simple enough for him—he wanted her. He felt on reflection that she probably needed the security, the structure and the sense of certainty that his collar would offer her. It would ground her in a way nothing else could. It would appeal to her psyche, and complete the circle for her. If she was ready to accept it.
“I would, Sir. I’d like to be yours. Just yours.”
Tony tapped the heavy, studded leather band encircling her neck. “I doubt this would go too well with your business suits though. And it wouldn’t be comfortable for wearing all the time.”
Her expression fell, she appeared disappointed. He smiled and brushed his lips across her forehead.
“I’ll provide you with a more decorative one then. Something—unobtrusive. But you’ll understand its significance? Yes?”
“Yes Sir, Thank you.”
“So, in the circumstances, are you prepared to tell me where you live? And I do feel compelled to ask about Mr Richmond?”
“What? Oh, right. That was silly. I was just… confused earlier. Babbling. I live in that warehouse conversion, you know, the Old Flax Mill. By the river.”
“Very nice. Upmarket.”
“It’s tiny, not much more than a studio really. But yes, it is nice.”
“And Mr Richmond?”
“I’m not married. I never have been. It just sounds more professional, and, and businesslike.”
“How so?”
“If people, colleagues, think I’m married they won’t expect me to socialise, or anything.”
“And what’s the problem with socialising? You like to have fun, I know that.”
“Fun with you, yes. No one else.”
“I don't just mean kinky fun. What about friends? People to chat with by the copier? Or to go for a drink with after work?”
“I don’t drink, and I have a photocopier in my office.”
He tapped her bum, but the slap was playful this time. “Don’t be obtuse, Thea. Why don't you socialise?”
“I’m no good with people. People don’t like me. I have no sense of humour, and I’m boring. They respect me though, because I’m good at my job. That’s what I want. It’s all I want. It’s enough.”
“I’ll agree you’re good at your job. That’s why I want you working for me. But the rest of what you just said is crap.”
“No it isn’t. How would you know anyway? You don’t know me…Aagh!
Tony brought the stream of self-doubt to an abrupt end with a sharp slap to her bottom. There was nothing playful about this one. “As long as you’re wearing my collar you’ll dump that rubbish. You’re a lovely, desirable, intelligent woman, whether in a dungeon or a boardroom. Remember it. And live like it. You will have friends at Dart Logistics, starting with me, and with Isabel. We’ll work out from there. At Kershaw’s you can start with Stephen, but I wouldn't mind betting there’ll be plenty more once you drop the frosty ‘keep out’ signs.”
“It’s not so simple. And with respect, Sir, you don’t know me outside of—what we do together.”
He was amused, and interested, to note that the threat of further punishment to her very sore behind was not sufficient to dispel the note of defiance in her voice. His little kitten had claws. She didn't show them in her submission, but they were certainly in evidence when her head shifted into her professional life. He wanted to see more of the elusive ‘Mrs Richmond’.
“So tell me then. But without the self-put-downs. You can start by telling me what it is you do well. Why do your colleagues respect you?”
She considered for few moments, then, “I’m thorough, efficient. I work hard. I get things right, you know, the details. People can rely on me. I’m a qualified lawyer, and I have a finance diploma too. I know how a business should run.”
“All true. Stephen told me all of that. He’s very pleased with you. That’s why I want you in my company.”
“But, I don't know anyone there. How would I manage? People won’t listen to what I say. You’ll be disappointed.”
“I somehow doubt that. And they will listen to your ideas because you’re good. You know what you’re talking about. And because you’ll have the authority to insist my heads of department do as you suggest. I want my shit sweeping into a pile, Mrs Richmond—I think I’ll continue to call you that, it suits you. And you’re just the woman to do it. I need your help. Please.”
“I can’t. I just can’t. Really.”
“If you’re wearing my collar twenty four seven, I can instruct you to do this. You will obey me, Thea.”
She wriggled from her position across his lap and knelt on