Camouflage
by Angela Preston

Chapter One

I ran my fingers over the black leather teddy and tried to imagine how it would feel against my skin. The blank gaze of the mannequin modeling it gave me no clue. My friend Allison had given me a gift certificate to Camouflage, a boutique on the mall in downtown Santa Cruz that the conservatives around town kept trying to close down. It had a touch of Victoria's Secret and Frederick's of Hollywood near the front door, but further towards the back was an assortment of leather apparel and a wall of sex toys from dildos, vibrators, and anal plugs to nipple clamps, whips and blind folds.

I knew the gift was supposed to be a joke. "Forty isn't fatal," read her birthday card. "Find something sexy!" I thought it was presumptuous of her to think I didn't own anything sexy, although I would have to dig far into my closet to find it. As I looked around the store, I couldn't imagine myself in most of the outfits.

I laughed inwardly at a leather teddy with holes cut out for the tits. Mark would really think I had flipped out if I bought something like that. I gently touched a box containing a blindfold and restraints, and felt a tingle of excitement. One of my favorite fantasies was about being tied up and blindfolded while a man... Mark of course... made love to me. I had mentioned the idea once to him, but he said he wasn't into the bondage scene.

I strolled back up to the front of the shop and spotted a pair of black lace panties. "Sexy and yet not too slutty looking," I thought as I picked them up and looked at them. I chuckled out loud when I realized the crotch had two tiny snaps for quick release and a thong backside. I decided it was an appropriate amount of seduction that even Mark could handle. A quick glance at the price tag confirmed that the gift certificate would cover the cost and I headed for the cashier.

As I left the store with my Camouflage bag in hand, I crossed the street to get a cup of coffee at the Roasting Company. A quick cafe latte and then I would head back home. I was standing in line waiting to order, and bent over slightly to admire the display of desserts beneath the counter.

"They look delicious, don't they?"

I turned around to see a very nice looking man smiling at me. I guessed him to be my age, brown hair graying at the temples and beautiful cornflower blue eyes. His beard was cut short, outlining a strong jaw and full lips.

"Yes, they do," I said smiling back at him.

"Would you split a piece with me?" he asked kindly.

I didn't know what to say. Was he trying to pick me up? It had been so long since anyone had made a pass at me that I wasn't sure I would recognize one if I saw it. "Oh, I shouldn't... thanks," I answered trying to be cordial.

"You don't want my high cholesterol hanging on your conscience now do you?" He took a step nearer and I could smell his musky cologne. His smile was so genuine that I had to chuckle.

"Do you always use guilt to get women to do what you want?" I teased.

"No," he said placing his hand on my back and moving us closer to the counter. "I just use my charm." Before I could respond, he had ordered us both a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate mousse cheesecake. I thanked him after he paid and followed him to a table in the corner of the room.

"My name is Brad," he said holding out his hand after we sat down at the table.

"Joni," I said extending mine.

"Choose your weapon," he said holding up two forks.I smiled into his blue eyes and took one of the forks.

"So what are you doing on this lovely day, Joni?" he asked scooping the first bite of chocolate off the plate. He took it slowly into his mouth, holding it for a moment to savor the taste before running it around on his tongue. I was so entranced by watching him eat that I had almost forgotten the question.

"Oh, um.. shopping and running some errands." Brad looked over and saw my bag sitting on the floor next to my chair and raised an eyebrow.

"Camouflage huh?" I took a bite of cake nervously and ate it much quicker than he had savored his. "Are you going to tell me what you bought?"

I let out a nervous laugh and picked up my coffee. "I don't think so Brad," I said blowing across the top of the cup.

"Well, then. I'll just have to start guessing until I'm right." He looked back down at the bag as if checking the size of the contents and then slowly scraped another sliver of cake off the plate. He watched my face as he wrapped his lips around the fork and ever so slowly pulled it between his lips. My nipples started to ache as I watched him roll the chocolate around with his tongue. Was I even breathing? I tore my eyes away and reached for another bite of cake.

"You don't strike me as the leather type," he said tapping the fork against a knuckle on his other hand.

"Thank you," I said smiling back at him.

"So, I'm guessing a piece of sexy lingerie. Hum?"

"Maybe." I couldn't keep myself from grinning, and he knew that he had guessed correctly.

"Now... what kind," he said scooping off another piece of cake. He held it in front of his mouth and looked at me as I waited and watched. He liked having my attention this way. It was obvious, and I hated the fact that I was drawn into it and getting turned on at the same time.

"It could be a bra," he said glancing down at my breasts. I could feel my face getting flush as he stared toward my nipples and I grabbed my coffee as a distraction. I knew that they were erect enough from my excitement to be noticeable against my silk blouse. He nibbled little bites from the fork, licking his lips each time until I had to shift my legs and cross them. He looked down towards my lap and smiled. "No, I think I'm going to guess a pair of panties."

I didn't say anything as I reached for another bite of cake. I was suddenly wondering how on earth I had managed to be sitting with a good-looking, obviously sensual man guessing what kind of underwear I had just bought.

"So, tell me Joni. Am I right?" he pressed.

"Yes," I said looking down into my cup. "May I see them?" he asked putting his fork down on the table.

I couldn't believe he was asking me this. Was he some kind of pervert? I'm certain my expression was somewhat shocked and I sat there stunned as he reached down and picked up my bag. He held it out to the side of his chair and opened it slightly and looked inside.

