Control
It was a... weird... day of writing for me.
***
"You do realize what you'd being giving up by accepting my offer, don't you?"
"Yes. Um, sorta. Kinda." Kelli glanced around nervously, trying to avoid meeting the eyes of the woman sitting directly across the table. The woman whose eyes never wavered from her stare, and who let the following silence fill the small cafe table between them for a moment.
"You've no real idea, do you?"
"Well, the ad wasn't exactly dripping with details, you know?" Kelli wasn't sure how much she liked how to the point this woman, Erilina, was, or how she hadn't taken her eyes off her. But a job opportunity was a job opportunity, and she was in no situation to question a small detail like that. "All it said was 'live in female, takes order and direction well, under twenty-five, housekeeping skills a plus but not necessary, education a plus but not necessary, call here' there wasn't very much to go on."
"I'd like to think that's a bit of an oversimplification of the matter, but you admittedly have the jist of it I suppose," Erilina smiled, like acknowledging a child halfway to understanding. Kelli hated that smile immediately, but still wondered what it was she didn't get. "There is much more to this position I'm offering, but we'll come to that sooner or later." Their waitress silently appeared by their side, surprising Kelli.
"Here you are Miss Crow," she said, setting down a plate bearing a dark chocolate looking cup in front of the tall woman. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Anything for you Kelli?" The waitress turned, the first time she'd acknowledged Kelli with her warm smile since appearing.
"Um, hazel mocha?" The waitress turned back to Erilina, who gave a small if disinterested nod and promptly was off to fill the order.
"Crow?" Kelli wondered.
"Hmm? Something wrong with it?"
"No! No, just... odd, I guess?"
Erilina smiled, warmer than the previous one. "You're asking?" She chuckled at Kelli's mouth trying to decide how to answer. "My father was from England, his great grandfather one of the first blackbird keepers at the Tower of London, though admittedly those are ravens. But yes, Crowe, though I did drop the 'e' years ago."
Another tight silence rose between them, Erilina Crow seemingly enjoying her warm drink with nary a consideration to anything else around her, and Kelli Ranton trying to keep her twitchy feet from bouncing on their toes to avoid looking any more nervous than she was. The tall woman in clothes that looked like they had melted over her body radiated a strong confidence that seemed to sweep up anyone close enough to her, and Kelli, in her deep discounted long sleeve blouse and skirt, couldn't help but feel like she was close to smothering under.
"So...," her voice caught a moment when Erilina's eyes smoothly looked up and held her own, "the job offer?" Again that smile that hid something she didn't grasp, but Erilina didn't offer anything else and Kelli needed to press on. "Isn't it a lot of money for just a housekeeper, live in or not?"
"I'm not looking for a housekeeper." She took a sip of her drink, but said nothing more.
"Maid then?" Just a simple shake of the head. She was enjoying keeping Kelli guessing. "Personal assistant?"
Erilina consider that one. "Perhaps at times, but not really what I would call it."
"Then... what is it I'd be getting paid to do?" The waitress again appeared by their side, quickly setting Kelli's drink without a word. Kelli looked up so say thank you, but she was already walking away. Everything since meeting Erilina was feeling very strange, and Kelli wondered if this was even a good idea anymore. But then she remembered why exactly she had answered an untitled, scant forty word and phone number ad buried on a "help wanted" website, and stayed in her seat. At least find out what it was first. And she did get a free drink.
Erilina took another drink and sat the cup down. "What it is you'd be doing is whatever it is I ask of you."
Kelli waited for more, but nothing came. "And what would that be?"
"Whatever I decide I want." She moved the cup and plate aside. "What it is I like, Kelli dear, is control. I've worked very long and very hard to have as much of it as I can, and I've succeeded very well. I'm at point where I can indulge myself in my own whims more freely, but I still love to control my environment. A bit of a power play, I admit, but I'm in a position where I can exert that power.
"I'll be blunt about this; for the year of service and very generous sum you would be paid for, from the time you would be living at my home until you are no longer under contract, you would be mine. Completely, no bends or folds. For one year I will do with you as I wish, and I you will comply. Whatever task, whatever whim, whatever detail it is I ask of you, you will do without question."
