The Darkness Below

I hesitate, staring at the door. What is down there? My Dungeon? What? What did that mean? Did he have girls chained up down there or something? He said he wasn't a murderer. Do I even believe that?

"Emery?" Colin asks, he reaches a hand out to touch me but drops it before it makes contact like he suddenly thought better of it.

I force a breath into my lungs and slowly start to walk down the stairs. Moving slowly and cautiously watching my step down each narrow stair. My curiosity is getting the best of me. More lights turn on automatically as I descend. There is a landing at the bottom, with a door, the walls are painted completely black, and the door is only noticeable because of the large golden knob that sits in the middle of it. It smells good down here, I was sort of expecting it to smell damp and dingy, you know like a dungeon, but it doesn't, it smells like a forest.

Colin steps around me, glancing at me as he passes to the door. "Ready?"

I hesitate before nodding slowly. I don't know what is behind that door. Am I ready to find out? No not really. But I don't think I will ever be truly ready so might as well just dive in.

Colin gazes at me a moment, hesitating for what seems like a full minute before he pushes open the door.

My eyes widen and my jaw drops. It almost feels like my heart has leapt to my throat. It's a large room, the walls are painted dark gray, and the floor is lined with cushioned black carpet. It looks so... dark inside, the lights are dim and glow with a reddish hue. There are hexagon-patterned bars on the ceiling and straight ones stretching from the floor to the roof along one wall. Horrifying contraptions hang from the ceiling. There are large pictures on the wall of random women tied up in seductive positions, some with their hands bound in front, others bound behind their back, one gagged and blindfolded and spread out like an eagle on a bright red blanket.

On the opposite wall, there are huge display cases and floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. My eyes linger on a nasty-looking cat-o-nine tail and it causes a shiver to run down my back. There is a large king bed against the far wall made up with forest green blankets and grayish-green sheets. There is a solid black table and next to it is a black velvet couch.

I don't realize I am trembling until I cross over to one of the display cases, reaching out to touch one of the leathered-tipped tools... tools? No weapons... My palms are sweating and my heart in racing in my ears. My gut is telling me to turn and run, but my curiosity keeps me here.

"I need you to say something."

I nearly jump out of my skin when Colin speaks, I don't know why... maybe it is because of this room and all the terrifying things that surround me. I glance at him briefly before turning back to look around the room again.

He only pauses a few moments. He looks to be calculating every movement, every action, every word. Like his control is slowly breaking away and he is having to force himself to slow it down. "Please Emery, say something."

"I-I don't really know what to say," I say honestly. My gaze wanders around the room again before turning to him. "Y-You do this to women?"

"With women," he corrects like the distinction is the difference between life and death. "Women who want me to."

"T-this is BDSM?" I ask taking a step closer to him.

He raises a brow in surprise, "you have experience with it?"

"N-No... I mean I've read books but... I didn't know people actually did it in real life, I mean not to this extent."

"Not everyone does. Some of us do, the ones who take our role seriously," Colin says. He closes his eyes tightly running his hand through his hair. "Come, let's go talk upstairs it is very distracting having you down here."

I let my gaze wander around the room once more. Why am I not running for the hills? Why do I only feel a little bit of hesitation and fear? Is this a normal reaction to this? Probably not, nothing I do is ever normal.

"Come on Emery, please. You have not signed the contract and I can feel my control slipping away," Colin says gesturing toward the door. "Let me take you upstairs and we can talk more, I will answer every one of your questions... Well, unless I have a really good reason not to."

I hesitate, walking closer to him. Gazing into his eyes as I make to reach for his hand. I don't know why I want to touch him. Maybe to reassure myself that he is still human. I hear his sharp intake of breath as he steps away, instantly shaking his head. "Don't... not down here."

I hesitate before nodding and slowly following him back out of the room and into the den. What happens when he loses control? He has been setting off alarms ever since I met him and now I know why. He is a predator. He has a basement filled with weapons of torture and he wants to use them on me. What does that mean? Why is my heart now beating normally? It's like the surprise has worn off but it really hasn't. Why am I not preparing to sprint out the front door at my first opportunity?

