Tasting Pleasure (3 page)

Chapter Three

Easy Tortellini Soup

1 package frozen tortellini or any filled pasta

1 small onion, chopped

1 large carrot, grated

1 bunch flat-leafed Italian parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon each thyme, sweet marjoram, oregano

6 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Salt and pepper to taste

Using a stock pot with a thick bottom, add olive oil, all vegetables and herbs. Cook until tender (onions will be transparent). Add stock and frozen tortellini. Simmer, covered, until warmed through.

“If you have a moment, Mr. Devonshire, I have a few questions for you,” Alicia began.

“Of course, Alicia. Come in, sit down,” Maverick said. He stood and waited for her to sit on the sofa before he took his seat again. “What can I do for you?”

Get a grip, Alicia
, she thought.
You’ve practiced what to say all day
!

“Well, I, ah, I…” she began. Why did he stare at her as if he could see right through to her soul? “I was wondering if you would like a change in menu.”
Whew—now that wasn’t so hard.

“Alicia, relax. I want to eat your food—not you—although that thought does hold some appeal.”

Alicia felt herself blush right down to her toes.

“You have a new skirt. Very nice. The blouse is lovely as well. Tell me, did you wear that all day?”

“No, actually, I brought it along and changed into it about an hour ago. I don’t know why I did that, but I certainly couldn’t wear white and prepare a marinara sauce.” She laughed nervously.

“So, you changed to please me,” he deduced.

That gave Alicia pause. “Yes, I suppose I did,” she slowly answered.

Maverick simply stared at her.

“Unbraid your hair,” he commanded.

Alicia gasped. The only time she allowed her hair freedom was to wash it or brush it. Jeffrey, to her knowledge, had never seen her hair unbound.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I told you to,” Maverick answered.

Slowly Alicia nodded. She pulled the heavy braid over one shoulder and removed the securing band. With deliberate care, she unraveled her long tresses for Maverick’s viewing. She took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves as he continued to stare at her.

“Why do you keep it so long if you refuse to unbind it?” he asked.

“Because my father once told me that he thought my hair was beautiful. I promised him that I would always keep it long. I loved him dearly and fully intend to keep that promise. Still, hair this long can be an inconvenience, so I bind it to keep it clean—and out of the way when I’m working.”

“Ah—a woman of her word. What an admirable quality. Stand up and turn around. I want to see the entirety of this beauty.” Without hesitation, Alicia complied. She clenched her jaws as she tried to control the panic rising within her. Would he like her hair? What did he think of the skirt? Why did any of this matter? But somehow, it did matter. Right now, the most important thing in the world was that her appearance pleased Mr. Devonshire. She glanced over her shoulder, desperate to know his reaction.

“Now, now. No peeking,” he whispered.

Alicia whipped her head back around, but not before she saw him begin to rise. She felt his breath on the top of her head as he looked down at her. She sagged with relief when he placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I have a proposition for you, my dear,” he quietly said. He ran his hands up and down her arms, gently massaging out some of the tension. “The decision is yours. And of course this is a separate proposition entirely from our current agreement involving your culinary skills. I count myself a sharp businessman and I’d be a fool to dispense with your cooking services. That soup you prepared last week—with the filled pasta in it—was wonderful.”

“Thank you. It was a recipe from my grandmother. I take it that my cooking pleases you, then?” she asked.

Maverick laughed. “Now would I have recommended you to two of my friends if it had not? Your culinary skills are equaled only by your thriftiness. You offer a top-quality service at a modest price. No, my dear, this would be a completely separate arrangement. Do you want to hear about it?” He lifted her hair slightly and ran his hand along the nape of her neck.

Alicia almost moaned from the pure pleasure of his touch.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Each Friday, after you have finished your duties, attend me here. You will wear what I tell you to wear, do what I tell you to do, say what I tell you to say,” he said.

“And in return for this?” she questioned. Truthfully, Alicia knew the answer. She also knew that she would do whatever he wanted of her.

