jane leaned on their elbows and just looked at me. Jane spoke softly.

"You know, if it was more like this, I'd love it here."

Christi echoed the sentiment.

"You liked this evening?"

"I loved this evening. I'd happily go all the way with you for giving us this evening," Jane murmured. "And not because I had to." Her face was a little flushed as well. She was definitely underage to be drinking. Like I cared. She probably just wasn't used to it. She
hadn't gotten drunk though. Just flushed. Her self control asserting itself well before she crossed any danger lines.

"Me too. At the same time even," Christi echoed softly.

"I enjoyed it too. Kind of relaxed. Don't have to torment you all the time, I guess."

"It almost feels weird, you know," Jane remarked.

"What does?" Christi asked.

"Sitting here. You in jeans and a sweater. Me in this ... thing," Jane reflected. "If I had shoes, I'd almost believe I wasn't ... here. And this was the most relaxing time I've ever had in my short life. It almost doesn't seem real. That pasta was so good."

"I know what you mean. God it was hard taking off this thing." Christi pinched her sweater between her breasts. "I'm almost used to it. I. I don't want to go back to the way I was."

"Christi. Enjoy it. But please don't get attached to it. You know I'm going to have to take it away from you eventually," I had to inject some reality into this.

"I know. I look too good nude," she spoke almost with a pang of regret.

I smiled. "You got it, babe."

"Well, I'm going to enjoy it as long as you let me. It feels good."

"Me too," Jane chimed it. We all sipped at our wine and lapsed into silence. Just thinking. Watching the candles flicker in the darkness. We were still like that as Elizabeth, Amy and Sheila padded back into the dining room. Each of them filed past my chair and gave me a kiss, then returned to their own chair.

"What was that for?" I almost laughed.

"For tonight. You don't often treat us nicely, and we thought we'd show our appreciation. You can have more appreciation later if you want," Elizabeth grinned up from her end of the table.

"Christ, I almost forgot." Amy jumped to her feet and ran back towards the kitchen.

I watched the nude girl as she disappeared. A frown creased my brow. I wondered what she possibly could have forgotten.

She reappeared moments later with a big bowl of ice cream.

"Dessert!" she cried as she placed it down in front of me with a teaspoon.

I smiled. "Where'd you find this?"

"Freezer. That's all there was."

It was a huge bowl. I couldn't possibly eat it all. I took a spoonful of the dessert and offered it to Amy. She stared wide eyed. Not expecting any. She opened her small mouth and extended her tongue. The same tongue I'd clamped so long ago. I slipped the spoon into her mouth and she took the dessert. Swallowing with a look of pure rapture on her face. After today's events I doubt if she expected any kindness from me ever again. I couldn't blame her. She was probably still aching something fierce between her thighs.

"Anyone else?"

Christi spoke from beside me. "I wish. Milk doesn't agree with me. Remember? God. And I love the stuff."

"Alright. You go make the coffee then. Everyone but me and Sheila."

"Really? Why can't Sheila have any? She hasn't done anything to be punished has she?"

I turned to Sheila. "Sheila? You want any?" She shook her head negative. "Go on before I change my mind. You girls are going to be up half the night."

Christi laughed and jumped to her bare feet. Practically flying out of the dining room to prepare the coffee. I caught a flash of her blue jeans as she stumbled through the swinging door.

I gave each remaining girl a taste of the ice cream, before taking some myself. They each savoured it; just being female. Their faces showing their pleasure. I ate most of the rest of the ice cream. It was really good. Maybe I just hadn't had any in a long time. Chocolate.

I left each girl about two spoons each and fed them the last of it. Jane hesitating over the last spoon.

"You sure you don't want it?"

"I do. But you'll enjoy it more and I've had lots. Go on. Eat it. Not like I'm going to punish you for taking something I offered to you."

"You sure?" still a bit hesitant. But I could see her desire for it deep in her brown eyes. She was just unsure of my motives; I couldn't blame her.

I gently pushed the spoon against her teeth until she opened her mouth and took the offered treat. She savoured the chocolate and swallowed it. Closing her eyes.

I dropped the spoon in the bowl just as Christi entered with a tray. The aroma of fresh coffee permeated the room. She poured a mug for everyone but Sheila and I. I topped up Sheila's wine and we sipped at that instead. The girls prepared their coffees and enjoyed them in
silence.

I spoke down the table. A thought occurring to me.

"Sheila?"

She turned her head towards me. Her eyes questioning.

"This the first time you've eaten in here?"

"Like this? Yes."

"You've eaten in here before?" I couldn't believe that Mayer had allowed her to eat with them.

"Once. Sort of. But nothing this good. Or pleasant." Her face flushed at the memory. "When Gertrude was away with her sister ... Mayer could force me to do all my duties the way he liked me. Bound. Naked. Dismissed Polly for the day. Had me. Had me bound to the table. Naked. Tight. And he invited a few friends over for a little dinner party. I. I was dessert that night. That was well before he started to hit me. His friends were, actually, mostly civil for a change. Though, I did have to service them all later that evening. Ick. I don't remember that much, thank God. Just their boring conversation during dinner, as they ignored me. Not that I minded being ignored. And the burning of the hot dishes they placed on me from time to time. They. They forced me to drink a lot of champagne. I. I don't remember much but being eaten after dinner. Them making comments about the quality of the dessert. And begging them not to do it. Begging them to stop. It was early in my, uh, service. I didn't know that this was actually kind compared to some of Mayer's tastes. All I knew was that strange men were getting a lot closer to me than I liked. I think he made me eat a cold dinner later that night in here after his friends went home. It was a while ago."

The girls listened to the account quietly. Amy touching Sheila's shoulder as she finished. Sheila had been nearly emotionless as she told the story. She snapped out of it with Amy's touch.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin dinner."

"You didn't sweetheart," Jane whispered from her end of the table. "You didn't."

