Designed for Submission (Devine Designs) (10 page)

''I think Mr. Foster knows,'' she said, cryptically, again.  Nancy sighed and was about to speak when Elizabeth continued.  ''I mean, I think he knows you are a collared Submissive, Nancy.  He complimented you on your collar, and well, he kept looking at the ottoman and then said he liked your furniture choices.  I believe he knows you enjoy playing … you know, at the club.''

''Liz,'' Nancy said softly, ''are you ashamed of me? Are you embarrassed that your best friend and business partner embraces the lifestyle?'' Elizabeth looked shocked and opened her mouth but Nancy continued:  ''If you are, then, my friend, we do have a problem because I will never apologize for who I am or what I enjoy in my private life.  I don't give a rat's ass who knows that this professional, talented, very capable businesswoman finds her greatest joy in submitting and obeying completely the man who has not only wed her, but collared her, as well.''

Elizabeth immediately reached out and put her hand over Nancy's.  ''God no, and frankly, it sort of pisses me off that you would think that.  I love both of you and I would gladly take on anyone who would hurt either of you.  I was just worried that …''

''That you might be guilty by association?'' Nancy said, pulling her hand from beneath her friend's.  ''That he might look at you differently? That he might think you enjoy playing naughty games?  That …''

''Watch it, Nancy,'' Jason said, seeing the effect her words were having on Elizabeth.  Nancy shot him a look she normally wouldn't have dared, but she was getting pissed.  He shook his head and gave her his own look of warning.  Nancy forced herself to take a deep breath and calm down.

''Okay,'' Elizabeth said, softly.  ''Maybe I deserved that.  As I said, I would never be embarrassed by you, or the lifestyle.  Just because I am not yet a collared Submissive does not mean that I don’t truly
hope
to be someday.  I see the love and commitment you and Jason have, and the joy of a perfect connection that a lot of our friends have found.  I pray that I will find the perfect man for me, someone who not only wishes to collar me but one I fear I can't live my life without,'' she said, her voice wistful, as if afraid she'd never find such a partner.

Nancy looked ashamed and took back Elizabeth's hand, squeezing it with her own.  ''I'm sorry,'' Nancy said, softly.  ''That was uncalled for and rude.  I love you and know you'll find him.''

They were all quiet for a few minutes, as if to gather their thoughts.  Jason leaned forward.  ''Then why did it concern you so much, honey? Nancy said you looked terrified.''

Elizabeth sighed and looked between the two.

''What if he detests the thought of women like us? I mean, he is a powerful man, and though it might not be fair, his opinion could definitely affect our company.  I don't care if he is some sort of repressed, biased individual but, Jason, like it or not, his opinion carries a lot of weight in our field,'' she said, glad to express her fear openly.  Nancy looked up at her husband.

''May I tell her now, Sir?'' she asked respectfully.

Jason nodded, sitting back again.

Elizabeth turned to her best friend, her question showing in her eyes.  ''I believe you are right,'' Nancy said, and when Elizabeth's eyes grew wider, she quickly continued.  ''I mean, I believe he does know.  I also believe you are wrong that he judges me in any sort of negative way.'' Her words did not seem to be having the desired effect of clarifying the situation.  Nancy looked again at Jason.  ''Perhaps you'd do a better job,'' she offered.

''Liz, look at me,'' Jason said, quietly.  When she did, he took her hand.  ''What Nancy is trying to say is that you do not have to worry about Garrett Foster.'' She opened her mouth but closed it when he shook his head.  ''Remember last weekend, when you didn't want to go to the club because you were working on something at home?'' he asked.  She nodded, remembering that she had wanted to finish pulling her new office together and work on her designs.

''I took Nancy back to Tastsinn's,'' Jason continued.  ''I purchased a membership there because we both feel it is a much higher-quality club than some we've enjoyed.'' Elizabeth smiled and nodded, remembering the night they had gone to celebrate.  ''Anyway, honey, they were having a demonstration and we watched.'' Elizabeth nodded again, having done so herself on many occasions.  ''The demonstration was on using the St. Andrew's cross.  It wasn't a punishment scene but demonstrated how to properly flog a Sub until she was begging to be fucked.  It was really quite beautiful, and though we have no idea who the Submissive was, the man wielding the flogger was Garrett Foster.''