Kelli stared across the table, her feet having finally stopped bouncing. She couldn't believe what she was being asked to do, to allow happen.
"You want to be some kind of slave to you?"
"No, a slave has no choice in the matter. You do, it is your choice whether or not to accept, and let me tell you I'm not even sure if I'd accept you anyway. You're not the first to apply for this 'position', some who are most likely better suited for what I'm asking. What, did you think it would be some cushy cleaning or cooking job, where you work a few hours a day and receive free room and board on top of your pay? You can find that if you want, I actually know some people looking, but for what I would be paying I require much more from a girl."
Kelli stared at her cup, trying in her mind to keep up. "What- what is it you're asking?"
"As I said, whatever it is I wish." Erilina sighed, looking at the younger girl with soft eyes. "I know what you're feeling. Halfway between shock and running out the door, right? You wouldn't be the first, if that helps." She reached out and lifted Kelli's face to meet her own. "Control. Let go of it, for one year. Give it me, to take care of, to take care of you." She smiled. "I realize what it is I'm asking, but think of how you came to even call me about this in the first place. I know the kind who approach this offer, and what kind of situation they must be in to even consider it. I know those who don't need this but still apply, who think it's a lazy way to easy cash. But this is no joke. This is my life, and I take it seriously, no matter how you may think it."
"So, I accept this- and you accept me- and all I get is one year of my life lost and a check at the end? That's it?" Kelli felt near tears, and hated that she didn't know why.
"That's hardly it. The money is a nice bonus, but a year with me will hardly leave you in a worse situation dear." Erilina's hand stroked Kelli's cheek, and dropped to take a hand that was beginning to shake. "This isn't some strange, sexual servitude, you aren't selling yourself into slavery. You will learn much over the time spent with me and mine, and I dare say you will have more going for you at year's end then you would with any job you can get, regardless of position.
"I won't lie and say you'll understand it all. Or that my... tastes... won't affect what I want of you. But at the end, I would hope you wouldn't look back on it as time misspent."
Kelli's hand tightened around Erilina's without thinking. She wasn't sure, everything was so unsure that she able to clearly think. She thought of her roommate, barely able to make rent herself at their small apartment. Her crappy job that didn't pay enough anyway, that she was sure she was going to lose in the next week because she wasn't the one screwing the manager. Her depts, her parents, her life, everything was just collapsing in on her and Kelli realized how little control she had already.
"It's just," her voice was almost gone, the strength of it gone from the vast instant everything flashed before her.
"I'm sorry?"
"It's just the one year?" Kelli spoke louder, clearing her throat. "One year working for you, and then I'd be done?"
Erilina smiled, not a soft and calming one but one of knowing. "One year. Unless you want to renegotiate for more time later on." She hid her smile behind another sip of her drink, letting the younger girl collect herself.
"What about my apartment? My job, my car, my friends, there's more than just dropping everything to be with you," Kelli wondered.
"Hmm, I like that. You're considering everything, not just the reward." Another sip, and she sat the cup down, her focus again on Kelli. "Your job you'd be free to quit, or not even go to again, it wouldn't really matter. You'd be quitting anyway, if this was what you thought it was going to be, right? I can't imagine it being well paying or anything rewarding so you could blow it off entirely with no consequence. Your car as well, let it be repossessed, it doesn't matter anymore. You wouldn't be bringing it with you. Actually, now that it's been brought up, you wouldn't be bringing anything with you, no possessions or clothing. And there wouldn't be any contact with anyone I don't allow."
"What, why?" That scared Kelli a bit, she didn't have much but there were a few items she held dear.
"Control, as I said. I told you, I like having and taking control, and that means everything. It's all just material things, nothing that can't be replaced at some point. You would have what I allow, that means you come to me baggage free." She caught Kelli's eyes, saw that fear of lose. "I would suggest sending anything you really wanted to hang on to to your parents or a friend to keep for you. Or, if you'd like, I could arrange for storage."
Kelli shook her head, there was an easy answer for everything. "And my friends? Parents? I just drop of the face of the earth for a year with no word of why or where?"
