A Firm Hand (closed)

The party was today. Lia had been reminded by the shouting match downstairs between her parents - the usual criss-crossing of their opinions, her mother's high-pitched squeals clashing with the deep tones of her father's frustrated growl. Rubbing the back of her hand over sleepy eyes, it was decided hesitantly that perhaps it was best to disturb them later, when the argument had gone full circle a few times and her mother had stormed off to the second conservatory at the side of the house. It was always about the same thing, their arguments. Her mother, Loren, was an introvert at heart and always dismayed at her father's obsession with holding entertainment get-togethers for his colleagues in their own backyard.

"We have a nice house, honey!" he'd exclaim, holding his hands up in a dramatic show of confusion. "We have a lovely family, a beautiful daughter..I have a gorgeous wife. Why wouldn't I involve you both?"

"I just wish you'd ASK me, Matt!" would be the usual reply, high-heels clacking around the linoleum of the kitchen. And so the 'discussion' would go on until one of them lost their temper, or until they got tired. The problem with her father was that he was too thoughtful to the wrong people, Lia had finally concluded. He always needed things doing his way, because his way was the only way to make everyone happy. Or so he thought. Secretly, Lia didn't like his habit of throwing gatherings either - three or four times a year he'd hold one, inevitably forgetting to tell Loren or Lia until a few days before. Oh, it was because he cared, Lia knew that. It was quite sweet really. But it'd mean...

She looked at the small collection of swim outfits she had. Two bikinis, three one-pieces. Dragging a brush through her knotted hair, the girl perused her choices, walking up and down the length of the bed they were laid out on. It was going to be held in their back garden - a huge stretch of neatly-mown grass, a large patio area, a gathering of bushes and trees at the end that led into a small, unkempt clearing that her mother always swore to clear up and make part of the garden every year. The swimming pool had been the last instalment though - with a deep end and a shallow end, it became the state piece of their lavish lifestyle. It was sometimes embarrassing, suddenly being the rich kid. Not that it was sudden now - but it had been, and each year it seemed her parents grew more comfortable with splashing out. Lia's wardrobe was huge and full of clothes she'd never feel comfortable wearing. Baggy wool jumpers paired with dark jeans were her outfits of choice. Especially ever since she was fifteen.

Lia held a skimpy bikini top against her naked breasts, turning to look at her reflection in a wall mirror hung next to her bed. The material strained as she pressed it against her skin as a test, and a scowl twisted her heart-shaped face in frustration. At fifteen, her breasts had grown - really grown. For two years she'd been teased about it relentlessly, leading her to buy her uniform two sizes too big to hide them, bras that were too small to try and strap them back. They'd only really ended up hurting her and hadn't really made a big difference, but it'd helped her feel like she was doing something. It wasn't as if she'd asked to have two bouncing reminders of womanhood stuck to the front of her chest day in, day out. It'd made wearing anything skin-tight or remotely feminine impossible, and had slowly made Lia retreat from accepting any sort of male attention in the fear they were only building up to some sort of joke about them. People could be so cruel.

Next she held up the darker one-piece, slipping off her pyjama bottoms to slide legs into the holes and pull it up hesitantly over her toned stomach - hooking arms through the straps, she gave a small hffh of exertion as she pulled the tight material over her breasts, inspecting the result in the mirror. Not so bad. Better than the bikini. As she twirled to get the full effect, Lia wondered if she should invite Adam. Adam had been...well, they had been "dating" for about six weeks now. He was a shy guy, spoke as if he always had a slight cold, but he was smart and she actually enjoyed talking to him. It was nice. Their dates had passed quickly and she always looked forward to the next. He wasn't exactly the most sociable though, and the thought of him standing there as awkwardly as she in swimming shorts made her blush slightly. No, perhaps not. Maybe another time. He would be polite enough, but this wasn't the best opportunity to introduce him to her parents.

Finally deciding on the subtly shaded yellow one piece swimsuit, Lia stretched it over her body and threw on a dark blue jumper over the top, shimmying into tight jeans. The voices from downstairs had quietened now, and she'd rather offer her help for the preparation without being asked rather than her mother throwing a strop later at 'nothing going to plan'. Wandering downstairs bare-foot, Lia wondered absently if she could get away with leaving the party early after the guests had all settled in. Socialising with the children of her father's colleagues had always been difficult - mostly spoiled, entitled brats who either bitched about each other to her, or ogled her openly. Not exactly candidates for friendship...


