Obligations to the Upper Class (Wave and phtlc)

[WaveVelour]

An invisible border divided the city into two districts. Apart from the weather conditions, west and east side of the town didn’t share much in common. Although the terrain was roughly the same, a steep cliff separated the regions in terms of living standards, impossible to scale without an aid from high above. Where the middle class diminished more and more, the gap between poor and rich kept expending over the years. Politics, banks, big corporations and well-established families shaped the finances of the town and poured it into a socially unequal mold, which highly favored the upper class and pulled the poverty threshold down. Such deranged structure, of course, could not be established without the aid of the legal system. The authorities chose to turn a blind eye to certain cases for the benefit of the current system. A corrupt justice system for sure, which unfortunately decided what was just according to the volume of one’s bank account.

In this twisted society, there was a common illusion, that made the promising youth believe that a good education was key to a better life, an escape from poverty. The institutions that apparently promised such a high level of education was hardly cheap however. Following the faux rainbow that led to a pot of gold, it surely wasn’t an inexpensive journey. In fact, for those who hadn’t born to a wealthy family, an impossible task without an outside help. Like anything else, such an assistance had a price, although one that wasn’t necessarily paid in money.

Deluxe tiles across the floor, elaborate chandeliers to hang from the high ceiling, cozy seats and flamboyant furniture to fill the spacious halls. At the lobby of a luxury hotel, one corner was reserved for a special guest, crown princess of the city’s leading fashion house. A smartly dressed waiter walked in an upright posture, slowly approaching the woman who sat in an elaborately designed neoclassical armchair. “Ma’am.” Carefully spoken words announced his arrival. Deliberately averting his gaze from her shapely figure, he gently put the saucer onto the coffee table as the porcelain teacup steamed mildly hot above it. A pair of attentive eyes watched the server closely, hoping not to find a fault in the etiquette.

“What time is it?” The woman asked, currently awaiting the arrival of one or two students. Thanks to her generosity, she was willing to give them a scholarship, to finance their academic life in one of the best schools the district could offer. And in return, all she would ask was their appreciation, and kindly services if needed. She had just come out of a business meeting. Although it was really her competent employees who ran the business affairs, she still had to be present in some dull meetings to show her pretty face. Since this happened to be one of those days, a rather simple formal attire clad her form. On the bottom, a frame fitting skirt hugged her delightful hips, emphasizing the beauty of her stocking clad legs. A well-tailored white shirt covered her top with the elegance of simplicity. Other than defining the shape of her bust, her top didn’t offer a cleavage, not right now.

“It’s two thirty, Miss Price.” The man responded. Upon receiving a silent gesture from her guest, he bowed and left her high presence. Leaning back on her seat, Mercedes eyed the flamboyant entrance of the hotel. Through the large windows, she could see an SUV drawing close. One from her own garage in fact, sent to pick her promising guest or guests, arriving just in time. Knowing how precious his employer’s time was, the driver rushed out of the vehicle to open the door for his passengers. A member of the hotel staff had been already waiting outside to escort them into the tall building.

 

[phtlc]

Waiting excitedly Rick pondered his destiny, and how fate had dealt him such a rare opportunity. He had been in disbelief when he had been approached. A visit to a job fair, had lead to him being approached about an opportunity to go to university. Me!? At a university!!!! he had thought excitedly. Not just a local college, which was still out of reach for most people but a University! One of the most prestigious in the country! This was almost like winning a lottery, which everyone knew never happened for the poor. All the winners were people who had been rich already. He was so excited he immediately ran home to tell everyone!

Nobody he had ever known had ever had such a wonderful opportunity. His father worked as a fisherman and had an extra job part time doing construction. Ricks mother had worked cleaning houses full time and doing laundry part time until she was fired from her house cleaning job for upsetting the people who owned the house. They made sure that nobody else would employ her as a cleaner, so she worked picking crops. Rick himself picked crops on weekends, and on weeknights he worked as a janitor all through high school. His father had been taking him out on the fishing vessel on an ‘on call’ basis, when a fisherman called in sick. His family worked themselves to exhaustion.

His grandfather had talked about labour groups called unions back in his day, but Rick couldn’t fathom this. Workers making demands? Negotiating? . It seemed inconceivable, but apparently his grandfather had been in one…until the union was dissolved and everyone fired. His grandfather had lost everything. Moved first into an apartment, and eventually couldn’t afford that. Now like all of his friends, he lived in a trailer park. Rick had never known any better, but his family had longed for more.



He had worked hard in school, and had good grades, but generally speaking academic scholarships were extremely rare. Maybe if he had been good in sports that might have been his ticket, but he was only average. His father had talked of the possibility of himself and a few of his fellow fishermen combining their money and buying their own boat. ‘we could work for ourselves! Earn profit, not just a paycheck!’. He had encouraged Rick to consider this as he could pass his share on to Rick eventually if he learned the business. Like many young guys Rick had bigger dreams, but eventually he started looking at reality.

His father had died last winter, before realizing that dream. His aunt and uncle helped out a bit, but Rick realized that despite his age he would have to help his mother. He planned on working in the fishing fleets, and hopefully someday he could buy his own boat.

Then this happened. The miracle!

His girlfriend Isabelle had reservations. She had heard some rumours about these “Arrangements” but Rick had assured her “These are only rumours…Urban legends!”. Besides, even if such arrangements had occurred they would have been rich men taking advantage of poor young ladies. He was perfectly safe.

He had known Isabelle his whole life. They played together as kids, they had grown up together. She had been his first kiss! It was exciting for both of them. At school greta measures were taken to keep the boys away from the girls. At dances they were required to keep 12 inches of distance between their bodies. Religion had made a comeback after the economic situation had changed.

Of course they had found opportunities to be alone. That is how their first kiss happened. He hoped when he was older that he would marry her.

In the short term, he would take on this assignment for his new benefactor.

As he thought of this, he saw an SUV pull up and a man in a suit stepped out.

“Rick?”

