The Blood of the Ocean

They spent much of the day lazily soaking up the sun; Parker found a
bikini amongst the clothes in the bedroom, and Jarod provided her with a deck
chair and some suntan lotion. She tortured him a little by requesting that he
apply the lotion to most of her body, and by the time he was finished, they were
both a little hot and flustered. Miss Parker dozed under the sun's warm rays,
while Jarod did laps in an attempt to cool off.

For lunch, Jarod brought his Mistress fresh fruit, carefully peeling some
oranges with a knife and feeding it to her a slice at a time. He got a pained
look on his face when she took a vicious bite out of a banana, but got his own
back when he managed to eat a slice of watermelon in a highly suggestive manner.

"Mistress?" Jarod asked later that afternoon, rubbing some lotion into her
shoulders.

"Yes River?" Parker murmured distractedly. His hands were like that of a
masseuse on her back, soothing the tension from her muscles.

"Are you... protected?"

It took a moment for Miss Parker to figure out his meaning, and she was
slightly surprised when she did. The thought of contraception hadn't even
occurred to her, let alone diseareverevention. She rolled over to face Jarod,
who was perched on the edge of the lounge chair beside her.

"I was last tested two months again, and I haven't had sex during that period,
so I'm clean..." she said. Jarod dropped a gentle kiss on her shoulder, rubbing
the last of the lotion into her arms.

"As am I. But what about pregnancy, Mistress?"

Mentally Miss Parker counted dates, "I'm fine for the next six weeks; I
have Depo-Provera shots," she said. Jarod ducked his head.

"Just checking, Mistress," he said. Parker reached out to touch his chest in a
possessive gesture, twining the crisp curls there around her fingers. Jarod
gave a soft yelp when she gave a sharp tug.

"Concern for your Mistress' well being is a most agreeable trait, slave," she
said in amusement. He smiled shyly at her.

Such a difference, Miss Parker thought, from the man who teased and
taunted her endlessly. Jarod seemed to have found a contentment and inner-peace
in his submission that usually took years to obtain. Gone was the restless
creature, tormented by his past and his questions, gone the bitterness and
misery.

Jarod the Pretender was obsessive in his approach to life, compelled to
help others to redeem himself in his own eyes. His need for control over his
own life and fate bordered on neurotic; he dictated his actions and the actions
of those around him in a fiercely protective manner.

River, her slave, found peace in giving up his control. Parker knew that
turning one's life over into another's hands was one of the most difficult
things to do - and one of the most rewarding. Ritual and routine in submission
provided the structure that many needed to stop themselves from endangering
themselves needlessly. By being dominated they still retained the thrill they
needed, sexual or otherwise, while having the release of all decisions being
taken out of their hands.

Parker suspected this was the case with Jarod. He had spent his whole life
rebelling and testing the limits, resenting the power of those around him, so
that when he had finally taken his own freedom, he had tried to swallow life in
great gulps, needing bigger and bigger thrills to satisfy his rebellious urges.
His Pretends became more dangerous; he took on more violent criminals, taking
himself to the edge over and over again, only to withdraw at the last moment.

In submission, Jarod was taken away from the edge without ever having a choice
in the matter. He was allowed to leave behind his nomadic lifestyle, and given
rules he could find comfort in, ones he didn't have to rebel against. His
cooperation would only bring him pleasure and satisfaction; his service to his
Mistress would make them both proud. Replacing his old, unpleasant memories of
enforced submission with new, consensual and happy ones.

"Thankyou Mistress," Jarod breathed finally.

The rest of the day passed peacefully, Jarod preparing them a quick pasta
for dinner. Evening came and Parker realised she was tired while it was still
early in the night. She read for awhile, and then finally stood, stretching
contentedly.

"Turn off all the lights, then come upstairs to bed," she instructed. Jarod
nodded, rising from his kneeling position on the floor and beginning to turn off
lamps.