"Very nice," he said closing the bag and setting it back down at my feet. I was paralyzed as he sat back in his seat and looked at me.

It was too late to run. Too late to say "No, don't look at my panties." Too late to tell myself not to be aroused. Neither of us said anything for a moment. I reached forward to divide the last piece of cake into two pieces just as his fork came down on top of mine and held it.

"Why don't you go into the bathroom and put them on." His eyes were intoxicating and I couldn't pull myself away from his face.

"I don't think ..." I tried to pull my fork away put he held it down firmly with his.

"Do it, Joni!" His voice was gentle, but firm enough to stir me in my chair. No man had ever commanded me in that tone and it excited me more than I wanted to admit. I dropped the fork and reached down for the bag without taking my eyes off his. He stood as I rose from my chair, and watched as I walked into the nearby bathroom.

My hands were trembling as I stood in the stall and slipped off the red, nylon panties I was wearing. They were noticeably wet as I slipped them into the sack. I pulled out the black lace panties and tore the tag off before putting them on. The thong slipped into the crack of my ass and teased me as I reached down and ran my fingers over the snaps. I wanted to rub my crotch harder, to give myself some relief from the tension this stranger had caused, but he would know what I was doing if I took that long. I grabbed the sack and returned to the table.

He stood as I approached and pulled my chair out, moving it slightly closer to his own. I smiled awkwardly and sat down, pulling my short skirt down as far as it would go. The two forks were still crossing in the last piece of cake and I noticed that our cups had been refilled with coffee.

Brad picked up my fork and handed it to me before picking up his own. He smiled warmly and nodded at the cake.

"You know the last bite is always the best. I wanted to wait and share it with you."

He was definitely the most passionate man I had ever met when it came to food and I wondered if I would ever enjoy eating as much as I had with him. He held the last bite in front of his mouth as he stared at me while he very slowly bit down into the middle, taking half of it into his mouth. I moved my fork in and out of my mouth slowly, molding the cake to the shape of my lips in an effort to tease him as much as he had teased me. With one sudden suck, I inhaled it into my mouth and ran it over my tongue before swallowing it. His wicked smile told me that he understood completely and he slowly, teasingly licked the remaining chocolate off his fork.

"So... how are the panties?" he asked laying his fork down and resting his hands in his lap.

"Just fine, thank you," I answered demurely.

"And did you leave them snapped?"

I was surprised that his quick glance into the bag had detected the snaps and blushed as I looked down into my coffee.

"Yes," I answered. "When you get in your car," he said leaning towards me. "I want you to reach down and unsnap them... but don't touch yourself until you get home. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Why I was following his instructions was a mystery even to myself.

"And when you get home, I want you to go into your bedroom, lock the door, and make yourself come all over your new panties. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes." I was so excited I wanted to get up and head to my car.

"I would also like you to come back here next week and tell me about it, but I'll leave that up to you. You don't have to let me know now." He finished the rest of his coffee and smiled at me. "

I better go," I said grabbing my purse and sack. He stood and escorted me out the door, stopping as I turned to go to my car.

"May I have these?" he asked touching the bag containing my soiled panties.

I grinned and handed him the bag. "Why is it that I can't say no to you?"

"Come back next week and I'll tell you."

Chapter Two

My hands shook as I locked the car and put the coins into the parking meter. Twice I had almost turned around and driven back home, but something wouldn't let me. This was so unlike me. The whole thing was crazy. Meeting a man I didn't even know for coffee in the middle of the afternoon.

Granted, it was the most exciting thing that had happened to me in several years. There was a new current flowing through my veins. A quicker, more electric current that heightened my senses. I felt sexy all time and even Mark had commented on how sultry I had looked at dinner one night. What power Brad had to move me like this was the mystery I had come to solve. Then I would be able to return to my normal life once again and leave this behind.

I stood with my hand on the door of the Roasting Company and hesitated a moment before opening it. What would I say when I saw him? God, I felt like a school girl again. "He's probably not even in there," I told myself and opened the door.

I spotted him immediately, sitting at a table in the corner of the room. He stood as I neared, and I watched his eyes scan my body. Every nerve came alive as he looked at me like... like he was touching me.

"Hello Joni," he said bending over and kissing my cheek lightly, pressing his hand on the small of my back. I touched his arm lightly and offered my cheek freely, smiling as he pulled a chair out for me. "You look stunning."

"Thank you." I sat down nervously and looked at the two cups of coffee and the large piece of cherry pie sitting on the table. "Were you so certain that I would come?" I asked grinning at him.

"Certain enough to order the pie," he said putting his hands in his lap and beaming his blue eyes at me. "The worst that could happen is that I would have to eat the whole thing by myself."

"True," I said. "But the cholesterol, Brad. I knew there was a reason why I had to come here today. If not just to save you from yourself."

"I don't think that's why you came, Joni," he said leaning towards me, placing his large hands on each side of the cherry pie. I looked at them to avoid his eyes and wondered what kind of work he did with those hands. They weren't callused, so possibly a desk job. But not an ordinary desk job with his commanding personality. Maybe he owned his own company.

When it was obvious that he wasn't going to continue until I looked at him, I slowly raised my eyes to his. I wanted to take a sip of my coffee, but I didn't trust my trembling hands not to spill it. I had only been there a few moments and already he had me in knots.

"No. Probably not," I tittered, recrossing my legs. He smiled warmly, as if I had given him the answer he wanted, and picked up the two forks on the table.

