Tasting Pleasure (18 page)

“Come along then. We’re going for a little walk,” he said as he helped her out of the car.

Alicia remained silent, completely terrified that someone might see her. Still, she realized that Paul was testing her devotion to him just as Mr. Devonshire had the night she had signed her contract. Straightening her shoulders, Alicia strengthened her resolve. If Paul wanted her to stand naked before all of London, then by God she’d do it—if she didn’t die of embarrassment first. For now, she’d follow Paul into the woods and try to clear her mind of everything except obeying his commands. Obediently, she trailed behind him on the meandering, shaded path.

Finally he came to a stop before an ancient oak tree whose gnarled branches dipped down, almost touching the ground before rising again into the sky.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“I agree. Like I said, I love this place. My cousin owns the property and I’ve been coming here since I was a schoolboy.”

Alicia turned to look at him.

“Oh, no need to worry. Byron’s not around. He’s traveling again, so it’s unlikely we’ll be disturbed,” he assured her. “I didn’t tell you before because I wanted to see if you would follow my directions despite your embarrassment.”

“I will try to please you, Paul. Mr. Devonshire said I was to follow your commands as if they were his own. I will do as you direct.”

“Yes, but even if he hadn’t said that, would you?” Paul asked.

Alicia considered. “Yes. I would.”

“Why?”

“Because on the ride here I realized something.”

“What’s that?”

Alicia pulled her braid over her shoulder and began fidgeting with it while trying to think of how to put her feelings into words.

“I’ve been with other men, naturally—I mean before meeting Mr. Devonshire and you. And I’ve always enjoyed sex, but still, I’ve also felt something was missing. That I was missing out on something really wonderful. Since I’ve become a companion, I’ve felt…” She stumbled over the words.

Paul simply waited, his arms crossed in front of him, his brown hair falling into his eyes.

“I’ve felt,” she began again, “purposeful. Like I’ve found my purpose. Maybe that’s why I love to cook so much as well. I truly enjoy the happiness that a good meal can render. I want, really want, to serve others.” She dropped her braid and smiled up at Paul. “I want to use my body, my skills, my whole life in the service of pleasure.” Alicia felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her. She finally knew her calling. Contentment coursed through her.

Paul smiled in return. “I’m so very happy for you, my dear.”

“Can I say something else?”

“Of course.”

“You’re a very special man, Paul. I went to one of your openings before I even met you. I was attracted to you then, but now that I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve really come to respect you. Love you, in a way.” Alicia blushed a bit, unsure of herself.

“I’m honored, Alicia. And I feel the same way about you.” Paul reached around her, holding her tightly. “You are very close to my heart, my dear girl.”

She tipped her head back and he kissed her deeply, plunging his tongue into her mouth. Alicia molded her body against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, entwining her fingers in his hair. Suddenly he twirled her around and bent her over a low-slung branch of the tree.

Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, “I’ve realized something about myself as well. I never thought I had dominator tendencies, but it turns out I do. I can’t wait to see your beautiful, naked globes reddened by my hand or by whatever else I happen to find here in the woods. Would you like that?”

Alicia’s breathing increased and wetness gathered between her thighs. “Yes, Paul. Please, use me as you will.”

Unlike Mr. Devonshire, Paul preferred randomness over symmetry. At first he gently swatted her behind, no more than gentle pats really. Without warning, though, he would suddenly lay on a sharp, cracking snap, causing Alicia to jump in both shocked surprise and pain. Paul pushed her against the tree so that she was again in position. She was grateful for the satin corset protecting her skin from the rough bark of the branch.

“Now for some texture, I think,” Paul said.

Not daring to turn around, Alicia counted her steadying breaths as she listened to Paul’s movements.

“Ouch!” she yelled, involuntarily standing with his first blow.

“Now, darling, don’t do that,” Paul warned.

“Oh, god! I’m so sorry,” she said contritely as she again bent over the low branch.

“Apology accepted,” Paul answered and he again swung a wispy fir switch through the air, laying on another stripe.