"Lia! Liaaa-! Over here, darling. Meet Derek, one of our advisors..."

Lia smiled politely, holding out a hand to Derek - another man that was just too important for her not to be introduced to, apparently. Her father beamed at her. At least he was happy.

"It's lovely to meet you, Derek." she finally said, clearing her throat after, hooking a long strand of hair behind her ear. Derek looked like an idiot. An aged idiot. Greying hair leading to a bald patch, dressed in a suit on a sunny day - at a BBQ, no less. He held her hand far too tightly and then brought it up to his wrinkled lips, pressing them to the back of her hand with a slight chuckle. The rasping, hoarse sound sent shivers across her skin and she'd had to focus to make sure the smile didn't slip.

"A pleasure." Derek had finally replied, letting go of her hand after patting it condescendingly. "You have a beautiful daughter, Matt. Looks just like Loren, don't you think? Very similar."

Lia had continued to stand there, holding her hands together behind her back to avoid more awkward handshakes. Eventually her father had asked her to see if anyone else wanted a drink, and she was able to escape. Her jumper and jeans had been discarded inside long ago, and she made her slow, winding way to the swimming pool which seemed to be popular with the younger attendees. Sitting at the side, she stretched another smile from her muscles as small-talk commenced. It's not like she genuinely didn't like these people - they were just boring. Lia had a close-knit group of friends at school who she had known almost her whole life, and she just had nothing in common with the giggling, spiteful teenagers in front of her right now. After twenty minutes of making what she hoped were the right noises of understanding and interest, Lia excused herself to skip off to a more secluded part of the garden to a break from the neverending chatter - under the shade of the trees at the end, where it was cooler, the leaves ahead creating a thick barrier against the sun rays. Only the youngest children usually went here to play hide and seek - or so Lia thought, until she saw one of the executives from her father's work standing near the fence, eyes flickering over the party with a drink in hand. Probably needing a break too - and she didn't blame him. She didn't expect him to approach her, but his eyes met hers and he stalked over pretty quickly, leaving her frozen to the spot in surprise.

"Lia? Remember me? Jacob Trask - I'm the VP of Sales at the company. That's right. Say, if you've got a minute, there's something I'd like to talk with you about. Why don't we step over there where we can talk in private?"

Lia blinked, looking around. No one else seemed to be in earshot, but...

"..s-sure. I remember you. I guess we can talk over here?"

Lia motioned for the man to follow her, a twist of nerves pulling at her stomach - but curiosity was stronger. She led him behind the small copse of trees, out of sight of the party, into the small clearing behind their garden that nature still owned. Until they stopped, Lia's eyes were on the ground to make sure her bare feet didn't run into the path of a sharp stick, or a thorn.

"Here should be fine. What..what is it you want, Mr..Trask?"

As she spoke, Lia turned round, smoothing stray blonde hairs behind her ears again. Her eyes were wide, and she looked him up and down questioningly for a few seconds after she'd finished speaking. Slightly over-weight, older guy - Lia wasn't exactly short, but he was a good few inches taller. His face and voice were familiar, but come to think of it, her father had never mentioned him much, which was...unusual.

A soft smile met her words, which instantly put the girl a little at ease. The sounds of the party, although faint, were still audible - reminded her that she was at home, and safe. Straightening up slightly, she followed the length of his arm and pointing finger as he spoke:

"Let's have a seat."

There was no reason not to trust him, right? Lia made her way over, aware of his slightly hulking presence over her smaller frame. A bird fluttered away from a branch overhead as they disturbed the peace by sitting on the bench, Lia leaning away from him slightly - as much as its possible, the bench not being incredibly large. Sitting next to him was strange...the bench forced her to be closer than she'd usually be, her comfort zone violated. Twirling a strand of hair around her fingers, she looked up at him meekly as he began talking.

"So, Lia. I've never really gotten to know you have I? Are you at college now?"

Sitting back slightly, Lia gave a wavering, shy smile and nodded.

"Wow, you have grown up so fast. What are you studying?"

A small frown, and then another smile before she answers. "I'm studying English Literature at the moment.."

