Part 4 Continued

Stephen walks to Sophia, and facing her, he gives her a soft gentle kiss. She closes her eyes, and enjoys the fleeting moment.

She hands Stephen his coat with questions all over her face. She doesnt say anything, but she wants this done and over with.

"We will be riding in seperate cars. You will arrive before I do, you will be riding with Seth and Alexander. Dont concern yourself with where I am. I will catch up to you soon enough."

Stephen pushes through the door, into the night, while she still stands. Now waiting for Seth, and this Alexander fellow.

Lawrence and David are chatting about the differences between female and male sadists. She hears their echoing laughter as they walk off into the unknown night.

"Sophia, it looks like you'll be riding with us. Dont worry, we wont hurt you. Yet. Come, join us."

Seth had an amused air about him. This piqued her curiosity. She wondered if she should say anything, or even look at them.

"Hello, my name is Alexander. My close friends are fond of calling me Alex. I am under the impression that you are the girl thats to be left in our care?"

Alexander has blonde hair, blue eyes that are almost violet, he has wide shoulders, strong hands. He stands at least six ft four. He towers above her so much, that she literally tilts her head back to look up at him.

"Dont be afraid, ok? I see you shaking, and theres no real reason. In time, you will know fear. Just not right now."

Aleaxander offers her his hand, and she accepts. With her tiny hand in his, they walked out of the restaurant, to the car.

"Why are you, David, Lawrence, and Seth keeping watch over me?"

Her voice was clear, respectful.

Seth has overheard her, and can not hold back his laughter. His eyes were glittering, and turning to face her, he says,

"Wow. Stephen really doesnt tell you anything. Either that, or you dont pay attention to the subtle hints weve been dropping all night. My god, I thought you smarter than this."

"Here we are. Get into the car, and dont mess up your clothes."

She slid into the backseat, raising her dress quickly, and settles into the seat. She has no idea where shes going to be taken, but shes grown rather fond of these gentlemen. She doesnt know what to expect, they dont ask her any questions, nor do they speak to her.

She is comfortable in silence. Gives her the chance to collect herself, and to study the easy gestures of the two men sitting in front of her.

They appear totally at ease. Easy laughter passes between them.

Alex turns around, and gazes at Sophia.

"Have you ever been whipped? To the point of bleeding? How about tied up? Knots at the wrists? The ankles?"

She is struck by the bluntness of his questions. She searches his face, looking for a hint of a smile, a smirk, anything. She finds none.