“I’d have thought Kirstie had the ideal figure for a designer to hang a dress on?” “Me too, but so long as she’s working, she’s happy.” He nods to Charlotte, walking as though she’s on hinges. “How’s she doing?” “Judging by what Michael told me an hour back, she’s suffering from foreshocks and prone to a Richter seven or eight event at the slightest provocation.” “I trust he didn’t provide the provocation?” “Not at all. He enjoys edging as much as anyone. He felt up her skirt to check the plug was in place and left her panting.” “And he still believes he’s not a Dom?” “That’s what he seems to think.” ***** She crouches before me: head bowed, her palms flat to the floor: naked, submissive, quivering. Richard stands off to one side for the moment. Michael takes his accustomed place