Upstairs, Miss Parker prepared for bed. She made some quick
rearrangements with the bedding, brushed her teeth, washed her face, used the
bathroom, changed into a nightgown and then climbed into bed, leaving only one
lamp on. Jarod entered a few moments later, pausing in the doorway.

"Come here River, you don't have to wait for permission to enter a room," Parker
said. arodarod nodded, going to kneel beside the bed. Miss Parker had placed a thin foam
mattress, several blankets and a pillow beside the bed, and saw the obvious
disappointment on Jarod's face. She ran her hand though his hair.

"I choose to remind you of your status, River. Reaffirm that."

"I belong to you, Mistress, your will is mine, your happiness is mine," Jarod
said huskily, touching his collar as he did so.

"You may sleep now, River. Goodnight," Parker said, settling down in her
covers.

"Goodnight Mistress," Jarod said, and she heard the soft rustle of his blankets
as he lay down. Switching off the light, Parker gave a contented sigh and
closed her eyes.

Sometime during the night, she was awakened by Jarod's alarmed cries. By
the light of the moon she could see Jarod thrashing about in his makeshift bed.
Sliding out of bed and onto the floor beside him, Parker grabbed his arms,
shaking gently.

"Wakeup. Wakeup, it's just a nightmare," she murmured soothingly. Jarod woke
slowly, sleepy and confused, his chest heaving from his exertions.

"Mistress!" he cried hoarsely.

Parker took him in her arms, stroking his back and holding him as he
shuddered. She didn't bother to ask what he had dreamed about, and after a few
moments Jarod finally calmed. Miss Parker drew away finally, taking his hands
into her own.

"Come to bed. Come with me," she whispered. She pulled him up into the bed,
under the covers.

"I'm sorry," Jarod whispered in the darkness. Miss Parker, slightly cold,
curled up against his chest, tangling her legs with his. She stroked a stray
lock of hair back from his head.

"Don't be sorry. How often?"

"Every couple of nights. It isn't as bad as it used to be," Jarod said.

"Can you sleep?" Parker asked. Jarod gingerly wrapped his arms around her, and
she snuggled up to him.

"Maybe. I don't know..." he replied.

"It's okay, River. You can keep me warm, keep me safe," she murmured, feeling
sleepy and warm, "My beautiful River."

"Thankyou Mistress," Jarod mumbled, pressing kisses to her hair.

Miss Parker awoke once more just before dawn, seeing Jarod's was asleep in
the grey light. Their bodies were wound together in a highly intimate manner,
one of his thighs slung over hers, their torsos pressed together tightly. Even
as he slept, Jarod wound his arms all the more tighter around her, and Parkedrifdrifted back to sleep contentedly.

Parker was awoken the next morning by a gentle nibbling on her bare
shoulder, and moaned quietly. There was a soft chuckle near her ear, and Parker
opened her eyes to see Jarod hovering over her, looking peaceful.

"Good morning Mistress!" he said, and dipped his head to kiss and lick her
shoulder once again.

"Good morning, River," Parker purred. Jarod was still naked, and looking down
his body she could see his arousal. She smiled, and then tipped him onto his
back on the bed. He landed with a gentle thump, looking surprised.

"Your breakfast, Mistress..." he said, and gestured at a tray that was sitting
on the floor.

"I'm hungry for other things right now, slave," Miss Parker said evilly. She
crawled over him, pressing her lips to Jarod's chest. He sighed, lifting his
arms as if to wrap her in them.

"Mistress, please..." he murmured.

"Drop your hands, slave, I'm not your girlfriend, remember?" Miss Parker said,
without anger, "Lock your hands above your head, as if you were bound. Move
them and I'll have to punish you..."

Jarod gave a soft moan, raising his hands above his head in a mild form of
bondage. Parker chuckled, throwing off the covers and straddling her very
willing slave. He watched her with wide eyes as she bent to kiss his
collarbone, her finger slipping to pinch his nipples lightly. Between her
thighs, she felt his cock twitch.

