The Contract

By BlackNight99

Chapter One


The young woman paused at the entrance of the storefront office building and regarded the sign beside the door: Dr. Richard Cordman. Psychology. Hypnotherapy. 

She took a deep breath and reached toward the doorknob, then stood, mesmerized by her reflection in the dark glass that fronted the low building. When was the last time shed dressed like this? A real dress  purchased only hours before, chosen almost entirely on the recommendation of the saleswoman at the mall department store. Knee-length hem, fabric clinging to her gentle curves, neckline low-cut, revealing cleavage that was augmented by the underwire bra (also recommended by the saleslady, who had taken her clients inability to choose feminine attire as a challenge). She had had only $300 in cash  her pin money, hidden from her mother (or THAT would have been gone, too!), and the saleslady had made sure that shed had enough left over, after the dress and the bra and the panties and the hose and the high heels, for an inexpensive makeover at the cosmetics counter. She looked  sexy. She hoped, at least, that she presented that false image. Another deep breath. She turned the knob and walked into the office.

The reception area was deserted, not surprising this late on a Friday afternoon. On the counter, beside the receptionists window, she found a clipboard with a form attached, her name scrawled in at the top. She picked it up, sat down on the naugahyde-covered couch and started filling in the blanks. A few minutes later, just as she was finishing, the inner office door opened, and the frame was literally filled with the bulk of a large man. He looked, to her, like a football lineman. Big. Muscular. Dark. She blinked up at him, then quickly threw her gaze back down at the floor, embarrassed by his penetrating stare and smiling, congenial face.

Dr. Abernathy, I presume, he commented with a voice more mellow than deep.

Gail, she said in a quiet voice, still unable to look up at him. Thank you so much for seeing me on such short notice, Doctor.

Its my pleasure. Please come in. She allowed him to hold the door for her, which posed a small problem as she had to maneuver her tall, thin frame around his hulking body. Their bodies rubbed together slightly as she did so, and she repressed a small shudder. Then she had to let him pass again, as he led the way back and into a comfortable, manly office. The room held a sofa along one wall, an easy chair in front of a large, old-looking oak desk, and the inevitable psychiatrists couch in the middle of the room. The blinds were open, and the late afternoon sunlight brightened the mood. She took the chair in front of the desk and waited patiently while he seated himself and spent several minutes reading the form shed filled out; then he sat back and studied her unabashedly. She found it impossible to meet his eyes, and kept hers on her hands, which were clutching her knees.

I know you, dont I? he commented, at last.

This seemed to startle her immensely. No! I mean, no. No, Im sure weve never met.

He wrinkled his brow. Im certain Ive seen you somewhere. Are you in TV or something? A model?

No. Im nobody. I mean, Im nobody important. And Ive never met you. Im sure.

He glanced back at the forms. AH! I know! You live in that apartment complex down on South Grand, dont you?

Her eyes shifted. Um  yes. I live at .

Yes, I have the address on the form. I live right next to you  in the complex right across the street. Small world. She said nothing, staring down at her hands. He pulled a yellow legal pad toward him and started writing, talking as he wrote. Refuses to be led into normal conversation. He glanced up, but she didnt react. He sighed and studied the form again. 

Youre a Research Genetic Data Analyst, he continued. With a PhD. Im guessing that youre on one of the WashU genome teams. Human?

THAT made her look up. The corners of her mouth twitched upward, and she regarded him with a bit of awe. Disease, she answered.

Cancer? Which type?

Again she regarded him with wonder. No one, obviously, had enough knowledge to ask such questions. Prostate, she answered.

On behalf of the members of my sex, Id like to offer our profound thanks. But now she fell silent yet again, studying her hands on her knees. He pulled the yellow pad back toward him and wrote, muttering loudly All attempts at flattery and humor completely useless.

I  Im sorry, Doctor, she began, faltering. I  um  we really need to talk about how Im going to pay for your services. She never looked up.

Theres really no need to worry about that now, he said confidently. I accept all major medical plans. If youre part of the Washington School of Medicine, Im certain that youre covered for whatever ills you might have.

No, she said gravely. It had been the most emphatic word that shed uttered since shed met him. Still, she didnt look up at him. No. Im not going to let the school know that Im seeking psychological help. I dont want ANYONE to know. I will not use insurance, or let anyone know that Im seeing you. Confidentiality is fine  but people have a way of finding out things, especially if theres a paper trail. Eventually, theyll know what I came to you for. No one would ever understand. Its simply too bizarre. I cant risk anyone ever knowing. We need to agree on some other form of payment.