"I'm pretty sure the table was cleaned after that," Sheila managed to force herself to grin. Breaking the tension. I had to give her credit, she could cope with what was done to her.

As Elizabeth cleared the coffee and my dessert bowl, I turned to Jane.

"Everything set up?"

The girl in the evening gown nodded solemnly.

Elizabeth wandered back into the room and took her seat. Her breasts rising and falling gently with her breathing.

I nodded to Jane, and she rose. She padded quietly out towards the kitchen giving me a furtive glance. The other females shifted a bit uncomfortably in their seats. Not knowing quite what to expect. Christi looked a bit apprehensive, knowing that nice treatment was sometimes followed by rough treatment.

She had tears in her eyes, but she willed them back. She walked over to where I was seated. She swallowed heavily and handed me what she had in her hands. Five lengths of rope. I took them from her hands and just placed them on the table in front of me.

She looked at me pleadingly, but knew what she had to do. Actually she was the only one who knew, so she had to go first. Taking a deep breath, the girl slowly pulled at her gown until it lifted over her bare body and over her head. She shook her hair out, not quite being
able to stop the tear as it rolled down the left side of her face. Hating stripping for me, again. She carefully laid the garment out on the table in front of the others, so it wouldn't wrinkle and then stood proudly in front of me. I'd turned my chair and sat back watching her move in the candlelight.

She sighed and turned her back to me. She carefully folded her arms behind her, silently waiting for the ropes to be placed on her. I wound the soft rope around her wrists and forearms, holding them securely together. Not tight, but inescapable for the girl. I tucked
the last end in, and touched her bare shoulder. Tears were brimming again in her eyes as she gently pulled against her bound arms. Knowing that she wasn't getting out of this until I let her out. Her arms folded behind her had the effect of accentuating her bared breasts and she knew it. She took another deep breath.

"Your slave. She thanks you," she whispered. Knowing that this is what we'd arranged. She walked over to her seat and sat herself down. Now bound, but not particularly uncomfortably. She just couldn't lean back into the chair. She sat up straight instead, quietly fidgeting. She
shouldn't have any problems with circulation in her hands.

Jane looked to her left and whispered to Amy who was sitting beside her. Silently watching. "You're next. Just do what I did. Okay?"

The nude girl nodded and quietly got to her feet. She didn't have any clothing to remove so she just stood with her back to me. Allowing me to tie her. Thanking me. One by one, Jane told the girls who was next. Even Sheila, with her discomfort submitted to the binding without
complaint. They had no idea how long I was going to leave them like this. Finally ending at Christi.

The last girl rose to her bare feet. She approached with tears falling down her pretty face. Unashamed. She lowered herself to her knees and looked up at me.

"Please. I'm begging you. Don't make me take them off. I swear. I'll do whatever you want. You can tie me. I don't care."

"Christi. Sweety. On your feet." Silent tears traced down her face. She obeyed. "You knew you weren't going to be allowed them forever. I'll let you put them back on later. I promise."

"You promise?"

"Even if I didn't, you can't do much about it. Come on. I don't want to punish you. Take them off for me. I just want you naked for a while. I'll let you have the clothes back. Honest. Okay?"

I was being gentle with her. Not really wanting to ruin the evening. I don't think she wanted to either; she sighed a bit and simply reached for her top and pulled it over her head. In a few minutes, the jeans had slipped down her legs and she daintily stepped out of them. She
flushed a bit, but bent to pick up the clothing. Carefully, she folded it and placed it with Jane's evening gown.

She swallowed heavily and turned her back to me. She folded her arms like the other women. I wrapped her as I had the others and she silently returned to her seat. The women were all quiet. Sitting there in their bonds and waiting patiently to see what else I had planned for them. Even Jane, who sort of knew, was aware that I could change my mind as well as any female.

I rose to my feet, gazing at the females, so naked and beautiful in the candlelight. I almost just wanted to order them to be silent and just watch them all night like this. Perhaps one night I would. Tonight they deserved something else.

I motioned for them to rise, and as one, they all scrambled to their bare feet. Their bound arms impeded them, but they managed. I walked out to the large room that housed the entertainment area. The girls quietly followed.

"Make yourselves as comfortable as you can."

The girls looked around the room. Only Amy had spent any time in here. It was a huge room. Carpeted. Lots of choices for five women to settle in. There was two easy chairs. The sofa. A recliner. Hassock.

Uncertainly the women looked around. Unsure what was going to happen, and not sure where they were best situated. Jane sighed and led them once again. She knew. She walked over to the sofa and lowered herself carefully to one end. Having a bit of trouble with her balance. Her arms forcing her into an awkward position. She settled herself in, settled back. Stretching her bare legs out across the sofa. Her legs reached about halfway.

Jane looked up at the rest of the unmoving girls. She smiled encouragingly at them. "Come on, you fraidy cats. Jeez. The furniture isn't going to bite you. Relax."

Christi tentatively stepped forward and walked towards the other end of the sofa. She dropped into it and sighed. Comfortable. The rest of the girls followed. Elizabeth and Sheila taking easy chairs and Amy settling herself on the carpet. Her back up against the ottoman, leaning back, her legs curled under herself. She was facing the wrong way, but she didn't know that yet. She probably thought that I wanted the recliner and the women had run out of furniture. She took the floor.

I looked at Amy. Spoke to her. "Amy? You can take the recliner if you want it. I'm going to join Christi and Jane on the couch."

Amy looked up gratefully and smiled. "That's alright. Can I move to it later? I'm comfortable here."

"Sure. Whatever you want. You can even switch around later if you want. No problem."

The girls shifted a bit uneasily. Not sure what was coming up.

I walked over and settled myself into the center of the sofa. Christi and Jane both pulled up their legs to allow me to sit down between them. They modestly kept their legs together as they shifted.

I picked up a remote and aimed it at the huge wall unit across the room. The doors silently slid open to reveal a huge television and the stereo to which Amy had previously been listening in here.

"Alright. We have choices here."