He Identified himself and was ushered into the vehicle. During the drive he found the other occupants to be distant, as e found himself passing through increasingly affluent areas, areas where people like him only cleaned houses. As they drove in silence he realized that these were only servants of the people he was about to meet and despite that they themselves were out of his league.

As they pulled up to the hotel, he saw the massive marble arch at the entrance of the hotel, as he stepped out. He knew he was so far out of his element it must have seemed hilarious to anyone watching. As he walked through the front doors of this majestic palace, he realized that the only thing keeping security from tackling him was his escorts.

Stepping into the lobby, he saw opulence he could never have dreamed of. Marble tiles, marble columns, a ceiling so intricate in its design it may as well have been done by Michaelangelo himself.

“Wait here until she comes to get you” he was instructed. He was nervous, waiting to meet his new benefactor. He hoped he would make a good impression.

Edit

 

[WaveVelour]

Gifted with wealth and resourcefulness, the promising young man she was supposed to meet today was certainly not the first individual whom Mercedes had touched his life. He wouldn’t be the last either as the woman did like lending a helping hand to those who needed it. Like any professional businessperson though, she tended to get her money’s worth, one way or another. Some of those poor youngsters could really use her help. Similarly, she had her own needs as well. And in some cases, able bodies to satisfy her desires. Sadly, the rumors that surrounded such arrangements were not entirely incorrect. Highly questionable provisions that came with so-called profuse scholarships -although they took other forms as well- were ,in fact, true. A no-question-asked policy tended to obligate unknowing victims with the tempting promise of a better life. Slavery, to put it bluntly, just in a different form. Money perhaps couldn’t buy someone’s very soul, but could be used to acquire everything else. And those who practiced such lowly acts didn’t always look the part of shady mobsters or slovenly thugs. Sometimes, the devil indeed wore Prada.

Not every holder of scholarship had the distinct honor of meeting Mercedes, let alone being employed by the woman. She tried to look through their portfolio before she made her decision if they deserved to be funded more than the others on the long list of candidates. By now, she had read quite a lot of sad stories, how cruel and unfair the life could really get. Promising young women and men who really needed her help, they tended to make the most loyal servants as well. This one might have felt as if he had won the lottery, but it wasn’t sheer luck either. Players of this secluded game knew whom to invest in very well. After all, it was no coincidence her visitor appeared to hold all the qualifications the woman wanted him to possess.

Sometimes warm, sometimes cold and distant, Mercedes always valued good manners. Adored it when people made her feel the world revolved around her, as it should be. The ‘she’ the man had referred to must have been the woman’s personal assistant, Megan. As Mercedes didn’t come to others’ presence herself. Instead of raising her coy hips from the seat, she liked it better if people walked to her instead. The good-humored assistant in question shortly approached the fortunate young man. “You must be Rick.” Megan offered a smile. “This way… How was the trip?” She led the way, although her employer’s presence was already quite prominent at the grandiose hall. “I’m Megan. I’ll give you my number, so you can call me if you need anything, alright?” The rather cheerful assistant had a quick word with the man, while a pair of blue eyes glanced at the two from the other side of the flamboyant lobby.

When they were close enough, Megan introduced the charitable blonde who would be aiding him financially. “Miss Price, your appointment, Rick.” Taking a sip from her fragile teacup, the woman put it down. Her vocals already warmed by the beverage, soothing voice of Mercedes greeted her curious guest.

“Good afternoon, dear.” Half-closed blue eyes inspected her guest. She extended one of her arms, offering the back of her soft hand so that Rick could show his courtesy. Other than that, she didn’t tell him to sit yet. “So, you are the brilliant gentleman I have been told about.” A warm smile stretched the woman’s painted lips. For a moment, her gaze left Rick, instead settling on her assistant. Megan rushed forward and handed the woman a thin document. Polished digits flipped the pages before finding the end of the paperwork. Only a signature was enough to jump-start Rick’s education. She opened her palm, and soon a pen appeared on it, kindly placed there by her assistant, without wasting any time. “Let’s be done with formalities first, right?” Slender digits twisted the lid of the glossy pen, taking it off. Before she could use it though, the elaborately designed writing tool slipped off the woman’s fingers. Following the curve of her knee, it rolled down Mercedes legs. Bouncing off the reflective titles one time, it came to a stop a few inches away from her high heels. Although Megan had been quick to hand the pen over, she made no move to pick it up again. By now, she surely knew her boss well.

 

[phtlc]

Waiting nervously, Rick thought about all the instructions he had been given in the car about protocols and etiquette. He had so much riding on this, and he didn’t want to make a bad first impression. This opportunity would change his life immensely. He would be one of the 1% who actually made it out of the poor side of town. People worked hard, and tried to save, but pretty much everybody was struggling in desperate poverty and nobody ever made it ahead. If this opportunity worked out well, he could become a banker, or a lawyer. Unlike his family, living in a trailer that they rented, he could someday actually own a house.

He thought of Isabelle and how much he already missed her. They had been childhood sweethearts. They were best friends as kids, and had always had a bit of a crush on each other. He thought fondly of the times he had held her hand when they were alone, and how he had only danced with her at the school dances. He smiled thinking of the teacher walking around with the ruler ensuring there was enough physical distance between any couple who were dancing.

When the two had been alone however he held her tightly in his arms, and had kissed her a few times. He understood why they wanted space between girls and guys, because when he held her body against his, he certainly felt a physical excitement. He would never do anything inappropriate however. He had thought about what happens between a man and a woman, and had thought about what it would be like after school, when he and Isabelle were going to marry, but neither would do such a thing before marriage; they had both been raised better.

His thoughts were interrupted when a woman approached, and introduced herself. She seemed nice and tried to put him at ease as she made small chat, and gave him her number. She appeared to be like a personal assistant and would be the person who helped mentor him in his new role.

As they walked across the grand foyer, Rick still couldn’t stop staring at the marbe floors, and pillars, the gold trim, the fine chandeliers. This one room cost more than all the homes in his town. He had seen pictures of places like this but had never imagined he would ever have the privilege of walking through one. Even getting a job in a place like this as a bell boy was highly sought after, as the compensation was quite good relative to what most people earned.