Other form?

I dont have any money, she said quietly.

That made him sit back and regard her in a different light. Just so I understand who Im dealing with here, Doctor 

Please, call me Gail. Its important that you call me by my first name.

Gail. All right. You can call me Richard. Now 

No. I think I should call you by your title. We need to establish a psychological hierarchy.

ILL be the judge of things psychological! he told her sternly. He sat back again and stared hard at the young, tall, pretty blonde sitting silently across from him for a long minute. He picked up the form again. Okay, he continued with quiet authority. Let me engage in a bit of earnest observation. You are probably the youngest PhD Ive ever encountered. Twenty-three years old. Definitely the prettiest. Youre a member of one of the best medical schools in the world, engaged in building a DNA model thats going to eventually save countless lives. Money should NOT be a problem for you  and yet it is. Fame could be yours  and yet you are one of the most introverted young women Ive ever met. You are engaged in a profession where RESULTS is the most important thing  and yet, when you have a personal problem, discretion is the overriding factor. He paused again. Its time to tell me the reason youre here.

First, we should agree on a method of compensation, Doctor.

Ill decide what is first! he said loudly, forcefully. She jerked her shoulders as if shed been struck. He took a deep breath and continued in a calmer tone. Whatever ails ye, young Gail, I can guarantee you that its nothing new. Ive been in this business long enough to believe that Ive heard just about everything.

She took a shuddering breath. I want you to make me fall in love.

He blinked. Say what?

I consider myself pretty well read. Ive always read at least two books a week. Ive done that for as long as I can remember. I recall reading about a case in which a hypnotist took one of his subjects into such a deep trance that she was able to remember past lives.

Youre talking about The Case of Bridey Murphy, he said, with a hint of exasperation. Theres no definitive evidence that her ability to see into the past was real.

It doesnt matter, she countered, looking up at him at last. My point is that she was placed into a hypnotic state that was much, much deeper than anything that had been tried before. Ultra-deep hypnotic trance is quantifiable. Its been done. Its possible.

And you think that if I place you into such a hypnotic state, I can make you fall in love?

I know you can, she said quietly.

And what makes you think I can do that?

Because I KNOW you can, she countered calmly. 

That made him pause. He considered it philosophically. You think that if you BELIEVE strongly enough, you can MAKE it happen, he said, almost as much to himself as to her.

WE can make it happen. Yes.

Again, he sat back and regarded her for a long minute. Again, she couldnt meet his gaze, and let her own fall. Finally, he heaved a deep sigh. Whos the lucky man?

She gave her shoulders a uniform twitch upward. It doesnt matter. YOU can pick someone.

WHAT?!

Once more, she jerked, startled. She looked helplessly up at him, and for the first time, tears sprang into her eyes. She opened her mouth to comment further, but obviously couldnt.

He couldnt think of anything to say for a long minute. Alright, I HADNT heard it all! he muttered, just loud enough for her to hear. He looked imploringly at her. You want to fall in love, but you dont care who you fall in love WITH?

I know it sounds crazy, she said, trying to bring her tears under control.

Okay. From the beginning, now. Whats this all about?

We HAVE to talk about how Im going to pay you first, she implored. Im in debt. I dont have any money to spend. Its one of the reasons I chose you . She stopped abruptly, as if shed said something she shouldnt.

He narrowed his eyes. And just why DID you choose me? What makes ME your first choice out of all the psychologists in the greater St. Louis area?

I read your profile on the internet, she said quietly. Its because of who you are  and WHAT you are.

Oh please, he groaned. Please tell me this doesnt have something to do with my race!

What? she asked, truly startled. Oh. No. No, of course not. She hesitated. I chose you because you specialize in hypnosis. And  um  because youre single.

Single?

Not married.

I KNOW what single means! he shouted at her. What difference does THAT make!?

But now she was crying in earnest. Tears were streaming down both cheeks as she looked pleadingly up at him. I. Dont. Have. Any. Money, she said, punctuating each word. I KNOW that its going to take hours and hours of private sessions to get me into a deep enough trance to do what has to be done. Secret sessions! Hours of them! What do you charge? A hundred an hour? He didnt answer. Two hundred? Again, he sat silently as she wept. I cant pay you! And so, I took what little money I HAD, and I bought these clothes  in hopes that  in hopes that I could look attractive to you. In hopes that you would find me  find me  desirable. Sexually.

Oh, God, Gail, he muttered quietly.

