"Nicky, seriously," Gil Grissom said in his best tone of patience. "There is something we have to discuss."
"Did you go to Lady Heather's again?" the younger man asked, eyebrows lifted in interest.
Gil smiled and ran his hand through his lover's hair. Since Lady Heather had been the one to bring the two of them together, the mention of that particularly interesting woman always caught Nick Stokes' attention.
It was hard to believe that a year ago, Nick was a scared, shaken man --- a product of abduction and torture. Going to that woman for assistance had been the best thing he could have ever done, as far as Gil thought. He hadn't always felt that way; when she suggested that Gil take Nick under his wing, he refused to erase the lines that held their working relationship intact.
Six weeks changed that. Nick felt more comfortable giving up his tentative-at-best hold on his control to someone he already knew and trusted; Gil had built upon that willingness and slowly helped Nick heal from his ordeal and move on.
"I should punish you for not add---"
"Sorry, sir," Nick quickly spoke up.
Gil smiled more and kissed Nick's forehead. "Yes, I was at Lady Heather's today," he said softly. "She said she's working with someone who might benefit from our relationship."
"Our relationship?" Nick asked. At Gil's raised eyebrow, Nick quickly added: "Sir?"
Gil chuckled. "Yes, both of us, together." He paused and then said, "That's why I'm talking to you about it now."
"He won't be living with us, will he, sir?"
"She," Gil corrected, fighting back a laugh when he saw Nick's eyes widen. "And no, of course not. I love you, I live with you."
Nick relaxed. Gil smiled. They had started their relationship at Lady Heather's, and it had stayed within her domain; when they needed to unwind and lose themselves, they met up at the manor. Over time, though, they gravitated towards themselves for more than comfort and control.
Their relationship developed and love grew between them. Nick moved into Gil's townhouse, and they kept one bedroom stocked for the times when they needed to fall into their dominant and submissive roles, Master and slave. The rest of the time, in the rest of their home, they were Gil and Nick. It may not have been traditional, but it worked for them.
Since the conversation concerned Lady Heather and their special bedroom, Gil knew it had to occur when they were both still in scene.
He spoke again, while smoothing his hand through Nick's hair. "She is a new acquisition," he explained. "And she's been working with Lady Heather, only."
"Lemme get this straight, sir... Lady H wants to pass the buck?"
"No, she told me this woman needs a masculine influence for specific reasions," Gil explained.
Nick smiled. "You're the best, sir," he drawled.
Gil chuckled. "Maybe not... but Lady Heather trusts us."
"Me?"
"You might enjoy learning how to be in control for someone," Gil suggested in a mild tone. Nick's eyes darkened although his face paled. "We will teach you how to do read her properly," he promised, trying to assure his partner. Nick nodded. Gil smiled. "She would serve you and both of you would serve me."
Nick nodded again and Gil brought his hand down to rub Nick's cheek. The younger man closed his eyes and leaned into the touch.
"What do you think, Nicky?"
"I love and trust you, sir."
That one line wasn't enough for Gil.
"Nicky..."
Nick's eyes fluttered open. "As long as she isn't trying to steal you from me..."
Gil smiled. "Impossible."
Nick smiled back. "We'll meet with Lady Heather," he said softly. "And take it from there."
Gil kissed his lover gently and then he pulled back with a smile still stretching his lips. "Let's get some sleep, Nicky. We have a shift soon."
&&&&
Allison let herself rest her weight back onto her feet for a brief moment before she pushed herself back up onto her knees in a slight, fluid movement. The stinging on the flesh of her backside almost hindered her motion, but she was able to keep her balance.
"Good," the tall brunette said as she walked a circle around the kneeling blonde.
She felt the end of a leather crop brush her shoulder before brushing over the edge of her corset; she wanted to shudder and lean into the touch, but she bit the inside of her cheek and refrained.
"Allison."
She sighed and released her cheek from her teeth. Lady Heather always knew when she did that --- no matter how discrete she bit down.
"Good," Lady Heather repeated. "You served me well tonight."
"Thank you, Lady Heather," Allison said softly.
She watched the other woman circle her again and then sit down in her favourite chair. When Lady Heather put her hand out, palm up in silence offer, Allison put her hands down on the ground and crawled towards her Mistress.
Lady Heather smiled when Allison rested her chin on the thigh in front of her; she brought a hand up and buried it in Allison's curls.
"I spoke with someone today," Lady Heather said quietly. "He and his partner are considering allowing you to serve them."