The girls all looked towards me expectantly. Except Jane who knew what the choices were because she'd set them up.

"The bozo didn't have a huge selection, but these are your choices. I don't want a lot of arguing."

The girls nodded. Confused.

"Forrest Gump. Debbie Does Dallas. Sleepless in Seattle. Toy Story. Or Virile Vixens Bound and Whipped ... an exciting three hour extravaganza."

Christi started to laugh. "Virile Vixens? You have to be joking."

I reached under the coffee table and pulled up the box. Showed it to her. She stopped laughing. "Oh my God." She hesitated. "Are you honestly giving us a choice? Or are you expecting us to pick ... uh ... certain ones."

"I'm honestly giving you a choice. Pick two. I feel like watching a couple of movies, and I thought that you all might appreciate it as well. Not much for entertainment around here. At least nothing that you'd like as well."

I touched Jane's shoulder and motioned for her to rise. She did.

"Now. By the time I get back I want a consensus. I already know what Jane is voting for."

I guided the bound woman around the sofa and we walked back out towards the kitchen.

"You are so cruel. I swear it," Jane murmured as we walked along.

"What?"

"You know that they aren't going to know which ones to pick. Be afraid of punishment if they pick what they really want to see. Why'd you throw those two in? Debbie Does Dallas? Huh?"

She grinned at me. Actually kind of liking being on the inside of the joke for a change.

I laughed as we entered the kitchen. I released her arms and she idly rubbed her forearms. I looked at her and she held her arms up. I cuffed her with the handcuffs she'd laid out on the table for me earlier. She pulled at them a bit but eventually settled down. Between us we popped four bowls of popcorn and salted and buttered them. I had to keep slapping at her hands as she playfully tried to get some into her mouth.

After we were done, I handed her a bowl, and clipped three pairs of handcuffs to her left arm loosely. I balanced the other bowls in my free arms and we walked back to the entertainment room. I stopped just outside the doors. I heard Christi's voice.

"You have to be joking. He's going to punish us if we don't pick the ones *he* wants to see. And I think that is pretty obvious."

"I suppose," Elizabeth sounded so disappointed.

"See," Jane hissed in my ear.

I smiled at her and pushed the door open with my foot. Jane walked into the room and the girls faces lit up as they smelled the popcorn. I placed the largest bowl on the coffee table in front of the sofa and distributed the smaller bowls to the other girls. One to Amy on the floor and one each to Elizabeth and Sheila.

"Now. If you chose right, I'll let you all out of those ropes so you can eat your popcorn. If you chose wrong, you can pick who feeds you. Either way you get the popcorn." I'd gone to the trouble of making them snacks, damned if I wasn't going to let them eat it.

The girls looked a little confused but that didn't really matter to me.

I turned to Christi. "Have a consensus?"

"We want to watch what you want to watch," she smiled.

"Cute. But no. What have you all chosen? Hmmmm? Do we need to vote?"

"No. We decided."

"Okay?"

"We'll watch the porns with you. The Virile Vixens and Debbie."

"That's very kind of you. But you're lying."

Christi went pale.

"But. We thought that is what you wanted."

"It might be. But I told you to pick what *you* wanted. Not what *I* wanted."

"Oh God. Does this mean we are going to get punished? Please no. It's been such a nice evening. Please?"

"You are going to get punished. But it isn't a hard punishment. Are you all reasonably comfortable?"

Thrown by the question, the girls all nodded. Even Jane who wasn't really expecting any of this.

"Alright. Between Amy, Elizabeth and Sheila, pick one of you to be handcuffed like Jane here. She'll be responsible for feeding the others their popcorn. That's your punishment. If you'd done what you were told, then you'd all be free of the ropes. Okay?"

They all nodded. The lightest punishment that any of them had ever endured.

"That means Elizabeth and Sheila will have to join Amy on the floor until the popcorn is done."

The two girls slipped to their knees and moved towards Amy. I got up and moved their popcorn to the center of the room where they were all kneeling.

"Who?"

"Elizabeth, I guess." Amy spoke quietly.

I released Elizabeth from her ropes and quickly recuffed her hands in front of her. She nodded, understanding what was expected from her.

I returned to my seat. "Now. What movies are we going to watch tonight?"

Christi spoke. "Our other choices were Forrest Gump and Sleepless. We'd all seen Toy Story. Most of us had seen Forrest Gump too, but Amy hadn't. If we still have a choice." She looked a bit glum. She'd been the one to cause this trouble. Her arms would be free now if she'd
realized what was expected of her. Same with Amy and Sheila.

"Alright then."

I sent Jane to load up the VCR. Her bare body moved effeciently towards the television. Jane returned to her seat after pushing Forrest Gump into the VCR, moving the big bowl of popcorn into my lap.

I flicked the remotes, getting away from the static on all the channels and starting the movie. I sent Jane to dim the lights. She did and returned.

I'd already seen Forest Gump, so I contented myself with watching the girls. Jane carefully feeding me and Christi. Taking the occasional kernel herself as she watched the movie. The girls on the floor were engrossed. Kneeling. Bound. Elizabeth feeding them quietly. I relaxed. Occasionally watching Tom Hanks bumble his way through life.

It seemed so short as the credits rolled up the screen. We'd long ago finished our bowl of popcorn, Jane settling back into her seat. Her legs pulled up. Sometime during the movie, Elizabeth had finished feeding the other two, it didn't look like they'd finished all their
popcorn, but presumably they didn't want any more, since Elizabeth had moved back to her chair. Amy and Sheila had just remained kneeling on the carpet through the whole movie.

I felt my eyes closing as it ended. But I'd promised the girls two movies. I didn't bother rewinding Forest Gump, just asking Jane to change the tapes. She complied.

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes sir?"

"Come here."

She rose her bare body from her chair and approached. A bit apprehensively.

I took her cuffed hands and released them. I gently refolded her arms behind her bare back and retied her as she squirmed a bit. Preferring the handcuffs.