Elizabeth felt her heart stop, even as her mouth dropped open.  She whipped her head back towards Nancy.  ''Why the hell didn't you tell me? I can't believe you'd …''

''I expressly forbade her to, Liz,'' Jason answered for his wife.  Elizabeth attempted to pull her hand away but Jason kept it firmly in his.  Though he rarely needed to remind Liz that she was a Submissive who craved a man's authority, this was one of those times.

''Calm down,'' he said, firmly.  ''There is no reason to be angry at Nancy because she was simply following my order.'' Elizabeth continued to fume, but he kept her hand in his and his eyes on hers, and she finally nodded.

''Good,'' Jason said, and then grinned.  ''I do need to say that I am really quite proud of you, Nancy.  I know how hard it was to obey me in this matter.'' Nancy smiled at the praise and then giggled when he continued.  ''At least I know that you are capable of obeying me on some things.'' Nancy flushed, thinking about all the spankings since her wedding.  It seemed her new husband was determined to start obedience training the moment they had finished their vows,
both
sets.

Jason turned back to Elizabeth.  ''You know it is protocol not to go around outside any club environment and start dropping names of who is involved in the scene.  It would not be proper of either Elizabeth or me to speak of it outside our own home.  Imagine someone you were unaware of had witnessed a scene you were involved in and then begin talking about it to friends that weren't in the lifestyle or committed enough to follow protocol.  It is a respect and trust issue that is vital in our community,'' Jason finished, and Elizabeth knew he was correct.

''I understand,'' Elizabeth said.  ''But, if that is protocol, then why are you telling me now?''

Jason smiled as he squeezed her hand.  ''Because, Liz, you are part of this family and I feel responsible for you and will, until one day you allow another man the honor,'' Jason said, and Elizabeth felt a rush of love flow through her.  ''I am telling you so that you know not to be afraid of Garrett or what he might say.  He is too highly respected to dishonor anyone that way.  Until today I was not sure he had seen us at the club because we were only two of many watching.  His speaking to Nancy and commenting on her collar was his way of alerting her that he had seen her, knew she was a collared Submissive, and it was okay that she had discovered his own tastes.''

''Wow, I still can't believe I didn't pick up on him,'' Elizabeth said.

''Liz,'' Jason said softly, ''Maybe it takes a Dom to understand another one.  The man is a man of authority; he has employees under him that not only enjoy working with him, but respect him as well.  He employs very creative people—artists, really, who are known for their love of life, art, and are very passionate people.  It really shouldn't surprise you in the least.  It is obvious he enjoys art and creative people, while still needing to maintain control.  His being a Dom is probably as much a part of his genetic makeup as it is mine.''

Elizabeth finally understood and relaxed back in her chair.  Jason released her hand, and she quickly picked up her glass and drained it.  The iced tea helped cool some of the heat she was feeling, as she thought about all she had just heard.  When she giggled, Jason and Nancy looked at her, as if expecting her to become hysterical.

''So, what about the ottoman?'' she said, as she giggled again.  ''Now every time I see one, all I'm going to think about is exactly what he might use one for.''

Nancy looked at her husband and smiled, as she turned back to Elizabeth.  ''Gee, I don't know,'' she said, ''probably the same things we do?'' She started laughing, and soon Elizabeth was laughing harder, as well.

Jason just shook his head.  He stood to bring out the dessert he had prepared but turned before stepping into the house.  ''Women,'' he said, softly, looking at the two. ''God knows we can't live without them but He also knows that no man, dominant or not, will ever be able to understand them.'' He entered the house, smiling at the sound of laughter.

Chapter 8

Elizabeth and Nancy were in their office, facing Garrett Foster, who was seated on their small sofa.  They had been a bit surprised when he called and asked if he could drop by but were anxious to hear his reasoning.  ''I want to again compliment you both on the job you did for the Dietrichs,'' Garrett said.  ''I can't tell you how much they praised the efforts of you and the team.''  He held out two envelopes, one towards each of the women.  They reached for the envelopes but did not immediately attempt to open them.  ''As you know, Benjamin and Helen have been my dear friends for years.  I practically grew up with their son, Logan.  Our families are still close.  They not only loved the house, they were both deeply moved by the mosaic, Miss Adams, Nancy,'' he said, and nodded towards the envelopes they held.