Allison's eyes widened but she didn't say anything. When they had discussed her history and experience, the topic of men had scared Allison. Lady Heather had insisted that she would work on that reluctance when the time was right.
Apparently, the time was right.
Lady Heather smiled and stroked Allison's head. "You have a shift tomorrow night, correct?"
"Yes, Lady Heather," Allison replied quietly, smiling a bit.
"And the next night, you are free from work?"
Allison nodded. "Yes, for the next two nights, Lady Heather."
"Good," the brunette said with a smile. "After tomorrow's shift, I want you to prepare your body the way we have discussed. I also want you to prepare your mind."
"May I ask---"
"How?"
"Yes," Allison said, blushing and trying not to cringe away from her resting place.
Lady Heather smiled. "You may."
"How will I prepare my mind, Lady Heather?"
The older woman chuckled softly. The sound made Allison's stomach tighten. She liked it when she made her Mistress smile or laugh; she always liked making people smile, but when Lady Heather smiled at her, it felt better.
"You will start to think about what you want. Exactly what you want. And, exactly what you don't want. There are limits to what happens here, and the limits are extended outside of here," she explained. "I have known both of them for quite some time now, and I trust them with you. They are in a relationship, so it is unlikely that you will be expected to fill any of those roles... but they are open to helping you."
"Thank you, Lady Heather," Allison murmured, trying to keep the shake out of her voice. "I trust you."
"I know you do," the woman replied, stroking her fingers along Allison's face. The touch was so gentle, Allison thought she would purr if it were possible. "But I am a woman."
Allison's eyelids threatened to close as her cheeks blushed.
"Allison."
She corrected her behavior and opened her eyes.
Lady Heather raised an eyebrow. "I will let that go, since I know how nervous you are."
"Thank you, Lady Heather."
"You're welcome." After a few minutes of silence, she spoke again. "I believe our time is up for tonight, Allison. I will go and make us some tea, so we may talk freely before you go into work."
Before Allison could say anything, Lady Heather spoke once more. "Take your time getting dressed. Get to that mental place you need to re-enter the outside world."
Allison smiled as Lady Heather cupped her cheek and brushed her thumb over her lip. "I'll see you shortly," the brunette whispered before leaving the chair.
&&&&
"You wanna take a seat, Allie, 'cuz Grissom's about to hold a meeting," Nick Stokes drawled, looking at the CSI Level One investigator. He leaned back in his chair and put his arm around the back of the chair next to him.
Allison Burton forced a smile and tried not to lower herself too slowly into the chair he offered her. She didn't want to draw attention to the fact that she had been paddled only hours before her shift.
She had been transferred to the Las Vegas Forensics Lab nine months ago, while Nick had been recovering from an ordeal she hadn't heard about in great detail. She knew the basics of what happened, but she wasn't on the inside of that circle, and she didn't think she ever would be.
"You okay?"
Nick's eyes were a little rounder than usual when Allison met his gaze.
"Y-yeah," she said softly. Nick raised an eyebrow. She smiled. "Are you worried about me?"
"A little," Nick admitted. "If something happened, you should mention it to the boss. He'll let you do lab work or something."
"I'd much rather be in the field, Nick," she murmured. "But thank you."
Nick smiled and nodded as Warrick, Greg, and Sara walked into the room and sat down. Greg took the seat next to Allison, giving her his signature goofy grin before smoothing his shirt out. Warrick and Sara sat down opposite them.
"Hey, did you like that CD you borrowed?" Warrick asked Allison as he shifted in his seat.
Allison's face lit up. "It was great," she admitted. "I uploaded a couple songs onto my iPod..." she trailed off when she saw Warrick's expression cloud. Then, she quickly added, "Until my next paycheck, and then I'm going to order the CD for myself."
Warrick smiled. "Good to hear."
Catherine came in, smiling at Nick, Allison, and Greg, before she brought the file folder she was holding down onto Warrick's head.
"You creep!"
Warrick laughed. "So, you found it."
"I am going to get you back so badly..."
Allison's eyebrows shot up. Nick stifled a little laugh and then he focused his attention on his cup of coffee. Allison just looked down at her hands, waiting for the new couple to stop their bickering. Sara sighed loudly, unimpressed. Allison had the distinct impression that Sara was jealous; she didn't have any proof, though.
"Are you two through?" Their supervisor, Gil Grissom, asked, trying to sound authoritative. He had not, however, been able to evict amusement from his voice.
Catherine grinned at Warrick. "Later."
