Chapter 11

Matt and Christy could see a change in Marianne after that night. She was still the same excellent lab assistant she had been before and they could still tell how much she cared for them both, yet now there was a distance, not a coolness, but a reserve they had never seen before. Marianne was obviously exerting great self control in maintaining a warm and cordial but orthodox relationship with them. The other thing they noticed was that she wasn't happy. She continued to invite them to her apartment for coffee or an occasional dinner and they did the same, taking her out to dinner or a movie and once to a concert. She didn't mention the whip or sex anymore for which they were both grateful, but there was now something missing from their relationship, an unidentifiable intangible which had altered the relationship subtlety but most assuredly.

It wasn't long after that Matt purchased a Macintosh and all the office records and billing were transferred to the computer. He also subscribed to an internet provider to make ordering supplies easier.

Not long afterward he twice walked into the office and saw Marianne hurriedly close out whatever had been on the screen. He started to ask her about it but since it didn't seem to affect her work, decided to allow her her moments of web surfing.

"Marianne, it's Christy," she said into the phone. "They've opened that new Chinese restaurant across town. Matt and I thought we'd all give it a try tonight if you'd like."

"I... I'd love to, but tonight I have... other plans. Another time maybe?"

"Of course, maybe next week," replied the wife, just a bit surprised as in all the months Marianne had lived in the apartment she had never gone out for anything others than groceries and shopping. Christy smiled, wondering if the young woman was dating at last. She felt a bit possessive, almost like a parent, wondering who it might be, then chiding herself for being nosey, she put down the receiver, smiled and prepared for her next piano lesson.

That night Christy and Matt decided to try the restaurant even though Marianne would not be going with them. Later that evening, at the restaurant, they shared a smile when Christy related Marianne's begging off and the speculation she might have a date.

"Well it's about time if you ask me," he grinned.

"Yes, maybe now she can begin to find out about normal relationships."

"Whatever that may be for her."

"Come on now," she smiled coyly, "admit it. Weren't you intrigued with that offer of hers?"

"I have ot admit, it was the first time I've ever been propositioned in front of my wife. But how about you? Don't tell me the thought of a threesome didn't flash through your mind."

If it were not for her chocolate brown skin, Christy would have reddened. In college she had had a brief lesbian affair with her roommate who, while attractive, was nothing like as beautiful as the young woman who had bared her breasts and offered herself to them that night several months ago.

"Well maybe she has a boyfriend at last," replied Christy wishing to change the subject as Matt's own enthusiasm to talk about Marianne's sexual attributes, coupled with her own, had resulted in her panties being soaking wet.

"I noticed a letter from the adoption agency," he said.

"No news, except to say they would keep our application on file. You know what the lady at the agency said."

"I know. I just can't believe it will take that long."

"Well, there are just so many couples wanting to adopt and so few babies..."

"Don't worry. We'll keep waiting."

"I just hope we won't be drawing Social Security by the time a baby becomes available."

They finished the meal, impressed with the food and determined to bring Marianne back with them next week.

As they pulled into the driveway, neither could resist looking up the steps to Marianne's apartment at the lighted window. They were rewarded when not one but two shadows crossed the room, one much larger than the other. They looked at each other and smiled.

Getting out and starting toward their house they were brought up short by the unmistakable sound of leather meeting flesh and a muffled gasp emanating from Marianne's apartment.

Matt immediately dashed to and started up the stairs.

"Wait, Matt. It could be the TV," whispered Christy in caution.

They crept up the stairs quietly, paused on the top step, then with each on a side, peeked in the window. Both sets of eyes grew in amazement as they took in what was happening inside the small apartment.

Marianne lay naked across a small waist high stool her wrists and ankles bound with leather straps, red welts across her back and buttocks. Behind her stood a hulk of a man, with extremely broad shoulders and muscular arms. He was dressed in black tights with a cutout for his throbbing penis. The man wore black boots and his face was covered by a tight fitting black leather mask. He stood with the same whip Marianne had offered them months before. As he drew back to administer another lash, Christy gasped.