Page 45 of Welcome to Ero-TEA-Ca: We’re Open!

Cassandra

S omething was going on with Harriet. Cass was sure of it. Since the impromptu party last week, Harriet had been acting weird—secretive, almost. Twice now, Cass had popped by the shop, only to find Harriet gone. Nabi was no help. She either didn’t know where Harriet was or she was keeping quiet.

Even more frustrating was the fact Kendal was also AWOL a lot at the moment. Cass thought maybe she was nipping off for a bit of nookie with Shauna, but then Shauna rang the café asking for Kendal, so Cass was stumped.

Although she couldn’t get too indignant about being kept in the dark because she wasn’t so innocent herself. Cass had a secret—a dirty, whip-wielding secret.

“Come in,” Mistress Black said in her usual honeyed tone. Cass looked left and right down the street, looking for signs she’d been followed. It was ridiculous, but her mind wouldn’t stop worrying. “How have you been, Cassandra?”

No matter how many times she’d asked Mistress Black to call her Cass, the woman purred her full name every time.

“G-good. Thank you. Um, yourself?” She followed Mistress Black to the living room.

“Perfectly splendid. Now, are you ready?”

Cass slipped off her coat and sat on the sofa. “Yes. I’m ready.”

Mistress Black took a seat in the high wingback chair in the corner of the living room. Crossing one long leg over the other, she rested both hands on her lap, regarding Cass. “Are you sure? We’ve been here before, and you were not able to complete the task.”

Swallowing away her anxiety, Cass sat up straight. “No, I’m ready this time.”

“Good. Then I’ll ask you the question you failed to answer on your first and second visit. Why are you here, Cassandra?”

This was Cass’s third time in front of Mistress Black. She’d not been able to answer the question the first two times. As soon as she had opened her mouth, she froze, anxiety crippling her at every turn. Mistress Black had sat patiently each time. But Cass couldn’t answer.

She’d decided to seek out Mistress Black after their brief conversation at the party.

The woman exuded a confidence Cass had never seen before.

It’d taken a lot of gumption to approach Mistress Black in the first place.

She’d half convinced herself the woman would instantly whip out a paddle or ask Cass to drop to her knees.

But of course, that hadn’t happened. They had chatted like regular people. About the weather, no less.

During their conversation, Cass noticed how commanding Mistress Black was without actually asking anything of anyone. She just radiated dominance and confidence. And that’s when the idea struck.

What if Cass could emulate Mistress Black? She didn’t want to become a Domme, or enter that life, but she did want some guidance. She wanted someone to show her how to be confident in her sex life, confident with all things sexual, without baulking.

The good doctor was working with Cass on her triggers and history. But Cass needed more than that. She needed to stop being the woman who ran away from sex and anything associated with it.

Her last session with Dr Herman was a revelation of sorts. Not that it was a surprise, but to hear the doctor name what Cass was doing helped. Cass rejected sex or anything perceived as salacious, in a way to make sure she didn’t turn out like her mum.

Now, that sounded harsh at first and Cass felt awful, because deep down she knew it was true. But she also knew her mum hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d only ever been herself.

Thankfully, Dr Herman put it into perspective.

According to her, Cass was still working with a child’s perspective of her mother.

Instead of looking at things through a forty-one-year-old’s mind, Cass reverted to the painful teen years anytime something scandalous came up.

The embarrassment, gossiping, and judgement she heard whispered about her mother, triggered her to withdraw and distance herself.

So, with that in mind, Cass hoped working with Mistress Black could help nudge her into an adult’s mindset.

She’d already come a long way on her own.

Things bothered her less and less, but the lingering self-doubt and panic still reared its ugly head now and then, meaning Cass still snapped and withdrew.

She was tired of it. Sure, she would get pissed off at the price of living, or the local council would still bring out her ornery side, but she didn’t want her love life to do that.

Harriet didn’t deserve it, and neither did Cass.

“Because I want to own my power. I want to feel confident in my own skin. I’m doing this for me and for Harriet.”

“How do you think this will help you feel comfortable?”

“I’m hoping to learn control. Within myself. I want to control my anxiety and fear. Turn it on its head and make it work for me, instead of against. You’re one of the most confident women I think I’ve ever met. I want you to teach me how to be like you.”