"Mistress...!" Jarod gasped. She leaned over him.

"Something you wanted, River?" Miss Parker asked sweetly. Jarod flexed his arms
over his head in a frustrated manner.

"Please Mistress, let me touch you..." he whispered.

"Like this?" Parker asked, lifting to cup her own breasts, "Is this how you
would touch me? Or would you prefer to touch me here?"

Sliding one hand between her legs, she cupped herself through her
nightgown. Jarod gave a hoarse cry, his need etched into his face. Parker
tilted her head back, watching him through slitted eyes. With both hands she
circled her breasts, lifting them with her palms and kneading them gently. She
moaned, feeling hotter by the minute and seeing a mirrored response from Jarod.

His mouth was clenched shut, a nerve ticking at the corner of his jaw.
His eyes were dark, his face and chest flushed. The muscles in his shoulders
were bunched with the effort of keeping his hands locked above his head.

Teasing the tips of her breasts with light fingers, her breath became
shallow and sharp, warmth and moisture flooding through her body. Parker
dropped her hands from her breasts, slowly hiking up the nightgown she wore,
pulling it up to her waist. She wore no underwear underneath, and Jarod moaned
at the sight, his hands breaking their hold and reaching out to touch.

"Hands!" Miss Parker growled, and Jarod dropped his hands back to the bed,
breathing deeply and arching his back. Parker leaned over him, "I'm going to
fuck you now, River, and you aren't to come until I say so. Understand?"

"God yes, Mistress," Jarod mumbled, watching her with an urgent expression.

Rising up onto her knees, Parker shifted forward until she was directly
over Jarod's groin. Grasping his erection in her hand and ignoring Jarod's
answering grunt, she slowly lowered herself onto him, moaning as muscles that
had been without use for far too long were stretched.

"Like Mae West used to say..." Miss Parker panted, "'...A hard man is good to
find.'"

Jarod gave a frustrated chuckle, evolving into a groan as Parker flexed
her inner muscles experimentally. Planting her hands either side of his head,
she raised her hips, then thrust down again, moaning at the array of sensations.
She had spent the last twenty-four hours in a mild state of arousal; the
culmination of her desires was proving to be even better than she had
anticipated.

Sliding one hand over her pelvis to stroke her clitoris, Parker continued
to rock and thrust gently, bringing herself closer and closer to orgasm.
Beneath her, Jarod was gritting his teeth, his chest heaving, obviously making a
conscious effort not to come. His arms were straining above his head, and
briefly he allowed them to drop, his hands coming to touch Parker's hips.

"Hands, slave!" she snarled, and Jarod jerked them back above his head.

With one last stroke, Parker hit orgasm, arching her spine, throwing her
head back and letting out a throaty moan as pleasure rolled slickly through her
body, a slow, deep orgasm that shook every pore. Slumping forward onto Jarod's
chest, she gave a soft sigh.

"Mistress?" Jarod said in a strangled tone. Miss Parker peeked up at him from
under a curtain of hair.

"River..." she murmured softly, "You disobeyed a direct command - twice."

Drawing herself up, Parker flicked her hair out of her eyes. When she
gingerly rose to her knees and allowed his still weeping cock to slip from her
body, Jarod's desperate expression turned crestfallen.

"Mistress, I'm sorry," he groaned, looking miserable.

"You may drop your hands, River, but don't even think about bringing yourself
off. I'm going to have to punish you," Parker said. Tugging the hemline of her
nightgown back down from her waist, she arranged herself so she sat with her
back against the brass bars of the bed, a pillow tucked behind her for comfort.
She stroked Jarod's face gently, saying, "I want you to lie across my lap,
River, with your ass in the air."