“And in return, I will teach you how to please a man, namely me, and how to find yourself in the process.” He ended with tiny kisses along the back of her exposed neck.

“Yes,” she answered quietly.

“Yes? Yes what?”

“Yes, Mr. Devonshire. I would like to attend you,” she responded with more strength in her voice.

Maverick laughed. “Is that a promise?”

“Yes,” she promised.

“Good. And I know you are a woman of your word. I expect compliance. If, for any reason, you fail to comply with even my smallest request, I will remind you of that promise. You do, of course, have the power of choice. You can say no. But remember, with every choice comes a consequence.”

“I’ll remember,” Alicia answered.

Alicia suddenly felt bereft as Maverick’s body moved away from her. She started to turn around then thought better of it.

Again, Maverick softly laughed. “You’re a quick study. I like the skirt. It’s a beginning. I like red. Next week, wear a red skirt and make sure it’s shorter. Pair it with a black top—one of those with the thin little straps on the shoulders. Black heels as well—at least three inches. No knickers either, even if you’re on the rag. A tampon should do the trick if that’s the case.”

Alicia’s shoulders slumped. She had stretched her money to the breaking point with the purchase of this skirt, how could she afford another skirt and a top and shoes? Maybe this wouldn’t work out after all.

“Problem?” Maverick asked.

Unsure how to answer, Alicia nodded.

“Alicia, do not hesitate to speak to me. Just remember to address me respectfully.”

“It’s just that I’m a bit—well—financially strapped at the moment,” she began. If the threatening tears slipped down her cheek, she was sure she would die of embarrassment. She was grateful that she faced away from him so he could not see her shame.

“How silly of me! I apologize, my dear. You misunderstand. I was simply speaking my thoughts aloud. I will, of course, provide you with all you need. Have no fear of that. All you need do is follow my instructions—to the letter.”

Alicia sighed with relief.

“Now, turn around. Good. Remove your blouse,” he commanded.

Alicia hesitated. Had she really heard him correctly? When she saw his eyes harden at her delay, she suddenly realized this was what she had always wanted. Jeffrey had never pleased her because he had not commanded her respect. Alicia had never felt this flash of passion with any of her boyfriends—not that she’d had many. Still, the few encounters she’d had with men had left her feeling dissatisfied. However, looking into Mr. Devonshire’s unyielding eyes convinced her that she could find fulfillment with this man. She smiled hesitantly and unbuttoned her blouse, dropping it to the ground behind her.

Maverick nodded his approval. “Next time, do not delay. Now remove the bra.”

Alicia reached behind her, quickly unhooking her bra, allowing her generous breasts to burst free.

“Walk to me,” Maverick commanded as he seated himself.

Alicia took her place directly in front of him, her breasts even with his mouth.

Maverick grasped her hips, forcing her even closer to him. Without preamble, he trapped a nipple with his teeth, drawing it into his mouth. Alicia gasped with shock and pleasure. No one had ever sucked on her nipples before! Jeffrey had grudgingly mauled her breasts, and one young man had kissed them, but—
Oh God
—she could feel her stomach drop and her breath quicken. Alicia closed her eyes, drowning in the sensations of this new and very pleasant assault. As Maverick’s tongue wrapped around her nipple and he sucked, Alicia pulled his head to her and cried out. Her legs trembled as she began to come. Maverick made a sound, almost a laugh, as he reached under her skirt and yanked off her knickers. When his fingers plunged inside, she could control herself no longer. Waves of pleasure shot through her as her eyes flew open, but she saw only bursts of brilliant, swirling color. If Maverick’s strong arm had not been around her waist, Alicia would have slumped to the floor when he pulled out his fingers and loosened his grip on her nipple. Once she was steady, he released her and stood.

“Now turn around and bend over,” he commanded.

“Of course,” Alicia whispered as she shakily complied.

“Place your hands on the ground.”