I make a point to sit as far away from Colin as possible, it's for the best. The closer I get to him the fuzzier my brain becomes, and I need to think. I have so many questions.

"How long have you been doing this?" I ask when he has sat down.

"I started when I was seventeen."

"Seventeen?" I say in surprise.

He nods.

"How did you get into this?"

Colin turns his gaze up to me, stiffening a little at that question. His hand runs through his hair before he answers. "An older woman, Joyce Hendricks, got me out of a complicated situation when I was a teen, in return she requested that I become her Submissive."

"She exploited you?" I ask a little disgusted at the thought. He had been a child. A child in trouble from the sounds of it.

"No. It was not like that. She helped me. Helped me discover things about myself that I needed to figure out. Without her, I would be in prison or worse. I owe her my life," Colin says with a small frown stretching across his face.

"How long were you her Submissive?"

"Eight years."

I gaze at him in surprise. "W-what made you decide to change sides?"

Colin hesitates, running his hand through his hair. "Aside from Joyce, I have never been good at following orders from anyone. So, when she moved on from me, I decided I would become a Dominant. In my opinion, I am a far better Dominant than I ever was as a Sub."

"How long have you been a Dominant?"

"Six years."

"How many?"

"How many what?"

"How many girls?"

Colin hesitates again. Looking down at his hands before he answers "twenty... if we are only counting women who actually signed my NDA and contract. There have been the occasional one-night Subs, but I don't count them."

My gaze widens looking at him in shocked surprise "twenty!?"

Colin slowly nods "y-yes. But they are the past Emery, you are my future." He gets to his feet and crosses over to me, crouching in front of me.

There goes my mind, it's all fuzzy again. Maybe he isn't human. Sometimes it seems that way. The way he moves, it's so perfect, he is a man that is sure of his actions. A man that calculates every move he makes.

"Don't pay attention to the past, to my past. I want you to be my future, let's focus on that."

"You want me to be your Submissive?"

"More than I have ever wanted anything in my life," Colin says earnestly, reaching up to cup my cheek with his hand.

Now my heart is racing. But not because I am scared. Because he is touching me. I nuzzle my cheek into his hand and suddenly I am scared because I know I want him too. Even after seeing the nightmares that he holds in his basement I still want him. "That would be our relationship? Our entire relationship? I would submit to your every demand and if I didn't... you would take me down there and punish me?"

"It doesn't have to be our entire relationship. I have done it before where I developed something more with a woman, once... we could go out on dates... But there would still be rules, if they are broken, I would take you down there and... yes, I would punish you. The punishment I am afraid is not negotiable. What I give you as punishment that is, how far we go, that is, but the punishment as a whole no."

"Why?" I ask.

Colin breathes a shaky sigh "because I need it. As much as I need oxygen, I need punishment too."

"Why?"

"It's the way I am," Colin says simply, and I know even if I push, he will not give me anything beyond that answer. But I am so curious. Why? Why? Why?

Why did a seventeen-year-old boy need to discover this? Why did he think if he hadn't he would be in jail or dead? What had happened in Colin's life to make this necessary? What trouble had he needed help with?

"What did Joyce help you with?" I ask.

Colin frowns a little "Emery, my past is not important."

"It is to me. If I am going to even consider getting into this sort of relationship with you I need you to at least hear my questions. I have so many. What did Joyce help you with?" I ask again.

Colin looks down then back up at me. "She got me in touch with a lawyer when I went to juvie. Thanks to her I wasn't tried as an adult and my record was completely expunged when I turned eighteen."

"You were in juvie?" I ask in surprise. "For what?"

Colin hesitates and instantly I know it was something bad. I can see it in his eyes. Murder? Rape? Theft? Drug dealing?

"I had a rough childhood," Colin says simply. "Emery I am not that boy anymore. I am a very different person. What happened, what I did, it's not important..."

I hesitatingly nod. A part of me thinks that I should demand to know exactly what he did, but it doesn't sound like a battle I will win.

"Why don't I go get the contract and you can read it?" Colin asks getting to his feet. He brushes his fingers along my cheek. "Emery my past is in the past. That is where I like to keep it."