Jarod's eyes went wide, and he grew even harder, if that were possible.
Being careful not to knock his erection, he lay across her lap, his face turned
to one side on the coverlet. Parker ran her hand lovingly down Jarod's spine,
squeezing each globe of his ass in turn. She took a deep breath, mentally
reciting the golden rule of the scene, 'safe, consensual and sane.' Jarod
wasn't into pain, so this would simply be a small, erotierciercise in reminding
him of who was in control - even in the middle of sex, if she so desired.

With that in mind, Parker raised her hand and gave Jarod a few light swats
in quick succession. He squirmed over her lap, a small hitch in his breathing
the only noise he made. She continued to rain light slaps across both buttocks,
carefully watching her slave's reactions. Jarod jerked at the continuous
assault on his backside, thrusting his groin into her lap and giving a soft cry
of need.

"Very good, River," Miss Parker said warmly, giving one final swat before
rubbing the warm swell of skin, slightly flushed from her attentions.

"Mistress, please, I'm sorry..." Jarod cried.

"Sorry for what, boy?" Parker demanded.

"I'm sorry for disobeying you, Mistress."

"Whom do you belong to?"

"You, Mistress," Jarod panted.

"Excellent. You've done very well, now time for your reward. Roll over," Miss
Parker commanded, and guided Jarod off her lap and onto his back, lying
diagonally across the bed. She touched his hip gently, concerned, "Not too
tender, lying like this?"

"No, Mistress, perfect," Jarod said in a warm tone. She dropped a gentle kiss
in the centre of his chest.

"You may use your hands this time, River, and come whenever you like."

Tugging her gown up once more, Miss Parker straddled him, biting her lip
slightly as she guided Jarod's cock into her sensitive body. He gave a soft
pant of delight, gripping her hips in his big hands, yet not controlling her
motions as seganegan to shallowly thrust. Jarod gave a stifled moan, trying to
hold back.

"Don't worry about me, this is for you, River," Parker whispered. She leaned
forward, changing the angle of penetration, rocking so the tips of her breasts
brushed against his chest. Jarod sighed.

"Thankyou..." he murmured.

Closing his eyes, Jarod jerked his hips up to mParkParker's in several
urgent thrusts, bucking away from the bed as he came. She tightened her inner
muscles to prolong his sensations, enjoying the simple pleasure of another
inside of her without any desire to orgasm again. When Jarod gave a hoarse cry
of release, she captured the cry with her lips, thrusting her tongue to meet his
in their first proper kiss.

When he was spent, Jarod op his his eyes to gaze at her in silent
astonishment, gently returning her kiss. After a moment Parker raised her head
again, smiling.

"Good?" she asked.

"Amazing," Jarod said simply.

Miss Parker lowered her head to rest on his shoulder, content when he
wrapped his big arms around her waist and hugged her tight. She pressed several
more wet, lazy kisses against what skin she could reach, feeling him going
slowly soft inside of her.

After a while they got up to bathe, sidestepping the breakfast tray with
its now cold tea and toast. Miss Parker could see that Jarod was on an
endorphin high; deep into the headspace that was common for a submissive after a
scene - hell, she wasn't unaffected herself. She was sure a goofy grin was
affixed to her face.

Pouring some salts and oils into a warm bath, Jarod gazed at her dreamily
as she tested the water. At her instruction he climbed in first, helping her to
settle between his legs. With the fragrant water swirling around her, Parker
leaned back against his chest, tilting her head up to indulge in some slow,
drugging kisses. Jarod smoothed his slick palms over her breasts, belly and
thighs, a gesture that was strangely sweet and relaxing.

"Wash my hair, River," Parker sighed, leaning forwards slightly. Jarod poured
handfuls of water over her hair, squeezing shampoo into his hands and gently
massaging it into her scalp.

Washing the soap from her hair, Jarod made a line of sloppy kisses from
her neck down to her shoulder, making Miss Parker give a small chuckle of
appreciation. He poured some conditioner onto the tips of his fingers, sliding
it through her hair tenderly.

"Thankyou Mistress, for today," he whispered in her ear, and then nibbled on it
gently.