"Shall we?" he asked nodding at the pie. I sat forward and took a fork from his hand, connecting momentarily with his fingers. He smiled and watched as I pulled my hand away and waited for him to take the first bite. He broke off a small triangle from the tip of the pie, capturing three or four cherries on his fork. I lowered mine as I watched him savor the first bite, holding it on his tongue and rolling it around in his mouth.

"Mmmmm," he moaned as he closed his eyes and relished the taste. "Incredible." I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched his reaction. "Come on... try it!" he said urging me on. "Close your eyes and take a bite. See if it doesn't make you purr just a little."

I raised my fork to my mouth and closed my eyes as I took the first bite, trying to savor it the way he did. It truly was incredible pie and I struggled not to chew it quickly. "Hmmm... very good," I said opening my eyes.

He had put his fork down and was watching me intently as I sampled the pie. I wasn't used to having so much attention and I shifted in my chair from the uneasiness. He grinned, pleased with my discomfort.

"Tell me, Joni," he said taking another bite. "Are you wearing the black panties today?" How did he know? I felt naked and vulnerable in front of him and the heat rose in my cheeks as I reached for my coffee.

"Yes," I answered softly, trying to avoid his piercing blue eyes.

"You must like them then." It was a comment; not a question, so I refrained from answering as I reached for another bite of pie.

"Did you show them to your husband?" he asked setting his fork down and taking a sip of coffee.

"No... not yet," I admitted. After I had worn them... soiled them, I couldn't show them to Mark. It didn't make any sense to me, but I had noticed myself keeping them out of his sight. Brad smiled as if he were pleased and reached for another bite of pie.

"And are the snaps open or closed?" he asked leaning in slightly. I was glad there were no other occupied tables near us with customer who might overhear our conversation.

"Closed," I said trying to sound more in control than I was feeling. I reached forward to take another bite and Brad's fork came down on top of mine and held it firmly.

"Reach underneath your skirt and unsnap it for me." My heart pounded so loud I could hear it as his words registered in my mind.

"Brad!" I whispered. "I'm not into creating a public scene." I tried to smile to lighten the moment, but his expression told me he was serious.

"I think it would cause more of a scene if you make me reach over and unsnap it for you." Was he kidding? Would he really do such a thing? I was afraid to challenge him. "Your back is to the whole room, Joni. Trust me. No one will know you're doing it but you and me."

It was true. The planter on my left shielded us from the tables across the room. I dropped my fork beneath his and put my hands on my lap. I moved my fingers towards the edge of my skirt while I stared at him. Slowly, I inched them up between my thighs until I felt the lip of the crotch. My arm made a quick jerk as the snaps released the crotch panel, and Brad's eyes widened in response. I placed my hands back in my lap and tried to calm myself down.

"Good girl," said Brad approvingly. I was surprised at my reaction to his words. Why did I enjoy pleasing him so much?

"Tell me about when you got home last week," he said handing my fork back to me. "What did you do?"

"I did what you told me to do." I scooped up three cherries and teasingly licked the thick syrup off them. Brad smiled, appreciating my playfulness, but returned to his questioning.

"Describe it to me, Joni. It will help me to understand you better."

"You already seem to understand me more than I do myself." I had hoped that my comment would appease his questions, but he put his hands in his lap and looked at me reproachfully.

"All right," I said grabbing my coffee for comfort. "I went in the house, walked back to my bedroom, locked the door, laid down on my bed, and made myself come. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"How did you make yourself come?" He left his hands folded in his lap and waited. I shifted in my seat and could feel the wetness already threatening to escape my lips.

"With a vibrator," I said softly enough that I hoped he didn't make me repeat it.

"And what did you think about while you were making yourself come?"

"You," I said looking into his eyes. He raised an eyebrow and one side of his mouth went up in a half grin.

"And what was I doing while you thought of me?" He leaned forward and rested his large hands on the table again and my eyes dropped to look at them.

"You were... touching me"

"So you imagined me making you come... is that it?" he asked clarifying my statement.

"Yes... I guess so."

"You guess so?" "Yes. Are you a lawyer by chance?" I smiled at him coyly wanting desperately to be off the hot seat for a moment. He returned my smile and winked at me, releasing the tension.

"If you're finished," he said wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I think we should go and do a little shopping this morning."

"Shopping?" I asked suddenly on alert. I hadn't agreed to a shopping trip or anything more than another cup of coffee.

"Yes. I believe you have the time, don't you?" I could lie and say no, but he could read me too well. First coffee, then shopping. When would I say no?

"A little." It was as close as I could come to telling the truth.

"Let's go then, shall we?" He rose and came around to pull out my chair as I stood. His hand gently held the small of my back as we walked out of the coffee shop, keeping me from fleeing in a moment of panic.

"Let's cross here," he said leading me across the street towards Camouflage. I began to panic at the thought of going in that store with him. But the closer we got, the more obvious it was that my fear would be realized. I looked up hoping he would sense my lack of enthusiasm, but he pressed his hand firmly against my back and smiled as we stepped inside the door.

"What exactly are we shopping for?" I asked as we slowly walked around the assortment of corsets, teddies, bras, and panties hanging on the racks.

"Something for you to try on," said Brad running his fingers over a red satin teddy. A mannequin displayed a black, lace corset that connected up the front with several tiny hooks and eyelets. "What do you think of this?" he asked rubbing his beard softly with his fingers.

"It's lovely," I said. "But, I don't..." Before I could protest, Brad had called the sales clerk over to where we stood.