Over and over again Paul whipped her burning arse, thighs and calves. She smelled the pine as the strength of the blows crushed the needles against her skin. Because of his randomness, Alicia could never anticipate where the next blow would land. The uncertainty drove her crazy. Luckily, within a short time, she heard Paul drop the branch.

“Thank you,” she whispered when she heard him unzip his trousers. He grasped her hips, shoving his entire length deep within her opening. The sensuality of the day’s events culminated and, unable to stop herself, Alicia screamed out her pleasure, quivering with delight.

“That’s it. Come for me,” Paul commanded.

“Yes!” she cried, drowning in both the pain and joy he gave to her.

“My turn!” he growled and he yanked her to an upright position, his hands clawing at the top of the corset, pulling it down to expose her throbbing breasts. Pinching both her nipples, Paul gave a tremendous thrust, lifting Alicia off her feet, and exploded within her.

Alicia sighed with contentment. Her arse might be a burning mass of marks but she had Paul’s cum inside her. What more could she possibly want?

Chapter Fourteen

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

1 pint large strawberries, washed but with the stems still attached

1 bar good dark baking chocolate

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon paraffin wax

Combine chocolate, butter and wax in the top of a double boiler. Be sure not to let the water boil and not to let the water touch the top pan. Stir constantly until melted and blended. Remove from heat. Working carefully, dip the bottom 2/3rds of each strawberry in the chocolate. Place on waxed or parchment paper to set. If preferred, dip berry into colored sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm and malleable.

“So, are you prepared for tonight?” Mr. Devonshire asked early the next afternoon.

Alicia had arrived at his home armed with bags of groceries and a notebook full of recipes.

“Yes, Sir. But I would like to review the menu with you,” she responded.

“In a moment. For now though, I would like to see Ivory’s handiwork. Would you undress, please?” Maverick leaned against the cabinet, crossed his arms and waited.

“Of course, Sir.” She began to undress. So he knew of the hair removal. “I did mean to tell you about the hair removal, but I—”

“Shhh,” he said gently. “You are under no obligation to tell me everything you do, Alicia. As it happens, though, I specifically asked Ivory if she would wax your body hair.”

Alicia, having removed her dress, stood and stared at Mr. Devonshire, her mouth dropped open in surprise.
Of course!
She should have figured that one out on her own. She snapped her mouth closed, seeing the laughter in his eyes.

Mr. Devonshire reached down and touched Alicia’s ankles then ran his hands slowly up her calves, knees, thighs. Alicia tipped her head back and closed her eyes. Using his index finger, he traced the contours of her private lips with excruciating precision. Alicia was now grateful that Ivory had spent so much time meticulously tweezing each and every hair from her skin. He drew his hand over her mound, the warmth of his flesh penetrating into her. He continued his upward journey, his hands following the curves of her body until he gently cupped her breasts. Dropping his head, he rained sweet kisses on each nipple.

“Turn around and bend over,” he commanded.

Alicia complied, and he began a systematic inspection of her rear.

“Very nice,” Mr. Devonshire said. “Ivory does excellent work. You may stand and put your dress back on now, Alicia.”

Struggling to control her emotions, Alicia retrieved her dress and slipped it over her head.

“You wanted to go over the menu?” he reminded her.

“Oh, yes,” she began, trying to focus on the task at hand. “Paul suggested tapas instead of a traditional meal, and I thought that would be a unique and interesting twist for the evening.”

“Yes, he mentioned something about that. I think that would work rather well,” Maverick agreed.

“Right. I will prepare five tapas selections in enough quantity to provide for five guests. In addition, I planned on a light soup. Would you like to use your good china for the presentation or would you prefer a buffet type of set up?”

“Actually, we will be eating in a buffet style, so just have the finished dishes set out on the counter. Megan will be here later to help in the presentation.”

“Yes, Sir. That’s easy enough to do. Now, at what time do you expect your guests?” Alicia asked.