Completely distraught, she pulled her knees up to her body, leaned over sideways against the arm of the plush chair in a fetal position, and sobbed bitterly. He let it go on for too long a period, and then he rose, snatched a fistful of tissues from a pop-up dispenser on the desk, and went to her side. He shushed her gently, laying a beefy hand lightly on her shoulder. He felt that hed never been good enough at soothing patients. Finally, she sat up again, miserable, stabbing at her eyes with the tissues. Not knowing what else to do, he returned to his desk.

Gail, you seem to have thought this all out beforehand. You MUST have known that I cant become emotionally involved with a patient.

It doesnt have to BE emotional, she said quietly. And I wouldnt BE your patient  not officially. You could just see me as  as a friend. It would just be an agreement between friends. You know? She heaved a shuddering sigh. Thats what I THOUGHT, anyway.

He smiled and shook his head in wonder. Let me get this straight. You want me to see you, as a friend, for hours of hidden, private hypnotherapy. You want me to MAKE you fall in love with a person of MY choosing. And then, in return, you want to give yourself to me sexually  as a friend, of course, for  what? Some set period of time?

Yes, she answered, a little more firmly, as if for the first time, she thought that he might actually go along with the scheme. Something like a one-for-one hourly swap. If it took you, say, ten hours of hypnosis, then I could  um  be yours sexually for ten hours. You know? Or something like that. She sat for a moment in deep contemplation, her tears finally forgotten. Or we could agree on two-for-one, since I dont have much experience. She blushed. Well, actually, I dont have ANY experience. Ive never actually BEEN with a guy, you know? I guess that youd have to take some time teaching me. So, well make it two-for-one.

Two-for-one, he said quietly, covering his mouth with his hand, trying hard not to laugh. He cleared his throat. And what, exactly, would you let me DO to you during this little pay-back period?

Anything you want, she answered, earnestly. Anything! Ill do anything you want!

Again, he cleared his throat to avoid laughing. Was ANY girl really this innocent? He put on his most officious face for her benefit, wheeled his chair to the side, in front of his computer terminal, tapped a few buttons, and then started typing furiously. 

Okay, Ill do it, he said, his typing never slowing. Im guessing that this is a relatively new concept for you  something that youve just thought of today. Tell me what happened.

For the first time, she smiled brightly at him. Thats a pretty neat trick, Doctor, she said.

Whats that? His typing never slowed.

Typing one thing while youre saying something else.

I teach a course at SLU, and this drives my students nuts, he said, matter-of-factly, his fingers never slowing. Writing something on the board while saying something else. Not hard to do, but it keeps their attention. Now, tell me! Im your doctor  um  friend  uh  friendly doctor.

She giggled, then grew sullen once more. My mother left me again.

Again?

Shed done it before. While I was still in high school, five or six years ago. She took everything. All the money, anyhow. Shed fallen in love with this dork from Paris  France.

I know where Paris is.

She just took off. I was still a minor, officially, and the county wanted to stick me in a foster home. But I swung a deal with my counselors, since I already had enough placement credits to graduate early, PLUS skip my first two undergraduate years  and Id already qualified for a full ride at Mizzou, and so I just forgot all about her and moved right into a dorm, you know?

He finally stopped typing and worked with the mouse for a moment. Yes. I get the picture.

And so, I got through school, there in Columbia, and then through grad school here, and when I got out, I moved right into the project Id been involved with as a student; and they really wanted me, because my thesis caused this monumental stir where most of the big work was being done in Copenhagen  Denmark.

I know where Copenhagen is, Gail. The printer against the wall whirred into action. He got up and walked over to it.

And then, six months ago, she just showed up again. She told me that she didnt have a place to stay, and so I let her move in with me. I could afford an apartment now, and I had an extra bedroom, and so I didnt really mind, because most nights, she didnt even come home.  But I was never really around, either  not during the days, you know? I really only SAW her once a week or so, when wed go out for lunch, or something. She told me that she didnt have any money, and I really had more than I needed, you know? So I got her a credit card on my account with her own name on it. And then she told me that she wanted to help out more around the place, and so I let her mail the rent payments, and the utility payments, and the insurance payments. And I never really thought about it, you know?

He returned to the desk with a single, printed sheet of paper and sat down again. Yes, I know.

And then  and then this morning, she told me that she was leaving again. She told me that shed fallen in love with this guy that had something to do with lumber up in Toronto  Canada. She looked up, saw he was about to comment, and held up her hand to stop him. Yes, I know. You know where Toronto is. She sighed. She told me that her new lover needed money really bad, and that she just HAD to give it to him, even though it wasnt really hers to give, you know? And later, after shed left, I got this funny feeling, and I started checking things out. And my credit card was maxed out  right to the limit! And the rent hadnt been paid in THREE months! Or the utilities, or the insurance, or ANYTHING! And, its going to take me months and months to get everything back together, financially.