His eyes set upon a woman across the room, who he knew instantly to be his benefactor. She was beautiful, …more than beautiful. She was regal. She had an air to her almost of Royalty. He could tell just by looking at her that she commanded authority. She exuded wealth, power and authority while maintaining impeccable grace. She was clearly well educated, and well-schooled in poise and etiquette. She epitomized upper class.

When she greeted him, she held out her hand and he responded as he had been taught, to bow and kiss the back of the hand, as per protocol. He almost thought they were joking when they said he should do that, but apparently that is the way people treat royalty or the pope, and she was one of the wealthiest power brokers in the country.

When she addressed him, he acknowledged her, and he saw her smile was warm and friendly. I’m glad for that he thought. He had heard terrible stories about how some rich people were terrible to their staff such as house cleaners and gardeners. She seemed warm and friendly.

When her assistant handed her a pen, he saw that she dropped it and he saw it bounce off her leg and fall to the floor. While he wasn’t an expert in etiquette, he knew full well that he should not wait for her or even her assistant to retrieve it. Immediately he moved, dropping to a knee at her feet to pick up the pen, wanting to show his appreciation for her generosity, and of course respect for her position.

As his hand made contact with the pen, he felt it’s weight and paused for a moment. He looked in disbelief. Is that gold? he wondered in amazement, unable to believe someone would keep such an expensive item on them just to be dropped casually on the floor. If Rolex mad pens this would be a Rolex, he thought, realizing that this pen probably cost more than his family’s truck.

His eyes flickered to her shoes, and while he was no fashion expert, he surmised that his family could eat for a year on what she must have spent on those shoes.

He shook himself out of his momentary reverie and looked up at her, and he started to rise getting off his knees so he could hand her the pen.

 

[WaveVelour]

On the contrary to the popular belief, Mercedes didn’t despise young gentleman who didn’t know how to follow the unwritten rules of etiquette. A common misconception, although not exactly difficult to understand why. In truth, she only frowned upon people who chose not to learn it. Other than that, she adored training others, teaching them how to behave properly. Especially when she was around. A guilty pleasure she happened to have really, telling others what to do that is. And precisely how to perform it as well. Including the other guests of this very flamboyant hotel, everyone could be considered poor next to her, pale in comparison with her considerable wealth. Let it be through bluntly spoken words, or subtle act of making someone bow down just to pick a conveniently dropped pen, she liked reminding them of her superiority, strong influence of her unquestioned authority.

Long eyelashes brushed the air as Mercedes’ gaze moved down with the young man before her. He was quick to sink to his knees. It didn’t surprise the woman, however. She always believed it to be an almost instinctive action for people of his level, to kneel before the presence of a higher being. Very similar to how they served their god. Religion, perfect crowd control. A game that required unconditional servitude, belief beyond question. Worshiping of a supreme being. Not very different from what Mercedes asked of her loyal subjects really. While playing the faux goddess to the poor, she had her own set of ceremonies and rules she liked to impose upon those who were to serve her. Pretty much a sinful system that based on reward and punishment. A rather common practice performed on pets. Dogs, cats, birds, and sometimes, unfortunate humans as well.

A tragic truth, almost comical, the fact that just how many poor households could have been spared from starving if she had decided not to add a new pair of shoes to her wardrobe, or wore the same dress twice. Rick’s whole family could sweat over an honest job for months, but would still fail to gather enough money to afford the fashionable high heels he kneeled at, not even one in a pair perhaps. When the young man stood upright again, the woman’s eyes shifted between him and the pen he so kindly picked up for her. “It fell to the floor.” Mercedes stated, not bothering to retrieve the writing tool from his hand. Instead, she reached for the coffee table. Two slender fingers faintly pinched the handle of the teacup. While she took a small sip of tea, her pinky rose up. In the background, her assistant meddled with her bag, to take the proper action.

“Why don’t you keep it?” The woman suggested. “Consider it a gift, I insist.” While she talked to her future servant, Megan gave the woman a new pen. A subtle message. Similar to the very pen Rick held, if one were to fall from her grace, it was very likely she would have a substitute, waiting in line. “You might need it in college.” When her soft fingers curled around a new pen, she was quick to sign the document. Her signature could open many doors, but could very well permanently close them at the same time. “Oh. You will be studying where I did many years ago. Did you know that?” Mercedes explained. In fact, a simple phone call had been enough for Rich’s enrolment. “In fact, you might find the name of the central library rather familiar.” When she was done with the paperwork, her assistant kindly took it back from her fingers.

“I am certain you’d make me proud.” The woman spent some time eying the man, evaluating if he would indeed make a good asset, if he was worthy of her time. “Devotion and hard work.” The words came out of her tender lips plain and simple. “That is the key to success.” She continued. “Is it not Megan?” Upon being addressed, her assistant looked down, quietly inspecting the regular tile patterns. The color drained from the girl’s pretty face as she took a deep breath.

“Y-yes. Of course.” A forced smile stretched Megan’s lips, which attracted a subtle frown from her boss. Still, a warm smile appeared on Mercedes’ face when she glanced back at the man. “Could you repeat it, dear?” She asked Rick. “Tell me, do you have such crucial qualifications?”

 

[phtlc]

As he stood, holding the pen out, he noticed that she made no move to retrieve it, as he held it out awkwardly unsure if he had done anything wrong. As her eyes went back and for the between him and the pen, his mind worked feverishly to try to read her but to no avail. He guessed that this was a skill she had mastered, perhaps being in her position required her to have a good poker face and not wear her thoughts or emotions on her sleeve. Either that or I’m just terrible at reading people he pondered.

He wasn’t sure what to say when she commented that it had fallen to the floor. It seemed strange that she would say to him what he had just observed. As she took a sip of her tea, he marveled at her poise. Everything about her exuded class. Sure she was a beautiful woman, but it wasn’t just that. Her every movement and mannerism, indicated a life of having been educated not just formally, but in the ways of etiquette. She was clearly someone who would be at ease amongst presidents or royalty.

