If she did it only made the beating more severe, he may even trade the whip for something more substantial. She had learned to remain quiet despite th... painful treatment. The pain was new but keeping quiet in the face of adversity wasn't. She had long ago learned to hold her tongue when the office politics got sordid or she had to endure the brunt of her superior's foul moods.He would continue with the whip until he had brought forth a steady stream of silent tears, again something she had. I exhaled a light breath across her cheek, up toward her ear, and she let out a little squeal that told me what she wanted. I kissed my way up toward her ear and flicked her earlobe with my tongue. I could feel her breath quicken, and she let out an almost inaudible moan when I bit her ear just the way she likes.I gave her a quick peck on the lips and pulled back, and when she opened her mouth to make some sort of protest, I pushed her back onto the couch. She looked back up and me and smiled. I don't need the aggravation," I said. "You?" "No, I guess I'm getting picky in my old age," she said. "Really," I said. "Was our marriage that bad?" she asked. "I mean we did have some good times and some nice moments, at least I thought we did." "No, it wasn't all bad. If it had been I wouldn't have put up with the first Howie incident," I said. "How is the old asshole anyway?" "Don't know, haven't seen him in years," she said. I looked her askance. "Really? I thought he was your knight. The winter evening’s version has names for the girl, the swain, and the laird. It has long speeches from all three and at least ten minutes for the chase across the top of the cliff.”“Thanks for the drink, the directions, and the local legend.”“Any time. Come back this evening, and -- summer or not -- you can hear other local legends from those who know them better. Some of them may even believe them more.”I went back to my room to get my wet suit. I carried it and the breathing apparatus to.