"My wife would like to try this on. Do you have another or is this the only one?" The heat rose in my cheeks at the fabrication and I wanted to protest, but once again I was silenced by his certainty.

"This is the only one we have," replied the girl. "But I would be glad to take it down for you."

"Why thank you," said Brad charming the young lady. "We'll shop around while you do." His hand pressed my lower back moving me towards the back of the room.

"I can't believe you said that," I whispered to him.

"Said what?" he asked innocently.

"That I was your wife," I was actually starting to laugh at the comedy of the whole scene and avoided his face.

"You have to learn to trust me," said Brad leaning close enough to my ear that I could feel his breath on my neck. We were entering the part of the store that made me most uncomfortable and I sensed that he was watching my reaction to the merchandise he looked at. When he stopped in front of the box containing the blind fold and ties I glanced up at him. He smiled at me warmly and rubbed my back with his hand. "Have you ever been tied up, Joni?" he asked. I was so grateful no other customers were in the store.

"No," I said trying to move on toward the rack of leather bras. His hand gripped my waist and pulled me back in front of the box.

"What about a blindfold? Have you ever tried that?"

"No," I said staring at the box. Where was that sales clerk with the corset? I hated being pressed like this.

"You've wondered about it though, haven't you?"

"I'm sure everyone wonders about it, Brad."

"Is it so hard for you to just say yes?"

"Yes!" I said grinning at him. He smiled realizing that I had weaseled out of answering his question.

"Here you are," said the sales girl handing the corset to Brad. "The dressing rooms are around here." Once again I was pressed forward by his hand, following the woman around the corner. She opened the dressing room door, which only shielded the area between the knees and the shoulders, and held it open for me. "We ask that men not enter the dressing rooms," she said softly to Brad. "But you can stay here as long as no other women are back here trying things on."

"I understand," said Brad in his charming voice. "Thank you for your help." She closed the door leaving me inside and walked back out to the store. I laid my purse on a tiny shelf and took the corset from Brad's extended hand. He stood leaning against the outside of the door looking at me.

"Put it on for me!" His voice was gentle, yet firm enough to leave no question that he intended for me to model it.

"Do you have to watch?" I asked pleadingly. "Yes," he said burning his eyes into mine. "That's what you'll think about when you go home today and lock your bedroom door. How I watched you put it on. Now, go on."

From somewhere deep within came the courage and I slowly unbuttoned my dress, watching his face as I disrobed. I carefully stepped out of it and revealed a black lace bra and the panties I had bought the week before - the crotch unsnapped and hanging down. I reached forward and unhooked the bra, pulling it slowly away from my breasts as he watched from the door. I wondered if he was getting as aroused as I was. As I reached for the corset, his eyes moved to the three-sided mirror behind me that displayed my backside.

I bent my head to hook the corset around my waist and saw my hardened nipples confirming my excitement. Had Brad noticed them too? As I neared the top hook I looked up into his glazed eyes. I wondered how hard his cock was from watching me and appreciated the safety of the door between us. I had to lift my breasts up into the cups before hooking the last eyelet and the design created an impressive cleavage as I finished.

"Very nice," he said resting an arm on the door. "Now turn around and look at yourself in the mirror."

I turned slowly, watching his eyes in the mirror as I looked at myself. The corset was beautiful, and I felt and looked totally sexy in it. A smile crossed my lips and matched Brad's in the mirror.

"Yes. I think it's you," confirmed Brad. "I'll let the sales clerk know that we'll take it. Why don't you leave it on for now." I started to protest, but he walked away as another woman came back towards the dressing area.

My dress fit differently with the corset on and I was surprised by the effect. My curves were accentuated by the tight waist, and the cleavage in the low neckline would not go unnoticed. When I returned to Brad in the store, he smiled approvingly and held out a small bag.

"Here. You can put your bra in here."

"Thanks," I said pulling it out of my purse and dropping it into the bag, noticing that he had also purchased a pair of stockings.

"Shall we go?" he asked moving his hand behind me and connecting once again with my lower back. I liked the feel of him pressing me there and made a point of not walking too fast. Once outside, he stopped at one of the benches along the mall and looked at me.

"Let's sit here for a moment," he suggested pointing at the bench. The corset was stiff and the lace scratched my skin, making me wiggle as I sat. Brad noticed my reaction but chose not to comment. He stretched his arm over the back of the bench, lightly touching the nape of my neck, and turned slightly towards me as he began to speak. "I believe you asked me a question last week that I told you I would answer today. Do you remember what is was?" "

Why I can't seem to say no to you?"

"Yes. Do you still want the answer?" he asked.

"Yes... I think so."

"Yes or no, Joni," he said sternly.

"Yes."

"Good girl." The words and his smile had the strangest effect on me. I wanted to do everything he asked.

"I think you've been wanting someone to take control for a long time. You just didn't know it until I showed you. I've created an outlet for you to experiment a little and you've discovered that you like it. Don't you?"

I wanted to be vague, but I knew it wouldn't go uncorrected. "Yes," I said looking down at my hands folded in my lap.

"If you want to continue relinquishing your control to me, I would be delighted to take you as far as you want to go. But I must warn you that I won't tolerate any confrontations. If you start resisting my requests, I will know that you are finished."

"I don't know how to answer you right now," I said looking up into his face. He smiled warmly, and for the first time cupped my face with his hand. I melted into it, feeling his strength and confidence.