"Oh boy, can't wait."
Allison smothered a little laugh. When Gil looked at her, she coughed. "Sorry," she mumbled.
"Warrick, Allison, and Greg, you're working a shooting off the strip," Gil said, after giving her a little smile. "Nick, Sara, you two are on your own... hit and run, and break and enter. You two decide."
"Rock, paper, scissors, Sara?" Nick asked as Gil slid the assignment papers onto the table.
Catherine walked over to Gil. "What about me?"
"You wanted to help me with the paperwork, remember?"
She glared at him. Allison admired how easily the two conversed. They seemed to be best friends, as far as she could tell, and their ease with each other was remarkable. She was especially impressed because it didn't seem like Grissom let too many people inside his inner sanctum. Catherine didn't seem to mind his private personality.
"This co-supervisor thing really sucks," she muttered.
"Ah, I know you missed me," Gil said, smiling at her as his lips twitched beneath his beard.
Catherine smiled. "Warrick, if the kids give you any trouble, you know who to call."
"Yeah... Grissom."
They had decided that since Warrick and Catherine were involved personally, it would be a good idea to keep their working contact at a minimum. Whether or not Ecklie knew, Allison wasn't sure, but the arrangement seemed to be working out just fine.
"Well, let's go," Greg said as he jumped to his feet. "The crime scene's only getting colder."
"That's the spirit, Greg," Gil praised him.
Allison pushed herself up from her chair as quickly as she could. Nick's eyes were on her again. "Oh, shuddup," she muttered, nudging him once he stood up. "You're such a mother hen."
"Allison? Are you alright?" Gil asked.
She nodded. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just a little stiff," she lied. She turned to Warrick and smiled. "Can I drive?"
"Whooooa, no," he replied. She laughed softly as he turned to Greg and said, "Nice try. I'll be driving. And... just so you know, Allison's got shotgun."
"And control of the radio!" Greg deplored as he followed them out of the break room.
&&&&
"Allison?"
She turned and saw her supervisor standing in the doorway of his office. He motioned her closer. She smiled and followed him into the room, her eyes looking over his collection of jarred specimens with interest before she stopped in front of his desk.
He sat down. She followed, sitting a bit more easily since the beginning of shift. She knew the bruises were fading and her tender flesh was healing; but, she still felt the tingles of electricity in her nerve endings.
"Warrick said you did well with the case," he said quietly.
"Thank you, sir."
Gil smiled. "Grissom. At least."
"Thank you, Grissom," she corrected.
"He did mention, though, that you were physically uncomfortable while inspecting the scene."
Allison sighed and her gaze fell down to her lap. "It's not... I mean, nothing's wrong."
"Are you sure?" he asked quietly, his blue eyes raking over her form. "I've been a supervisor for a long time, and I wasn't always doing the best job of observing my staff, looking out for what they needed." He sighed. "I'm trying to ammend that."
Her eyes travelled upwards, searching his. She swallowed and smiled. "I'm really fine. Really." At Gil's raised eyebrow, she broke down and added, "I hurt myself yesterday when I was off-duty, but it wasn't anything too serious, and I'm not in any trouble."
She cursed internally for admitting that much. It had been an impulse; Gil's expression had reminded her of Lady Heather's, for a split second, and when her Mistress made that face she knew enough to confess quickly.
Gil seemed satisfied with that. He smiled a bit and nodded. "Alright. As long as there's nothing seriously wrong."
"There isn't," she promised.
"If that changes, don't hesitate to talk to someone. My door's open if you..." he trailed off and waved his hand around a bit. The early morning sun that broke through the slats of the blinds cast interesting shadows on his desk when he moved his hand.
Allison nodded. "I know. Thank you."
"Do you have plans for your days off?"
"Well... sort of," she admitted. "I'm meeting some new people tonight. Kind of a party, I guess."
Gil smiled. "That sounds like a nice way to unwind."
"I hope it will be," Allison replied quietly, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I don't know many people here... and I like the graveshift crew, but I know I need to meet people outside of work, so---"
"Hobbies and interests outside of this building make it easier," Gil interupted gently. "You're right. You need to find balance."
Allison smiled a little. "Yeah."
"Have you spoken with your parents yet? That case from last week should be on the news there now, and I'm sure they'd be interested to hear that you're the lead CSI on it."
She felt her smile fade. "I... I don't know," she mumbled. At Gil's curious expression, she forced the smile back up onto her lips. "You're probably right. Next time I talk to them..."
