บททั้งหมดของ Mastering Charlotte: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

MichaelThey make a handsome couple as they enter the restaurant. Charlotte is by no means short for a woman, five feet eight or nine, but she still looks up to him. Michael doesn't often dress formally, but when he does wear a suit, he carries it well. Some heavily-built men can't carry a suit properly, but Michael wears his with ease and she looks good on his arm.I walk slightly apart from them, to the outside world, a family friend perhaps.*****Back in the apartment, Charlotte hovers, her gaze flicking between the two of us. Michael holds out his hand to her and I follow his lead. Her expression mesmerised, together, we lead her into the mirrored room.Michael pulls her towards himself, turning her a little so that I stand behind her, he before her.He strokes her face. "You're so beautiful," he says, "But there are many beautiful women. I know there's more to you than that."Interesting thing to say....Am I missing something?I think I am....She sighs, turn

JamesAnd the weeks pass."Any plans then, for this next visit?" asks Michael."Yes, I thought we might stretch her a bit more, test her limits."He looks at me askance. "What does that mean?""I thought we could take her to the Club."He sniffs, rubbing his chin. "You think that's wise? That she's ready for it?""I'm not sure. But we can try it. Don't you miss the clubs? I thought you would like the idea?""I like the idea of the clubs with her, but only if she's comfortable with it.""She's been with plenty of others while we've known her. She's always enjoyed it, revelled in it almost. Why should the Club be any different?"He thinks for a moment. "It is a different environment. She might not feel safe.""You and I would be there."Michael nods but doesn't look convinced. "It's important that she feels safe."*****And she's here again....Charlotte kneels for me. I didn't ask her to or even try to play her into doing it. But as I sat in my armchair, sh

JamesFor the Club, she wears the dress I bought her."Good choice on that dress," mutters Michael. "Didn't know you had it in you.""Thanks." My tone dry, "I used a professional shopper."He grins. "That explains it then." He glances around at the heads turning in her direction. "Doesn't it make you feel kind of privileged? She looks fuckin' spectacular.""Yes, she does. But as you said, let's make sure she stays feeling safe.""Of course." He looks around again. "They might want her…" He head-points a group of young wolves propping up the bar, "but they've got to get past us.""She seems relaxed enough anyway...."He nods."Want to look around, Charlotte?" I say. "We can show you around if you like, or just have a wander if you prefer.""I'll look around myself, Master.""Fine, Michael and I will be over here by the bar."She ambles off, wandering at random. Michael and I join old acquaintances at the bar who we have not now seen for several months. Chloe's he

Michael"So where do we go from here?"How do you mean?" James looks up from his laptop."It was your question as I recall. With Charlotte.... Where do we go from here?"James heaves a sigh. "Well, the cat's out of the bag. She knows that it's both of us and we're serious enough to have changed our lifestyle over her...." He stands, pacing the room. "Still.... Marcie and her big mouth may have worked for us.""How? I thought the idea with Charlotte was not to weird her out? With the idea of an established threesome...."He shrugs. "Well, yes, that was what I was thinking, but this way it's broken the ice without it sounding like you and me trying to put pressure on her. Whatever she thinks now, it's all her own thoughts, not ours.""What do you think she's thinking?""How would I know? You're supposed to be the empathic one. If you want to know, why don't you ask her? She's back again in a few days."I laugh. "Ever the pragmatist.""Michael, I'm an engineer. Almost

JamesI take the plans from my briefcase, schedules and contour maps I brought with me, spreading them out on the table. "I have the survey team going in now to assess the geological side of things, the state of the river bed, the stability of the surrounding terrain and so on. Assuming that doesn't throw up any really unpleasant surprises, I should be able to get the initial works started, from the technical side, within a few weeks. However, what I can't handle easily myself, is the admin for the permissions from the City for what's needed. I don't know the local officials and inspectors and it may take some.... um.... encouragement.... to come up with the permissions as quickly as will be needed."Haswell sucks in his cheeks. "And these are permissions for what, exactly?""Well, it's not just a case of building foundations for the bridge or sinking in pilings...." I sketch out on the plans as I go, illustrating my point. "It needs preparatory work to, in effect, canalise the r