Abby 2: Abigail

Chapter 15

I followed Madeline back upstairs to the room we had sat in earlier that evening. On the coffee table was a new decanter of red wine, along with two fresh glasses. The rich red wine splashed into one glass and then the other as she poured. Madeline's perfectly manicured hand gripped the glass stem, swirling it as she raised it slowly toward her nose in admiration before passing me the second glass. I followed her lead, letting the rich notes of raspberry and cherries wash over my tongue.

"He's quite the specimen, isn't he?" she asked finally.

"Yes, he certainly is."

"And very talented with his tongue," Madeleine added with a wicked grin. "What are your thoughts about tonight, my dear?"

"It was amazing. The feeling of power, I... I don't have words to describe it."

Madeline nodded. "That is part of it, of course, but being dominant doesn't mean it is all about you. It's quite the opposite, in fact." She paused for dramatic effect, gauging my response. "A dominant needs to be attentive, empathic, and always mindful of their submissive's well-being and desires."

I nodded as we settled back onto the sofa, considering her words as I took another sip of my wine.

"You look like there is something on your mind, Abby. Tell me."

"I was just thinking about how tonight was so much more intimate than the shows we do on stage at the club."

"Yes, those are all just that. Shows to give perverse voyeurs a taste of a fantasy, not the authentic experience." Madeleine took another slow sip of wine. "At the club, everything is rehearsed, choreographed, scripted. It's about entertainment and spectacle, not genuine intimacy or emotion." She gestured with an outstretched arm. "The personal and emotional connection between people in a private setting... that is where the real show is performed."

I took another long sip of my wine as she watched me with a contemplative look before speaking again. "Has Eden ever invited you into that private world?"

I looked at her, confused. "I'm not sure I follow you."

"Eden has been in this lifestyle for many years before he met you. He's never brought it up with you?"

I hesitated, unsure how much I should reveal to Madeleine, but also did not want to appear rude in her home, especially after her invitation this evening. "Eden has always been very... private with me. He's never talked to me much about his past experiences."

"I see."

She fell silent again, regarding me thoughtfully. Although I had become good at reading people's emotions, it was impossible to decipher what was on her mind. Finally, her gaze settled back onto me. She smiled, at last, the wine leaving a tint of deep burgundy on her lips.

"Abby, I haven't been completely candid with you, although I hope you will forgive me when I tell you why. For a long time now, I have wanted to expand my horizons. But running the Fleur-de-lis is not something one puts an ad in the local newspaper for, yes?"

She paused, taking another thoughtful sip of the wine.

Some time ago, there was another who I hoped would one day take over the Fleur-de-lis, but let's just say things didn't work out for them. When I first met you that night at the club, I sensed something about you — a rare inner strength and confidence that I don't think you sense in yourself even now. And now, seeing how you have blossomed in such a short time, I believe the Fleur-de-Lis could be more of a home to you than you may have considered. I know you have some decisions to make with your personal life, but I would very much like for you to consider the same arrangement."