Jacob gave a small nod, regarding her with a tilt of his head before asking her: "Do you enjoy it?"

"It's fun." Lia replied slowly, her eyebrows wavering between relaxing and frowning as she thought her answer over. "I think I'm doing well."

A few questions later and Lia relaxed a little more, chewing on her bottom lip inbetween answering the inane, usual questions. Perhaps this Mr. Trask was just trying to show an interest in the Thompson family to suck up to her father. That wasn't unusual, and she'd had to entertain such things before. Crossing one leg over the other, she tilted her head upwards to try and seem more confident, her blue eyes flickering over his face as he spoke. The key to making sure these encounters ended quickly was to show them a brave face and not let them think you were easily taken for a ride. Or else they'd approach you every time there was any sort of gathering, and it just got...well, creepy.

"While we're talking about your future, I want to caution you about a potential problem with your father..."

Lia frowned, this last sentence grabbing her attention. Jacob leaned forward, his eyes staring into hers intensely as if inviting her to do the same - so she did, despite herself, the tone of his voice sending a deep feeling of worry into the pits of her stomach.

"I won't bore you with the technicalities, but basically it can be construed as fraudulent concealment of material facts and each instance is a Class C felony. If the Feds find out, he could be facing several years in prison. No doubt that will be a serious disruption to your entire family. Your mom and sisters might have to sell the house and move to pay the bills. Why, it might even cost you your college admission if I becomes public that you're the daughter of a felon."

Lia sat still, her eyes frozen in a wide, shocked expression. From asking about her school to hitting her with this apparent truth - she felt sick, and her hands grabbed the edge of the bench tightly as if to steady herself. Her family, despite all the arguments and sniping, was happy right now. Really happy. This would break them. They depended on her father's income..her mother was employed, but only part-time, enjoying the freedom their luxurious lifestyle gave her to pursue the arts. Their colleges - they wouldn't have the money to pay for anything. Even if they did, Mr. Trask was right. The blow to their reputation would be huge, especially in the new high-class society her parents had tried to hard to fit into.

"But don't worry, Lia! Your father isn't in trouble yet and there's a way to make sure the feds never find out about his mistake. And if they never find out, then there's absolutely nothing to worry about. Your father and your family will be safe."

Lia blinked again, a frown creasing her brow as her stomach lurched back with hope. Her eyes had actually started to prickle with beginning tears too - now she rapidly blinked them back, her tongue anxiously licking over her lips as she waited for Jacob to continue. For some reason, his careful way of eyeing her was making her uneasy. And if her father wasn't to get in trouble - why wasn't he telling him this? Why was he telling her?

"But in order to do that, I am going to need your help. It won't be easy, I warn you, but if you're willing to make the sacrifice, I think you can. Are you up up for that, Lia? Will you do all you can to help save your father?"

A small pause as Lia tried to absorb this. Her tongue ran over her lips again - her mouth felt so dry - before she spoke.

"I can..help? How? I'm not very good with maths, before you ask. And my father has never included me in his work, so it's not like I can really tell you anything he couldn't."

Lia sat back again, trying to create space inbetween herself and Jacob. Upon realising she was still holding onto the bench, she forced herself to relax and folded her arms in what she hoped looked like a casual way, an eyebrow quirking upwards with her question. Lia had been practicing faux-confident poses in the mirror, and perhaps they would finally pay off. She was worried, though. If Jacob wished for secret information or for her to go behind her father's back, it just wasn't possible even if she wanted to.

Jacob's hand felt large, clapping on her shoulder with a reaffirming grip, eyes intensely locking onto hers as he spoke with a low, patient tone.

"Now, now, don't you go doubting yourself. Your father speaks very highly of you. I can't count many times he's bragged about your perseverance and dedication. Here's where you can make a real difference, Lia. The fortunate part of your Dad's mistake is that it's not something people will notice on their own. So if we can keep this thing quiet, no one will ever know and your Dad is in the clear."

This didn't surprise Lia. Her father doted on the whole family, in his own, over-confident way. Matt Thompson was an outgoing and passionate man, comparable to a puppy - at least, that's what her mother said. The memory comforted her as Jacob reminded her of praise, and she allowed herself to nod slightly in confirmation. Admittedly, her heart sped up a little as she heard she could make a real difference. What did anyone who had never had importance want? Lia would love to be the one to save the day, to stop the inevitable arguments between her parents and keep the family together. The thought of turning down the possibility made her chest tighten. It just wasn't an option.