“And your limits?”

“No touching. I’m with Harriet. I’m not looking to be taught how to be a Domme or a sub. I’m not looking to enter the scene.” Cass silently patted herself on the back for remembering the terminology. “Or the lifestyle. Harriet and I…we…” Oh, God, she was struggling again.

“Take your time, Cassandra.”

“We have a fulfilling sex life. I know there are things Harriet would like to try, but she’s reticent—scared I’ll freak out.”

“Things like what?” Mistress Black remained stoic. She never gave away a thing she was thinking.

“Like…like toys. I know she has them. I’ve got a vibrator myself, but we never use them.”

“Have you initiated that particular conversation?”

Cass shook her head. “No, and that’s the problem. Conversations like that should come easy, but they don’t. I want to take the lead. It shouldn’t be up to Harriet all the time.”

“But so far, you don’t feel confident to talk to her about it?”

Cass sighed in frustration. “I second-guess myself.”

Mistress Black drummed her perfectly manicured nails on her knee. Cass waited. “Okay, Cassandra. I’m going to help you. We’ll work on your self-awareness, self-confidence, and above all, acceptance.”

Cass was confused. “I know who I am. I accept myself just fine.”

“No, you do not. But you will. Give me a few weeks and you’ll be exactly where you should be. Dominating your life, entirely.”

Not entirely sure what that meant, Cass cast her worries aside. She needed to do this. For her. For Harriet. “When can we start?”

“Right now, Cassandra. After tonight, I expect to see you here at least once a week, until I say otherwise. Clear?”

“Clear.”

This was it. Cass could feel it. With Mistress Black’s help, she was going to become the best version of herself.

Cass had visited Mistress Black three times a week for the last month.

And boy, was she feeling good! She was still a little nervous, but that was to be expected.

Mistress Black, or Selina, as she now referred to her, had coached Cass for this very moment, nerves included.

No longer under her tutelage, Cass and Selina were more than happy to be friends.

Selina was fun to be around. She was a lot more laid back than Cass first thought.

Harriet continued to be preoccupied, which for a while had Cass concerned, but she trusted her girlfriend. Harriet would fill Cass in when she was ready. That was what she repeated to herself daily, anyway.

To be fair, Ero-Tea-Ca was always slammed, so Harriet definitely had her hands full. It was the evenings she begged off from seeing Cass that puzzled her. Harriet had said she had some work to finish up but never elaborated.

Knowing there were some negative feelings brewing, Cass spoke to Dr Herman, asking for advice.

“Talk to her,” was the width and breadth of that convo.

Cass absolutely should have talked to Harriet, but some old insecurities took root and stopped her from communicating.

The voices which told Cass that Harriet was already growing bored with her and was distancing herself, whispered in her mind.

Selina, being stupidly observant, made Cass confess all her spiralling thoughts and feelings, which then led to some very intense sessions. By the end, though, Cass came out the other side feeling stronger. She had a choice: Trust Harriet or don’t. Simple.

Cass chose to trust her, so she continued with her plan, a plan to show Harriet that Cass was all in.

She chose Harriet and the teashop. She chose a life of sexual innuendos and naughty teapots, of awkward questions and eclectic friends.

Because from the moment Cass allowed herself to be with Harriet, she knew this was it. This was her forever.

Checking her watch, Cass scanned the tearoom one last time.

Sunday afternoons were usually reserved for book clubs, specifically Selina’s book club today; however, Mistress Black had graciously allowed Cass to hijack her time as long as the Domme club could use The Oxford Beanery as a replacement.

With Kendal’s enthusiastic blessing, Cass agreed.

Instead of paralysing nerves, Cass felt excited bubbles in her belly. Smoothing down her slacks one last time, she positioned herself in front of the counter facing the door. Harriet was due any second, lured to the shop under a false “emergency” pretence. Thank you, Nabi!

A shadow fell across the door. Harriet’s long hair billowed in the wind. Even as a silhouette, she was breathtaking. Standing tall, Cass smiled. She was ready.

The door burst open. Harriet looked around frantically. “I’m here. Is everything okay? Nabi said something about a fire!”