I nod slowly watching him step from the room. I turn my gaze to the fireplace. It had been so warm and cozy in here last night when we watched the movie. I had curled up on the opposite end of the couch from Colin, underneath a very warm weighted blanket. It had been beyond relaxing, or it would have been if Colin would have stopped looking at me. Every time he did, I could feel the tension mount.

It was like I could sense how difficult it had been for him to stay seated, to keep himself from touching me. He had knotted his hands in his pockets like he didn't trust himself to let them be free and all the while I had wanted him to lose control, to touch me, to kiss me. He was a good kisser, no not good, he was a terrific kisser. I like having his hands on me, I like how passionately he looks at me.

The kiss has been so passionate, so possessive... it had been possessive. He was trying to claim me as his. He wants to... what own me? In a weird, twisted way he wants to own and control everything I do. But he is willing to have a normal relationship too... as long as it contains punishment. Why did he need the punishment? Just as much as I need oxygen, I need punishment. But why? What had made him this way?

I am pulled abruptly from my thoughts when Colin returns. He passes over the papers before he goes back to sit on the couch.

"Read it, if you have any questions, I am here to answer them," Colin says.

CONTRACT OF VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION

Parties

Mr. Colin Corrette, of 401 Burling St, Chicago Illinois, 60614 (The Dominant)

Miss. ______________, of ___________________, _______ (The Submissive)

1. Agreement

This document, dated the __________, herein known as the start date, is a contract of voluntary and total submission between Mr. Colin Corrette, the Dominant, (herein referred to as 'Sir' or any other form approved by the Dominant), and the Submissive.

The agreement supersedes any previous contract, engagement, commitment or agreement, of the Submissive. Through signing this contract, the Submissive is binding herself totally and completely, without limit (except as explicitly defined below), irrevocably to the submission of the Dominant, the Submissive relinquishes all legal and cultural (both explicit and presumed) rights, privileges, prerogatives and statues to the Dominant.

2. Fundamental Terms

This document serves as an agreement which defines in clear and specific terms the power exchange relationship and interaction between the above-stated parties. The agreement is only binding between the two people signed below. This agreement is entered voluntarily with full knowledge and awareness of its contents, and both parties agree to the outlined conditions.

This agreement is intended to guide the two individuals on their journey together, and while the primary intention is to please the Dominant, this arrangement also exists to ensure that the Submissive can explore her sensuality and her limits safely, with due respect and regard for her needs, her limits and her well-being. This contract will allow the parties to grow together, spiritually, lovingly, mentally and physically. This agreement shall serve as the basis for an extension of the relationship, committed in the spirit of love and consent. Dominance and submission with the intention of furthering self-awareness and exploration, promoting health and happiness, and improving both of their lives.

3. Term

The Dominant and Submissive enter into this contract on the date of _______, fully aware of its nature and undertake to abide by its conditions without exception.

This contract has a life of 3 months from the above date. At its expiration, a new contract must be signed to continue the relationship. In the absence of such extension, this contract shall terminate and both parties shall be free to resume their lives separately.

4. Availability and Location

The Submissive will make herself available to the Dominant, every week from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon, through the TERM (as laid out in clause 3). Further allocated time can be mutually agreed upon on an ad hoc basis.

The Dominant reserves the right to dismiss the Submissive from his service at any time and for any reason. The Submissive may request her release at any time, such request to be granted at the discretion of the Dominant subject only to the guidelines outlined in this contract.

The Submissive agrees to meet the Dominant anywhere he requests during the allotted times and agreed additional times. This could include leaving the country. The Dominant will ensure that all travel costs incurred by the Submissive for that purpose are met by the Dominant.

5. Service Provisions

The Dominant and Submissive accept that certain matters may arise which are not and could not be covered and outlined in this contract. In addition, both parties accept that certain matters may need to be renegotiated. In such circumstances, further clauses may be proposed by way of amendment. Any further clauses or amendments must be agreed upon, documented, and signed by both parties and shall be subject to the outlined terms.

6. The Dominant's Role

The Dominant agrees to care for the Submissive and to put her health and safety above all else at all times. The Dominant shall not at any time request, allow, or demand the Submissive to participate at the hands of the Dominant in the activities detailed in Hard Limits or Soft Limits or in any acts that either party deems to be unsafe. The Dominant will not undertake or permit to be undertaken any action which could cause serious injury or any risk to the Submissive's life.