"Who said no word? Dear, I'm not going to have you sign some magic contract that whisks you away the moment you tab blood on the line. You would have a week to get your affairs in order, less if you don't need, or want, that much time. Let those you need feel know that you're are going, but not where or why you are.
Or don't!" She laughed, picturing the situation. "Do it, just drop off the face of the earth if you want. Don't tell anyone, just leave everything and don't look back! In a year you won't be the same woman you are now anyway, and I chance to say that you may not want to return to any part of what you leave behind. This is a grand offer I'm making, more so than I think you really understand."
Her head was spinning, and Kelli felt close to fainting. She understood now what that smothering feeling was Erilina exuded, and knew it was close to swallowing her. How close she was to letting it.
"I don't think I really understand. Not enough, anyway." Just looked up, strongly holding Erilina eyes for the first time. "But I'm willing to learn."
"Good girl. Honesty, I like that."
Kelli sat taller in her seat, facing this strong woman head on. "I accept the position."
Erilina smiled brightly. "No."
Kelli looked like she'd just seen a fat leprechaun riding a three-legged unicorn with mange. "W-what? No, what do you mean no?"
"I mean, you don't get to decide if I let you accept the offer because I still haven't made it to you yet."
"But you said-"
"I said slaves don't get a choice to be slaves, where as you're being given the choice to enter this contract willingly. But while I've been explaining what the offer is, I haven't yet actually put the chance on the table yet. As I said, I'm still not sure I want you for what I want, of if you're even what I'm looking for." She finished her drink, enjoying the last of the dark beverage and looked to Kelli. "You're still very skittish, you've a bit of a temper when you don't understand things, and frankly I've had to explain and spell out far more to you than I wanted.
But. You're willing, regardless that you don't understand. You came in clothes that I asked you to be in-"
"You said that a long sleeve blouse and short skirt would be easy to spot me in?"
"A test, dear. In spite of the fact that it's a threatening to rain and cold outside, you still came to this meeting in clothes not at all suited for this weather. It means you are willing to follow simple orders even if you don't understand them, or if they're a discomfort to you."
Kelli blinked. "You knew the weather was going to be shitty?"
"It's called a five day forecast dear. And watch your language around me, I don't mind swearing but try not to be so crude about it." Erilina smiled, watching as emotions and thoughts waved across Kelli's face, trying to imagine what the younger woman was thinking.
"What is it I'd be doing for you?" Kelli finally asked.
Erilina's smile deepened. "You finally ask that question and know what it means." She leaned back, relaxing into her chair just a tad. "You'd be working directly with me at almost all times. Whatever it is I want of you, you will be or do. Personal assistant, driver, cook, cleaning, chores, errands, what have you, as well as any smaller details I feel I want to enforce, personal training regimens, dietary, clothing, curfew, assigned tasks." Her smile took on a hidden, strangely stirring quality that made the hairs on Kelli's arm prickle. "There are also some things that I don't feel we should discuss out in the open. But to answer that question in the back of your mind, yes, you will be at my beck and call. And all that that implies." Kelli felt that tingle in her arms flush through her entire body. She wasn't sure when the feeling finally left her toes if it was good or bad. Or if she didn't want it to happen again.
"I'm still willing to accept," Kelli said. She didn't square her shoulders, but she imagined that she said it bolder than she really felt.
"Good. But the answer is still no," Erilina raised her hand before Kelli could say anything else, "It's not a solid no, but I do need to know a bit more about you first. How about this, we'll spend the rest of the day together. Test the waters, so to speak. See if you even want to put yourself forward after seeing what I want." She waited, letting Kelli decide if she wanted to move on with this powerfully hypnotic woman.
This time Kelli did square her shoulders. "Sure. I'm all yours."
"Not yet dear. But you will be," she said. Erilina reached down and set her purse on the table. "I'll handle the check. Why don't you go to the restroom before we head out? Your face is a bit red, and your eyes look like you're about to cry."
Kelli reached up and could feel the redness, sniffing back tears she didn't realize had been waiting to exit. She nodded and stood, grabbing her own purse as she did so, and started to head for the facilities. The path took her past Erilina, who grasped Kelli's arm as she started to leave.