Lia followed his hand with her eyes as Jacob brought it up sharply, scanning the gardens around them whilst holding her still with his other hand still on her shoulder. With hesitant, jerking movements, Lia looked around as well - no one was in sight, the plants and trees around them moving in the breeze the only noises she could hear within their radius. Even so, Jacob beckoned her closer conspiratorially, and Lia shuffled forwards on the bench slightly to bow her head towards his. Long locks of hair brushed against her knees to finally hang inbetween them, but the girl was too distracted to brush it back as she usually did.

"Okay, what I'm telling you is completely secret. You can't breathe a word of it to anyone, understand?"

Lia smiled faintly despite herself, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards. For a split second, she didn't feel like shy Lia in an old-fashioned one-piece swimsuit - she felt like Lia Thompson, a possible future her; an established teacher, or business woman..doing business. Being trusted with important things. She gently began chewing on her bottom lip again absently as she nodded that she understood, the shiver of excitement travelling up from stomach to throat despite herself. This wasn't a time to be happy about anything, but...

"Right now, there's only one person who knows about this situation who could hurt your father. Unfortunately, he doesn't like your father very much, so he won't keep things quiet. But I think an appeal from Matt's daughter could persuade him to hold his tongue. You might have to beg and plead, but I think he'd do it for you."

Lia's mind stuttered in thought, pausing, mulling over those words. An appeal? As in, an official one, or? No, he'd mentioned begging. Pleading. Instinctively her body jerked a little in surprise, but he moved his other hand to grip her other shoulder firmly, his eyes still holding hers. The excitement faded back into the sickly nerves she'd had when he'd first approached her - his expression now seemed patient, but the sort of patient a predator had before it pounced. His fingers smoothed over her shoulder blades as if adjusting his hold, but the small presses of his fingertips made her inwardly shudder.

"Okay, Lia, there's one last thing you need to know...that man - the one you need to persuade - that man is me."

This time her body really did try to move away, Lia trying to shuffle back to the other side of the bench - but his hands held on, as if he'd expected the reaction, fingers digging into her shoulders sharply for a moment. A small yelp of surprise escaped her lips but she stayed where she was, slumping for a moment and fixing him with a wary, baleful glare.

"I'm the one who has the dirt on dear old dad. It just so happens that I think your father is a self-righteous meddling prick, so I'd gladly tell the feds just to watch that asshole suffer. Fortunately for you, I have other desires that matter more."

His expression suddenly split into a self-righteous grin, his eyes holding hers for a long moment before darting down to her chest purposely; looking at her breasts that heaved with every breath taken. Lia flushed immediately, cheeks and neck pinking and eyes sparkling with the rush of embarrassment. Jacob took his time eyeing her openly before finally addressing her again, a smug tone sneaking into his voice that hadn't been there before. Or had it?

"That's right, sweet cheeks, I've been lusting after your hot bod for a while now, so I'm willing to take it in trade. The dirt on your father is good for about a year. After that, the statute of limitations runs and he's free and clear. So here's the bargain: I agree not to tell the feds; in exchange, you spend a year as my willing and enthusiastic fuck buddy. Whatever I want, whenever I want, where ever I want - you do it."

An icy feeling now flooded through her, hairs raising on the back of her neck and on her arms as he finally let go, sitting back to regard her fully. Confidence exuded off him like a cat who'd just been fed. Lia immediately took the opportunity to scramble back, although her space was limited on the bench - and she didn't dare run off, with the situation being as it was. Her tongue pressed against the back of her lips, throat and mouth slowly drying. After a long few seconds had passed, Lia opened her mouth to speak - but Jacob hadn't finished yet.

"Alternatively, you get up and walk away. Tell your Dad, it doesn't matter; the reports are already on file. One phone call and the feds will be on your doorstep inside of a week. After that, you can kiss your family's perfect life goodbye. So what's it gonna be, sweet cheeks? Walk away and save your dignity? Or stay and save your family? Which do you choose?"

Lia narrowed her eyes.

"You do know this should be beneath you, right? What sort of guy decides the best thing to do about this is to blackmail his family?"