The Dominant accepts his responsibility to treat the Submissive properly, to train and discipline the Submissive, punish the Submissive, love the Submissive and use the Submissive as He sees fit, within the guidelines of this contract.

The Dominant may use the Submissive's body at any time during the agreed times in any manner He deems fit, sexually or otherwise.

The Dominant accepts the responsibility to use His power to mould and shape the Submissive, assist the Submissive to grow in strength, character, confidence, and being, and to help her become a better woman in all areas of her life. Thus, he will maintain a stable and safe environment in which the Submissive may perform her duties in service of the Dominant.

The Dominant will never purposefully ignore the Submissive.

It shall be the Dominant's duty, with applicable assistance from the Submissive, to watch for and prevent any mental or emotional trauma which may stem from the condition of servitude, activities within the condition of service or any other variable that is based within the confines of this contract.

In training and the administration of discipline, the Dominant shall ensure that no permanent marks are made upon the Submissive's body, nor any injuries incurred that may require medical attention.

In case of injury or illness, the Dominant shall care for the Submissive, seeing to her health and safety, encouraging and when necessary, ordering medical attention when it is judged necessary by the Dominant.

During the outlined term of this contract, the Dominant understands that the Submissive's health and wellbeing in all forms, including but not limited to, her physical health, emotional health or spiritual health, is his number one responsibility and comes before all else, including other commitments outside the relationship.

The Dominant shall maintain his own good health and seek medical attention, when necessary, in order to maintain a risk-free environment. This includes being tested for any sexually transmitted diseases before any sexual activities begin. Proof of testing shall be presented to the Submissive, in the absence of proof this contract shall be voided.

The Dominant will be faithful to the Submissive and will be always honest and loyal to her. The Dominant shall not loan his Submissive to another Dominant.

The Dominant will always be open to the Submissive's concerns and thoughts, worries and stresses, and will encourage her to always open up and express her feelings and concerns to Him without fear of punishment.

The Dominant agrees to not submit the Submissive to a session when he might not be in the proper frame of mind to administer it.

The Dominant will always support the Submissive.

The Dominant will not keep the Submissive or their relationship isolated from other aspects of his daily life.

The Dominant may restrain the Submissive at the agreed times for any reason and for extended periods of time, giving due regard to the health and safety of the Submissive.

The Dominant will ensure that all equipment used for the purpose of training and discipline shall be maintained in a clean, hygienic and safe state at all times.

7. The Submissive's Role

The Submissive accepts the Dominant as her master, with the understanding that she is now the property of the Dominant, to be dealt with as the Dominant pleases during the agreed times.

This requires the Submissive to serve, obey and please the Dominant in any manner that seems fit by the Dominant.

The Submissive will follow the Rules, and guidelines as established by the Dominant, with the understanding that breaking a rule or guideline will lead to some form of punishment as dictated by the Dominant.

The Submissive will put her entire trust into the Dominant with the knowledge that He will never betray that trust.

The Submissive agrees to follow the direction and commands from the Dominant both in and out of the bedroom.

The Submissive will always respond to the sexual needs of the Dominant at any time in any manner that He sees fit unless responding to His needs violates any other aspect of this contract. This includes engaging in sexual activities with the Dominant that might be outside her comfort zone but she will do them as they please Him.

The Submissive will be faithful to the Dominant and will be honest and loyal to Him at all times.

The Submissive will at all times act in a manner that is respectful of the Dominant, including manners of speech, promptness, proper answers, obedience, loyalty, and honesty, with the understanding between both of them that the Submissive shall not have to necessarily alter her personality.

The Submissive will take proper care of her body in a manner that is pleasing to the Dominant and with guidance from Him if necessary. The Submissive will request or seek medical attention whenever it is needed, keeping the Dominant informed at all times of any health issues that arise.

The Submissive will not touch or pleasure herself without permission from the Dominant.

If the situation feels warranted by the Dominant, the Dominant may demand the Submissive to make other adjustments to her lifestyle.