"My River..." Parker drawled possessively, stroking the side of his head.

They finished bathing, Jarod washing his hair quickly, and emerged from
the tub flushed with warmth. Jarod dried Parker off with an oversized bath
towel, helping her to step into a loose white skirt and soft white blouse.
Downstairs, he made them gooey fried cheese and tomato sandwiches, which she fed
him while he gazed at her in open adoration.

"You go really deep, don't you?" Parker asked finally, when they were both
sitting in the lounge, Jarod at her feet. He was resting his head in her lap,
and had not moved for the last half an hour.

"It gives me peace," he said comfortably, obviously not ashamed to talk about
his submissive tendencies.

"Tell me about him, your Master. He trained you very well..." Miss Parker
asked, gently stroking her hands through his hair.

"He's a well known top in New Orleans... he's gentle, and kind. He took me in,
even though he hasn't trained in years. He said, 'I know a lost soul when I see
one - but I also know one that can be found.' He took me for two months of
intensive training, showed me everything he knew about submission and the
relevant meditations," Jarod said sleepily.

"Only two months?"

"Yes," Jarod said, "The first month was difficult. *I* was difficult. I was
more than a bit alarmed that I slipped into the role so easily. To be honest, I
had originally just intended to do this to get your attention."

Miss Parker stiffened at his words, and Jarod lifted his head quickly,
taking her hands in his own. His voice was earnest as he continued, "But it
became more than that, believe me. Once I finally dropped all my barriers and
gave in, I found peace. To be able to give up control so completely, to forget
all my fears and guilt and be able to concentrate so fully on another person,
who in turn focuses on me. It is a true equal and open relationship; the
submissive partner needs and is needed by the dominant."

"Do you need me?" Parker asked. Jarod gave her a long look.

"Yes," he whispered, and dropped his head to kiss her knee. Parker tugged Jarod
up onto the couch beside her, so he was stretched out beside her with his head
in her lap.

"And this Master of yours, did he resent you leaving him?" Parker asked. Jarod
raised his gaze to hers once again.

"No. He said he understood, and was thankful for the time we had had together.
He was a very loving man, Master Marcus, but always a bit distracted. He was
always dreaming, writing stories, painting... I believe that eventually, he
always preferred his own company," Jarod said, sounding slightly sad. Parker
ran her fingers delicately over his collarbone.

"Some people just live their lives that way... the ideas and images that come
from their mind will always captivate them more than any earthly thing... often
the lovers they hold inside will be more than enough," Parker said wistfully.

"Chasing unicorns," Jarod whispered, "They're almost a story themselves."

"But I have you now, River," she said. Idly she rubbed her fingers over the
stubble on his chin.

"You have me now, Mistress," Jarod repeated. He turned his head and gave her
the type of warm, sexy smile to make her heart stop, "You have me right where I
want to be."

Miss Parker stroked her hands through Jarod's hair, across his brow and
down the side of his face, and he kissed her palm as it went past. She dropped
her fingers to play with his collar, plucking at it with the tips of her
fingers. Jarod looked like he was about to start purring.

"Did you enjoy this morning?" she asked.

"Yes Mistress," he asked, and then gave a short chuckle, "Yes is an
understatement!"

"Even the spanking?"

Jarod chewed his lip thoughtfully, his eyes clouding over as he recalled
the events of the morning, "Yes... it felt unbearable, but in a good way, a
pleasurable way. The frustration at not reaching orgasm along with the slight
discomfort of the spanking... it wasn't more than enough to just warm my skin,
but afterwards, when the endorphins kicked in... perfect."

"Do you think you are up for another scene soon?" Miss Parker asked, and Jarod
gave her a surprised and delighted look.

"Yes Mistress," he breathed.

"Are you sure? You're not so young anymore..." she said teasingly, tweaking one
of his nipples. Jarod sucked in a breath as she continued to fondle that
particular erogenous zone, shifting beneath her hand restlessly.