"Is there anything you want to tell me?"
"Oh... no. I'm fine. Tired. Long shift."
Gil smiled. "At least you weren't doing paperwork."
She managed a small chuckle. "Good point."
&&&&
"Do you still want to come with me?" Gil asked Nick quietly as he dressed for his meeting at Lady Heather's Dominion.
"She wanted both of us there, didn't she?"
Gil nodded. "Yes, but---"
"So, I'm there."
"Yes, but," Gil tried again, this time not meeting an interuption along the way. "If you're uncomfortable with watching me help train someone else, or if you don't think you'll be able to contribute---"
"No, man, it's cool."
"Are you certain?"
"Gil, I told you already---" Nick stopped and sighed. "Do you want me to say no?" He tilted his head and then added, "You said you thought it would be good for me, I mean, to learn how to be more dominant with someone else. You're probably right --- you always know what I need before I do." He smirked. "You're so annoying that way." As Gil smiled, Nick added, "And, you like working with Lady H."
"Yes, but I won't do it if it means making you uncomfortable. We won't do it if it'll risk what we have here."
Nick smiled. Gil blushed a bit; he didn't always like expressing how he felt, and he knew he didn't do a great job of it. Nick seemed satisfied with his partner's words, though. Gil relaxed.
"A meeting won't risk that," Nick said quietly. "We'll discuss it after, okay?"
"Okay," Gil agreed.
Nick helped his partner get dressed, smiling when he moved his fingers over the buttons of his shirt.
"Stop that," Gil scolded gruffly.
"No way, man," Nick drawled lazily, grinning up at him. "I love rilin' you up."
"Don't I know it," Gil muttered under his breath as Nick finished with the buttons on his shirt.
&&&&
"Are you sure, Allison?"
Allison stopped nibbling on her lower lip and she looked up to answer the question that had been preceeded by a choice. "Yes, Lady Heather, I'm sure," she replied quietly, but calmly. "I would prefer to wear a mask."
"For this meeting," Lady Heather stipulated. "If it will make you more comfortable." She tilted her head and smiled. "I believe, given the circumstances, it will be the best way to facilitate your progression."
"Thank you," Allison breathed.
"But, they get to choose the mask before meeting you," Lady Heather added. "It is a dominant's perogative to choose accoutrements for his submissive."
Allison nodded and shifted nervously on her knees. Lady Heather arched one eyebrow and Allison had to struggle to still herself.
"I will leave you dressed, for now," the older woman said softly. "They may wish to inspect you."
Allison nodded again; she couldn't say anything because she didn't entirely trust herself to speak. She was incredibly nervous. The fact that she was only wearing a beaded corset and matching underwear --- adequate covering, according to the brunette --- did nothing to improve her comfort level.
"Very well." The doorbell rang and Allison felt her eyes widen. Lady Heather smiled. "Those are our guests. I will be back shortly," she said as she stretched to her full height. "Remain in that position, rest when you need to."
"Yes, Lady Heather," Allison replied quietly.
&&&&
"Gil," Lady Heather said warmly, smiling as she greeted her guests. "Nicky..."
She kissed their cheeks and then stepped back to appraise them.
"You're looking well," she murmured, reaching up to pat Gil's cheek. He leaned into the touch and briefly closed his eyes. Heather smiled and observed Nick out of the corner of her eye; he was watching them, watching his lover with a curious, amused expression on his face.
Her relationship with Gil had been repaired. When Nick was in the hospital, she had been someone for Gil to turn to; she didn't mind, and was instead glad to help him. It was nice to have someone intelligent to share a day with.
She turned and met Nick's gaze. After a smirk, she let her hand slip away from Gil's face. She enjoyed the feel of his bare skin, although she didn't dislike the feel of his beard. Gil opened his eyes and smiled again.
"Hello," he said softly.
"I haven't seen either of you in a while," she said as she walked around Nick. She smiled more when she saw him blush and fight to hold his head up. "Everything's going well, I presume?"
"Very well," Nick replied, smiling at Gil, who returned the expression with a smile of his own.
"Must be nice when both of you can enjoy a night off together."
Gil's grin turned bashful. "I owe Catherine."
Heather smiled. "Another meal?"
"And a night off with Warrick."
"Perhaps you should feed them here," she teased, eyes twinkling in the dimly lit foyer.
Nick smothered a snort. Heather smirked and brushed her hand over his almost-too-short hair.
Gil cleared his throat. "I don't think Warrick would stand for that."