"One more thing," she said, her voice dropping so only Kelli could hear and looked her directly in the eyes.
"Yes?" Kelli said, bending down to hear.
"When you come back, bring me your bra and panties."
Kelli just stood there, staring at this brazen woman. "What?"
Erilina didn't answer, just held her gaze for a few moments as she let Kelli's arm go. She didn't move, still mentally trying to shift gears.
"It is almost forty degrees outside! My jacket doesn't zip up all the way and this blouse is almost paper thin! And this skirt is barely two inches below my ass!" she hissed as softly as she could. Erilina just smiled bigger, whether to annoy Kelli or part of her getting the waitress' attention again she didn't know, but either way pissed Kelli off even more. She snatched her jacket as well, and quickly made her way to the bathroom, almost throwing her things on the counter when she entered.
She glared at the mirror; her eyes really were red. There was also more than a hint of anger in them now. What was that woman thinking? What was she doing, asking for her underwear? Was this all that woman wanted, some crazy sex game? What that all she wanted Kelli for? For a year? She had half a mind to just walk out right now! In fact, she would! That's why she brought her jacket with her, right! Right?
Kelli looked back at her reflection. She met her own eyes, trying to find some answer in them.
***
"How are you doing Aiden?" Erilina asked at the counter.
"Wonderfully Miss Crow. Staying busy trying to run this place," said the waitress warmly, the same who had brought their drinks.
"Good to hear, though you do realize you can call me by my first name don't you? I mean really, after how long now? Still haven't done a name change?"
The waitress blushed. "No. I don't plan on it. I've been Aiden so long now, I don't think I could go back. Besides..."
"Yes?" Erilina arched an eyebrow.
"It's... the name you gave me. I'd like to keep it. It keeps you close, you know?" Aiden didn't meet Erilina's eyes, and the blush deepened. Erilina smiled, in both pride and understanding.
"It is yours. I'm happy for you," Erilina said, handing over the check and payment. "I'm glad the cafe is doing good as well, you had said you wanted to earn your own way afterwards."
"Yeah, it's nice. Michelle, the new cook, is working out beautifully, so we'll be able to go full menu soon. And I finally got the third floor converted to an actual apartment, so I stop living out of boxes and act like a real owner. Thank you, again, for investing in it. And me."
"I hardly think how you spend your money after you leave me is considered an investment, dear."
Aiden's eyes closed and she soaked in being called 'dear' again. "Maybe. Still..." She rang up the total and handed back the change. As she did so, Aiden bent around the counter and looked back towards the restrooms. "She going to be a new one?"
Erilina followed her gaze. "Maybe. We'll see, she seems to be sorting things out. I think the whole thing scares her a bit."
"Like it didn't me?" Aiden teased. Erilina chuckled as well, noting that the women's room door finally opened and Kelli started to make her way to the front.
"Well, let's see what happens. Oh, and this is for you," Erilina handed a crisp bill to Aiden.
"No, no, this is way too much, you shouldn't have payed in the first place," Aiden tried to push it back, but Erilina folded made her fold her hand over it.
"Dear, you have a business to run and you're not under me anymore," she said, winking. "Let me spoil you how I choose. Else I may not come back."
Aiden smiled softly, barely emitting a, "Thank you." Erilina patted Aiden's hand, slowly running her fingers along the other's hand before turning to greet Kelli.
"Bye, have fun you two," Aiden called out before walking to another table. Kelli realized that that was the first time the waitress had actually acknowledged her since she arrived. That thought left her mind as she looked up to Erilina's waiting eyes.
"Ready?"
Kelli stood there, a military's worth of fighting going on between them as they stared, before reaching into her purse and quickly pulling out some folded lace and passing it to Erilina. Erilina smiled, running her fingers through the cloth to make sure two items where in the bundle before slipping them into her own purse.
"Good girl." She reached out and opened the door, gesturing to Kelli, whose red face might've been blushing or the cold chill from outside. She stepped out of the Crow's Circle Cafe, turned and waited to see where Erilina had in mind for them to go next.