Pushing herself off the bench, Lia stood with her arms crossed, trying to gain some sort of advantage. Her heart beat like a drum and her breathing was heavy - but tossing her hair back of her shoulder, she tried again to give off some sort of performance of confidence like he was.

"I'm...I'm not a damn whore. Just..."

She rolled her eyes, rubbing her lips together as she went through all the motions of being lost for words.

"There's nothing else you want? We..my parents have money, they can give you favours. I..I can't give you anything. I wouldn't even know. I don't even know. I'm just me, I don't know anything!"

Closing her eyes, Lia tried to calm herself, exhaling slowly. She could feel his eyes flickering over her even though she couldn't see him, and she had to fight the urge to shudder. Of course, she'd expected some of the work colleagues had eyed her up and down a few times as she'd grown up - but no, she'd never expected this. What should she do? What could she do? Now she was just buying time, and her mind was coming up with no plausible other options she could offer him if..if that was what was on his mind.

"You see this watch on my wrist? Did you see the car I drove up in? I'm a senior executive and I make as much as your father does."

With one smooth movement Jacob stood up just after she did, the height difference now intensifying as she took sharp, hesitant steps backwards, eyes locked onto the slowly approaching figure. The smile on his face irritated her, and despite the wiggling fear slowly spreading through her, Lia felt a firm determination to try and not show it as much as was possible.

But then, the smile curved viciously, the motion of it pulling the fear from her in thin tendrils. It sent shivers to her shoulders, her fingers, her knees quivering slightly as he spoke, the words hurt and suffer sending spikes of confusion through her brain that finally manifested into syrupy distress.

"I don't care about your father's money. I want to hurt him. I want him to suffer."

Seeming satisfied with her response, his wide grin faded into something more welcoming, the PR lights switching back on behind his eyes.

"But there are things I enjoy more than seeing your father in pain. For example, getting my dick sucked by a hot piece of ass like yourself."

The blunt language hit her like a brick, leaving her momentarily speechless as a hot flush again returned to her neck, rising up to her face to redden cheeks and ears. A mental image arose in her mind of him naked, hands tight on her shoulders like they had been just minutes before, his voice purring in a low growl as he lowered her down-

"Fuck you!" she spat suddenly, her voice sharp and vicious, cracking slightly on the last, emotional syllable. "I'm not what you're saying, so why do-"

Jacob waved a hand, almost as if impatient with the beginning of her babbling rant. "No, no, don't sell yourself short. You are a gorgeous young woman. I saw those boys at the pool. Couldn't take their eyes off you. Because you are stop traffic, drop dead sexy."

Lia's nostrils flared as she took in sharp inhalation of breath, folding and then unfolding her arms, then only to fold them again. She could walk away at any time - her house was right there, all she would have to do is raise her voice and at least twenty people would come running - but she didn't. Perhaps it was because of her father, because she didn't want him to get into trouble. But at the moment, genuinely, it was more that she didn't want to test this man. There was something in his eyes, his tone and the way in general that he'd planned this. He'd cornered her, and the way out was much more difficult than just turning her back and getting back to the party. Jacob Trask had made sure of that.

"Now as for you knowing anything, that's not a problem. Fortunately for you, I've got lots of experience. I can teach you."

Lia's broke eye contact for a moment, her gaze flickering to the floor. It wasn't that she was totally without experience..but the thought of doing anything with this man..she didn't want him to think she was comfortable with this, at all. Admitting to being anything other than the pure virgin her parents probably believed her to be would only give him ideas.

"In fact, I can give you a master's seminar. See, those boys out there-they're all lean and muscular, but judging by their Speedos, they're not packing any serious equipment. But I can give you a real education. See, my nickname in school was 'Hoss' and it wasn't just because of how strong I was. Takes a lot skill to handle me, but I'll show you the ropes."

Lia fought the urge to roll her eyes, a grimace twisting her features and pressing her lips into a thin line. He was comparing himself to teenagers when he was acting as young as they were - she had to wonder if he realised the irony. Still, the confidence in his posture and words stiffened her stance, and she began to chew on her lip nervously again. This..this guy..Jacob, Mr Trask, he was serious. Really serious. The thought sobered her sarcastic commentary on his words and it sent a chill running down her legs, Lia scrunching her toes instinctively.

