“Don’t just stand there,” Ishmael said. “We agreed to no strikes tonight and I am a man of my word.” Ishmael’s eyes narrowed. “Or are you disrespecting me again by doubting my integrity?”
That did it. An even greater fear as to what punishments might be on the line if Ishmael felt he was being insulted allowed Kris to force himself to drop to his knees, then crawl forward and into the room.
“I asked you a question.”
“No, sir,” Kris replied. “I just…I just froze for a second, remembering this morning.”
“That was this morning. Once a punishment is over, it’s a clean slate. You need to learn from your mistakes but not dwell on them.”
They reached the far side of the main room and Ishmael opened his office door. Kris stared at the sling that he had been strapped to that morning. He was so absorbed in doing so that at first, he failed to notice the very large man standing quietly beside the chair he’d first seen Ishmael in that morning. He swallowed. The man was a veritable giant, at least six and a half feet tall. His shoulders were broad and his bald head was perched on a thick, heavily corded neck.
Those aren’t arms, they’re freaking tree trunks! Oh my God, so are his legs!
“Kris, this is Crichton. He’s another member of my personal security team. Tonight, he’ll be looking after you so that when I am not present, you’ll be perfectly safe.”
Say what now? Safe? Why wouldn’t I be safe? I’m just going to sit here in a corner, aren’t I?
Crichton looked Kris over, smirking as he held out something made of soft black material to Ishmael. To Kris’ horror, it was revealed to be a hood.
“This is a sensory deprivation hood.” Kris began to shake his head from side to side. Ishmael continued as if he didn’t notice. “Now, sitting in the corner is no good if you can see and hear things around you. You need to know you’re missing out and not experience even in such a vicarious manner as overhearing or peeking. Now, we’re going to place this on you and block up your ears, but leave your mouth free. Then we’re going to suspend you again. The time you spend weightless and without sight or sound will give you time to reflect on your transgression and ways to improve both your outlook and attitude going forward.”
”I’m just going to hang there?” Kris asked, hating the tremulous sound of his voice.
“Yes, no one will touch you except to let you know when it’s over.”
Kris swallowed. This was not what he’d had in mind when he suggested sitting in a corner.I should have known that Lux’s version of that would be hanging a dude up naked in a sex sling thing while making him wear a gimp mask. Fuck, I don’t want to do this, but it’s got to be better than getting smacked with a cane or a whip or something worse.
Kris crawled forward and gracefully lifted up to his knees before Ishmael. “I’m ready, sir,” he said, putting his hands behind his back.
Ishmael smiled down at him. “Such a good lad.”