"No problems here, Mistress," he said in a sly tone, nodding at his groin.
Parker gave a short laugh when she noticed his renewed erection.

"That's for me I hope?" Parker asked, and he had just opened his mouth to answer
when she shoved him to the floor.

Jarod landed with a slight grunt of surprise, rolling over onto his back
just as Miss Parker slid to the floor after him, crawling up his body. He
lifted his head to give her a bewildered look, chuffing softly as she planted
her hands either side of his face.

"In a moment, I'm going to get off you, and go into the kitchen," Parker said,
"You'll make us some sandwiches, and kneel beside me until I am finished eating.
Then, and only then, you may eat. For the rest of the day, you will be deeply
immersed in your submission. That means you will keep your eyes lowered at all
times, and stay silent unless spoken to, or you urgently need to draw my
attention to something. You will kneel by my side, and use the time to think
about your status in this household, and what it means to be my slave. Do you
understand?"

"Yes Mistress," Jarod said solemnly.

Parker nodded in satisfaction, and kissed him sweetly. She swept his lips with
her tongue and he gave a soft sigh, opening his mouth to hers. Parker deepened
the kiss for a few, intense moments, before drawing away. Jarod was panting
slightly, and he watched with wild eyes as she pressed kisses to his chest, her
hand dipping to stroke his still semi-erect cock a few times.

"Now, time for lunch," Miss Parker said, standing and heading into the kitchen,
sure that Jarod would follow.

He worked silently and quickly in the kitchen to prepare them some salad
sandwiches, presenting the plate prettily in a submissive pose; kneeling, his
knees spread, back straight and head down, offering the plate up on flat palms.
Miss Parker smiled at what was a very attractive gesture, taking the plate and
placing it on the table. Jarod dropped his hands behind his back, relaxing into
his position while Parker ate. When she had eaten her share, she placed the
plate on the floor in front of him.

"Follow me into the lounge when you are done. I'll be reading, and don't wished
to be disturbed, so should your muscles begin to cramp you have my permission to
stand and stretch, or change positions for a short time. If you need to go to
the bathroom go, make no attempt to gain my attention unless it is an emergency.
Do you understand, River?" she asked.

"Yes Mistress," Jarod replied in a serene tone, and had just begun to eat as she
left the room.

When he entered the lounge not long after, Miss Parker was sprawled on the
couch, an Anne Rice novel propped in front of her nose. Although she didn't
raise her gaze, she tracked Jarod's movements as he settled into a kneeling
position beside the couch, his head bowed and his breathing even. To her
surprise, he didn't fidget, seeming to slip straight into the sort of headspace
that was a sub's treasure; complete calm and serenity.

Over the next few hours Jarod remained in place without speaking a word,
occasionally doing some quick exercises to stretch his legs, and leaving the
room for the bathroom once. Miss Parker herself was feeling slightly warmed by
the erotic nature of the book she was reading, anticipating the events she had
planned for that evening and impatient for them too.

Every so often she would lean over to skilfully stroke Jarod's erection
back to awareness, a way of helping him to focus on her and his subservience to
her as his Mistress. He accepted her attentions without protest; the only sign
that he even took notice of her actions was a slight straightening of his spine.

As evening neared, and Parker began to feel hungry, she went back into the
kitchen, Jarod trailing on her heels. She surveyed the well-stocked fridge,
instructing Jarod to kneel by the table so he wouldn't get in the way or be
inju Sh She prepared them both another pasta.

"Eat well," she told Jarod, setting a bowl in front of him with a fork, "You'll
need your energy."

Parker ate her own meal quickly, drinking a s ofs of water then refilling
it for Jarod. When he had finis she she set their dishes aside, standing over
him. Jarod quivered slightly at the intensity of her focus, but didn't dare to
look up.