"I don't expect an answer today," he said running his thumb over my cheek bone. "I want you to think about this and be sure before you answer. I'm not talking about a quick little fling in the afternoons."

He dropped his hand back down to his leg and looked at me as I scanned the shoppers up and down the mall. I knew I wanted what he was offering, but I wasn't sure I had the courage to take it.

"Can I walk you to your car?" he asked pulling my eyes back to his face.

"Sure," I said reaching for my purse and bag.

Instantly his hand returned to my lower back, sending a renewed current through my body. When we reached the car, I opened my purse and took out the keys. Brad held out his hand for them and I looked up into his face as I dropped them into his palm. "This one?" he asked holding up the key with the BMW insignia.

"Yes," I said smiling up at him. He unlocked the door and held it open as I slipped into the driver's seat. He handed me the keys and then slid a business card out of his pocket.

"Call me when you have decided. There's a private message machine if I'm not there." I looked at the card. Brad Mitchell, Business Developer, a phone and fax number.

"OK."

"You know what to do when you get home, don't you?" I was getting used to how his expression would change when he gave me a command.

"Yes," I said trying not to smile. "I do."

"Good girl," he said one last time. "Drive carefully." He closed the door and walked back to the curb as I drove away.

Chapter Three

I stared at the phone for over 30 minutes before I finally picked it up and dialed Brad's number. It had been five days since he had handed me the card and told me to call if I wanted to explore things further. The problem was, I didn't know what I was agreeing to. All I knew was that I liked the way I had felt ever since I had met him -- sexy... alive... vibrant. Even sex with Mark was better because of it.

He picked it up on the third ring and my voice threatened to fail me. "Hello, Brad?" I said hesitantly into the receiver.

"Yes," he answered. "Hello Joni." I could hear the smile in his voice and breathed a sigh of relief from the strain of making the call.

"Hi. How are you?" I realized it was a stupid thing to say as soon as the words left my mouth, but I hadn't prepared a speech.

"I'm fine... thank you," he said politely, but cutting the small talk off quickly. "Are you calling to say that you would like to continue?" I wondered momentarily what it was like to have such confidence... to be so bold.

"Yes." It was almost a whisper, but he didn't challenge my certainty.

"I'm very pleased to hear that," he said in a business tone and instantly I knew that he was probably meeting with a client. "Come to the address on my card at two o'clock on Wednesday and we'll discuss the details."

"Oh... all right," I answered looking at the address on the card.

"And bring the items we purchased, OK?"

"Yes. Fine," I said knowing he meant the corset and stockings. "I hope I haven't interrupted a business meeting."

"It was worth the interruption, Joni." I could hear the smile in his voice once again. "I'll see you on Wednesday."

My hands shook as I laid down the telephone an replayed the conversation in my mind. The sound of his voice had started a hunger that I knew would continue to grow during the two-day wait.

When Wednesday afternoon finally came, I anxiously put on the corset. The silk stockings felt wonderful as I slid them over my freshly-shaven legs and hooked them with the garters. I slid the snap-crotch panties on besides. I wasn't sure if he meant that I should bring them or wear them, but wearing them seemed to answer both possibilities. The red linen shirt dress I chose belted at the waist and accentuated my curves.

The address on the card read West Cliff Drive, a scenic ocean-view street with a coastal path for tourists, joggers, surfers and bicyclist. It was always busy and there was no exception as I drove my BMW down the street looking for his address. The street was lined with some of the most expensive homes in Santa Cruz and I didn't remember any businesses in the area.

As the street numbers got closer to the one on Brad's card, I realized his business was probably in his home. I pulled the car into the drive of a gray, two-story house with a full view of the Pacific ocean. A shallow "Wow!" escaped my lips; the house had to be worth close to a million dollars.

I locked the car and stood in front of the house gathering my courage to continue towards the door. It still wasn't too late to turn around. The salty breeze cleared my head as I looked towards the ocean waves. I watched the joggers and mothers pushing strollers along the path. One of the joggers waved to me and my heart jumped when I realized it was Brad. There was no escaping him now.

"Hi!" he yelled as he crossed the street. "Sorry, I'm running late." I had never seen him in so few clothes and I was impressed by his tan, muscular legs.

"Hi," I managed to say as he came up close to my side.

"If I don't run, I don't get to eat the dessert I have for us to share." His smile was as warm and tender, like the first day we met.

"How far do you run?" I asked as his hand found the small of my back and led me to the front door.

"Just down to the lighthouse and back. It's about four miles round trip."

The interior of the house was simple, but very elegantly done in black and white. Several marble pieces brought a richness to the spacious room on the second story that looked out toward the ocean. A large drawing table covered with blueprints stood near a bay window and an oak table used for dining and business sat just inside a large sliding-glass door going out to the patio.

"You have a beautiful house," I said following him into the kitchen. He drank a large glass of water and then reached to turn on the coffee pot. I noticed a pastry box from Emily's Bakery sitting on the counter and wondered what he had chosen to go with the coffee.

"Thank you. It's my home and office." He stood and stared into my eyes for the longest moment, as if searching for something. I smiled nervously and tried hard not to pull my eyes away.

"I'm glad you decided to pursue this further," he finally said. "Let's go sit down and discuss some things while the coffee is brewing." He led me out onto the balcony where two patio chairs faced the ocean and pointed for me to sit. The sound of the waves blocked out the noise of the occasional cars passing below us.

"I want to lay down some guidelines so that you will know that you will always be safe in my care," he started. "I sense that you have some concerns in this area."