"Catherine would enjoy it though," she murmured, still smirking.
Nick failed in smothering his laughter. Gil and Heather turned to look at him. He looked at them. "Sorry... I just... Catherine and Warrick... and... y'know."
"And yet you've made the transition nicely," Heather reminded him.
Nick's cheeks flushed. "True. Okay. But... for a minute there, it was funny."
Gil winked at him before turning back to Heather. She met his cool gaze with her own and smiled. "You will meet the woman in a moment. First, I believe we should talk without her in the room."
"Where is she?"
"In one of my parlors, waiting for me to return," she told Gil. "Come, we'll take the room next to that one."
Gil nodded. Nick had already shifted so he was behind Gil, though, knowing where his place was in this house. Heather smiled, pleased with their wordless arrangement. Nick was very attentive and he always seemed eager to please Gil.
Once Gil sat down in one of the armchairs, Nick's transition into Gil's submissive was more noticeable. Heather smiled and took her seat opposite Gil, while Nick kneeled at Gil's feet. She liked how they worked together; they made the lifestyle a part of their lives and their careers, without ruining either.
A large contributor to that success was the compartmentalization they performed. Many would scoff at their style, saying it wasn't traditional; but Heather knew that they had to find a way to make it work, or else it would destroy what they had together.
"She is very responsive," Heather said quietly as she crossed her legs. "She came to me seven months ago. At first, I suggested one of my male employees, but that turned out to be disasterous. I've been working with her personally."
Gil's lips quirked up into a smile. "I thought you stopped taking clients."
Heather smiled back at him, tilting her head and letting her hair brush over her shoulder. "I did... and then I met her."
"She's special... how?"
"She's very eager to submit when she's comfortable, but getting her to that point is rather difficult," Heather explained. "With me, there is no problem. She has served another member of my female staff, at my direction, with little problem. When I placed her with Richard, she became afraid and disobedient, which didn't end well for her."
"No, I can't imagine it would have," Gil agreed.
Heather smiled. "We discussed the matter once she was under my instruction."
"And?"
"She's had little experience with men, and not all of it is good," Heather said quietly. "She has male friends, and while she trusts them to some extent, they still make her uncomfortable."
Nick tensed. Even though he was fully clothed, Heather could see the tension in his muscles.
"Was she abused?" Gil asked as he stroked Nick's head and neck to relax him.
Heather shook his head. "No, not like that. Just bad experiences, placing trust in the wrong people, and not being able to find anyone who could give her what she requires."
"She wanted the lifestyle before she knew what it was, consciously?"
"Very good, Gil," Heather praised him. "Exactly."
Nick had been watching them. After a minute, he rose, went to the bar at the back of the room and poured two drinks. He brought the first to Heather, kneeling when he served it.
"Thank you, Nicky," she murmured.
Gil leaned over and kissed Nick's forehead after murmuring a similar reply. Nick smiled and settled his chin on Gil's thigh.
"So, yes," Heather said. "She was looking in the wrong places... she would find controlling men, but they did not look out for her needs. She would let herself be used for nothing in return. They were not the most fruitful of relationships."
"No, they wouldn't be," Gil agreed as he lowered the glass in front of Nick and carefully brought it to his lips. Nick smiled and let Gil tip some of the scotch into his mouth. "So, why us?"
"You both have kind eyes."
"Lady Heather."
She smiled at the tone of exasperation in Gil's voice. "Well, that is part of it. I think she'd benefit from seeing an actual couple working together," she admitted. "I also think that your personalities are more nurturing than those of my male employees, and she needs kindness as well as dominance."
"I've never..."
"I know," she told Gil when he trailed off. "I will join you both in your first session, and you should continue to have sessions here, unless you decide you want her to join you in your space."
Gil offered Nick another sip of his drink. Heather watched the younger man for signs of discomfort, but was satisfied to find none.
"She knows she would be under both of you," Heather added. "I know you want Nicky to understand the dynamics of the two roles, and I know Nicky has expressed a desire to become a switch under the right circumstances."
"Yes," Gil agreed. "These could be the right circumstances."
Heather smiled. "Will you meet with her?"
"You already knew we would."
She felt her smile stretch. She had known they would; she would never waste their time and they knew that.
"I did," she said, grinning at both of the men. "How do you feel about this?"
Gil cocked his head to one side. "Honestly, I have some reservations."
"I assumed you would. What are they?"
"Firstly, my primary concern is Nick."