I did the same to Jane. She didn't seem to mind and settled back into her position.

"You two don't need to stay there, you know." I spoke to Sheila and Amy still curled up on the carpet together.

"We know. If you want us to move, we will, but it's nice down here." They'd come off their knees and were sitting a little more comfortably after the first movie. Stretching themselves out.

"Alright. Suit yourselves."

I flipped on the second movie. The girls settled back in their bonds and were captured by the movie. The flick didn't interest me again, though I watched more of it this time. Instead I reached out, drawing Christi's bare feet into my lap. She allowed it without any hesitation. As she watched the movie, I played with her bare toes, rubbing her insteps. She moaned a bit at the attention, seemed to be enjoying it. About halfway through the movie she drew her legs back. In moments Jane had extended her feet into my lap. I relaxed idly playing with her feet, occasionally tickling her, making her squeal. But she kept her bare feet in my lap through it all.

I don't remember the end of the movie. I woke up sometime much later. Static on the television. Glancing around the room, Elizabeth was sleep with her head ducked to her chest. She hadn't moved from her chair. Jane and Christi had both extended their bare feet over my
thighs. Toes touching. My hands rested easily on their shins. They were fast asleep. Christi's head bent to her shoulder. Jane's fallen forward, her hair obscuring her face. Amy and Sheila had stretched out on the floor. Sleeping peacefully, despite the ropes. On their sides. Their bare breasts rising and falling as they breathed shallowly.

I flipped off the television, silencing the static. Christi stirred as the white noise disappeared. She opened her eyes and looked at me. Pulling gently against her trapped arms.

"Good night, Master" she murmured before closing her eyes and falling back asleep. I was exhausted. I tilted my head back as well, idly thinking that I was going to regret not going up to bed as I fell into a deep slumber.

My eyes snapped open and adrenaline poured into my system. The other girls were instantly awake. Struggling with their bondage. Questions falling from their lips. I jumped to my feet trying to locate the source of the agonized screams. Christi and Jane almost thrown from the sofa by my movements. My heart hammering.

The adrenaline increased my awareness. I scrambled over to Sheila. She was the only one in the room still asleep. Amy had initially scrambled away, her bare feet scrabbling at the carpet. Moaning. As she realized what was happening, she began to inch her way over to her carpet mate. By this time I was kneeling beside the still screaming girl.

I gathered her into my arms, gently rocking her. Unsure whether I should wake her, or let her wake herself. I was saved the decision. As I cradled her bound body, she snapped awake with another scream. Struggling violently. Swearing. Trying to free her arms. Kicking out at Amy, who had to scramble away again to avoid the thrashing legs. Finally, I managed to calm her, stroking her hair gently and holding her tight against myself. She fell into a deep weeping. I wasn't even sure that she had any idea where she was.

Amy managed to get herself to her knees. Fright and adrenaline flushing her face in the weak light.

"Is. She alright?" she whispered.

"I'm really don't know. Probably just a nightmare."

Amy nodded, watching with wide eyes. I glanced around the room. All the girls were flushed and watching with morbid fascination.

"You can all go back to sleep. She just had a nightmare."

Elizabeth mumbled something, "Some nightmare ..." She tried to settled back into her chair. Fighting off her adrenaline. Trying to slow her breathing.

I turned my attention to the shaking girl in my arms. She was breathing hard. Her eyes closed. Sweat was pouring off her brow. Her tangled blonde hair damp. Whispering to herself. I stroked her hair like a child.

"Shhhh. It was just a nightmare. Shhhh."

She seemed to calm a bit. Pulling at her ropes. Still crying. She hitched a few times and managed to stop. I wiped at her face. Brushing away her tears.

"I. I'm so sorry," she said quietly. "I. I didn't mean to wake everyone."

"That's alright. What happened, sweetheart?"

"N-nightmare. I. I should have warned you. I get them. My. Evan used to come into my room when I was screaming and hit me until I woke up and stopped. I'm sorry."

"He hit you for screaming? That makes sense."

"I don't know. Please. I didn't mean to wake you up. I'll try to go back to sleep. Please don't punish me."

"Relax. I'm not going to punish you for having a nightmare. Sweety. I'm surprised that you didn't scream last night."

"It was the first night in a long time that I haven't."

I stroked her hair. "Care to tell me about it?"

"I. I don't remember all of it. I. I was chained up. Naked. And. You were there. But you weren't doing anything. Just watching. Mayer. He was whipping me. Trying to get me to do something. My. Pussy. Hard. I can still feel it." Her eyes began to tear up.

"Sheila. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. It wasn't an order."

"I know. He was whipping me and I was screaming. Finally, he let me down. I remember him letting my wrists go and I fell. I ran to you. Begging you not to let him hurt me. Oh God. You showed me a riding crop. And I knew. You were going to whip me. My. Pussy. As well. And I ran. Screaming. Because I hurt. Because you and Mayer were chasing me. Oh God. It just seemed so real. I. Feel sick."

I stroked her damp hair and kissed the top of her head. She shivered a bit.

"You going to be alright?"

"I. I don't know."

"Should we be getting you to a bathroom?"

"No. It's fading. I should be alright. I think."

"Can you get back to sleep?"

"I'm not sure if I'll be able to fall back asleep."

"You need your rest. Try."

"You. You can gag me if you want. That way if I scream it shouldn't wake you. I'm used to sleeping with one."

I shook my head. "That isn't necessary. If I did that, you might choke in the night."

"Mayer didn't care. He'd almost always gag me after the first time I screamed. Sometimes he'd just gag me before I fell asleep. If he didn't want to punish me in the night for screaming."

"I'm not Mayer. Try to sleep."

"You aren't going to crop me, are you?"

"Only if you misbehave. Now go to sleep."

I slid her off my lap. Amy had laid back down already. Watching. Unable to sleep with us making so much noise so close to her.