"Yes... I guess I do."

"First of all, I will never jeopardize your health in any way... except perhaps too much cholesterol," he grinned. "Although I will expect you to do everything I ask, you will always have the option of stopping. Do you know what a safe word is?"

"You mean like 'yellow?'" I asked. I read the term in magazine articles and knew that it was a word that signified that you wanted your partner to stop what he was doing. It came about to clear up the confusion of whether "No... stop" actually meant no, stop or "that's great... keep going."

"Yes," he said. "That will work fine. If you say 'yellow' I will stop what we're doing. It may tell me that you have gone as far as you can go in our exploration or it may tell me that I need to choose another path with you. We'll see what happens."

He smiled at me, warming me with his eyes. "I am not saying that we will ever get to a point of actually having sex, although it's impossible not to imagine it with you, but I want you to know my stance on things. Although I am HIV negative, I always use a condom for vaginal or anal sex." I shifted in my chair from the amount of information and Brad winked at me.

"Have you ever thought about this, Joni?" he asked

"Well, I wondered about birth control actually. I've been married so long I had forgotten about AIDS."

"When it comes to oral sex, I omit the condom," he added. "Do you feel comfortable with these terms?"

I wanted to laugh, but only smiled at him. "I would hardly call it comfortable, Brad. But, yes. Those terms sound fine with me." "Good," he said rising from his chair. "I think the coffee is ready. Let's go back inside." He waited for me to walk in front of him and gently slipped his arm around my waist as we walked back towards the kitchen. I noticed that I always felt more calm when he was touching me.

He poured the coffee into two mugs setting on a serving tray next to a dessert plate and two forks. The remainder went into a white carafe that he sat on the tray. I leaned over close to him and watched as he opened the bakery box and gently lifted a piece of Black Forest cake onto the plate, catching his index finger on the frosting.

"Here," he said raising his finger towards my mouth. "Clean this off for me." I opened my mouth instinctively as his finger came nearer and closed my lips around the frosting. I closed my eyes and ran my tongue back and forth as I savored the taste of him and the chocolate. The combination left me wanting to lick further.

"Good girl," he said pulling his finger out and picking up the tray. I followed him back to the large table and waited for him to show me where he wanted me to sit. Instead of pulling a chair out for me, he walked over to the entrance closet and pulled out a wooden hanger.

"Although that dress is very lovely on you," he said walking back to me, "you are far too overdressed. Let me hang it up for you."

My knees weakened slightly as I slowly reached for the top button. It was my own personal moment of truth and I knew I had to go through with it if I was going to stay. Brad's eyes had become intense as he stared into mine, as if giving me the power to continue to the next button... and the next. As the dress fell open, his eyes feasted upon the corset, stockings, and panties hidden beneath. I turned my head back towards the window realizing that anyone looking in would see me.

"It's OK," said Brad reaching out for the dress. "You'll be sitting down." I took the dress the rest of the way off and handed it over to him feeling totally exposed. He hung it very carefully over the hanger and then looked back at me and contemplated my outfit.

"I don't think we'll need the panties today either," he said holding out his hand. I wanted to protest, but I knew that I couldn't. I slipped my finger underneath the elastic and slowly stepped out of them, revealing my furry mound beneath my corset.

"Good girl," said Brad placing them over the hanger and returning to the closet. I felt practically naked as I stood with my back to the window and waited for him to let me sit. He returned with a Camouflage bag and sat it on the table before he pulled a chair around to the side and asked me to sit. I relaxed a little knowing that anyone looking in would only see the back of my head and perhaps my bare shoulders.

Brad handed me a cup of coffee and smiled as he picked up his own cup and pulled a chair up facing me.

"Now this is how I like to drink my coffee." He raised his cup in a mock toast and we both sipped the hot brew. I glanced at the bag and his eyes followed mine.

"Yes, I did a little shopping for today," he admitted. "Are you wanting to know what it is?"

"Yes." It was a fairly good size bag and my curiosity was getting the best of me. He reached over and set the bag down on the floor before pulling out the box containing the blindfold and restraints. My breathing quickened as he laid it next to me on the table. Neither of us spoke as I looked at the box and then down to the cup in my hands.

"I think we'll start out slow, Joni," he said bringing my eyes back up to his. "I'm only going to use the blindfold today. However," he said standing up and opening the box, "sometimes it's easier to be tied than to be told not to move." I watched as he cut opened the seals on the box and withdrew the blindfold. He walked behind my chair and gently placed it over my eyes and adjusted it until it was secure.

"Now," he said keeping his hand on my shoulder as he moved around in front of me. "I'm going to adjust your arms and legs just a little." He took the cup from my hands and placed it on the table. I could hear him kneel in front of me as he took both of my hands and moved them back until they touched the back of the chair.

"I want you to grab on to the chair here... yes, just like that and hold on to it." His hands touched the top of my thighs and I jumped from the sensation. He slowly parted my legs as his hands moved down to my knees and then my calves, pulling my legs further apart. "Now put your feet on the outside of the chair leg... yes... right there," he said pushing my heels back and forcing my torso forward.

"Now I want you to imagine that I have tied your feet and hands to this chair. You can't move... do you understand?"

"Yes." The darkness was exhilarating and I waited for him to touch me again.

"Good," he said standing up. "You look beautiful, by the way." I heard him sipping his coffee as he watched me. My own excitement was growing, making it harder and harder to sit still.

