66

66
Betty

Returning to the red room for the second time felt different, it was as if the redness of the room had intensified. 
Duke stood next to the table, a gracious smile playing on his chiseled face. He seemed visibly excited like a child promised his favorite candy.

“You know you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Betty, no one is going to force you,” he muttered softly, striding forward, he placed a hand on my shoulders,  our gaze locked as he tried to reassure me that he would let me do things freely, but a part of me was starting to regret why I agreed to this in the first place.
“It’s fine, Duke, I’m ready for this, I want it so bad.” I quivered and he smiled widely before nodding slowly.
“Perfect, you need to pick your whip, then.”

I walked to the wall where different calibers of whips were displayed, I felt their texture, some were harder than others, some brutal to the eye, some soft, I chose the red one with fluffy fur. 
Gently I lifted it off the hook and smiled, “I chose this one.”
His lips turned up in amusement, “perfect choice,” he mumbled under his breath. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes,”

“Lay on the table,” he commanded his tone changing from soft to commanding, oh, he was in the mood, now, I guess. As I approached the table my heart began to race like a speeding sports car. 

I slid out of my dress, letting it drop to the ground, until I stood in the red lingerie he chose for me, for once in my life I felt scared. I’d never felt this way with Michael, not even once, with him I was secure but with Duke, I always felt there was something off.

I lay on the table and he cuffs me up,  “Are you ready?” He asked.

I nod, I’m speechless all of a sudden.

He smiles and the next thing I feel is a lash at the back of my skin.

I gasp, the pain was indescribable, it was as if a hot oil had burned my skin.

“You slut, tell me you need more of my strokes,” Duke barked and I was shocked, no one told me this part,  where he would belittle me.
Before I could even think the second strike  came immediately  and faster, this one was even more painful than the last, I yelped, and managed to whisper, “Duke, please.”

“Feel free to use the safe word,” he warned.
“Stop!”I yelled.

I don’t feel the whip coming, I break into hot sobs, “The pain is so excruciating!” I confessed. 
“I understand,” his tone was disappointing as he unbuckled the cuffs and immediately I felt ashamed.

“I’m sorry…. I thought I could handle the pain….”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, you tried for a first timer,” he said, patting the fresh wound on my back.

He didn't sound disappointed this time, it was as if he was used to this.
He helps me sit up and cup my jaw so I can look into his eyes. 

“I should take it easy on you,” he muttered under his breath.
“It’s fine,” I said smiling but soon my back began to sting and as if he read my mind he grabbed his cellphone.
“You need to get treated, we don’t want an infection.”
“No, it’s fine, I don’t need a…”
“You do, Betty.” He said cutting me off.

He immediately steps out of the room but I can hear little of his conversation, he is telling someone to come over and tend to my wounds.

He returns with a smile, “The nurse will be on her way.”

“A nurse?”

“Yes, she’s a good friend.”

A few minutes later, the door creaked open and a woman strode in, she looked tall, thick, and elegant, her red hair tied up in a ponytail and her hazel colored eyes caught the sunlight. 
She didn’t look like anyone, she looked important and even her walk commanded attention.
“Love, thanks for coming so fast,” Duke said too excitedly, as if he was happy she’d come.

Her name was Love, what a unique name!

Duke turns to me smiling, “Betty, meet Love, she is an old friend, and a nurse, she’d tend to your wound.”

There was something about how she and Duke exchanged glances, that wasn’t in a friendly way.

Her smile fades away as soon as she meets my gaze. “Is this her first time?” She asked softly, her tone sounding condescending.
Yet I nod,  she smiles seductively, stepping forward, she then circles me, her fingers tracing my wounds.“It’s a deep cut, nothing serious, you’d be fine.”

Her touch felt intentional but then skilled, I winced at the pain but enjoyed the way she touched me 
Duke steps close, kissing me softly on the cheek. 
“I need to be gone, now, Love will take care of you.”

“You’re leaving so soon?” I asked.
“Yes, work calls!”

Before I could say another word, he had pulled me close in a tight embrace, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek, and just like that he vanished into thin air.
Leaving love and me alone, "He’s  always busy.” She chortles like she knows everything about him.

“Yeah, I know he is a busy man.” I bellowed.
She just smiled at me, “Of course, come, let’s go to the room where I can tend to your wounds.”

I flank her as she leads me to a tiny room, which was white and filled with medicines, syrups,  bandages, and other hospital equipment.
“Please, sit,” She moaned, gesturing to a chair.

I obeyed as I watched her open a drawer and pull out a small silver syringe. “This will prick a little.”
I shut my eyes bracing myself for the pain, but surprisingly it was nothing compared to the whip stroke, and all of a sudden the pain I felt on my back faded instantly.

“I feel better!” I confessed.

She slanted her eyes, “You really thought it wouldn't hurt….”

“No, I knew it would be, but when it happened I didn't know….”
She finishes my sentence, “It would be that painful?”

I widened my eyes, “Are you his girlfriend?”

“Ex.”