Amy spoke quietly. "Sheila? You want to sleep over here? With me? I promise not to bite. And my arms are tied as much as yours. No funny business."

Sheila smiled gratefully. Perhaps a little female comfort and physical closeness might help. She nodded. Amy shifted herself, moving closer to Sheila. Finally, they were face to face. Their bare bodies touching at the breast and hips. Their legs entwined. Despite the fact that
they were both bound and nude, there really wasn't anything sexual about it. Almost like sisters just comforting each other. Amy kissed Sheila's cheek chastely and settled her head down onto the carpet and closed her eyes. In moments Sheila did the same. I sat and watched
them as Amy's breathing became regular and Sheila, while obviously not asleep, at least pretended. She was relaxed.

I let the adrenaline work itself out of my system. I slowly rose to my feet and returned to the sofa, working myself under Christi and Jane's feet again. They were fast asleep again. They stirred but didn't awaken as I moved back to the sofa. Again I cursed myself for not returning to the master bedroom. I could feel the aches and kinks already starting. I idly wondered if any of the girls knew massage as I slipped back into a deep sleep.

I awoke a lot later, feeling a soft sensation on my lips. I opened my eyes to a nude blonde softly kissing me. Her arms seemed like they were in an odd position. I was instantly aroused, but I pulled back. Her eyes looked questioningly at me.

"Good morning," she whispered.

I yawned. "Good morning. What the heck are you doing up so early?"

"Early?"

"Yeah. It's early. I'm not awake. It's early," instinctively I was whispering with her. The other girls were unlikely awake, either.

She lowered her blue eyes. "I'm sorry. I. Just could help it."

I stretched. Wincing as the aches and pains from sleeping sitting up intensified.

"It's alright. Time to get up anyway."

"I've been a bad girl. You can punish me if you want."

"Tempting as that is, you wouldn't like your punishment, and I'm not awake enough to punish you. Maybe later."

She stuck her lip out in a pout and then broke out into a grin, not being able to hold a straight face.

"Can a slave beg for coffee?" she whispered.

"Come on."

I rose to my feet and groaned at the various muscles that suddenly had appeared. My right arm ached fiercely.

Sheila had turned onto her back. Her feet still touching Amy. Amy was still on her right side, breathing regularly. Elizabeth was going to be in pain as much as I. Still fast asleep, her head tucked into her chest. I glanced over at Jane. She shifted her position as I came off the couch. Sensing her legs being moved in her sleep.

"Not yet. Please," she mumbled to someone before slipping back into slumber.

I guided Christi out into the hallway. She daintily stepped over the carpet, trying to be silent. As we walked towards the kitchen, she made a deliberate glance into the dining room where her clothes were lying carefully folded on the table. She pulled at her restraints, sighed, and continued her nude journey to the kitchen.

She stood awkwardly in the middle of the kitchen as I flipped on the coffee maker. I sat down, leaving her standing.

"Aren't you going to untie me?"

"You wouldn't happen to know any massage techniques, would you?"

"You mean like walking on your back?" she smiled mischievously.

"Yeah."

"I used to give my boyfriend massages. He liked them."

"I keep hearing about this boyfriend of yours. You still seeing him?"

"Not in this timeline."

"On the normal one. You know what I mean."

"No."

"No?"

"I broke up with him. About two months ago."

"Why?"

"He wanted to get married. I didn't. Do we have to talk about this?"

"We'll talk about it if I want to. But alright. What do you want to make us for breakfast."

"Whatever you want. Can I take a shower first?"

"A shower? After breakfast."

"But. Please. I feel like I'm so dirty. My hair. My God. I can't even run my fingers through it." She tossed her head, her hair limp and tangled. She was a bit of a mess.

"I know. But you might get more dirty at breakfast. Syrup is sticky."

"You want pancakes again? You'll have to untie me eventually if you want me to cook." She grinned. Accepting that she simply wasn't going to be allowed to shower before breakfast.

I motioned her over and she groaned as I finally released the ropes holding her arms. She shook them out, wincing.

"You know. You don't have to do that to us. Make us sleep like that. You have no idea how uncomfortable it is."

"What would you suggest? Letting you run free? Let you stick scissors in my chest?"

"You know we wouldn't do that. Lock us in a room or something?"

"Ahhh. And what if I like sleeping with a warm body or two?"

"Then tie us up then? The ones that you are sleeping with."

"I'll think about it."

Christi began to move around the kitchen. Gathering cooking utensils, pans.

"Can a slave have her coffee now?"

I glanced over at the coffee machine. It was just finishing up perking.

I walked over to the coffee machine and poured her out a mug. I placed it in her outstretched hand. She looked at it. Then turned her blue eyes to gaze at me. Pleading in them.

"Can a slave have cream and sugar? Please?"

I was in a tormenting mood for some reason. "Any particular reason?"

"Because I. She likes it that way? Please?"

"Does it matter how you like it?"

Her eyes brimmed with tears. Not knowing why she was being tormented. Not knowing why I wasn't letting her drink her coffee with cream and sugar.

"No sir. I. She'll drink it as you want."

She brought the mug to her lips and sipped at the bitter brew. Tears in her eyes, she turned away towards the stove. I relented. She just looked so forlorn, and she hadn't give me a hard time about it. Trying to please.

"Christi?"

She turned towards me again. "Yes sir?" she replied a bit sullenly.

"Come here."

She walked over. Waited. Then knelt. Her coffee still in her hand. She placed it on the floor in front of her. Tilting her head up to look at me.

"Would you beg for cream and sugar?"

"If I had to."

I considered. She would. I knew she would. I didn't need to hear it this morning.

I extended my hand, helping her to her feet. I guided her over to towards the counter where the sugar was. Gave her a little push.

"Go on. You've been a good girl. Fix your coffee."

She turned to me, confusion on her pretty face. An unspoken question. Why?

"Because you didn't beg, but you would have."