"Now, I'm going to go take a shower," he said. "I don't want you to move while I'm gone. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I said disappointed that he was going to leave me alone.

"If you've moved even an inch, I'll use the ties today." He walked around behind my chair and bent over very close to my ear and whispered. "But if you're a good girl and sit very still, I'll feed you some cake when I return." His tongue caught the lobe of my ear and trailed down the side of my neck, sending goose bumps down my arms and legs.

"I won't move a muscle," I whispered back.

I listened to his footsteps go down the hall towards the master bedroom. An itch started on my right hand and I thought about scratching it, but I held myself back as I heard the shower go on. What if he wasn't really taking a shower, but standing in the room watching me. There was no way to know for sure. I listened to the sound of the waves breaking on the cliff across the street. Normally they would lull me into a peaceful state, but today they seemed to build up my energy as I sat restricted in my chair. Waiting... for what, I had no idea. He was certainly not taking a quick shower and I wondered how much discipline he felt I needed.

I suddenly became aware of the cake waiting for us on the table and my coffee growing cold only inches away from my hand. The salt-water breeze occasionally overpowered both of them, sending a chill down my arms.

Finally the shower turned off and I perked my ears listening for Brad's return. When at last his footsteps returned in front of me, the ability to sit still became much harder. I could smell the fresh scent of soap as he pulled his chair up in front of me and poured himself another cup of coffee.

"You've done very well, Joni," he said gently touching the outside of my thigh.

"Thank you," I said grateful that I had pleased him.

"Are you uncomfortable at all?" His hand was moving up and down my leg making me strain not to move against it.

"Yes. A little." I was hoping he would let me relax my pose.

"Good," he said moving his hand to the inside of my thigh. "It will help to keep your senses awake." He played with the lace at the top of the stocking, stroking the soft skin with his finger.

"I'm ready for some cake," said Brad. "How about you?" I heard him pick up a fork and scrape it along the plate.

"I'd love some. Thank you."

"Open your mouth." I waited for the feel of the fork on my lips, but instead I felt his fingers sliding the small bite onto my tongue. I giggled as I licked my lips and slowly ate the first bite.

"Oh dear," said Brad. "Now I've got frosting all over my fingers again."

"Do you want me to clean them for you?" I offered.

"No... I don't think so," said Brad. "I think I might like to clean them off differently. Sit still now." He unhooked the top eyelet of the corset and folded it down, exposing my breasts. I shuddered as he wiped his finger over both nipples several times until it was sufficiently cleaned. "Ah... that's much better." I had expected him to bend down and lick them off immediately, but instead he cut himself a piece of cake and ate it.

"Mmmmm...." he moaned. "This is delicious, isn't it?"

"Yes," I grinned. "And very exciting to eat." I heard him chuckle as he cut another piece. "Are you ready for more?" he asked.

"Yes. Please."

"Now don't eat it," he said. "Just hold it on your tongue." I opened my mouth and waited until his fingers once again spread the delicacy across my tongue. The saliva gathered as I waited for his permission to chew.

"Oh darn... more frosting," he sighed. "Hold still now." I whimpered as he wiped his finger through the folds of my vagina, slowing as he pressed against my clit. I fought to sit still as he massaged it with his finger.

"Good girl," he said setting back in his chair. "Now go ahead and eat it." I slowly chewed and swallowed the cake, feeling the tingling sensation of the frosting on my nipples. Brad took another bite and then drank a sip of his coffee.

"Would you like some coffee, Joni?" he asked.

"Yes," I said hoping he would let me release my hands.

"OK," he said leaning forward and holding the cup against my lip. I took a sip and pulled my mouth away took quickly, letting the coffee dribble down my chin. Instinctively, I moved my hand to wipe it away, but quickly replaced it before I had touched my face. "I'm sorry," I whispered quickly.

"Oh dear," said Brad pushing his chair back from me. "I see you're having a problem with that hand of yours Joni." I was so disappointed in myself. I couldn't believe I had moved over something so little. He was moving around the box on the table, and then walked behind the chair where I sat.

"I think we're going to have to tie this one down," he said securing the restraint around my wrist and then tying it to the chair. "Hopefully, we won't have to do the others before we're finished," he said returning to his seat in front of me. My arm actually felt more comfortable being held by the restraint than it did when I was having to grip the chair. It made me wonder if perhaps having all the restraints on wouldn't actually feel better.

"Well, I seem to be out of frosting for some reason," said Brad scraping the fork against the plate. "Perhaps I'll have to mix this cake with some off your nipples." I gripped the chair with both hands to steady myself, but he didn't make a move. "Relax, Joni," he said stroking my leg. "I'm not going to bite you... yet." He chuckled as he brought his lips over my chocolate-covered nipple and sucked on it until I was gasping and moaning beneath him. Just when I thought I couldn't stand it anymore, he pulled his head away and took another sip of coffee.

"Definitely delicious cake," he said smacking his lips. "There's only two bites left, do you want another one? I have to warn you though that there's no frosting left."

"No," I said grinning. "I don't think I can eat anything right now." Brad chuckled again and scraped another piece off the plate.

"Well, I think I'll add a little frosting to this piece." He put the bite in his mouth and then leaned over my other nipple and sucked and nibbled on it while he chewed the cake. The pressure was more intense as he brought my nipple to the point of pain. Instinctively I reached forward with my free hand and pulled his head away before dropping it back to its required position.

"Joni," said Brad reproachfully. "I'm beginning to think that you want me to tie you up today."