"Why don't we start right now with your first lesson? Step one: Kneel down in front of the man. Step two: take off his pants."

A pause.

"You..you have to be joking, right?" Lia finally said, her voice quiet, whispering. She looked around them - still, no one was here, the noises of the party still sounding a world away. Large blue eyes finally dragged back to look at his expectant face, flickering down his body to his crotch with a visible shiver. Instinctively she stepped back again, shaking her head, pulling her arms up to cover her chest. "No..no, no no..no no..."

Her voice turned into a whine, lips stumbling over the repetitive rejections. Lia's body jerked in automatic quivers as she remember the strength in which he'd held onto her shoulders, the sly way he'd regarded her as she had flailed pathetically in the aftermath of his revelation. Her mind revisited a few weeks ago - herself and Adam, alone in her bedroom whilst her father was at work and her mother in the conservatory. After a long hour of shyly pressing their lips against each other, hands exploring shoulders and chests, he'd finally shuffled off the bed to unzip his trousers. The sound had been such a different to the soft mm's and aah's, changing the atmosphere in just the few seconds he spent fumbling, and Lia had just sat there as he'd dropped pants and underwear to reveal his swollen erection. Jerking his hips forward, he'd smeared a strain of pre-cum over her lips and had apologised profusely, both of them breaking the ice with a shared smile before he'd gently guided her mouth to the head...

...the thought of anything similar with Jacob Trask? It was lucky she wasn't already running.

It was all a blur. The ground was warm from the sunshine filtering through the branches above, the slight breeze not enough to help cool the warm flush on Lia's skin. Her bare feet stumbled back across the mix of dirt and stone frantically, a small whimper escaping her mouth as he strode forward - she thought she had gotten enough distance between them, but his arm stretched and caught her almost effortlessly, fingers tightening around her swimsuit. The sudden movement pushed the material between her ass cheeks, tightening around her crotch - she let out a small cry of desperation, but abruptly stopped as she realised where she was. No one must find out. No one! Scratching at his arm with short nails, she soon changed tactic by batting at his hand with closed fists, then grabbing onto his hand and trying to forcefully remove it. Her strength wasn't much in general, but her panic made her attempts even more shaky. Jacob grabbing her hair simply made her yelp, hands flailing to go limp - that had hurt! Not badly, but enough to shock her. He'd hurt her. He'd laid his hands on her.

"Good. Now let's settle this."

The hand on her hair jerked upwards, standing her back straight as he leaned in. At first she tried to look away, eyes flickering around, but within moments he was close enough that he filled her field of vision.

"Now I gave you a choice. Option A: you get fucked. Option B: you get fucked and so does your entire family. There is no Option C. Option A, you're my new favorite toy. You do what I want when I want how I want. You disobey or screw it up, and you'll be punished. Option B, the media and the feds rip apart your life, your Dad's life, your whole family's life. Maybe - if you're lucky - there's enough pieces left to start again."

Lia had let out a loud sniffle part-way through this - as he ended, her throat contracted and a hoarse, choked sob was his initial reply. Her mind was spinning, the only thing she could focus on was the tight grip on her hair, his hand still pulling lightly at her swimsuit material. His fingers pressing against her skin made her skin crawl, especially when combined with the poison dripping from his mouth.

"Now I get that you don't like these options. But you know what else?"

He pulled on her hair; Lia gasped, a tear streaking down her cheek as she cowered as much as was possible within his hold on her. A stinging pain radiated through the part of her scalp the hair was attached to, the feeling warm and sore.

"Too. Fucking. Bad. You're too old to hide behind Daddy anymore. Grow the fuck up and deal with it."

Lia mumbled something, her lips frantically moving just to say anything, to stop him, to protect herself - it was mostly nonsensical and inaudible, punctuated by her voice cracking and small attempts from her to pull away - as if the attempts on their own would make her decision easier.

"Here, I'll make it simple. You've got to the count of 10 to make up your mind. After that, my offer expires. I walk out of here and make that phone call. Choose, or I'll choose for you."

Lia moved to nod to show some sort of cooperation, but then the air was knocked out of her as he viciously pushed her back, the swimsuit material snapping back against her chest and her hair tumbling about her shoulders. Instinctively she tried to tidy herself up, adjusting the swimsuit, smoothing down her hair, wiping at her eyes with the backs of her hands. She could feel that her cheeks were flushed and hot, and her bottom lip was quivering like it had when she was younger, after a tantrum. Lia couldn't even remember the last time she'd gotten this worked-up...