Alicia had barely touched the floor when she heard the telltale rasp of a zipper. Maverick placed his smooth, strong hands on her hips, cradling her as he buried himself inside her. Alicia cried out again, drowning in the pleasure of this man’s touch. He drew back then thrust in again, his lips brushing her spine, one hand sliding up to massage her breast. His fingers tugged gently at her nipple, and she moaned as he took up a steady rhythm, driving deeper each time. His thumb worked the taut bud while his other hand caressed down her stomach, over her mons and found her clit, sending her senses spiraling once more out of control. The rasping of his breath reached her and as the shockwaves of the orgasm crashed through her, she felt the heat of his explosion deep within her.

He stayed inside her for a few moments then pulled out, helping her to stand upright. When she bent to pick up her knickers and blouse, he stopped her.

“Leave them.”

“But I can’t drive home half dressed,” she said.

“Don’t you have another blouse?”

Alicia frowned for a moment. “Yes, of course. But what about the knickers?”

“Didn’t you understand my earlier request? I don’t like them. You will not wear them in my presence ever again.” He smiled at her confusion. “Besides, I have not dismissed you. What makes you think you’re driving home?”

“I just thought that since you had—well—finished, that…” she stumbled.

“Did you ask if I had finished?”

“No,” she said hesitantly.

“Then what makes you think that I have?”

“Well, when I have been with other men—” she began.

“Stop right there,” he said as he grasped her by the arm, giving it a mild shake. “I am not other men, nor do I want to hear of other men unless I ask you directly. When you are with me, you are with
me
. Do you understand?”

Alicia looked at him with a mixture of fear and confusion. She definitely knew she wanted to be with this man and she wanted to please him. No other man had ever affected her the way Maverick did. With his hand on her arm, probably strongly enough to leave a bruise, she thought she should be terrified. Instead, the quiet surge of fear added to her attraction.

“Actually, no, I don’t think I do,” she said truthfully.

Maverick released her arm and gently touched her cheek.

“An honest answer,” he said. “That’s perfect. You must always be honest with me. I have a document to prepare. While I am in the other room, retrieve your blouse. When I give you the document, you will leave, read the paper at your convenience, sign it if you choose to and return to me next Friday. It would please me greatly if you signed, but even if you choose not to, I will still expect to see you Friday. I would hate to lose your services as my chef.”

Alicia lifted her head and met his mouth in a quick kiss, nodding her acceptance of these conditions.

* * * *

At six-thirty p.m. the next Friday, Alicia sat on the sofa in Mr. Devonshire’s den, awaiting his arrival. At the moment, he sat at the dining room table enjoying the dinner she had prepared for him—a tomato-basil soup, spinach salad, apple and sage stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes and a crème brûlée for dessert. She wore only the short red skirt, black top and black heels, which had been delivered to her flat the day before. In her hand was the signed document.

Alicia tried not to fidget as she reread the paper for what must have been the one hundredth time.

I, Alicia Morrison, hereafter referred to as ‘companion’, do agree to the following conditions. I understand that I am free to end this agreement at any time, but with the condition that once ended, this agreement will not be renewed. I also understand that this contract has no legal validity, but rather represents a personal commitment between myself and Mr. Maverick Devonshire.

1. Mr. Devonshire will maintain sole proprietorship over the companion’s body until such time as he deems otherwise. He has the right and responsibility to use said body for his personal pleasure, even if that pleasure involves other people or persons of his choosing. The companion understands and accepts the fact that Mr. Devonshire has every right to additional companions of his choosing. The companion will never behave in a jealous manner toward any of Mr. Devonshire’s other companions or guests. To do so will incur a serious consequence. The companion has the right to her own social life but that life should not interfere with Mr. Devonshire’s commands. If a conflict should occur, the companion agrees to inform Mr. Devonshire immediately and a mutually agreed upon compromise shall be discussed.

2. The companion agrees to make her body available to Mr. Devonshire upon his command. Failure to do so will result in consequences of his choosing.

3. If, at any time, the companion cannot withstand a consequence, the companion will state the word ‘enough’. If this word is employed, the consequence and the session will immediately end, but this agreement will remain in effect.