Nick's eyes widened as he looked up at Gil. They only ever called him 'Nicky' when he was in Lady Heather's territory, and Heather knew that was why his eyes had grown in size.
"Of course," Heather agreed. "I wouldn't have suggested this if I thought it would become a destructive force. I'm not intending for her to become a part of your relationship, outside of various scenes. Threesomes rarely work. I've only ever encountered one long term threesome in my life."
"It would be remarkable."
"It was," Heather agreed. She raised an eyebrow. "Any other concerns?"
"None as important as the first."
"You can address her as 'Pet,'" Heather instructed. "She does not care for humiliation."
"Nor do we," Gil replied, nodding. "But you know that already."
Heather smiled. "I did. She enjoys mild pain. She used to be a cutter."
Gil's eyebrow twitched. Heather added, "Of course, she does not suffer from depression. Merely a lack of outlet for her feelings. And since she's been with me, she's worked on that."
"Good..."
Heather shrugged. "Of course, you won't know the full story until you've conversed with her."
"True," Gil conceeded.
"She's asked to wear a mask tonight."
"Is she shy?"
Heather smiled. "Yes, actually. She likes being covered as much as possible. But, I know you will be able to read her without her face as a source, and Nick needs to learn that skill as well."
"She will have to get used to being uncovered."
"She's getting there, slowly."
Gil nodded. "Alright. But, I want to select the mask."
Heather nodded, too, and she stood up and brought a tray of masks over. She set it on the table between the armchairs. "Which would you like?" she inquired as she took her seat again.
"Nicky?" Gil asked, stroking his fingers through the younger man's hair. "Do you like any of these?"
Nick smiled and leaned forward to inspect the masks on the table.
Heather watched his appraisal of each choice. Some would cover the entire head and were made of leather, others were more theatrical and only covered the face in artistry of paint and sparkles --- and in some cases, feathers.
"I like this one, sir," he said quietly, motioning with his head.
She appreciated how well Nick was trained; he knew better than to touch the mask without permission.
Gil held up the burgundy mask and inspected it. Heather admired Nick's choice; it caught the light in the room and sparkled. It was more theatrical than those Heather usually opted for, but she did not care for frills in her line of work. Nick knew Gil appreciated beauty, although the scientist would never admit it, and he chose an appropriate mask.
"So do I," Gil told Nick. He brushed his hand over Nick's head and then passed the mask to Heather. "We'll wait here?"
"I'll return in a moment," she promised as she accepted the disguise.
&&&&
Allison dropped her chin down as Lady Heather fastened the mask to the back of her head and arranged her hair so it cascaded over her shoulders in golden curls.
"Are you ready?"
She nodded.
Lady Heather tilted her head to one side and stared down at the kneeling girl. "So, the shaking is just a slight case of nerves?"
"And... and muscle fatigue, Lady Heather," Allison said quietly, feeling her cheeks flush a bright crimson. She was glad the mask was on to protect her face.
The brunette smiled a bit. "Have you been resting?"
Allison swallowed hard and nodded.
"It will only be for a few more minutes," she said gently. "I know they'll want you to move."
Lady Heather left her line of vision and walked towards the double doors that she had entered through. Allison found that her stomach seemed to house butterflies that were in the process of giving birth to kittens; to soothe her nerves, she closed her eyes and focused on the scent of the leather on her face.
"She is through here," Lady Heather said in the other room.
Soon, three pairs of feet were walking into the parlor Allison was occupying. Allison opened her eyes and focused on the chairs along the wall in front of her. She knew better than to turn her head; she wanted to do well. Lady Heather had told her that if they were impressed with her, they might consider spending more time with her.
The feet drew closer. Lady Heather stepped in front of Allison, drawing her attention.
"Feel free to inspect her," the dominant woman said to the men.
They walked behind her. Allison held her breath and waited. She felt a burning, curious desire to see their faces. Lady Heather had told her once that she would approve of both men.
When she saw them in her peripheral vision, she thought she was hallucinating.
When Gil Grissom, her supervisor, stepped in front of her, followed by Nick Stokes, she thought she had passed out and was dreaming at that point.
Lady Heather hid a smirk; Allison caught it with her wide eyes, and managed to close her mouth.
"Has she been like this all evening?"
"In this position, yes," Lady Heather replied, nodding. "Would you like to sit down and begin?"
"Yes," Gil said softly, nodding.
Allison watched as he sat down, as Nick kneeled in a similar position at Gil's feet. She was still convinced she was hallucinating.