He noticed curiously that her assistant was fumbling in her bag, and was astonished to see her hand a very similar pen to her as she told him he could keep the pen. He almost shook he head saying he could not accept such a lavish gift, but stopped himself just in time, realizing he might offend her.

“Thank you” he said quietly, his heart pounding. There was no way he would take this pen to class. It was worth more than his family car. She can afford to casually give such wealth away he thought baffled by how casually she gifted it to him.

As he watched her sign, he listened to her talk about the school he would go to, and mention her family name on the library. That would make sense, as many large donors had buildings named after them. But he also didn’t miss that her power was on full display. She could take his lowly life and turn it around with about as much thought as flicking a life switch……Yet she thinks nothing of throwing away a pen that costs a fortune

The interaction between her and Megan made his heart speed up a bit. It was clear from the assistants reaction that she was intimidated by this woman, which meant she did not tolerate people disappointing her kindly.

He found himself wanting to look down, and had to force himself to maintain eye contact as much as possible, lest he come across as rude.

“Devotion and hard work” he replied enthusiastically, “That is the key to success”

He found himself slightly unsettled, but tried to re-assure himself that he was reading too much into her comment.

He paused, wanting to think of the right words to answer her question. This was his chance to make an impression.

“Certainly” he said earnestly when asked if he had those qualifications. “I will start with hard work”

He took a breath, trying to relax, and not show nervousness.

“Every morning before school, I work the fields for a few hours, before heading off to class. At school I have been diligently applying myself to my studies. I have earned a few awards for my grades”. He hoped that last bit about grades didn’t sound like bragging, but he was proud. “In addition to this I have represented my school, wrestling team at several events and won both at regional and state level”

He paused before continuing

“After school, I meet my father at the docks and help sort the lines, the nets and help sort the catch. After that I get to go home and study until bed time, unless I can finish early and take a walk” He didn’t feel the need to mention that when he could walk he did so with Isabelle. “On weekends, I work the fields mostly, but in the past year have spent a more and more weekends on the docks as it pays better and can help my family”

Now came devotion.

“I believe devotion is a virtue, devotion to family, to church, and my school and employers”

Looking at her he continued

“Given your generosity, a kindness I could never repay in ten lifetimes, I assure you my devotion will be unflinching. You are wonderfully generous, and such kindness demands my utmost commitment to your service”. He literally meant every word he said, maintaining eye contact at this point. There was nothing exaggerated in that statement. Whatever she had him do for her, he would settle for nothing less than providing excellence.

“I will not disappoint you”.

 

[WaveVelour]

A silent glare fell upon the young gentleman, unimpressed eyes locked on him while the woman listened to what he had to say. Her charming visage didn’t carry any hints of frustration. However, it didn’t necessarily made a display of joy either. Gladly, carefully spoken words of the man didn’t contain any impudence or disrespect. Either smart, or sheepish, he seemed to know his place rather well. Still, Rick had the order wrong. In her book, devotion came before hard work. Unquestioned love and respect, before anything else. Loyalty in short, that was what she valued the most. A labored process of trial and error was acceptable in business and academic life, but there was no room for failure when it came to fidelity. Family, church, school… his loyalism seemed to be scattered across many places, shared by many, where she required all of it.

“Devotion and hard work Mr. Rick.” Mercedes repeated her phrase, in the right order. “Not the other way around.” Her right hand moved up, gently pressing on her chest. The palm sinking a little between the shapely orbs of her bust, graceful fingers slightly curled over the closer breast. “It should come from here, does it not?” The woman suggested. “We only possess one. I trust you would remember to collect it from where you left it, before coming to my service. Your heart, that is.” She continued as her slender fingers slowly drifted away from her chest. Above anyone else, she liked being the most important person in her servants’ unassuming lives. Neither family, nor lover, but she herself only. A controversial requirement of Mercedes’ kindly support, one Rick was not ready to learn yet. It was not a rapid process after all: coercive persuasion, almost.

A simple nod appreciated the man’s claim, that he wouldn’t betray her trust. It almost sounded like a verbal agreement. Easier said than done to tell the truth, given how demanding of a woman she could really be, the challenging sacrifices she might ask of her employees. “Few do.” The blonde claimed. Standing a few steps away from the two, Megan eyed the front entrance, catching the gestures of the driver who still lingered outside the building. Mercedes kept her gaze on the young man, however her words targeted her assistant, coming out sharper than before. “Dear! Try not to drift afar, would you? I might need your further assistance in the evening.” The girl’s head moved down in compliance. Making a mantle note of her boss’ wish, hurried steps drew Megan’s form to the entrance as she returned to the proximity of the car.

Of course, having a brilliant mind and a docile personality, always ready to answer an imminent call, were good qualifications in a servant. However, some of her more personal requests also required able bodies. Claiming to be a more-or-less competent wrestler, to have a dynamic life that necessitated physical activity; Mercedes could guess her considerate guest kept fit and in decent shape. “I could use a new pair of eyes in the harbor. To check on our shipments.” She thought out loud. The eventual return of her assistant stole her attention in short. “A concern for another time.” A flat garment bag hung down from Megan’s hand as she approached, neatly holding a new suit for the newest family member of this so-called family. A hand patted him on the shoulder as the woman’s assistant walked past him.

A mildly wide smile on Mercedes’s face gave him the permission to leave her presence. She herself still had a cup of tea to finish. “Want to join me?” Megan told him to follow her, willing to lead him to a hotel room, a few floors above. It wouldn’t have been appropriate if he had pull his pants down in the lobby after all. However, that didn’t mean he would have absolute privacy. Metal elevator doors slid open after a small beep. “Hope you’re not shy.” She suggested, tasked with keeping an eye on him for the mistress.