Im sorry, Gail.

But as she was leaving, we were sort of fighting. And I told her she wasnt acting very sane, you know? And she said: What do you know about it? Youve NEVER been in love! And then she walked out, and I sat down, and I thought about it. And I thought and thought . And I just suddenly realized  she was right! In high school, Id only gone out on two dates  and I was so nervous that I got physically ill! And then I absolutely refused. Never again! And I didnt. Not all through college, even though there were just two years of it. But I didnt mind, because I was so busy, you know? And grad school was just a blur. And now, Im ALWAYS busy! I mean, Im only suppose to work eight hours a day  but right off the bat, I started working twelve. And now, everybody just assumes thats what Im always going to do. 

And Mother was RIGHT! Ive never loved ANYBODY! Not once! Not ever! And now  now Ive just GOT to know what its like! I HAVE to! Before I do anything else  ever  before I do one more thing, I need to experience it. And Ive read romance novels! I KNOW that Ill probably just get a broken heart. But at least then, Ill know that I HAVE a heart to be broken! And so, I thought up this plan. And I want to DO it, Doctor. She was crying again. Please.

He regarded her tenderly. Gail, you dont need hypnotherapy. All you really need is to sit down and talk this out with me  or any other expert in the field.

Please, she repeated plaintively. Please, Doctor? I just know this will work. Ive thought about it and thought about it! I just know that ultra-deep hypnosis exists, and that you can put me in a trance that deep because I KNOW you can do it. I BELIEVE you can. And Ill let you do anything while Im in a trance. Anything at all. And Im prepared to pay in the only way Im able. Its going to work, Doctor. Please?

He sighed and slid the paper across the desk toward her, facing her. He put a pen on top of it. Sign that, he told her.

Without hesitation, she signed the bottom of the paper and slid it back across the desk to him.

He gritted his teeth. READ it! he told her, controlling his anger. Once again, the paper slid across the desks surface. She dutifully picked it up and read it.

I, Gail Abernathy, am hereby entering into this contract with my good friend, Richard Cordman, in order for him to provide certain services that I desperately need. I understand that Richard will place me under exceedingly deep hypnosis in order to perform these services. I understand that the hypnosis sessions are going to be numerous and time-consuming, and I promise that I will follow Richards instructions to the absolute best of my ability while he does this. I understand that, as part of this ultra-deep hypnosis, Richard will compel me to fall in love with an individual of his choosing. This is what I want. This will take place during the coming long three-day weekend of January 14th. At the end of these sessions, but before I am compelled to acknowledge my love for this aforementioned individual, I will repay Richard by becoming his sex slave for a period not to exceed twenty-four hours. I really want this to happen. I desire Richard, sexually, and I long for his sexual control. I endorse this contract freely and of my own will and aspiration. 

Yet again the contract slid across the desk. Now YOU sign it, she told him.

This seemed to catch him completely off guard. What good would that do? he asked.

But now, she was meeting his gaze, seemingly without fear. Now, she realized that her dream was within her grasp. Please, Doctor. I promise you that this is the last thing I will ask of you for the next three days.

He contemplated her; contemplated the contract; then picked up the pen and signed below her name.

And so it began.

---------------------------------


He rolled back his office chair and stood up. Come here, he ordered softly, sternly. 

Without hesitation, she stood and walked around the desk to him, standing very close to him, staring up into his eyes, waiting expectantly. He stepped back a pace and rotated the swivel chair so that it faced her. Sit down. She turned and did so. He pushed the chair toward the desk, so that she now occupied the position that he had so recently vacated. She felt his warmth in the chair.

Walking around to the front of the desk, he leaned forward and picked up the newly signed contract. He folded it twice and put it into the breast pocket of his sports coat. He then took a fresh sheet of paper, picked up the ink pen, and drew a single, straight line down its middle, lengthwise. He slid the sheet across the desk so that it sat directly in front of her, then switched on the desk lamp and fiddled with it for a moment. When he had finished, the lamp was shining a single spot of focused light directly on the center of the paper. 

I want you to stare at the very center of that line, he told her. Concentrate very hard, only on the very center of the line. I want you to relax your entire body, and focus your thoughts on the line.

She leaned forward and looked down at the page. Are we going to do it now? she asked in quiet awe. Are you going to hypnotize me now?

I dont want you to say another word, please. Do not speak unless I ask you a question. Okay?

