“Listen,” I said, trying to maintain my decorum, “do what you want; I’m just a sub. All I know is that most people have a visceral reaction to clowns and circus folk, ’kay?” I just wanted her to leave me alone with my pervy thoughts. I didn’t want to think about baby showers—I was only twenty-nine and the only clock inside me was ticking to the beat of “Let’s Get It On.”
“Fine,” she huffed. “Duckies it is.” She walked away, and I noticed that her jeans were from Sears. I shuddered and continued to the break room.
I heated my Lean Cuisine panini—oh and seriously, does anyone else think that word sounds dirty?—and discreetly checked my iPhone.
An e-mail!
I blushed and leaned against the microwave, feeling its slow rotation vibrate against my back. My thoughts drifted again, for the billionth time, to William. I slid my finger against the screen of the phone, opening the e-mail slowly, savoring the anticipation.
From: William Gentry
Subject: Scene One: Atonement
Date: May 3, 2012
To: Cerise Norrel
Dearest potential Mistress,
I have made all necessary preparations to meet with you today. I made sure my thirst is fully sated, as not to be a threat. The last thing I would want to do is hurt you, but please know that it typically takes extraordinary restraint to control myself. I have been looking forward to our scenario today since we met. Because I do not sleep, my mind has been occupied with thoughts of you and what you would like. I do hope my talents are to your liking, and please know I would do anything you ask, for as long as you will permit.
Do not be afraid; my only thirst now is to please and serve you.
Sincerely,
William, your potential submissive
“Cerise, are you going to leave your lunch in there to marinate or what?” Paul asked me, eyes bulging. Apparently I was holding up the line at the micro. Shit.
Anyone who has teacher-friends knows that we all eat really fast and seldom talk while we dine. That’s because we’re conditioned to wolf down our food as fast as humanly possible. Twenty-six-minute lunches—that was all we got. Factor in five minutes of waiting in line for the microwave, then another two for lunch to cool down, then another three to get back to the classroom, and we were left with virtually no time to eat. Lunch in the teacher’s room was a serious affair, and I was breaking some social faux pas by not removing my panini fast enough.
“Sorry,” I muttered, bringing my hot sandwich to my seat, fanning it with my hands.
I pulled my phone back out and began a response while my ham and cheese cooled.
From: Cerise Norrel
Subject: Re: Scene One: Atonement
Date: May 3, 2012
To: William Gentry
William,
I appreciate your assurance of my health; however, your e-mail was more formal than I’d like. I am henceforth requiring a little more pizzazz in your response. Essentially, please go on about being a bad vampire, and how you’d like me to assist you in your atonement.
Waiting patiently . . . for now,
Mistress Cherry
P.S.—See attached spreadsheet detailing your scenes for the next two weeks, Monday thru Wednesday only. Consider this your homework.
I bit into my sandwich, but quickly tried to disengage when I realized how hot it was. As I pulled it away from my face, the melting cheese drew a long string before snapping back and hitting me in the eye.