As she tuned back in to her surroundings, she realised that he'd started his countdown.

"Ten....nine....eight...."

Lia's mouth was dry. She had to think. What could she do? There was nothing she could offer..would he really make the call? Would he really do it now, and then turn around and...

"....seven...six...five..."

Lia held up a trembling hand, trying to make it stop. She needed more time! Her mouth opened to try and say that, but all that came out was a stutter.

"...four...three-"

Lia clenched her hand desperately, shaking her head.

"No! Stop, stop counting. Stop it. Please. Stop. I'll do it. Fine. I think. I don't know, just..stop..let me..."

Lia pressed her lips together, eyes scanning over his face as he stopped counting - but his mouth was still open, ready to resume at any moment.

"...just stop. I can do it. You promise, nothing gets said to my family? Or anyone I know...no one, at all. No one. It'll all go away, and this is...secret?"

Lia nodded numbly to his first sentence. Parameters, yes. Newly minted partnership. That's what she'd just agreed to. White noise filled her ears - it must be the adrenaline - her heart pumping still, so quick and frantic, even though he did not move an inch towards her as he spoke. His tone had softened back to how it'd been at the bench, now he'd gotten his way. Although she was standing away from his grip, even now he wasn't eyeing her obviously like a piece of meat - she felt helpless. Knees shaking, her eyes struggling to focus on his face as he continued to talk. She had never feared for herself before, for her life. Even when her father hadn't been in such a lucrative job, Lia couldn't remember ever wanting for anything, ever feeling unsafe. Her family we tight-knit, secure and happy. Intimidation just hadn't had a part in her upbringing, corporal punishment disregarded for "time-out" or privileges being taken away. Voices had only began to raise in arguments when her older sister had hit her teens, but even then...that was nothing compared to the low growl of frustration she had all but glimpsed from Jacob Trask. He hadn't needed to raise his voice yet to show his utter contempt for her father, for her family - the lack of respect for her. At the core of it, that's what shook Lia the most. Not that she could think that coherently yet.

"But whether you keep it quiet or not, you never once suggest to anyone it's not consensual. Not your family, not your boyfriend, not your priest, not even your fucking diary. If anyone sees us together, then your story is how you just can't get enough of me. You even hint that you're not doing this willingly and the deal is off. Understand?"

Lia's eyes blinked and sharply refocused onto the tip of his pointed finger, a shiver running down both arms as she tried to organise her words, to reply properly.

"I understand." she finally said, quietly. Her tongue felt heavy, and overall, she had no idea what else she was supposed to say. The barriers of this agreement had already been put up - she could see them clear as day, as if they were physically built around her.

"Same thing applies if you come away with...let's say a few 'reminders' of our time together. Like I said, I'm a big guy. I also bet soft skin like yours bruises like a peach..."

Lia zoned out from the rest, her eyebrows quirking upwards sharply, chest tightening. Soft skin likes yours bruises like a peach. An urge to check her shoulders almost overcame her, but it seemed her body wasn't ready to obey her mind yet and her gaze remained looking at him steadily, arms held limply by her sides as he continued to talk. Bruises likes a peach. The image in her mind of the sweet, tender fruit with blossoming dark patches made her feel queasy. It was a good metaphor. Bruises ruined a ripe fruit, like this man wanted to ruin her family. No, he wanted to ruin her.

"You've got a cell phone. I'll call you from a prepaid, so you won't have to explain why I'm in your call log. I know you've got a car because Matt bragged about getting it for you. That means you're mobile. So when I call, you come. It's that simple."

"Yes." Lia said again, her voice sounding so weak next to his. Automatically she wet her lips with her tongue - dry mouth, cracked lips, her throat felt like a desert. Rubbing her tongue against the roof of her mouth, trying to coax saliva, she noticed his eyes give her another flickering appraisal as he thought about the next line of these parameters. Shifting uncomfortably on the spot, Lia tried to stare at his forehead nonchalantly - she didn't want him to gain the satisfaction of seeing her squirm through the whole of this. Keep calm. Keep collected. Think later.