She still looked confused, but didn't want to risk her cream and sugar. She scampered over and fixed her coffee. She tasted it and smiled in my direction. Wordlessly thanking me and returning to mixing her pancake batter.

I watched her nude body as she worked, soon smelling the sweet odors of pancakes frying. She set the small table. Plates for the girls. Plate and cutlery for me. A huge jug of syrup.

"They'll be ready soon. Care to get the others, or you want me to?"

I rose, leaving her to her tasks. I returned to the entertainment room. Jane was awake. But that was it. She got up off the sofa as I entered. She walked over, silently, and knelt at my feet. I ruffled her tangled hair and set about waking the others. Feeling evil, I approached Elizabeth's chair. She was still fast asleep.

Her nipples still had a trace of the rouge that she'd used. I reached out and suddenly grasped her nipples and twisted. Not enough to seriously hurt her, but she'd wake up quickly.

"Ahhhhhhhhh," she screamed as she woke up. I released her and she lay back in the chair and tried to catch her breath. She struggled with her ropes but couldn't get free. Finally she just stared at me sullenly.

"What the hell was that for?"

"I was feeling nasty."

"I'll say. You aren't going to do it again, are you?" she paled as she realized just how vulnerable she was with her arms pinned behind her as they were.

"Nope. You're awake."

"Some fucking alarm clock."

I kissed her lips, and surprised she just kissed me back.

"You are always hard to wake up. I figured I'd just make sure you were awake."

"Shake me next time."

I leaned down and kissed her nipples. They were a bit redder than when I started.

"Alright. Go on. To the kitchen."

All the girls were now awake. Elizabeth's scream having woken them.

The girls all rose and carefully made their way to the kitchen. Still bound.

I followed them at a discrete distance. Elizabeth was favouring her right leg, probably in a bit of pain from sleeping in the chair. I had aches in places where I didn't even know I had muscles. I was ready for a shower as well.

When I entered the kitchen, the smell of pancakes assaulted me. Christi was free and happily cooking at the stove. The others had knelt down on the floor just waiting for me. Jane looked up at me as I entered.

"Sir? Can we be freed? Please?"

I looked at her. "Do you know any massage?"

Jane looked completely confused. "No sir."

Sheila piped up from behind Jane. "Master? I do."

"You know massage?"

"M-Mayer forced me to take some classes when I first started. If you want I can massage you."

I nodded and crouched by Sheila. I released her arms, quickly undoing the knots holding her. She sighed and shook out her arms.

"Christ, *I* need a massage," she mumbled as she tried to work out the aches in her own arms, stretching.

"Sheila?"

"Yes sir?"

"I want you to give me the best massage of your life. I'll let the others free and give them coffee based on how well you perform. Okay?"

She paled a bit. "Wh-what happens if you don't like what I do?"

"Then I guess they go without breakfast and can stay that way for the rest of the day. You'll join them as well."

Jane looked like she was about to say something and thought better of it. She just hung her head, hoping that Sheila was able to satisfy me. She knew that she'd remain hungry and bound all day if that was what I wanted. She was in no position to protest.

I pulled off my shirt and sat down in a chair. Sheila hesitantly walked up behind me and began to work her fingers into my sore muscles. I leaned forward as she worked, her fingers finding all the knots and gently working them out. She was quite good. She eventually sank to her knees in front of me and I looked at her earnest face.

"Is that better? Evan always made me ... suck him ... afterwards. I can do that as well, if you want. Or I can try to work out more. If it will make you let the others go."

I stretched my back. It felt wonderful. It was as though I hadn't slept in that awkward position.

"Sheila, honey, you're hired." I sighed.

The girl looked like she'd just won first prize at the county fair. She beamed from her kneeling position.

"D-does that mean you'll let them go?"

"And give them coffee. They don't even have to drink it black. Go on. Untie them."

Sheila scampered over to Jane on her hands and knees and quickly began to loosen the knots. Soon all the females were thankfully shaking out their arms and sighing as they were released. Jane slowly climbed to her feet and walked over to the coffee machine. She turned to me,
"Sir? May I?"

I nodded. Sheila had more than earned them all coffee this morning.

Sheila walked over, still smiling. "Can a slave beg for orange juice instead?"

"As much as you want. Go on."

Sheila practically ran over to the refrigerator and pulled out the pitcher of juice. She poured herself a huge glass and then walked back over to the table. The others had prepared their coffee and were standing sipping it, watching Christi preparing breakfast and leaning back on the counter. They were all unconsciously trying to straighten tangled hair and work out their various complaining muscles from the awkward night and the bondage.

Sheila sat beside me and spoke quietly.

"Showers?" She ran her hand through her tangled locks.

"After breakfast. I promise."

She nodded.

I spoke towards the three girls by the coffee machine. "Elizabeth?"

She paled a bit, already having been punished for no reason once this morning. Her nipples were still tender to prove it.

"Yes sir?"

"Come here."

"Oh my God. Please. I haven't done anything."

"Just come here."

The girl walked over in trepidation.

She looked confused at the question, perhaps not expecting a normal request.

"My nipples hurt a bit, if that's what you are asking."

I smiled at her. "Good. They ought to hurt. How's your back?"

She grimaced. "It hurts." She twisted a bit in the chair. "I'll be alright, though." She had slept sitting up, the same as I.

I turned to Sheila. "Sheila? Do you do as good a job on girls as boys?"

She shrugged. "I guess." She rose to her feet and padded over to Elizabeth. Soon Elizabeth was sighing, all her aches and pains disappearing under Sheila's soft hands. When she was done, Elizabeth sat back up straight and smiled up at her.

"Oh God, that felt good. Thank-you."

Sheila smiled back and kissed Elizabeth's forehead. "You're welcome."

"Alright, all of you. On the floor."

All the women dropped whatever they were doing and gathered in a line on the floor. I stopped Christi before she knelt, motioning her back to her cooking tasks. She could listen from there.