''Please, open them.'' He waited as the women did so and pulled out beautifully embossed cards inviting them to attend dinner in the Dietrich's home that Friday evening.  ''I have also been instructed to inform you that, after dinner, they would like to discuss an additional project with you both,'' he said.  He was a little surprised when Elizabeth seemed hesitant.  ''Is there a problem, Miss Adams?'' he asked quietly.  ''Please, don't consider this a command performance.  If you have previous plans, I'm sure I can ask Benjamin to reschedule.''

Elizabeth shook her head, not needing the dinner to be changed but wondering if she should inform him that, if all went well, she probably did not have the time to invest in another project.  Remembering she still had financing to arrange, she answered.  ''No, Sir, there's no problem.  I would love to attend the dinner,'' she said, and Nancy concurred.  Elizabeth sat up a bit straighter, knowing she owed this man for helping hone her own skills and would not want to hurt him in any way.  ''Excuse me,'' she said softly.  ''Could you give us an idea of this project? Maybe an estimated time line?"

Garrett wondered at the question from a woman who was constantly taking on work and never hesitated to put in all the hours a project needed.  He looked to Nancy who simply smiled, not offering him a hint as to the cause of the question.  ''I've been asked to allow Benjamin and Helen to describe the project,'' he said.  ''However, they have discussed it a bit with me, and, if you accept, I'm sure it could be completed within a couple of months.  It is nothing as extensive as the one we just finished.''

Elizabeth seemed to relax as she nodded and smiled.  ''Thank you,'' she said.  ''I don't mean to sound ungrateful.  I sincerely appreciate your help in bringing our firm to the attention of the Dietrichs, as well as a possible new project.  However, I am in the process of launching a project of my own that I have been working towards for a very long time.  I just do not want to overextend either myself, or our firm.'' Nancy was very proud of her friend.  After years of saving, designing and dreaming, Elizabeth was finally ready to take a chance to fulfill her dream.

''I find that admirable, Miss Adams,'' Garrett said.  ''I appreciate your openness and wish you all the success in your endeavor.  Perhaps you'll share the scope of the project with me when you are ready.''

Elizabeth smiled, knowing he was sincere in his hope for her success.  ''Thank you, Sir,'' she said, with another smile.  ''I would love to discuss it with you one day.  I really value your experience and would appreciate any tips you might wish to share.'' Garrett nodded, and Nancy had the brief thought that her friend might be playing a game she didn't realize she had started.  Garrett was a Dom and Liz a Submissive.  If Elizabeth offered to share a personal dream project over some private meetings, she could also be imagined offering herself as a possible play partner if the two ever met in a D/S club.  Nancy smiled, wondering if her friend was indeed interested in such things.  Garrett was an incredibly attractive man.

Garrett again wondered if the beautiful woman he had come to admire greatly also lived a more erotic lifestyle than most professional women he knew.  Her tone and her respectful address, as well as the way she looked—soft and sweet—easily brought a picture of her kneeling, head bowed, waiting for a Master's instruction.  He realized where his mind was going and forced himself back to the matter at hand.

''I shall look forward to it.  I need to ask that you do not share the contents of this meeting with anyone outside this office,'' he said, and saw that their curiosity was piqued.  They both nodded, and he knew he could rely on their confidentiality.  ''I believe you'll understand more after Friday's meeting.'' He stood and the women stood as well.  As he walked to the outside door, he seemed to remember another item.

''Nancy, the invitation includes your husband,'' he said, and saw her surprise and delight.  ''The Dietrichs understand you are a newlywed and wouldn't dream of taking you away from your husband so soon.''

''That's so sweet,'' Nancy said, meaning every word.

Garrett turned to Elizabeth.  ''Miss Adams,'' he said softly, ''if you also have a partner that would miss you for dinner, please let my assistant know.  I'm sure Benjamin would understand the need for another place at his table.'' Nancy thought the question strange but then smiled, as she watched him watching her friend.

Elizabeth flushed and lowered her eyes before shaking her head.  ''That's not necessary, Sir,'' she said.  ''I'm not … I don't need …''

''That's fine, thank you,'' he said, satisfied that he had what he needed.  ''Until Friday then,'' he said, opening the door and stepping through it.  The women waited until they were sure he was no longer in the hall.