 

[phtlc]

He saw he glare and realized he had made a mistake somehow, yet he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what it was he had said wrong. He just sensed it by her body language. He could see she was not impressed by something he said as he finished up. Pausing uncomfortably when he was done, he waited silently to hear her response. He hoped that whatever his mistake was, it was minor enough for him not to be rejected by her. He couldn’t afford to lose this opportunity.

When she corrected his statement, he saw the problem and cursed himself silently for missing that. So much for not disappointing her. As he fingers caressed her chest, he maintained eye contact despite his discomfort. While she was beautiful, and remarkably graceful, she also exuded power and control, with a demeanor that suggested she literally could decide whether someone continued breathing. Her assistant certainly appeared to act as if this was the case. He resolved in that moment to always pay the strictest attention to what she said

He was glad of course to see that she appreciated his promise not to let her down. He believed strongly in always keeping his word, regardless of how difficult that may be. He could sense she was processing quite a bit. While she appeared to be a woman of few words, she clearly always thought out what she would say very carefully. She never paused, stumbled, or said “uhm”. Very smooth and in control of exactly what she was going to say. As he pondered this he saw her instruct Megan to remain nearby, and the girls physical reaction said it all. Everyone around her feared disappointing her. He made a point that he would not learn this lesson the hard way. He kept his attention on his new benefactor, not letting his eyes drift to Megan as he knew that would be disrespectful

When she mentioned watching the docks, he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he could do an excellent job of that. His experience helping his father helped him learn the in’s and out’s of dock working and he knew how to be efficient (and spot inefficiency) and he also knew how to spot signs of pilfering. If she gave him that task, he would excel. As he pondered this, he felt a hand pat him on the shoulder as Megan came around in front of him, holding what appeared to be a garment bag.


Megans smile reassured him as his new boss gave him the signal to remove himself from her presence. As Megan invited him to go with her, he nodded to Mercedes, almost a bow and then turned to leave with her assistant. He was still in awe of all the extravagance in this place. The wealth in this place could feed the whole country for a year.

As the elevator doors closed behind them, her question about him being shy blindsided him. Am I coming across as shy? he thought. Then he suddenly wondered if it had shown that he had noticed how beautiful His new benefactor was. He blushed instantly. I hope I didn’t ogle or stare he thought. He had noticed she was extraordinarily pretty, and immediately felt bad about that, not only because he didn’t want to be inappropriate, but because he was in love with Isabelle, and did not want to have eyes for any other woman.

“Shy?” he paused, “No not at all….I guess I’m just a bit overwhelmed by this place and meeting her”. He hoped his answer was sufficient.

As the elevator got to the desired floor, and the doors opened, he couldn’t help but ask.

“So, you’ve worked with her for some time. Do you have any advice for me? How does she prefer to be addressed?”

 

[WaveVelour]

An inspecting gaze followed the pair from the comfort of her seat, until they disappeared behind the closed doors of the lift. Mercedes’ coy hips kept resting on the deluxe cushion of her seat, just like how the lukewarm teacup sat on the porcelain saucer, adamant and stable. A laidback demeanour that could have been easily mistaken for the laziness that came with her considerable wealth. Behind the curtain though, her mind was rarely free of puzzling thoughts. Plots that concerned either her business or personal affairs. Simple goals really, not necessarily aimed for a greater good though. Expending the influence of her name, ascending such a high place, that from above, the others looked nothing more than an insignificant pattern of tiny dots. The supposed acts of kindness she regularly performed could be misleading. Likewise, so generously financing a promising gentleman’s education expanses was more of an investment than benevolence.

Laminate coated close environment of the lift cabin acted as a temporary shelter from the gracious blonde’s ears and eyes. “Oh, good.” Megan responded to the man’s claim of a lacking timidity, which would make her job easier in fact, considering how she would ask him to show more skin soon. She had been working for Mercedes for a long three years now. Hence, she indeed knew a thing or two about her employer. Being her personal assistant, the young brunette spent some moments with her she was only allowed to describe as interesting. A more-or-less ten-year gap separated her from the boss. She had a more cheerful nature as well, outside of work at least. While she faced the man, a halter neck dress to clothe her body, her straight hair strands drew a brown portrait in the gold mirror that stood behind her gentle form. Megan was rather a charming person to be stuck with in an elevator. And her position in the company and her alluring looks weren’t completely unrelated circumstances.

Now that she was away from the mistress’ watch and immediate reach, Megan was more relaxed. A small irony in fact as Mercedes felt the most uncomfortable when she had to stand in such closed spaces, which was actually the reason why she wasn’t with the two right now. “Well, you know what they say…” The woman thought about satisfying Rick’s curiously. If she could travel back in time, she certainly would have done things differently. “If you won’t say no in the beginning, you may never in the future.” Her smile softened her statement into a joke, although it was a helpful tip. She was a witty girl. A hint of arrogance was what made her an interesting asset to have around for Mercedes actually. The more time she spent under the woman’s service, the more Megan lost from her somewhat cocky personality. There were still times where such traits shined out, however. She looked down at the granite cabin floor, than back to the man. “She can be a real –beep-“

A little beep announced that the lift had reached the sixth floor, its destination. Soon after, metal doors slid open to a quiet, dimly lit corridor. Holding the garment bag up so that it wouldn’t touch the floor, Megan stepped out of the cabin. The doors alongside the corridor all looked the same. Only one of them was open though. “This way please.” Standing by the entrance, she showed him the way. The deluxe hotel room was neatly furnished. Egyptian linens to cover the bed, decorative fine carpets on the floor, it offered the guest ample space to spend their valuable time. Megan walked in, laying the garment bag across the white sheets of the king size bed. “Miss owns a fashion house, as you know.” The woman told with a soft voice. “So, I hope you’ll understand that…” Her eyes inspected the man’s clothes, not very fond of judging someone by the quality of what they wore. But media would surely care if that someone was seen near Mercedes. “Yeah…” She leaned against the work desk on one side of the room. “I will ask you to undress. All of it.”