Okay. Im sorry, she responded softly. She brought her left arm up and rested her forearm along her edge of the desk, leaning forward across it, so that her breasts were resting on it as she bent over the sheet of white note paper. Then, she rested her right elbow next to it, propping the side of her face with her palm, staring intently at the dark, thin vertical line.

He walked to the window and twisted a rod next to the edge, and the vertical blinds rotated shut, plunging the office into late afternoon dusk. The spot of light on the paper seemed to make it glow. The line is very straight, he told her in a voice that was both strong and soft. Ive always had a knack for being able to draw a straight line. Not many people can do that, actually. The line is very, very straight.

Yes, she whispered.

Shhh! he ordered softly. She didnt respond. You are going to fall asleep, very soon now. You know that. You want that. You are anxious to take this first step, but you must be patient. Just look at the line. The long, straight line. Look only at the center of the line. Relax. Now, take a deep breath. He waited until she had complied. Very good. Now another. Good. Relax, and clear your mind completely. Your mind likes to run on and on, just like the line, on and on forever. But now, I want you to concentrate only on the center of the line, and let your thoughts stop there. The line runs on and on, but that is of no consequence to you. You dont care about where the line goes  on and on. Just let it go. Your thoughts have stopped there. Right in the center. Just let them stop. Just let them go. And dont worry about the line. On and on and on and on. Relax. Just let the line go. Just let your thoughts go.

She had allowed her head, still supported lightly by her hand, to lower closer to the page.

As your thoughts stop in the center of the line, and as the line goes on and on and on without you, you will begin to feel at peace with the idea that the world is going on and on and leaving you here  here in the center. And you know thats alright. Leaving you here, so relaxed, so peacefully calm and relaxed. Just like you do at night, when you go to bed, and you just let the world outside go on and on, just like the line is going on and on, while you empty your mind and wait for sleep to come. And you are SO tried at the end of such a long day. And without thoughts to hinder you, because youve let all of your thoughts go, and the world is going on and on without you, as you get SO sleepy now. So sleepy.

Her elbow was sliding outward, away from the paper, as her face lowered closer and closer to the page.

Let go, Gail. Just let the world go. Its time to surrender. Its time to sleep. He paused for a long moment until the time was right. Sleep!

---------------------------------

six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

She blinked, confused, not sure, for a moment where she was. Oh, she said, opening her eyes wide, trying to KEEP them open. Oh, gosh.

How do you feel? he asked softly, so that she had to strain to hear his words.

I  um  I feel  sort of like when I wake up from a nap, but I havent slept long enough. I feel  um .

Sleepy?

Yes. Sleepy, she mumbled. The room was dark. Was she still in his office? Yes, she must be. There was the sheet of paper, sitting on the desk in front of her.

What do you see? he asked. Somehow, he was standing just behind her. He was resting his huge, heavy hands on her shoulders, leaning forward behind her, whispering in her left ear.

The line, she said softly. I see the line.

And what does the line make you do? This time, he was whispering in her right ear.

It  um  it makes me fall asleep.

Yes. And it makes you SO tired, doesnt it?

Um  yes. Tired.

And SO sleepy. So sleepy. This in her left ear, again, so softly that she could only just hear it.

Yes. Sleepy. Please?

Please what?

Please make me sleep. Please?

Sleep.

---------------------------------

 eight, nine, ten.

She couldnt keep her eyes from rolling upward. Oh  oh, gosh. I cant  um  I cant wake up. Whats WRONG with me? Im so .

So tired, he whispered in her left ear.

Yes.

So sleepy. So very sleepy.

She tried to blink, but her eyes wouldnt stay open when she wanted them to. Yes. Sleepy. Why is it so dark? I cant see the line anymore.

So sleepy, he whispered gently in her right ear.

Oh, Richard. Please. Please make me sleep. Please?

Yes. Sleep.

---------------------------------

 seven, eight, nine, ten.

It was dark. She was standing in the middle of the room. Was it still the office? Faint light was filtering through the blinds, but she couldnt make out anything. And she wasnt really standing, either. He was behind her, supporting her, his arms around her upper waist. Her arms were hanging, leaden, at her sides. She leaned back into him. He felt  good. He was whispering in her ear.

Tired  Sleepy ... Sleepy . Sleep!

---------------------------------

 nine, ten.

Her back was pressed into a wall, and his body was pressing into hers. Her arms were around his neck, and his hands were on her waist. There was light here, but it was unfamiliar. A hallway?

It was a burdensome effort to talk. Oh, Richard. What have you done to me?

