William had placed lacquered bamboo parquet on top of my hardwoods, giving the room a much brighter feel. There were also about five or six tatami mats in various points in the room. The furniture was gone, as expected, and all that occupied the space was a simple tea set on the floor, and arrangements of fresh cherry boughs and blossoms in every corner. I was breathless at the sight and the smell. It was like a movie set.
But he wasn’t there. I supposed he was planning on serving me, so I arranged my robe carefully as I sat on the tatami mat closest to the tea setup. I took a moment to inhale and exhale slowly, centering myself for what was to come.
Geishas had to be graceful, calm, and subtle while maintaining their aura as the center of attention. William had a tough audience today.
Before I could hear his approach, William stood in front of me, and then bent into a low bow. As he stood, he kept his head and eyes downcast as he poured hot water into the green tea leaves that were in the pot by my feet. I gave his calves a whack with my fan.
“How dare you take from me,” I chastised.
“Cherry Blossom,” he said quietly. “I hope you received my apologetic appeal. Would you allow me to serve you tea today? I understand if you choose to send me away.”
I looked him up and down in approval. He was wearing simple black drawstring pants and a loose black robe. I could see his chest exposed in a long, low V. I was very pleased. “You may serve me tea,” I said simply, and he made me a cup of green tea.
He kneeled by my side, wordlessly, while I sipped in contemplation. “Have you decided my fate, Cherry-san?” he asked after I had placed my cup on the floor.
“I believe I have, servant. You took from me, so today I will take from you.” I gave him another sharp whack with my fan.
His gaze burned, and I had to look away. Focus, focus, I told myself.
“I’d like to look at you. I want to see if you are fit to stay in my home as a piece of artwork for my collection,” I said, standing gracefully. I circled him, examining him closely.
“Take off all your clothes, fold them in the corner, and stand by the window,” I said.
He followed my orders promptly, moving quickly to the designated spot. He opened his black tunic just slowly enough—he wanted to follow my orders, but he also knew he was responsible for putting on a bit of a show. The sunlight poured through the window and spilled onto his muscular chest. Far away from Cherry Blossom’s mind, Cerise noted how William was impervious to the sunlight. Some vampire.
Cherry took control again. “All of it,” I goaded.
He peeled off his pants in one sweep, revealing his naked form. I walked up to him and appraised his body. I opened the fan and used the soft folds to stroke the skin of his back. “Your geisha has decided you are worthy of being kept, if you please her.”
“Anything,” he said.
“Lie down.” I pointed to a spot on the ground near him. I had a few discreet hooks put into the wall and floor, so I knew exactly where I wanted him.
I sauntered over to my toy box, and grabbed a few skeins of Japanese love rope. William wasn’t going anywhere. I watched his naked backside as he bent down over the designated spot. I loved watching his muscles move—he had the grace of a jungle cat.
“Your punishment, servant, will be for me to take pleasure from you without getting any back,” I said. “Tonight is about satisfying me, not you. You are not allowed to come. Are we clear?”
He nodded. “Of course, Cherry Blossom,” he said, holding back the smile that was threatening to form. He was thrilled about being punished. I wasn’t surprised.