"Based on your mommy dearest' fondness for expensive clothes, I assume she's made sure her daughter is well attired - including undergarments. I'm going to want you in more than white cotton panties, so if you don't have some silk and satin lingerie, get some."

This was met with just a nod. It was worth nothing more.

"Birth control will be your responsibility. I'm not wearing a condom."

Fuck you was Lia's first thought, her chin jutting upwards in a silent act of defiance. Fuck you, fuck you, fuck fuck fuck you. Although she had to admit that if he wasn't going to take care of birth control, she would have to, it wouldn't stop her from hating his slimy guts for not wanting to at least take that responsibility. Of course, the thought of being this irritated at that was hilarious in the whole scheme of things - but it was the cherry on top of this entire shit cake. Despite her shivering, nervous exterior, Lia was slowly gritting her teeth just to keep her mouth shut. Only her still lingering fear of more roughness kept her pliable and willing for the moment. Just for now.

"That should cover us for now. I think we're set."

Lia gave another nod, lips pressing together tightly and her gaze tilting back towards the audible sounds of the party. She'd been gone long enough - they'd start noticing her absence soon. The thought of anyone finding her here, like this - nope. Not an option. They needed to leave. Soon.

"Not yet, sweet cheeks. You don't think I'm just going to take your word that you're on board, do you? No, no, no, I need more of a commitment than that. An act of good faith, symbolizing our accord."

Lia glanced back towards him, her hands balling into fists. She knew exactly what he was going to ask for. Swaying slightly, she concentrated on standing straight and keeping her face impassive.

"You can kneel here and give me head. Now."

Lia swallowed down a choked up ball of emotion from her throat, trying to make it less tight. Even as she closed her eyes to gather herself..she could feel his gaze burning into her, almost unblinking, watching every reaction she gave to his request. Slowly, she relaxed her fists into open palms by her sides, shoulders slumping. His words ran through her head - it's either you get fucked, or you and your family gets fucked.

This was fine, everything would be fine. Just..get it over with, and then try..try and catch him out later. Record him speaking, or get someone to overhear the way he spoke to her. Surely he'd back down over possible rape charges. The thought calmed her, tongue running over lips once more as she opened her eyes and hesitantly stepped towards him, one foot after the other, hands slowly reaching out as she reached him to undo the top button of his trousers. Fingers trembled, they slipped and fumbled and she gave a slight hiss of frustration.

Slowly, she bent down to her knees in front of him to see if it'd help, breathing in and out in what she hoped was a calm way as she struggled. It seemed to take forever, but finally, the button gave way under her clumsy fingertips and popped through the hole, leaving only the zip. This was another long pause, before Lia continued by pulling down on it, the sharp ziiip seeming all too loud within their secluded clearing. It was actually so loud to her ears that she looked around to see if anyone had heard - but no. It was still just the two of them. At this point, Lia wasn't sure if that was a good or a bad thing. If caught now, she'd have to pretend this was..something she liked, since Trask was still here. Anything she'd say after that would be null and void in terms of this being non-consented...

This thought in itself urged her to just..to just get this over with. Do what he wants now, and try and push it to the back of her mind for the rest of her life. With a little more confidence she grabbed the top of his pants, pulling down on them, past his knees. An obvious erection bulged in his revealed underwear and Lia did her best, again, to keep her face free of reaction. This meant nothing. It was just...

She forced her fingers to curl under the top of his underwear, slender fingers pressing against his skin. With only a small pause this time, Lia slowly smoothed down the underwear, her arms tensing as the material slid over his member and finally revealed it, Her mouth trembled a little as her eyes inspected it, a muscle in her cheek ticking as the head twitched with a sudden blood rush. He was enjoying this. Lia could tell.

A quick glance upwards - so brief, she did not really see anything except that he was definitely still watching her - before she finally leaned in, wavering back and forth for a few seconds before finally just opening her mouth and taking the swollen head of him inside. He filled her - he was bigger than Adam, much bigger. Pressing her lips against his shaft, she forced her tongue to lick around the head nervously, running it along the underside delicately before coating it all in a layer of saliva, gently sucking afterwards with only a slight bobbing motion. Lia had no idea how he liked it. She didn't really want to take in any more of it, either. Just doing this required her eyes to be closed and her mind desperately trying to think of anything but the pulsing cock currently inbetween her wet lips.