 

[phtlc]

As Rick spoke, he sensed that Megan came a bit more out of her shell when she wasn’t around her boss. Around the boss, she seemed subservient, cautious, yet here in the elevator, Rick saw another side of her coming out. He wasn’t sure that bode well for him, as it could mean that his new benefactor was a harsh woman. He made a note to himself to be very careful around her, just to avoid ever getting on her bad side. When Megan made her remark about ‘saying no in the beginning’ made him apprehensive. He needed this opportunity but he hoped he wasn’t working for someone so demanding as to be difficult. Megan was in the process of saying something about her when she was interrupted by the beep of the elevator reaching it’s floor.

She can be a real what? he thought, wishing he knew what she was saying. A real sweetheart? …….A real horrible person?. His mind spun frantically, wondering if he should ask her to repeat herself. He didn’t want to pressure her to repeat herself, yet he hoped she would pick up the conversation and continue.

As he stepped out of the elevator, and made their way into the hotel room, he again was overwhelmed by the sheer opulence of the place. He had never imagined being in such luxury, even as a cleaner. To be standing here, in such luxury and wealth was actually intimidating. She could literally buy my entire neighborhood with what would seem like pocket change to her. With this he felt both fear and excitement. Fear, as he was now working for someone who had seemingly unimtted wealth and thus unlimited power. Excited because he could use this opportunity to change his life. Nobody in his neighborhood ever had any expectation of ever moving to a better neighborhood. With the school she could get him into, he would be one of the extreme lucky few who would have a better life. He could be a stockbroker, a lawyer, or a doctor. The thought made him almost giddy with excitement. Isabelle would be so proud. He missed her, and wished she could see him here. Maybe if he did well, and got a good career, he could ask her to marry him as he got older.

When Megan started discussing fashion, he figured it had something to do with the garment bag she was holding. I guess I need a makeover he thought as he realized that while the clothes he was wearing were the best ones he owned, they were clearly not befitting someone who worked for her. Naturally he was not surprised when she told him to get changed. Reaching out with his hand, he waited for her to hand the garment bag to him.

“Sure” he said, looking towards what clearly was the bathroom, “Let me head in there and I’ll be changed in a moment”

 

[WaveVelour]

As the garment bag lay on the bed, where Megan had placed it, the young assistant eyed her male counterpart. “Did you want something?” Her hands empty, she asked, not sure what he wished from her. Walking closer, she swayed her open hand downward, slapping Rick’s palm in a low five as if it was a little celebration of the man’s newfound scholarship. It was funny in a way, that she had booked a spacious room just so he could change, but he still wanted to use the relatively small bathroom for it. Other than that however, her request was not really about changing, but rather undressing. “Bathroom?” The brunette woman repeated with a small chuckle. Shaking her head, she headed towards the bathroom. “Because I’m here?” She closed the bathroom door, only to face him again.

Part of her experienced a subtle joy, the guilty pleasure of witnessing someone else going through the same process she once did. At the same time however, part of her also wanted to tell him to just resist the temptation of opportunity and walk away, advise him to just accept and learn to appreciate the life he currently had, instead of chasing after a wealthy tail, unknowing that it could turn out to be a firm leash, challenging to remove once attached. That would have come out as a selfish suggestion though, no need to mention the harsh consequences if Miss was to learn about it. Without a doubt, Mercedes greatly despised disloyalty and presumption, but she enjoyed inflicting the punishment such uncalled traits would require. So that in fact, she sometimes didn’t need an excuse to impose an unfair penalty.

An elegant composition of wool and mohair, the garment bag housed a dark blue suit. A quite pricey piece of attire for some, but ironically, a cheap way to blend in with a higher society at the same time, or to stand out in a lower one. “Shirt, shoes, pants, underwear…” Megan quickly named different articles of clothing. “Take it off, please.” She repeated once again, not offering a reasonable excuse of why he had to do it like this as she had none. It wasn’t her wish, but her boss’ demand. And Mercedes liked to render her so-called servants vulnerable, baring their thoughts with their clothes. It admittedly made them more susceptible to her suggestions, made them comprehend their position better. “Just pretend I’m your girlfriend if that helps.” Megan suggested. “You have one, right?” The charming brunette continued.

About ten feet below, the lift doors closed again, ascending its elegant passenger at a comfortable pace to fill the corridor with the distinct click of her high heels. They had a nice ring to them: the subtle melody of the long steps taken across the corridor. Sometimes evoking a musical tune, but for some, it could very well sound like the clattering of devil’s hooves.

 

[phtlc]

He watched her reaction to his comment and felt quite awkward, as though he had said something wrong. Up until this point she had been very kind and supportive, but now for the first time she looked at him as if he had done something wrong. The way she slapped his hand made him nervous, as though he had offended her. He didn’t want to do that for obvious reasons as she would probably be his go to person for advice on pleasing his new boss. “Uhm,…yeah, because you’re hear” he said, barely a hushed whisper as he looked down awkwardly.


He watched he as she appeared deep in thought. Partly amused and partly conflicted. He couldn’t tell if she felt sympathy for him, or contempt….or maybe both? For the first time, he felt genuine unease, concerned that maybe there was more going on than he had suspected. When she stated ‘shirt, shoes, pants and underwear’ he was shocked because he knew she wasn’t joking. Did Mrs. Mercedes know she was going to do this? Should he tell her? Was she the one who ordered Megan to do this? He desperately did not want to undress in front of her, but he worried. If this was not his bosses wish, would she belive him, or could Megan get him fired for ‘lying’? If his new boss wanted this, would he anger her by refusing. He had never felt so vulnerable in his life. He could not afford to lose this opportunity.

He knew there would be no discussion about this. When she said to pretend she was his girlfriend his first thought was But you’re not my girlfriend, as he nodded to her question about her having one. “Yes, I have one, but she’s never seen me …….uhm…..undressed” he said, his voice barely a whisper as he looked at her one last time pleadingly, hoping this was a joke.