Im not allowing you to completely wake up. Each time I take you back under, you go deeper than the time before. Deeper and deeper.

Deeper and deeper.

Yes. And now . He leaned farther forward, crushing her with his bulk, pressing his lips beside her left ear. Sleepy. So tired. So sleepy.

Please.

Sleep.

---------------------------------

 six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

She was sitting in the passenger seat of a strange car. He was behind the wheel. She blinked several times and tried to sit up straight, but she kept nodding forward. Apparently, they were stopped at a traffic light.

Lean toward me, Gail. Do it now.

She tried, but the seat belt wouldnt allow it. She slipped the shoulder strap off while leaving the lap strap buckled up, and leaned steeply toward him. He did the same toward her, until his lips were against her ear.

Sleep.

---------------------------------


,,, eight, nine, ten.

She was in bed, lying back against soft, downy pillows. The sheets were softer than any she had ever slept on. They felt absolutely marvelous against her bare body. She believed, for a brief moment, that that thought should be bothering her. He was leaning over her. Smiling down on her. She struggled to keep her eyes open, and tried vainly to smile back. He leaned down.

Hes going to whisper in my ear again, she thought.

And he did.

---------------------------------


  four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

She finished counting, opened her eyes, and stretched languorously, yawning. She felt  good. Great. Wonderful. And she thought: Im naked.

Shed seen the fabric the sheets were made from before somewhere, and it took her a moment to recall. It was the stuff a babys crib sheets are made of  a soft cotton knit. Her nipples rubbed gently against the cloth as she shifted. Her arms were on top of the light blanket covering her, and she reached one hand up, and then down underneath the sheet to see if she was wearing panties. She wasnt. Hes seen me, she thought to herself. Hes seen all of me. The concept made her blush mildly, but no more. She belonged to him, she figured. She had signed a contract, more or less agreeing to do anything he wanted for the next three days. She knew sex would be a part of it. She should try to stop being so self-conscience. But of course, she wouldnt. She had always been shy. She always would be.

The room was strange to her, and yet somehow, it brought her comfort. There was a border of vines and flowers painted along the top of each beige wall, an urn of artificial roses on a table in the corner. Pictures adorned the walls, though the light was soft, and it was hard to see them properly. A woman had decorated this room, she realized. She shifted her attention to the bed she was in. It was a four-poster bed, deep and plush and soft. Slung across the foot of the bed was a thick cloth something  at first she believed it to be another blanket, put there in case she got cold. But now, she rose from the high bed, pivoting to put her feet on the floor, and she found the thing to be a thick, soft terrycloth bathrobe. She slipped it onto her nude form and tied the cloth belt about her waist in a bow. It was too long, and dragged the ground slightly. It must be one of his robes.

She approached one of the pictures and stared at it in the soft light of the bedside lamp. It was a still-life of some flowers. There was another, very like it on the opposite wall. They were both done in oils. For the first time, she noticed a framed photograph on the bedside table, and she picked it up. It showed a pretty, dark-skinned woman, slender, physically fit, sitting in a straight-backed chair with children kneeling all around her. One child was standing, handing her a picture. Her head was thrown back in laughter, and all the children were laughing with her. She found it to be a marvelously interactive photo. It was the kind of picture that made you want to rush out and volunteer for something.

For the first time, she became aware of a delicious aroma, and she opened the door and padded barefoot down a short hallway and into the apartments kitchen/dining room. It was a large room, brightly lighted, warm and cheery. He was hustling around happily, stacking a few dirty dishes in the sink. He smiled at her, but acted as if he was expecting her there. Welcome back to the land of the living, he husked in his deep baritone. She sat on a barstool and watched him rinse a bowl and put it in the dishwasher.

Whats that amazing smell? she asked, smiling back at him.

Friday is Pizza Night, he answered. 

You cook your own pizza?

Absolutely. Nothing but the best. And just the way you like it: thick crust, pepperoni, onions and green peppers.

She laughed. Is there anything about me that you DONT know? she asked, pointedly.

Lots. But Im getting there.

She blushed and looked down. What happened to my clothes?

Dress is in the closet, he answered, pointing toward the hallway. Everything else is folded up in a drawer in my dresser. Youll get it all back when you leave.

Do I really have to be naked, Richard?

You are NOT naked. Thats my very best robe. But psychologically, if I can keep you at a physical and emotional disadvantage, I can manipulate you deeper, quicker. Professionally, Im never allowed to do this, of course. But you insisted that we NOT be professional, didnt you?

She blushed. Youve seen me.

