–
sums that would make even a Libor fixer blush. A move into sales
was an opportunity not to be missed for any ambitious young
man.
With her mind now recovering from the shock she’d just
experienced, Emily gave this some further consideration. She
quickly surmised that this was good news for her as well. Okay, so
the elevator situation had been hideously galling, a nightmare that
could have ended in disaster. It had seemed shockingly foolhardy on
the part of Emily’s Master, especially as he had an important
interview lined up. But in hindsight, he was probably in control of
the situation, using it to his advantage to sharpen his wits with
an adrenalin rush. And he played it to perfection – no doubt
building up confidence for the meeting ahead with a display of
total control and dominance. Emily appreciated now that it was a
carefully measured act, like what happened in the basement – the
sex laced with danger to add some spice, but cleverly orchestrated
to minimise the risk. Her Master was no fool – he was a
manipulative bastard who was calculating and smart. Now that Emily
thought about it – an ideal big ticket salesman in fact!
And there was the upside for Emily Johnson: if this mysterious
man got such a lucrative job, he would want to guard it well. It
would be financial folly not to, considering the money the sales
force earned. An average performer made a six figure salary – the
very best might command another nought. Her Master wouldn’t
jeopardise such a prospect by risking some hideous scandal. Nor
would he wish to see Emily hounded out of her job, for as P.A. to
the boss, Mrs. Johnson was a hugely useful asset to any budding
salesman, controlling access to the C.E.O. – a man who could make
or break a deal, and whose time every salesman wanted, but only
those deemed worthy managed to get a slice of.
Emily smiled with relief. She could see the bigger picture
now. Her Master was playing games, to tease and amuse himself, but
his intension wasn’t to ruin Emily’s career. He would use his toy
in a multitude of ways, like prostituting Emily to the Italian.
There would be torment in store and demonstrations of control,
inflicting anguish through manipulation, but Emily guessed it would
never be taken too far. Like this afternoon and the threat that was
made, suggesting he was coming to the top floor on a whim, when in
actual fact he was here for a good reason.
Then a disturbing thought occurred. What about the collar? Her
Master had been clear about that – it had to be worn in his
presence. The elevator was forgivable as Emily was on her way back,
but definitely not following her return. And they could very well
meet again. The interview would undoubtedly go well – how could
Willy Ross fail to be impressed by such a forceful scheming rogue
who could turn on the charm at the drop of a hat. And in which
case, if he was to be appointed, Willy would probably take the man
around afterwards and introduce him to some key players on the top
floor. Donald Harper for sure; and most likely Emily! Did Her
Master seriously expect the collar to be on display in such
illustrious company as the Director of Sales, or even worse – the
C.E.O.?
‘Of course not!’ thought Emily as she smiled again, realising
what was actually meant. Her Master has said it must be worn – he
didn’t mention anything about being on display. Emily knew with
certainty what she had to do.
Picking up the Chanel bag where the collar was hidden, Emily
nipped off to the washroom, a much more luxurious affair here on
the top floor than the grimy one in the basement. It was empty, but
nevertheless Emily adjourned to the safety of a cubicle. There in
private she opened the bag and found the collar. Excitedly,
thrilled by the naughtiness and the implication, she put on the
collar then found the silk scarf that was in the bag – Emily being
resourceful if nothing else, always prepared, conscious of the
fickle British weather. She