***
"You do realize what you'd being giving up by accepting my offer, don't you?"
"Yes. Um, sorta. Kinda." Kelli glanced around nervously, trying to avoid meeting the eyes of the woman sitting directly across the table. The woman whose eyes never wavered from her stare, and who let the following silence fill the small cafe table between them for a moment.
"You've no real idea, do you?"
"Well, the ad wasn't exactly dripping with details, you know?" Kelli wasn't sure how much she liked how to the point this woman, Erilina, was, or how she hadn't taken her eyes off her. But a job opportunity was a job opportunity, and she was in no situation to question a small detail like that. "All it said was 'live in female, takes order and direction well, under twenty-five, housekeeping skills a plus but not necessary, education a plus but not necessary, call here' there wasn't very much to go on."
"I'd like to think that's a bit of an oversimplification of the matter, but you admittedly have the jist of it I suppose," Erilina smiled, like acknowledging a child halfway to understanding. Kelli hated that smile immediately, but still wondered what it was she didn't get. "There is much more to this position I'm offering, but we'll come to that sooner or later." Their waitress silently appeared by their side, surprising Kelli.
"Here you are Miss Crow," she said, setting down a plate bearing a dark chocolate looking cup in front of the tall woman. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Anything for you Kelli?" The waitress turned, the first time she'd acknowledged Kelli with her warm smile since appearing.
"Um, hazel mocha?" The waitress turned back to Erilina, who gave a small if disinterested nod and promptly was off to fill the order.
"Crow?" Kelli wondered.
"Hmm? Something wrong with it?"
"No! No, just... odd, I guess?"
Erilina smiled, warmer than the previous one. "You're asking?" She chuckled at Kelli's mouth trying to decide how to answer. "My father was from England, his great grandfather one of the first blackbird keepers at the Tower of London, though admittedly those are ravens. But yes, Crowe, though I did drop the 'e' years ago."
Another tight silence rose between them, Erilina Crow seemingly enjoying her warm drink with nary a consideration to anything else around her, and Kelli Ranton trying to keep her twitchy feet from bouncing on their toes to avoid looking any more nervous than she was. The tall woman in clothes that looked like they had melted over her body radiated a strong confidence that seemed to sweep up anyone close enough to her, and Kelli, in her deep discounted long sleeve blouse and skirt, couldn't help but feel like she was close to smothering under.
"So...," her voice caught a moment when Erilina's eyes smoothly looked up and held her own, "the job offer?" Again that smile that hid something she didn't grasp, but Erilina didn't offer anything else and Kelli needed to press on. "Isn't it a lot of money for just a housekeeper, live in or not?"
"I'm not looking for a housekeeper." She took a sip of her drink, but said nothing more.
"Maid then?" Just a simple shake of the head. She was enjoying keeping Kelli guessing. "Personal assistant?"
Erilina consider that one. "Perhaps at times, but not really what I would call it."
"Then... what is it I'd be getting paid to do?" The waitress again appeared by their side, quickly setting Kelli's drink without a word. Kelli looked up so say thank you, but she was already walking away. Everything since meeting Erilina was feeling very strange, and Kelli wondered if this was even a good idea anymore. But then she remembered why exactly she had answered an untitled, scant forty word and phone number ad buried on a "help wanted" website, and stayed in her seat. At least find out what it was first. And she did get a free drink.
Erilina took another drink and sat the cup down. "What it is you'd be doing is whatever it is I ask of you."
Kelli waited for more, but nothing came. "And what would that be?"
"Whatever I decide I want." She moved the cup and plate aside. "What it is I like, Kelli dear, is control. I've worked very long and very hard to have as much of it as I can, and I've succeeded very well. I'm at point where I can indulge myself in my own whims more freely, but I still love to control my environment. A bit of a power play, I admit, but I'm in a position where I can exert that power.
"I'll be blunt about this; for the year of service and very generous sum you would be paid for, from the time you would be living at my home until you are no longer under contract, you would be mine. Completely, no bends or folds. For one year I will do with you as I wish, and I you will comply. Whatever task, whatever whim, whatever detail it is I ask of you, you will do without question."
