Maggie and the Master by Sarah Fisher Page B

continued. ‘Would you like to see the contract?’
    Maggie was intrigued. ‘Yes, master,’ she said, and Max made a gesture towards Guido, who handed him a briefcase from which he produced a single sheet of paper and handed it to her.
    â€˜There we are, my dear,’ he said. ‘The contract.’
    Slowly she began to read. ‘I, Maggie Howard, hereafter referred to as the slave, do offer myself to Max Jordan, hereafter known as my master, for his pleasure in a BDSM relationship, as defined in detail as follows…’
    Maggie glanced uncertainly at Max, then at Guido, then back at the document in her trembling hands.
    â€˜The slave is fully aware that her master is a strict dominant, and that she is a willing slave to be used for his desired pleasures. The slave expects the domination of her master and is willing to endure any and all punishments deemed appropriate by him.
    â€˜I hereby grant permission to my master to dispense any punishment he may deem appropriate to the slave totally for his enjoyment and the pleasure of hearing the slave request his mercy.
    â€˜The slave will be under her master’s complete and total control and will immediately obey and comply with any order or instruction given to her with the full joy of knowing she is his property and his to use however he chooses. If the slave displeases or disobeys her master in any way she expects to endure any punishment he so chooses as necessary for her inappropriate actions.
    â€˜The slave also agrees not to make any change in her physical appearance without the prior approval of her master.
    â€˜The slave agrees to full participation in any and all activities her master desires as she does not know the extent of her limits with him at this point and desires to learn how complete is her submission to him.
    After thorough training is completed the slave will be sold to the highest bidder.
    Maggie reddened furiously and felt her pulse increase as she finished reading. Then she read it again, more slowly this time, not trusting herself to look up and meet Max Jordan’s eyes.
    It gave her an odd feeling deep in her stomach. In her imagination the scenario of being owned and used and shown off was hugely exciting, but the reality? She had no intention of signing herself away. What on earth did the man take her for? She looked at him levelly. ‘I am expected to sign this?’ she said.
    â€˜No, there is no expectation on my part. The choice is entirely yours, Maggie. But before you dismiss the idea and walk away, let me tell you something about yourself. Even if you don’t sign you will never be free. Today you’ve caught a brief glimpse of those things that have haunted your dreams, maybe even your nightmares, for a long, long time.’
    She looked away; he was far too close to the truth for it to feel comfortable. But Max hadn’t finished.
    â€˜And I know, Maggie, because I see it in your eyes. I know from my own experience that you can never escape those desires that are in your mind.’ His tone changed. ‘But maybe you’ve already got enough for your article. Isn’t that what you came for?’
    Maggie nodded.
    â€˜Well, in that case you are free to go.’ Her dismissal was so perfunctory it took her by complete surprise. Max pulled a key ring from his pocket, beckoned her closer and removed the collar, which Guido immediately returned to its black velvet bag.
    She extended a hand to give him the contract back, but Max waved it away. ‘Take it with you,’ he said. ‘I wouldn’t have expected you to sign it here and now anyway. You need to be sure you understand all the implications of something so momentous, but remember you must sign it before your training begins.’
    Maggie smiled. ‘Thank you,’ she said, and went to retrieve her clothes. She had no intention whatsoever of signing his stupid contract. The idea was ridiculous. Utterly