"I want you to go upstairs now and prepare for our activities. Find any candles
you can and place them around the room, lit. Use the bathroom as you need it,
but make sure you are clean and pleasing for me. Then you are to kneel on the
bed facing the wall, and wait for my arrival. You are to keep your eyes closed,
and meditate on my ownership of your body, mind and spirit. Do you understand?"
Parker asked.

"Yes Mistress. Thankyou Mistress," Jarod said quietly, and rose silently to
head upstairs.

Miss Parker ended up making him wait for almost forty minutes, most of
that time in which she used to make her own preparations. Finally she went
upstairs herself, setting a tray of useful items beside the bed. Jarod was
kneeling on the bed as instructed, and shivered as she trailed her fingers
across his shoulders. She kissed him between his shoulder blades and he sighed.

Parker spent several more moments gathering the items she would need from
the cupboards of supplies, pleased with the wide array. Carrying several of her
selections over to the bed, she climbed up beside Jarod, stroking his biceps
soothingly.

"Did you ever talk to Sydney about your submissive impulses, Jarod?" she asked.
The mention of his former mentor and the use of his real name worked like a
bucket of cold water for her slave, pulling him out of the headspace he'd been
occupying for most of the day. Parker watched with a faint sense of
satisfaction as his cock softened.

"What?" Jarod asked, opening his eyes in disbelief.

Miss Parker used the opportunity to use a cock ring on him, easily
threading his balls and now flaccid penis through the leather loop, tightening
it until she was satisfied. Jarod gave a low gasp, and she passed her hand over
his eyes in order to close them.

"I'm sorry, River, but that would have been a lot harder with you... well,
*hard*," Parker said, and gave a soft chuckle. Jarod relaxed slowly, his
breathing evening out, and she kissed his chest, "That's it, relax. I have you
now, my River. Who do you belong to?"

"You Mistress," Jarod sighed. Parker continued to run her hands over his chest
and arms in a soothing manner; putting him back under with the low tone of her
voice.

"What is your purpose, River?" she asked.

"To serve you," Jarod said.

"Good," Miss Parker said, nodding in satisfaction, "Now I want you to lie down
on your back, and place your hands above your head."

Jarod did as he was told, shifting to get comfortable. Parker locked a
pair of padded handcuffs around his wrists, checking to make sure they weren't
too tight. Then she secured them to the brass bars at the head of the bed with
a short length of chain, clipping it into place.

"Lift your head," Parker said, touching Jarod's head lightly as he raised it,
and she slipped a padded eye mask over his face, the kind worn in old movies,
"Can you see anything?"

"No Mistress," Jarod said breathlessly. She could see his arousal was
completely renewed, and was likely to last awhile because of the cock ring.

"I'm not going to gag you, River, but I am going to block your ears. It's a
mild form of sensory deprivation; you won't be able to see, or hear, but I will
be able to see and hear you at all times. I won't leave the room while you are
bound, River, and if at any time you are in any real distress, you have only to
use the word 'refuge,' and I will stop whatever I am doing and release you.
This is not a safe-word, it will not end the scene, nor will it free you from
your position of slave. Use of it for anything other than a real emergency will
result in punishment. It will, however, stop everything until you have told
me what is wrong and I can address the problem; I won't have my slave harmed.
Do you understand, River?" Miss Parker asked.

"Yes Mistress," Jarod said.

"What is your word, River?" she asked.

"Refuge, Mistress," he said.

"Very good. I'm going to put in some earplugs now, but you're not to panic. I
will be here at all times," Parker said. She picked up some small foam plugs,
twisting and compressing them into narrow buds. She placed them in his ears one
at a time, holding them until they expanded, conforming to the natural shape of
his ears.

"Can you hear me?" she whispered, satisfied when there was no response.

Climbing off the bed, Parker syed yed her handiwork with no small sense of
pride as she quickly stripped off. There was something intensely appealing
about having such a big man as Jarod kept in bondage, subject to her every whim.
And whims, she thought with a predatory smile, were something she had plenty of.