Kelli stared across the table, her feet having finally stopped bouncing. She couldn't believe what she was being asked to do, to allow happen.
"You want to be some kind of slave to you?"
"No, a slave has no choice in the matter. You do, it is your choice whether or not to accept, and let me tell you I'm not even sure if I'd accept you anyway. You're not the first to apply for this 'position', some who are most likely better suited for what I'm asking. What, did you think it would be some cushy cleaning or cooking job, where you work a few hours a day and receive free room and board on top of your pay? You can find that if you want, I actually know some people looking, but for what I would be paying I require much more from a girl."
Kelli stared at her cup, trying in her mind to keep up. "What- what is it you're asking?"
"As I said, whatever it is I wish." Erilina sighed, looking at the younger girl with soft eyes. "I know what you're feeling. Halfway between shock and running out the door, right? You wouldn't be the first, if that helps." She reached out and lifted Kelli's face to meet her own. "Control. Let go of it, for one year. Give it me, to take care of, to take care of you." She smiled. "I realize what it is I'm asking, but think of how you came to even call me about this in the first place. I know the kind who approach this offer, and what kind of situation they must be in to even consider it. I know those who don't need this but still apply, who think it's a lazy way to easy cash. But this is no joke. This is my life, and I take it seriously, no matter how you may think it."
"So, I accept this- and you accept me- and all I get is one year of my life lost and a check at the end? That's it?" Kelli felt near tears, and hated that she didn't know why.
"That's hardly it. The money is a nice bonus, but a year with me will hardly leave you in a worse situation dear." Erilina's hand stroked Kelli's cheek, and dropped to take a hand that was beginning to shake. "This isn't some strange, sexual servitude, you aren't selling yourself into slavery. You will learn much over the time spent with me and mine, and I dare say you will have more going for you at year's end then you would with any job you can get, regardless of position.
"I won't lie and say you'll understand it all. Or that my... tastes... won't affect what I want of you. But at the end, I would hope you wouldn't look back on it as time misspent."
Kelli's hand tightened around Erilina's without thinking. She wasn't sure, everything was so unsure that she able to clearly think. She thought of her roommate, barely able to make rent herself at their small apartment. Her crappy job that didn't pay enough anyway, that she was sure she was going to lose in the next week because she wasn't the one screwing the manager. Her depts, her parents, her life, everything was just collapsing in on her and Kelli realized how little control she had already.
"It's just," her voice was almost gone, the strength of it gone from the vast instant everything flashed before her.
"I'm sorry?"
"It's just the one year?" Kelli spoke louder, clearing her throat. "One year working for you, and then I'd be done?"
Erilina smiled, not a soft and calming one but one of knowing. "One year. Unless you want to renegotiate for more time later on." She hid her smile behind another sip of her drink, letting the younger girl collect herself.
"What about my apartment? My job, my car, my friends, there's more than just dropping everything to be with you," Kelli wondered.
"Hmm, I like that. You're considering everything, not just the reward." Another sip, and she sat the cup down, her focus again on Kelli. "Your job you'd be free to quit, or not even go to again, it wouldn't really matter. You'd be quitting anyway, if this was what you thought it was going to be, right? I can't imagine it being well paying or anything rewarding so you could blow it off entirely with no consequence. Your car as well, let it be repossessed, it doesn't matter anymore. You wouldn't be bringing it with you. Actually, now that it's been brought up, you wouldn't be bringing anything with you, no possessions or clothing. And there wouldn't be any contact with anyone I don't allow."
"What, why?" That scared Kelli a bit, she didn't have much but there were a few items she held dear.
"Control, as I said. I told you, I like having and taking control, and that means everything. It's all just material things, nothing that can't be replaced at some point. You would have what I allow, that means you come to me baggage free." She caught Kelli's eyes, saw that fear of lose. "I would suggest sending anything you really wanted to hang on to to your parents or a friend to keep for you. Or, if you'd like, I could arrange for storage."
Kelli shook her head, there was an easy answer for everything. "And my friends? Parents? I just drop of the face of the earth for a year with no word of why or where?"