"Everyone except Christi gets to eat on the floor today." There was a bit of a murmur from the girls, but they remained quiet. They knew better than to complain about direct orders. If they even got breakfast, they knew they'd probably end up bound for it, if they complained. "It isn't a punishment, I just want to watch you eat from there. You can get your food from the table without asking. Understand?"

They didn't understand why, but they understood their orders. They all nodded. Christi walked over carrying a huge plate of pancakes. She dropped them onto the middle of the table and looked at me.

"I can sit at the table?" she asked meekly. I nodded to her and watched as she settled her gorgeous bare body into the chair opposite me. "Why?" she whispered.

"Because you cooked. And those look delicious," I grabbed myself a plate of the pancakes. She tentatively reached out to take her own. Her eyes were a bit frightened, not sure why she was the only one given a chair, feeling a little awkward to be put into a special position. She almost looked like she'd prefer to be kneeling on the floor with the others. She carefully pulled a couple of pancakes from the serving plate and waited. The other girls were looking up expectantly from the floor. I nodded to them and one at a time, they rose and carefully carried a plate and their food back to their kneeling positions. After the girls were settled, I poured some syrup onto my food and began to eat.

I heard a small voice, Jane's, speak from the floor.

"Sir?"

I looked down at her small body, kneeling. Her face looked up at me. "Can we eat as well? Please?"

"Of course, eat. It's excellent." I'd forgotten that at breakfast their tradition was to seek permission to eat. I still wasn't completely used to their submission, even though I'd been the cause of it.

Amy spoke up quietly. "Please sir. I know that we maybe don't deserve it, though I can't imagine why, but can we have syrup as well? Please?"

I smiled. I had been waiting for one of them to ask. I rose from my seat with the jug of syrup and crouched by Amy.

"I could have gotten it myself ..." she spoke quietly.

"You sure you want it?"

Her face was a mask of uncertainty. "What am I going to have to do to get it?" she asked.

"Nothing." I smiled at her evilly. She was completely unsure what I had in mind, just that she wasn't likely to enjoy it.

She nodded, probably sorry that she'd been the one to ask the innocent question. But knowing that it was probably far too late to change her mind.

"Lean back."

"Lean back? Why? Please." She extended her hands behind her and leaned her bare body back, thrusting out her chest as she was forced into the awkward position.

I carefully poured a line of syrup across the top of her chest. She cried out as the cold liquid hit her bare skin, but she endured it.

"Sit up." I ordered her. The sticky liquid began to flow down her body, slowly dripping down her breasts, coating them. She shivered as the liquid slowly dripped down.

She crunched up her face and spoke. "I. I sort of meant more for my pancakes." She couldn't quite keep a straight face.

I carefully lifted the jug and poured the liquid into her tangled blonde hair. She sharply moved back, not expecting me to do that, her eyes opened wide. Her quick movement caused me to spill a little onto her thighs and onto the floor. She gasped.

"Amy?"

"Oh God. I'm sorry. I." She moved herself back into position, knowing complaint or refusal was useless. I'd just tie her down, not give her her breakfast and pour as much syrup over her as I wanted. She would drown in the stuff if I wanted her to.

"Amy? There's some on the floor because of that."

She looked down, confused, at the small puddle of syrup by her left knee.

"Don't you think that you should clean up your mess?"

She looked around, beginning to rise to her feet to get a cloth. I touched her shoulder.

"Not that way."

She closed her eyes. She reached down and extended her fingers, intending to wipe it up onto her skin.

"No fingers."

She looked at me, finally realizing how she was going to have to do it.

"Please? Don't make me do this. Please? I. I don't want to."

"Amy."

"Oh shit. Alright."

She carefully got to her hands and knees and bent her head. She tried to keep her hair out of the way, but wasn't too successful as she bent her head and carefully licked the small puddle from the floor. The syrup was slowly dripping from her hair and her breasts onto the
floor. She could be at this all day if I wanted. But I stopped her as she began to move towards one of the drops that had fallen from her body. I'd humiliated her enough.

"Knees."

She looked up thankfully and returned to her knees, kneeling in the syrup drips, but not really caring at this point, as long as I wasn't forcing her to clean the floor with her tongue.

She swallowed and stayed still as I finished pouring syrup over her head. The sticky substance coated her hair, ran down her face, and mixed with her tears. Her sticky hair stuck to her shoulders and her bare back.

"Would you like some on your plate as well?"

She swallowed and closed her eyes. "You aren't going to fill my pussy if I say yes?"

"If I was going to, you can't do much about it."

She took a breath. "This slave would like some syrup on her breakfast. Please?" she begged. If she had to be humiliated, at least she wanted something out of it.

I smiled at her and poured a liberal amount over her pancakes.

"Why didn't you say so?" I teased her.

"Oh God. You bastard." But she was smiling now as well, realizing that syrup washed off. Not like she was ruining her clothes or anything. This was mild torment compared to other things I'd put her through. "At least I don't have to worry about getting my fingers sticky."

I moved over to Elizabeth.

"You want syrup as well?"

"Do I have a choice?"

I grinned at her. "You have a choice. If you say no, you only get it over your pretty head and on your chest. If you say yes, you get it on your breakfast as well."

"Yes," she replied quietly. Without even being told, she leaned back allowing the syrup to be poured over her bare breasts. After that was done, she sat back up and stayed motionless as I poured more into her hair. She licked at it as it fell down her face. I completed the show with some across her breakfast.

She whispered quick thank-you as I moved to Sheila.

"Oh no," she murmured as I approached her. Without another word, the bare blonde beauty allowed the same treatment. She looked up at me from her kneeling position.

"Sheila? Sweety? You want some on your pancakes?"

She nodded shyly.

"Beg."

"Beg?"

"Beg."

"Please? Master? A dirty slave begs for syrup on her breakfast." She fell into the begging role so easily, probably having been taught it by Mayer.

I finished with the tormented girl and moved to Jane. Jane just looked at me with her deep brown eyes. Pleading.