“They will arrive around seven p.m., but you should have the food ready by six p.m.”

“I can do that since the food will either be chilled or served at room temperature, except for the soup, which can easily be kept on simmer. Is there anything else before I begin, Sir?” she questioned.

“Just this—have fun, Alicia. You are so beautiful in the kitchen where you are truly in your element. Enjoy this afternoon. When you have the food prepared, though, I would ask that you go to the playroom and bathe with the special soap I have placed on the side of the tub. I also have a note there giving you further instructions.” Maverick took hold of her hands and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I look forward to seeing you this evening.”

Alicia wondered about Maverick’s parting words but shrugged them off to concentrate on preparing the food. Donning her apron and pinning her hair up, she happily got to work.

First, Alicia began to prepare the fennel and almond plate. She thinly sliced the fennel into long strips. Adding a bit of olive oil to a pan, she sautéed the vegetable until tender. She then added sliced almonds and a sprinkling of freshly ground nutmeg. Draining the oil, she arranged the concoction on a plate so that it could cool. The guests could use either a fork or their fingers as utensils. Happy with this simple preparation, she moved on to her other dishes—figs with honey, steamed asparagus, squash seeds roasted with garlic and pine nuts, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and pineapple rings grilled then drizzled with honey. Finally she prepared the soup—a careful blending of carrots, watercress, cream, chicken stock and nutmeg. The soup would be delicious served either hot or cold, but Alicia decided hot would be best. Therefore she set the pot on simmer and arranged small cups so they could be filled at the last minute then placed on the buffet table. Finishing a few minutes before six p.m., Alicia smiled, pleased with herself.

Removing her apron, she made her way up to the playroom so she could bathe, just as Mr. Devonshire had instructed. Slipping into the warm water, she sighed as the tension of being on her feet for the last four hours drained from her body. She then noticed the envelope with her name emblazoned on the front. Leaning back, she opened the light blue parchment.

Alicia,

By now you are probably relaxing in the warm water. Remember to scrub your body thoroughly using the provided soap. When you complete this task, step onto the clean mat, dry yourself, do not apply lotion, and step into the shoes.

Alicia glanced down at the side of the tub and noticed the pair of three and a half inch red stiletto heels.
Pretty!

Next, walk downstairs and lie on the dining room table, face up. Once there, do not move. You, my dear, are to be the buffet table for dinner tonight. Megan will have arrived by that time and she will arrange the food on your body. You will not be allowed to move or speak throughout the dinner, despite any pokes or prods with utensils, fingers or anything else. I know you will not disappoint me.

Mr. Devonshire

Alicia re-read the letter to be sure of the intent.
Wow!
During her research in preparation for this evening’s meal, she had come across the idea of
nyotaimori
, or body sushi. This custom provided a sensual meal of sushi artfully arranged over banana leaves placed on a model’s naked body. Traditionally, the food would be presented directly on the skin of the model, but current health codes forbade such displays today. Obviously this practice began in Japan but had quickly spread to other parts of the world. Apparently Mr. Devonshire knew of this ancient custom and had devised a western alternative. Using the naked body of a woman as a buffet table certainly would be a sensual and decadent event, but by offering aphrodisiac foods, the effect would be magnified.

Alicia smiled at the brilliance of her Master. No wonder he had provided her with anti-bacterial, unscented soap. The application of lotion to the skin would also have tainted the food. Alicia had no doubt he planned to follow the traditional arrangement as opposed to the modern. After all, this was a private party, and three of the attendees had already tasted her body. As for the other two who remained anonymous, they were no doubt friends of Mr. Devonshire and as such were unlikely to be shocked. His guests were certainly in for an evening full of a variety of pleasures.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Alicia decided that she’d best move along. Quickly, she followed Maverick’s instructions, slipping into the shoes and walking downstairs. She heard Megan in the kitchen but went directly to the table, curbing her instinct to check on the food. The tabletop was cold, but Alicia found that by concentrating on her breathing, she could control the shivering.