"Who said no word? Dear, I'm not going to have you sign some magic contract that whisks you away the moment you tab blood on the line. You would have a week to get your affairs in order, less if you don't need, or want, that much time. Let those you need feel know that you're are going, but not where or why you are.
Or don't!" She laughed, picturing the situation. "Do it, just drop off the face of the earth if you want. Don't tell anyone, just leave everything and don't look back! In a year you won't be the same woman you are now anyway, and I chance to say that you may not want to return to any part of what you leave behind. This is a grand offer I'm making, more so than I think you really understand."
Her head was spinning, and Kelli felt close to fainting. She understood now what that smothering feeling was Erilina exuded, and knew it was close to swallowing her. How close she was to letting it.
"I don't think I really understand. Not enough, anyway." Just looked up, strongly holding Erilina eyes for the first time. "But I'm willing to learn."
"Good girl. Honesty, I like that."
Kelli sat taller in her seat, facing this strong woman head on. "I accept the position."
Erilina smiled brightly. "No."
Kelli looked like she'd just seen a fat leprechaun riding a three-legged unicorn with mange. "W-what? No, what do you mean no?"
"I mean, you don't get to decide if I let you accept the offer because I still haven't made it to you yet."
"But you said-"
"I said slaves don't get a choice to be slaves, where as you're being given the choice to enter this contract willingly. But while I've been explaining what the offer is, I haven't yet actually put the chance on the table yet. As I said, I'm still not sure I want you for what I want, of if you're even what I'm looking for." She finished her drink, enjoying the last of the dark beverage and looked to Kelli. "You're still very skittish, you've a bit of a temper when you don't understand things, and frankly I've had to explain and spell out far more to you than I wanted.
But. You're willing, regardless that you don't understand. You came in clothes that I asked you to be in-"
"You said that a long sleeve blouse and short skirt would be easy to spot me in?"
"A test, dear. In spite of the fact that it's a threatening to rain and cold outside, you still came to this meeting in clothes not at all suited for this weather. It means you are willing to follow simple orders even if you don't understand them, or if they're a discomfort to you."
Kelli blinked. "You knew the weather was going to be shitty?"
"It's called a five day forecast dear. And watch your language around me, I don't mind swearing but try not to be so crude about it." Erilina smiled, watching as emotions and thoughts waved across Kelli's face, trying to imagine what the younger woman was thinking.
"What is it I'd be doing for you?" Kelli finally asked.
Erilina's smile deepened. "You finally ask that question and know what it means." She leaned back, relaxing into her chair just a tad. "You'd be working directly with me at almost all times. Whatever it is I want of you, you will be or do. Personal assistant, driver, cook, cleaning, chores, errands, what have you, as well as any smaller details I feel I want to enforce, personal training regimens, dietary, clothing, curfew, assigned tasks." Her smile took on a hidden, strangely stirring quality that made the hairs on Kelli's arm prickle. "There are also some things that I don't feel we should discuss out in the open. But to answer that question in the back of your mind, yes, you will be at my beck and call. And all that that implies." Kelli felt that tingle in her arms flush through her entire body. She wasn't sure when the feeling finally left her toes if it was good or bad. Or if she didn't want it to happen again.
"I'm still willing to accept," Kelli said. She didn't square her shoulders, but she imagined that she said it bolder than she really felt.
"Good. But the answer is still no," Erilina raised her hand before Kelli could say anything else, "It's not a solid no, but I do need to know a bit more about you first. How about this, we'll spend the rest of the day together. Test the waters, so to speak. See if you even want to put yourself forward after seeing what I want." She waited, letting Kelli decide if she wanted to move on with this powerfully hypnotic woman.
This time Kelli did square her shoulders. "Sure. I'm all yours."
"Not yet dear. But you will be," she said. Erilina reached down and set her purse on the table. "I'll handle the check. Why don't you go to the restroom before we head out? Your face is a bit red, and your eyes look like you're about to cry."
Kelli reached up and could feel the redness, sniffing back tears she didn't realize had been waiting to exit. She nodded and stood, grabbing her own purse as she did so, and started to head for the facilities. The path took her past Erilina, who grasped Kelli's arm as she started to leave.