Cass rolled her eyes. She’d asked Nabi to get Harriet to the shop, not induce a stroke. Cass planted her feet slightly wider than her hips and raised a hand to stop Harriet, then took a deep breath. Showtime. “The shop is fine. No fire. Please shut the door.”

Harriet hesitated for a second, but complied. Cass watched her take in the room with arched brows. “Cass, what’s going on?”

Pointing to the single chair sitting in a clearing in the middle of the teashop, Cass schooled her face and waited. Eventually, Harriet moved and sat down. Cass smirked when Harriet’s gaze raked up the length of Cass’s body, her eyes wide and appreciative.

Wearing fitted black slacks, black high heels, and an Ero-Tea-Ca shirt open at the front to reveal the tops of her breasts and a sneak peek at the lace bra, Cass felt smug.

Harriet was practically drooling. She had weighed up whether to keep her hair loose, but in the end opted for a high, tight ponytail and dark eye makeup.

“Cass?” Harriet’s voice was lower than usual.

Turning to the counter, Cass picked up a box and placed it on the table closest to Harriet. Happy she had her girlfriend’s undivided attention, she flicked off the lid. Harriet strained to see inside but couldn’t, leaving her to frown, and Cass to smile devilishly.

“I’m going to lay some things out on the table, and you are to choose your favourites.”

“What things? Cass, what’s going on?”

“I won’t repeat myself, Harriet.”

Harriet’s eyes shot to Cass. Her nostrils flared and pupils dilated. She was turned on by Cass’s commanding presence. Perfect.

Slowly and methodically, Cass emptied the box, ignoring Harriet’s sharp intake of breath. “Choose your favourite.”

Harriet looked from the items, to Cass, and back again, several times. “I-I like that one.”

Cass picked up the double-ended dildo and placed it to one side. “Anything else?”

Harriet bit her lip. Cass could see she wanted to choose the handcuffs and blindfold. Picking them up without a word, Cass put them next to the dildo. “Is that it?”

Harriet nodded. Happily, Cass placed the unselected items back in the box and returned it to the counter.

“Next, I want you to choose anything from that tray.” Cass pointed to a silver platter filled with different food.

She’d researched popular food play items and laid them out for Harriet to choose from.

Clearing her throat, Harriet briefly scanned the plates and bowls. “The strawberries and squirt-y cream.”

Nodding, Cass took them and placed them with the toys. “Stay there.” Taking the platter full of food back to the kitchen gave Cass a chance to breathe. So far, things were going well.

Harriet hadn’t moved a muscle. She was looking thoroughly confused, but Cass saw the excitement in her eyes. “Please take your coat off. Make yourself comfortable.”

Hanging her purse on the back of her chair, Harriet shucked off her coat, laying it on the closest chair.

Cass watched her for any signs of discomfort, but she didn’t detect any at all.

Happy she could continue, Cass slipped behind the counter and picked up the tray with Harriet’s favourite naughty teapot design, a cup and saucer, and a selection of erotic-themed mini cakes.

“The tea is steeped. May I pour you a cup?” Harriet remained silent but nodded. “I know you’re wondering what’s going on. But I’d like to take care of you first. Is that okay?”

“Y-yes.”

“Good,” Cass purred. “Now, while you sit there with your tea, I want you to tell me all the things you want me to do to you with regards to the items you’ve chosen.”

It was a good thing Cass hadn’t handed over the tea yet, because she was sure it would’ve ended up on the floor. Harriet gasped, her hands gripping the edge of the chair until they were white. “What do you mean?” she spluttered.

Cass circled her slowly, allowing her fingertips to gently run over Harriet’s shoulders, causing the skin to react. “I want you to tell me how you’d like me to fuck you with the dildo. Would you prefer to be tied up and blindfolded first, or would that come later?”

“Cass!”

Bending slightly until her lips were next to Harriet’s ear, Cass traced the tip of her tongue around the lobe.

“Would you like me to lick cream off your nipples while handcuffed to my bed, Harriet? Or maybe you’d like me to leave a trail of it down your back, allowing me to snack on you as I take you from behind? ”

“Jesus Christ.” Harriet’s voice was almost a whisper.

“Drink up.” Cass handed over the teacup. She watched as Harriet handled it with visibly shaking hands. Wandering over to the door, Cass flicked the lock. The last thing they needed was to be disturbed.