He barked a laugh. Oh, yes. Yes, I have. He stopped puttering and gave her his attention. You are an incredibly beautiful woman, Dr. Abernathy.

She blushed even more. Stop that! And anyway, thats not true. Im gangly and skinny and clumsy, and my breasts are too small, and .

Your breasts are fantastic, he said, trying to sound serious, but failing to control his look of humorous awe. I have NEVER seen nipples like yours! Theyre really 

Richard! Stop! she squealed, laughing. She took a deep breath and sought frantically to change the subject; aware, for a few moments, only of her stiff nipples rubbing against the terrycloth fabric. I seem to be calling you Richard now. Am I mistaken that youve been taking liberties with posthypnotic suggestions?

He grinned broadly. Very good, Gail. I couldnt have good friends calling each other by their titles all weekend.

And just exactly where is our contract? she asked.

Good point. He walked over to his sports coat, which had been draped over a chair back and fished it out of the breast pocket. He unfolded it, smoothed it out, and slapped it against the refrigerator, using little magnetic flowers on each corner to hold it. Well just leave it here, in case we have to call in a lawyer for consultation.

She snickered, and was about to comment when a timer issued a loud ding. He whirled on the oven, opened it, and took out a steaming pizza pan. Wine in the refrigerator, he said to her. You like Chardonnay. Ill take Merlot, under that cabinet. He nodded to his left. Wine glasses over the dishwasher. She found herself moving before she realized she was doing so  following his directions, pouring the wine while he cut the pizza. He carried everything into the living room, gave her a tray with her plate on it, and aimed the remote control at the TV. They sat at opposite ends of the sofa and watched UP, a Pixar flick. She immediately found herself immersed in the movie, the food, the wine, the comfortable setting. She never once thought about their strange arrangement until after the movie was finished. Glancing at the wall clock, she was amazed to find that it was after 11:00.

She stood. Richard, I  um .

But he was standing up with her, close to her. VERY close to her, so that she stopped speaking and looked up into his eyes. Slowly, he was lowering his face toward hers. Hes going to kiss me, she thought. But at the last instant, just as she was pursing her lips, he slid his next to her right ear and whispered something.

---------------------------------


 seven, eight, nine, ten.

His soft voice echoed from a distance, and she raised her arms above her head and stretched and yawned and smiled across the room at him as he stood in the doorway of the sunny bedroom. His beaming grin broadened suddenly, and she became cognizant that the bedclothes had slid down, baring her breasts, her long nipples pointing accusingly at him. She blushed and snatched at the sheet, pulling it upward, succeeding in covering only one of the pale globes, and blushing even more furiously as he laughed at her attempt at decency. 

Get up! he ordered. Bathrooms the first door on the left. Bacon and eggs in twenty minutes. And he was gone.

Everything was her brand. Her exact brand of toothbrush, toothpaste, cleansing soap. In the shower, her brand of shampoo, conditioner. Her brand of razor, which she felt compelled to use on her legs and under her arms. She studied her pubic hair, and trimmed it, using the razor. He would be taking her soon, she knew. She would be giving herself to him  trying hard to please him, sexually. It was part of the contract. And he wanted her. She saw it in his eyes.

The kitchen was a different place in the sunlight. He smiled brightly as she sat down at the table, trying to adjust the robe so that it wouldnt gap open at the top. Coffee?

Just orange juice, please. She waited while he filled her glass. Was that a date last night?

I think it was a date, he replied, dishing out her eggs. Felt like a date to me. Did it feel like a date to you?

Ive only had two dates, she replied. In high school. I threw up after each of those.

He grimaced. Then I guess it wasnt a date.

She pointed at a sliding glass door. There was a small deck beyond the door. And beyond THAT, off in the distance .

Thats my apartment, she said emphatically, pointing.

I told you your building was across the street from mine.

Not just my building, she said. Thats my apartment! Right there. That one, on the third floor!

Yes, he said. Was he acting guilty about it? I mentioned that Id seen you before. Right?

She looked back down at her food, and they ate in uncomfortable silence for a minute. Then, she felt compelled to keep the conversation going. From the table, she had a view of a wall she hadnt seen the night before, which bore a studio portrait of the same beautiful woman who graced the picture in the bedroom. Is she your girlfriend? she asked him, between bites.

His bright smile seemed to slip suddenly; pain flashed in his eyes for just an instant before he pasted the carefree expression back in place, obviously believing she hadnt seen the brief transformation. Thats my wife, he said, with a cavalier wave of his fork.

Piecing puzzles together was her profession. This one didnt take much mental gymnastics. If he was still with his wife, he wouldnt risk being caught with a blonde in the apartment. If he was divorced, he wouldnt have her picture displayed all over the house. Plus, his personal profile said single. 