Realizing there was no joke he looked down shyly, his cheeks burning bright red with humiliation as he unbuttoned his shirt. His next step was to remove his shoes and socks. Looking at her desperately, he sighed and unbuttoned his pants, lowering them to the floor. He knew she said underwear, but maybe she would make an exception. He looked at her imploringly thinking she should be able to get a good enough look at him this way. His thoughts however were interrupted by the sound of his boss entering as her heels clicked on the floor. Would she be angry at seeing him undressed? Was this what she wanted. He looked fearfully at Megan, blushing bright red as he stood there in his underwear.

 

[WaveVelour]

Considering the curious fact that he seemingly had never realized the simple act of undressing in front of his significant other, Megan, in a way, knew more about the young man than his girlfriend. Demands of a religious society perhaps, unyielding pressure of the neighbourhood, to prevent these lovers from knowing each other closer. The same conservativeness that made him too shy to lower hips pants in the presence of a woman. Electing to watch him from her side of the room, Megan set her eyes on his form, curious to verify if his unclad body would back his earlier claims of being a hardworking man and an athlete. Despite the clear signs of an unavoidable uneasiness, she watched him comply with her request, piece by piece, casting the cover of his clothes away to flash more of his skin. “How do you guys have sex then?” Unknowing to him yet, Mercedes would ask him to remove some of his traditional values as well, as if they too were mere articles of clothing one could simple peel away.

Not even an hour had passed since the wealthy blonde touched her newfound scholar’s life. Not enough time for him to start hearing things like her assistant sometimes did, particularly sound of her footsteps. She was indeed close. And soon, in the room. “It would be utterly selfish to presume our new friend held the same level of sensual activeness you have.” Upon entering the room, she scolded her assistant for being so vulgar while vocalizing her thoughts, causing her to look down. Instead, Mercedes’ own glances found the man. How she looked hadn’t changed, however Rick obviously was made to expose more of himself during her short-lived absence. A task fulfilled upon her request, of course. Well, half of it at least as she could still see an underwear on him. “You are not done yet?” Turning the chair at the study desk around, the woman rested her hips on the seat. Like a puppet she didn’t require to pull on any strings to move, Megan soon walked around to stand behind the mistress.

“Never mind, just leave it as it is.” Mercedes allowed him to keep the only cover of his frame. “Did you like it dear, the suit?” Although he didn’t seem to get a good look at the attire yet, the woman asked anyway. Megan didn’t talk, but raised her hands behind the woman. Soft fingers gathered Mercedes’ wavy strands into a ponytail, combing and preening it with her other hand. “You might have noticed I haven’t included a pair of shoes or a belt.” Her assistant to work on her golden locks, the woman explained. “A man should choose those himself, don’t you think?” Mercedes asked. Currently, she herself didn’t wore the latter as well, but obviously didn’t walk around barefoot. Above the elegant pair of dark high heels that housed her feet, the woman’s soft thighs kissed each other as Mercedes folded one of her shapely legs over the other. Fingers of her dominant hand curled back in a subtle beckoning sign.

“I trust you have the necessary taste and enthusiasm to complete a smartly appeal.” After completing the trivial task of tying back the woman’s hair, Megan earned a nod from her boss. Her hands became idle, resting on the woman’s shoulders. “Given you had been provided the necessary fund, of course.” After all, next to his education expenses, Rick was going to be paid a salary, so to speak, for his additional services. After a moment of silence, Mercedes continued. “Why don’t you check mine, as an example?” She suggested that the young man before her confirmed the quality of her shoes.

 

[phtlc]

Rick was blindsided by her comment. How do we have sex? he pondered as he tried to think of how he would tell her he never had. Back home, he just saw that as having values, but maybe here that would be laughed at. Pausing, he drew in a breath before speaking. “We, uhh…………Well, I’ve……..uhm…..” his words were interrupted by Mercedes voice as she seemed to shoot down Megans question. Breathing a sigh of relief, he stood there awkwardly in his underwear, fully expecting her to chastise Megan for making him do this. His expectations were shattered however when she looked at him and told him he wasn’t done. Oh my god!. He had hesitated with Megan, but he knew right away when his benefactor spoke that this was not up for negotiation.

As she sat herself down he couldn’t help but be impressed with the power that she projected. Sure many rich people had authority, but she had the air of a royal, unflinching and without bluff or pretension. She didn’t merely act like a royal, she basically was one despite lacking an official title that he was aware of, however he wouldn’t be surprised at al to hear she had been granted “dutchess” or “countess” by some royal. The manner in which Megan moved immediately behind her made clear how the world revolved around her. She came across as though she could literally order the sun not to go down at dusk. Reluctantly he moved his hands towards the waistband of his boxers when she granted him permission to retain the underwear

As he watched her assistant weaving her hair, he saw her cross one leg over the other, and had to admit it was an impressive sight. Granted he maintained eye contact, knowing better than to stare, but just noticing that this powerful attractive woman had done this made his heart rate accelerate. He was in the process of opening his mouth to suggest that he might still need help picking shoes when she invited him to look at her shoes.

Clearing his throat he spoke;

“Of course”

Stepping closer he bent over at the waist to look at her shoes and again he couldn’t help but notice that they probably cost more than his dads car.

“They’re amazing”

 

[WaveVelour]

An attentive observation of loyal attitude and graceful conduct displayed by her personal assistant could indeed be quite beneficial for anyone who had been accepted to Mercedes’ service. She didn’t expect anything less from the half-naked man she intended to take under her wide wings. In the end, Rick could have turned out to be a more loyal asset to toy with than her lovely personal assistant. After all, Megan needed a fair bit of encouragement, just to file the girl’s fierce attitude down. Rick, on the other hand, came to her presence already quite malleable. Her favourite really, having little servants to perform a docile dance of attendance on her. Needy kittens, obedient puppies and caged doves, intently awaiting the commands that would breeze through the woman’s tender lips, to precisely carry them out and not to question, no matter what such demands asked of them.