"One more thing," she said, her voice dropping so only Kelli could hear and looked her directly in the eyes.
"Yes?" Kelli said, bending down to hear.
"When you come back, bring me your bra and panties."
Kelli just stood there, staring at this brazen woman. "What?"
Erilina didn't answer, just held her gaze for a few moments as she let Kelli's arm go. She didn't move, still mentally trying to shift gears.
"It is almost forty degrees outside! My jacket doesn't zip up all the way and this blouse is almost paper thin! And this skirt is barely two inches below my ass!" she hissed as softly as she could. Erilina just smiled bigger, whether to annoy Kelli or part of her getting the waitress' attention again she didn't know, but either way pissed Kelli off even more. She snatched her jacket as well, and quickly made her way to the bathroom, almost throwing her things on the counter when she entered.
She glared at the mirror; her eyes really were red. There was also more than a hint of anger in them now. What was that woman thinking? What was she doing, asking for her underwear? Was this all that woman wanted, some crazy sex game? What that all she wanted Kelli for? For a year? She had half a mind to just walk out right now! In fact, she would! That's why she brought her jacket with her, right! Right?
Kelli looked back at her reflection. She met her own eyes, trying to find some answer in them.
***
"How are you doing Aiden?" Erilina asked at the counter.
"Wonderfully Miss Crow. Staying busy trying to run this place," said the waitress warmly, the same who had brought their drinks.
"Good to hear, though you do realize you can call me by my first name don't you? I mean really, after how long now? Still haven't done a name change?"
The waitress blushed. "No. I don't plan on it. I've been Aiden so long now, I don't think I could go back. Besides..."
"Yes?" Erilina arched an eyebrow.
"It's... the name you gave me. I'd like to keep it. It keeps you close, you know?" Aiden didn't meet Erilina's eyes, and the blush deepened. Erilina smiled, in both pride and understanding.
"It is yours. I'm happy for you," Erilina said, handing over the check and payment. "I'm glad the cafe is doing good as well, you had said you wanted to earn your own way afterwards."
"Yeah, it's nice. Michelle, the new cook, is working out beautifully, so we'll be able to go full menu soon. And I finally got the third floor converted to an actual apartment, so I stop living out of boxes and act like a real owner. Thank you, again, for investing in it. And me."
"I hardly think how you spend your money after you leave me is considered an investment, dear."
Aiden's eyes closed and she soaked in being called 'dear' again. "Maybe. Still..." She rang up the total and handed back the change. As she did so, Aiden bent around the counter and looked back towards the restrooms. "She going to be a new one?"
Erilina followed her gaze. "Maybe. We'll see, she seems to be sorting things out. I think the whole thing scares her a bit."
"Like it didn't me?" Aiden teased. Erilina chuckled as well, noting that the women's room door finally opened and Kelli started to make her way to the front.
"Well, let's see what happens. Oh, and this is for you," Erilina handed a crisp bill to Aiden.
"No, no, this is way too much, you shouldn't have payed in the first place," Aiden tried to push it back, but Erilina folded made her fold her hand over it.
"Dear, you have a business to run and you're not under me anymore," she said, winking. "Let me spoil you how I choose. Else I may not come back."
Aiden smiled softly, barely emitting a, "Thank you." Erilina patted Aiden's hand, slowly running her fingers along the other's hand before turning to greet Kelli.
"Bye, have fun you two," Aiden called out before walking to another table. Kelli realized that that was the first time the waitress had actually acknowledged her since she arrived. That thought left her mind as she looked up to Erilina's waiting eyes.
"Ready?"
Kelli stood there, a military's worth of fighting going on between them as they stared, before reaching into her purse and quickly pulling out some folded lace and passing it to Erilina. Erilina smiled, running her fingers through the cloth to make sure two items where in the bundle before slipping them into her own purse.
"Good girl." She reached out and opened the door, gesturing to Kelli, whose red face might've been blushing or the cold chill from outside. She stepped out of the Crow's Circle Cafe, turned and waited to see where Erilina had in mind for them to go next.