"I'm sorry, Brad," I said truthfully. "I got so carried away that I forgot. Really. I won't do it again."

He stood up from the chair and grabbed another restraint. "

I'll have to make sure of that," he said coming behind the chair and securing my other wrist. "You could have used the safe word if it was too painful. Otherwise, I expect you to sit still when I tell you to." I felt bad that I had failed his test. Maybe I wouldn't be able to do the things he had planned for me.

"Should I bind your feet now or will you sit still for me." I realized that it was going to be much easier on me if he restrained me than if I had to restrain myself. But then, I wouldn't be able to get away from his touch if it became too much. One thing was for certain though... the more he secured me, the more excited I got.

"If you're going to keep doing things like that, Brad," I answered. "I think you better tie my feet down too. I'm afraid I don't have as much control as you had hoped."

I could sense him smiling as he went to the box and brought out the last two restraints. He caressed each leg softly as he secured it against the outside leg of the chair, pulling my legs even further apart. I tested the restraints as he stepped away and felt as if I had entered heaven and hell.

"How does that feel?" His voice was as full of sex as was mine when I answered."Wonderful."

"Well, there is still one piece of cake left," he said stroking my face with his hand. "And only one last reserve of frosting." I tried to squeeze my legs together in anticipation and felt the ties pulling on my ankles.

"Yes, Joni," whispered Brad. "That's right. It's all over your pussy, isn't it?" I bit my lip to keep from whimpering as he continued to build up my excitement. "The last bite always tastes the best." The fork scraped across the plate one last time and Brad hummed a pleasing note as he knelt between my legs. His hands reached around and grabbed my ass, jerking it up towards the edge of the chair and forcing my legs further apart. Quickly, his tongue dove into my chocolately, wet pussy and mixed its sweetness with the cake in his mouth.

I screamed with delight as he growled and licked me. My wrists and ankles pulled against the ties as he drove me closer and closer to an orgasm. Had he not secured me, I would have certainly moved out of his grasp. I was lost in a dark abyss of primal sexuality that suddenly erupted as I came against his mouth. I heard no sound but my own screams as the chair shook beneath me. Then suddenly the pain in my wrist brought me back to the moment. Brad had moved away from my chair and I called out to him, half panting, half moaning.

"What is it, Joni," he asked somewhere near my side.

"My wrists, Brad. They're hurting."

"Yes," he said walking over behind the chair. "I imagine they do the way you were pulling on the ties." He bent and released both of them and whispered for me to place them on my thighs. Slowly, he untied the blind fold and pulled it off my eyes. I blinked from the sudden light as I looked around the room.

Brad moved back in front of me and pulled his chair up close so that his legs rested between mine still secured to the legs of the chair. He had put on a pair of fleece shorts and his erection was quite obvious as he sat down. He poured us both a fresh cup of coffee from the carafe and then reached forward to massage my wrists. Neither of us spoke as he ministered to my hands and watched my eyes. The experience had been intense and I felt a mixture of emotion as he held my hands.

"Do you always come so easily?" he finally asked.

"No," I said noticing the hoarseness in my voice. "But I'm not usually quite that excited."

"Next time I will make you wait a little longer," he said smiling at me. He picked up both cups of coffee and handed me one. We drank silently, listening only to the waves crashing against the rocks outside. I glanced down at his erection, which was still obvious beneath his shorts. I was surprised that he made no move to please himself. Perhaps part of the power he possessed also included a discipline of his own desires.

"Do you have any questions or comments about today?" he asked bringing me back from my thoughts.

"No," I said smiling. "My mind is still just floating."

"How did you feel being restrained and blind folded?"

"You know, it's kind of odd. But I felt very safe. Powerless, but free. Does that make sense?"

"Of course it does."

"How are you feeling now?" he asked.

"Like I need to be held."

"Would you like me to hold you?"

"Yes."

He bent down and released my ankles from the restraints and pulled me to my feet. His arms slid around my waist and pulled me against his body, embracing me as I buried my face in his bare chest. I wanted to reach down and touch his cock, to please him the way he had pleased me, but he made no move that he wanted release. His hands caressed my back and I felt myself moving against him seductively. He gently pulled me away from him and grinned at me reproachfully.

"Did you really want to be held or did you want to just feel my cock?" I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as he revealed my own truth.

"Well, I did want to be held," I said grinning at him. "But, I'm afraid I got distracted and then turned on."

"I see self restraint is not one of your strong suits."

"If it was," I said laughing. "I probably wouldn't be here."

"True," he said joining me in the laughter.

"Today was focused on you Joni," he explained. "Another time, perhaps, I will direct our attention elsewhere." He released my body and walked over to the closet to retrieve my clothes. I stood still as he dressed me, buttoning my dress, latching the belt and sliding the panties back up my legs.

"Same time next Wednesday?" he asked as he handed me my purse.

"Yes," I said taking out the keys.

"How late can you stay?" he asked walking me to the door.

"I don't know," I said thinking out loud. "Probably five o'clock."

"OK, I'll plan on that then," he said taking the keys and walking me to the car. He unlocked the door and held it open as I slipped into the driver's seat. He handed me the keys and waited until I turned on the ignition.

"Drive carefully."

"I will."

"Good girl," he said closing the door and winking at me as I backed out of the drive.

Read the entire novel, Camouflage by Angela Preston at X-stories.

©Copyright 1997 - 1999 Angela Preston. These stories may not be reprinted in any form without written permission.