"Please. We haven't done anything. I'd like some syrup, but ... oh God." She gasped as the cold liquid ran over her head. I didn't bother with her breasts but just poured a bit extra over her hair, allowing it to drip onto her chest. I brushed her hair forward across her bare shoulders. I forced the girl to lick the syrup from my fingers that I'd gotten sticky from touching her head. I couldn't imagine the feeling of that. Being nude, helpless, and having syrup poured over you. Having to sit still. Jane's nipples had risen, but I'm not sure if that was due to the cold of the syrup, or something else.

I didn't make her beg, but simply finished off by pouring some over her food.

I stood and surveyed the girls. They looked a bit miserable on their knees and covered in syrup, but they knew better than to complain.

Jane saw me looking at her. "If I thought that I could take whatever punishment you'd give me, I swear I'd come over there and hug you for this. God. I'm sticky. You are going to let us shower after this, aren't you?"

"Maybe, if you are good and don't complain."

"God. Alright. I'll even tell you I like it if you let me shower."

"We'll see. Eat. Your breakfast is getting cold." The girls all began to pick apart their pancakes with their fingers. One advantage to this treatment was that they weren't worried about their fingers anymore, not concerned about getting sticky.

I sat back down.

"You want syrup?" I asked the only clean girl in the room.

"Oh God. Not me too. I cooked for you," Christi spoke softly, trying to get out of it. "Please?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm not going to cover you too." I reached forward and simply covered her breakfast in syrup. I watched as she carefully dug into her breakfast with her long fingers, popping pieces into her mouth and licking her fingers clean.

"Thank-you," Christi whispered. "I can't imagine what that must feel like."

"You still might find out."

"Oh God."

I finished up my breakfast and just watched the girls eat. Jane and Amy both asked for seconds and I indulged the sticky women. The pancakes slowly disappeared into their mouths. I allowed Jane and Amy to pour their own syrup on their second helping. They seemed grateful not to have to endure the food to skin contact once again.

"You girls are a mess," I joked with them. Jane just shot me a dirty look from her syrup streaked face. "Alright, on your feet. Put your dishes in the sink."

The girls scrambled to obey. I could see that the ones from the floor were fighting the instinct to wipe their skin, their faces, their bare breasts. Desperately wanting to clean themselves. I looked down where they had been. Syrup was evident all over the floor. All five girls stood awkwardly in front of the sink.

"Christi?"

"Yes sir?" she asked innocently.

"Hug them. All of them."

She paled. "You can't be serious."

"When was the last time I joked about you hugging another woman?"

"Please no."

"Christi?" I asked in a warning tone.

"You are going to let us shower, right?"

"Does it matter?"

She looked down and softly said, "No sir."

She turned and hesitantly placed her hands around Jane's neck, their bodies still far apart. She looked back at me, pleaded with her eyes. Not wanting to do this to herself. She finally took a deep breath and before she was ready, Jane helped her by grabbing her waist and forcing their bare bodies together. Christi yelped, and Jane actually laughed, rubbing her soiled skin against Christi.

"Thought you were going to get away without it?" Jane gaily asked her friend.

Christi just stepped away and ran her fingers across her bare breasts. She licked at her fingers and smiled. "I guess not," she said ruefully.

She breathed in deeply and moved on, taking care with Sheila, but hugging each nude girl in turn until she was nearly as covered as they were. Her hair had escaped serious stickiness, but that was all.

"Alright. That's enough of that, as erotic as it was." I noticed that despite herself, Christi's nipples had managed to tighten during this skin on skin contact. Perhaps the food play had excited her as well.

"Kneel."

All the women dropped obediently to their knees.

"You all ready for a shower?"

They all nodded in unison. They were more than ready for a shower.

"Who's first?"

They all began to talk at once, wanting to be first.

"Alright. Quiet. Elizabeth, Sheila, and Amy. Go on. Cold water. I don't want to get up there to a steamy bathroom. Got it? Make it quick."

Elizabeth spoke up. "Please, master? Can we please use hot water. At least cool water?"

I turned to the girl. "Elizabeth? Would you prefer if I put you back in that hog-tie for the rest of the day? Without a shower?"

She paled. "No sir. We'll use cold. Please."

I reconsidered. Syrup was going to be damn hard to get out of their hair without hot water. And I didn't want them sticky and dirty all day.

"Wash each other, and you can use hot water to wash yourselves. Okay? Cold to rinse. But I want you shivering when you get out. And I don't want you in there all day. Understand?"

Elizabeth nodded mutely. Afraid to say anything further.

"Thank you," Sheila whispered as she pushed herself to her bare feet.

I watched as the girls filed out of the kitchen. I hoped that they managed to get to the bathroom before they dripped that syrup all over the carpet. Otherwise I might have to punish them.

"Alright, you two," I addressed the remaining girls. "Dishes."

Christi sprang to her feet and began to run the water into the sink. I watched the naked girls as they washed and dried and cleaned up. The syrup was still dripping out of Jane's matted brown hair, down her back and even down her legs. She seemed uncomfortable, but she knew that she was going to get to wash soon and she didn't complain. This punishment wasn't severe enough to warrant complaints and she knew it. Christi was just lightly coated.

I stopped Jane as she bent to clean up the floor. The floor was going to get more syrup on it before it got cleaned. I'd get Amy to do it later. Maybe with her tongue.

They finished quickly and knelt back at my feet, their faces upturned expectantly. They probably hoped that I was going to release them to the shower.

Instead, I leaned back in my chair and gazed at the beautiful sticky girls. After a few minutes, they shifted uncomfortably and Jane spoke.

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Can we please shower? I. I'm so dirty." Her hand reached up and touched her hair. She grimaced as her fingers came away sticky. She was covered in the syrup. It was dripping off her body.

"Soon. I want you to do something for me first."

Christi spoke. "We'll do it. Whatever it is. Please."

to be continued.......