When not in His presence, the Submissive will maintain regular contact with the Dominant, including informing Him of her schedule and activities. Regular contact is to include phone calls, text messages, or emails. The Submissive will do everything in her capacity to respond promptly to all communications from the Dominant and must never make the Dominant feel ignored by her.

The Submissive will not keep the Dominant or their relationship isolated from other aspects of her daily life.

The Submissive agrees to the following:

To strive to overcome feelings of guilt or shame, and all inhibitions that interfere with her capability to serve the Dominant and limit her growth as His Submissive.

To reveal her thoughts, feelings, and desires without hesitation or embarrassment.

To inform the Dominant of her wants and perceived needs, recognizing, that He is the judge of whether or how these shall be satisfied.

To strive toward the maintenance of a positive self-image and the development of realistic expectations and goals.

To work with the Dominant to become a happy and self-fulfilled individual.

To work against negative aspects of her ego and her insecurities that would interfere with the advancement of these aims.

Within The Dungeon the Submissive will not look directly into the eyes of the Dominant except when specifically instructed to do so. The Submissive shall keep her eyes cast down and maintain a quiet and respectful bearing in the presence of the Dominant. In addition, the Submissive shall address him only as 'Sir' or 'Mr. Corrette' or other such titles as the Dominant may direct.

The Submissive will always conduct herself in a respectful manner to the Dominant.

The Submissive will not touch the Dominant without his expressed permission to do so.

8. Activities

The Submissive will not participate in activities or any sexual acts that either party deems to be unsafe, or any activities detailed in Hard Limits or Soft Limits.

9. Safewords

The Dominant and the Submissive recognize that the Dominant may make demands of the Submissive that cannot be met without incurring physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or other harm at the time the demands are made to the Submissive.

In such circumstances related to this, the Submissive may make use of safeword(s). Two safewords will be invoked depending on the severity of the demands.

The safeword 'yellow' will be used to bring to the attention of the Dominant that the Submissive is close to her limit. When this word is revoked the Dominant will slow down, talk to the Submissive or pause altogether until the Submissive has agreed to continue.

The safeword 'red' will be used to bring to the attention of the Dominant that the Submissive cannot tolerate any further demands. When this word is said the Dominant's actions will cease completely with immediate effort.

10. Punishments

The Submissive and Dominant agree that appropriate punishments are necessary for the growth of the Submissive. Punishments are dependent on the severity of the infraction. Punishments will be used to change the behaviour and remind the Submissive of this agreement.

The Dominant will inform the Submissive that she is being punished when punishment occurs. He will explain the reason for the punishment either before, during or following punishment. The Dominant agrees to discipline only out of the desire to better the Submissive and further agrees to never punish during feelings of anger.

11. Termination

Should either the Dominant or the Submissive find that their aspirations are not being well served by this agreement, find this commitment too burdensome, or for any other reasons wish to cancel, either may do by verbal notification to the other, in keeping with the consensual nature of the agreement.

Upon cancellation, each agrees to offer the other their reasons and assess their new needs and situation openly and respectfully.

12. Rules

OBEDIENCE

The Submissive will obey any instructions given by the Dominant immediately and without hesitation or reservations and in an expeditious manner. The Submissive will agree to any sexual activity deemed fit and pleasurable by the Dominant except those activities outlined in Hard Limits or Soft Limits. The Submissive will do this eagerly and without hesitation.

SLEEP

The Submissive will ensure she achieves a minimum of eight hours of sleep a night. If the Submissive is having trouble achieving eight hours she must notify the Dominant and he will do all within his power to aid her.

FOOD

The Submissive will eat regularly to maintain her health and well-being from a prescribed list of food. The Submissive will not snack between meals, with the exception of fruit. The Dominant will cover the cost of the Submissive's food throughout the term.

CLOTHES

During the term, the Submissive will wear clothing only approved by the Dominant. The Dominant will provide a clothing budget for the Submissive, which the Submissive shall utilize. The Dominant shall accompany the Submissive to purchase clothing on an ad hoc basis.

EXERCISE

The Dominant shall provide the Submissive with a personal trainer three times a week in hour-long sessions at times to be mutually agreed between the personal trainer and the Submissive. The personal trainer will report to the Dominant on the Submissive's progress.