Youre a widower, she said quietly. Im sorry, I didnt know.

He shrugged. It wasnt a check-block on the form, he explained, refusing to drop the smile. She could see it in his eyes; he was waiting for her to ask the obvious question. She decided that she wouldnt do it, no matter how curious she was.

She was very beautiful, she said, returning her attention to her food. What was her name?

He blinked at her. Jasmine.

She was a very lucky woman. She set her fork down and looked up at him, ignoring his open stare. What are you going to do to me today?

He blinked again. Started to speak. Cleared his throat. Took a breath. Im afraid its going to be more of the same old drill for you. Asleep. Awake. Asleep again.

Deeper each time, she said quietly.

Yes. We should be close tonight. Tomorrow, Ill finish it. Youll be ready to fall in love after that.

And then, Ill pay you for your services.

Thats what the contract says.

Yes, thats what the contract says. She thought for a moment. We dont have to wait, if you dont want. I could start paying you today  tonight. I  could do it in shifts.

He couldnt suppress the laugh. Shifts? Christ, Gail, where do you come up with these ideas?

She shrugged. The robe slipped off of her left shoulder. It doesnt make much difference, really. It hasnt escaped my notice that whenever you say Jump, I do it without even thinking about it. Youve done something to me. Youve practically made me your slave. Im virtually naked  and yet Im somehow almost comfortable with it. You whisper in my ear, and I melt into a puddle at your feet. You dont have to wait, Richard. You can have me anytime you want me.

He rose, and with a quick jerk, he snatched the one-page contract from the face of the refrigerator, the magnets all remaining in place. He slapped it down in front of her. I do my part first, he said pointedly. I dont expect any payment until the job is done.

Alright, she said in a small voice. Have you given any thought to who the man is going to be?

The contract doesnt say anything about it having to be a man, he pointed out.

She sat suddenly erect, blinked several times, and looked down at the page. She couldnt stop her lips from moving as she read. Aforementioned individual, she muttered. She looked up at him. Richard! I never meant to have you make it a .

Its not your concern, he interrupted. The individual has been left entirely up to me.

But, Im not a lesbian!

Gail, youre equating love to sex. For NORMAL people, sex is a natural follow-on to love. I guarantee you that if you love a woman  really love her  then sex will just follow naturally. He got up and walked around the table to her.

But  but  its not that Im opposed to that sort of relationship for OTHER people. Its just that Im not  Im not .

He was standing behind her now, and she froze as she felt his hands on her. Deftly, he slid the other half of the robe down her arm, and his huge, muscular hands were now resting on her bare shoulders. Skin against skin, flesh against flesh. Hes touching me, she thought. Hes finally touching me. She felt his breath against her ear, and her whole body began shivering in anticipation. Its  not  your  concern, he hissed softly in her ear.

And suddenly, it wasnt. Not my concern.

So tired.

Tired.

So sleepy.

Oh, Richard .

Sleep.

---------------------------------


 eight, nine, ten.

Oh, Richard 

Sleep.

---------------------------------


  seven, eight, nine, ten.

She could hardly keep her eyes open. Oh, when would this ever end? She was sitting in a wooden armchair in front of the table, and the tabletop was covered with scattered sheets of yellow legal paper, scribbled notes scrawled all over them. She blinked, and found it almost impossible to make her eyes open again. She made out, upside-down, the word Munchausen? The word Sadist had been crossed out numerous times, almost angrily. Masochist! was underlined emphatically.

Richard, what ?

But he was behind her. Sleep.

---------------------------------


She heard numbers, echoing in her own mind, and she was able to force herself awake. Groggily, she looked up, and her heart swelled. Pieces of yellow paper were balled up and thrown savagely on the floor. The tabletop was still covered in yellow sheets, scribbles had been written, slashed across, corrections written above lines, words in the margins. Two broken pencils lay among the literary wreckage. Richard was bent above a fresh sheet, writing furiously. His head was resting on his left hand, the fingers laced in his curly, short-cropped black hair, as he poured all of his concentration into his writing.

Richard, whats wrong? 

He glanced up, startled. Then a look of wonder spread across his face, and he admired her, open-mouthed in awe. Well, arent YOU the surprising one? he said, smiling. Youre stronger than either of us thought, little lady. 

And she watched in rapt silence as he dropped the pencil, raised his hand dramatically before him, his middle finger pressed against his thumb. Sleep! he ordered, and snapped his fingers.

---------------------------------