One slender index finger pointed up, signalling Rick to excuse her a moment while he expressed his apparent admiration to the woman’s shoes. To meet her assistant’s eyes, she tilted her head up. By now, only subtle glances were enough to tell Megan what the mistress wanted, however, this time, words too followed the woman’s gaze. Her silent assistant removed her little hands from her employer’s gentle shoulders. “Megan dear.” Mercedes started. “You may return to the office.” After all, there were rather unassuming errands to run after today’s meeting. “It’s better if you complete your regular tasks before they begin to pile up on your desk.” The blonde woman suggested. “You may never know what else could turn up before the end of your shift.” And not all of those said extra assignments the girl might need to fulfil were always work related. Like her position in the company implied, they could sometimes be quite personal requests.

As the woman’s authoritative glances shifted away from her assistant, Megan replied with a quick nod. “Of course Mist…” An almost audible swallow broke her statement though. Reminding herself that the hotel room hosted not them two, but three, she quickly corrected herself. “Of course, Miss Price.” When the young woman left the room, it was more of a break from her boss’ oppression instead of an escape, for Mercedes’ leash on the girl was quite long and stubborn. And, another was prepared for Rick as well. An invisible string to anchor the young man to the woman’s will. Could be loosened at times, but rarely removed completely. At the end of the woman’s elegant leg that rested over the other, her foot tilted up and down.

“What were you saying, dear?” Her full attention was now shifted over to the only other soul in the deluxe hotel room, the woman recalled the recently uttered words of the man. “They are.” She replied. “Although god has given us five senses for a reason, don’t you think?” He had already used his sight to admire the quality of the grandiose woman’s high heels. And his hearing as well, while listening to her distinct footsteps. Two more to go. Dangerous waters Rick was expected to swim were already heating up, but it began to boil now. “Why don’t you grovel at my feet and tell me how amazing my shoes are again.” Her hands held the side of her short skirt as the woman properly uncrossed her shapely legs. “Through a more involving inspection.” She added.

 

[phtlc]

Observing the manner in which she looked at Megan, Rick sensed that something critical was going to happen, perhaps a test. He steeled himself for whatever was to come, determined to please her and not blow this great chance. Her tone and demeanour when telling Megan to depart told him she was not one to concern herself with how her words or actions made a subordinate feel. Rick had spent his whole life deferring to people he worked for, so this was nothing new in concept at least, but she certainly had a demeanour that said she was prepared to take this to a whole new level.

Her gaze while talking to her assistant had a totalitarian undertone to it, which in and of itself was fine; Rick was more than prepared to be subservient to her. He was feeling pangs of apprehension however, as Megan had started to hint at Ms. Price being somewhat of a tyrant. He watched the interaction with the curiousity of a scientist, taking in every subtle hint, gesture, and mannerism. He knew he had to learn fast to avoid blowing it. As Megan left the room he didn’t know whether to feel relief or the opposite. Megan had seemed so formidable when ordering him to undress, so while Ms. Price had saved him, she clearly had the power to control Megan.

As her attention shifted back to him he felt his unease increase as she focused her attention solely on him. He listened to her discussing the five senses wondering where she was going with this, as she stared at him. He couldn’t quite place it but her demeanor reeked of menace at this moment, despite her pleasant façade. She made him nervous.

Grovel? he thought in shock. What the…?.

He shook off any questions, knowing she would not appreciate hesitation. Kneeling, he saw her uncross her legs, and while he could not see up her skirt from his angle, he felt a twinge of excitement, for which he felt great shame. Trying to ignore her shapely legs, he looked closely at the shoes. Regarding her comment on the five senses he suspected she wanted him to touch the shoes, to feel the fabric.

Looking at her, with an expression that begged for permission as his hand hovered close to the shoes, not yet daring to touch them.

“May I?”

 

[WaveVelour]

Distracting view of a pair of shapely legs and the eye-catching gloss of the nude hosiery that hugged them would today welcome the lucky soul who chose to kneel before the wealthy blonde. From her point of view atop the chair, it wasn’t exactly the kindly sight of a keen servant what she saw at her feet. Or merely a clueless gentleman in his underwear for that matter. It was a mixture of reluctance and confusion what her eyes perceived. Undesired traits that could undoubtedly hinder servitude. Mercedes, of course, had no magic wand that could bestow an unquestioned reverence for her superiority upon those whom she deemed promising. Yes, costly favours usually tended to steer them in the right direction, but mostly, finishing touches of an additional training was required to mould them into something proper, so to speak.

Brushing past the pleasant view of her thighs with her demanding gaze, Mercedes looked down on the man, newest candidate for her perversion. Sometimes, it could be a challenge to find the twisted meaning behind her elaborately uttered words. In this case however, she thought she had been quite clear when she tasked Rick with appreciating the beauty and quality of her shoes in a subtle ceremony to comprehend his new status at his employer’s feet. Like an unassuming little fish, the woman thought. There were so many of them in the depths of the sea, the slums. She could be the gentle waters that lifted them up to the surface, or the wave that washed them ashore where they could no longer hope to live without a helping hand from outside. Sometimes, without noticing the disturbing fact that it was the same hand who rippled the calm waters in the first place.

A thoughtful silence let his hand linger in the air for a moment. Despite the soothing aura that surrounded her, Mercedes wasn’t a patient woman, her time valuable. Not necessarily because she had a lot to do, but rather since there were a lot of things she could do. Polished fingers grasped the ornate armrests of the chair as the woman finally parted her lips. “Perhaps another time.” She raised her gifted hips from the furniture. “Have you heard the phrase?” Mercedes tugged on her short skirt, preened her golden locks a little. “When the opportunity knocks?” The same clicks that once hinted at her imminent arrival now announced her departure from the hotel room. “Sometimes, it indeed knocks quite strongly.” The woman suggested, the doorway framing her alluring form.

“I trust you have my assistant’s number.” Easiest, and sometimes, the only way to reach out to her, in fact, a simple phone call to Megan. In a moment, Mercedes granted the young scholar the privacy he lacked. Not in haste, but confident steps taken across the corridor led her back to the lifts. Cabin doors opened a lot slower than her car’s. Upon noticing his boss, the driver rushed and got the door. “Home.” From the spacious backseat of the vehicle, Mercedes named the destination.