PERSONAL HYGIENE/BEAUTY

The Submissive will keep herself clean and shaved and/or waxed at all times. Including arms, legs, underarms, and genitals. The Submissive will visit a beauty salon of the Dominant's choosing at times to be decided by the Dominant and undergo whatever treatments the Dominant sees fit. All costs will be met by the Dominant.

HEALTH

The Submissive agrees to do everything in her power to maintain her physical and mental health. This includes communicating her worries, fears and concerns with the Dominant.

The Submissive agrees to undergo testing for STIs.

PERSONAL SAFETY

The Submissive will not drink to excess, smoke, take recreational drugs or put herself in any unnecessary danger.

The Submissive agrees to testing when/if the Dominant sees fit.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

The Submissive will not enter into any sexual relations with anyone other than the Dominant. The Submissive will conduct herself in a respectful and modest manner at all times. She must recognize that her behaviour is a direct reflection of the Dominant. She shall be held accountable for misdeeds, wrongdoings and misbehaviour committed when not in the presence of the Dominant.

The Submissive agrees to have a security camera installed in her place of residence to ensure the Dominant can supervise when he deems fit.

Failure to comply with any of the above will result in immediate punishment, the nature of which shall be determined by the Dominant.

13. Hard Limits

No play involving children or animals.

No play involving scat or urination.

No play involving needles, knives, cutting, piercing, or blood.

No acts involving fire play.

No acts that will leave permanent marks on the skin.

No acts that involve direct contact with electric currents.

No acts involving breath control.

14. Soft Limits

Which acts of the following sexual acts are acceptable to the Submissive?

o Masturbation

o Fellatio

o Cunnilingus

o Vaginal intercourse

o Vaginal fisting

o Anal intercourse

o Anal fisting

Is swallowing semen acceptable to the Submissive?

o Yes

o No

Is the use of sex toys acceptable to the Submissive?

o Vibrators

o Dildos

o Butt plugs

o Other

Is bondage acceptable to the Submissive?

o Hands in front

o Hands behind back

o Ankles

o Knees

o Elbows

o Wrists to ankles

o Spreader bars

o Tied to furniture

o Blindfolding

o Gagging

o Bondage with rope

o Bondage with tape

o Bondage with leather cuffs

o Bondage with metal handcuffs/metal restraints

o Bondage with cable ties

o Suspension

What is the Submissive's general attitude about receiving pain? Where 1 is likes intensely and 5 is dislikes instantly.

o 1

o 2

o 3

o 4

o 5

Which of the following types of pain/punishment/discipline are acceptable to the Submissive?

o Spanking

o Paddling

o Whipping

o Caning

o Biting

o Nipple clamps

o Genital clamps

o Ice

o Hot wax

o Other types/methods of pain

15. Submissive's Signature

With a free mind and open heart; do request of the Dominant that He accepts the submission of my will unto Him and take me into His care and guidance, so that we may grow together in love, trust and mutual respect. The satisfaction of His wants, desires, and whims are consistent with my desire as a Submissive to be found pleasing to him. To that end, I offer Him the use of my time, talents, and abilities.

My surrender as a Submissive is done with the knowledge that nothing asked of me will demean me as a person, and in no way diminish my own responsibilities toward making use of my potential.

Signature: ______________________ Date: _______________

16. Dominant's Signature

I have read and fully understand this contract in its entirety. I agree to accept this Submissive as my property and to care for her to the best of my ability. I shall command her, train her, love her, and punish her as a Submissive. I shall always treat her with respect. I understand the responsibility implicit in this arrangement and agree that no harm shall come to the Submissive as long as she is mine.

Signature: ________________________ Date: _________________

When I have read it once I stare at it for a long time before reading it over again, some of it makes my heart race with terror, with indescribable fear. Caning, spanking, whipping, flogging. Other parts make my heart sing almost like it is pleading with me to sign. Love her. Written in this contract, is a promise, a vow to love me, to protect me, to care for me. The only person who has ever loved and cared for me was my mother, and when she died I was left alone. But now here is a man, an insanely handsome man, wanting to give me his love. Yes, he wants to punish me too and that should terrify me but for some reason, it doesn't. Maybe I am just naïve, maybe I just have not been exposed enough to what this all means.