She tried to fight him. The pain was unimaginable and she didn't think she could take anymore. "We're almost done, but you haven't learned your less...n yet". Her breathing was heavy as she resolved herself to stay over his lap. The paddle came down quickly over and over again as she screamed. He could hear the desperation in her voice as the bruises formed, she was almost there. He did not hold back when he started with the paddle on her again and when she begged him to stop, he didn't. . I'm telling you so I'll stop. I'm telling you so that you'll know what a freak I am and it'll break this terrible tension."Conrad shook his head and sat back in the seat. "You've gotta be kidding me. This is a joke, right? Robin put you up to this. It's some kind of dare." I'm telling the truth, Conrad." Why me? I'm no one special," he said. "I'm just Conrad from Q.A."She picked up her cup and sipped. It was a little too hot, still, but the cup felt good in her hands. "I don't know. It's not. Consider yourselves to have standing offers of employment."Marie just shook her head and said, "For those of you who do not know it, Mrs. Clifford is also the managing partner of the law firm of Clifford & Jamison, considered by most to be the finest law firm on the Pacific coast." Then with a grin she added, "And it's all women, by the way."She whispered something to Jerry Smith who quickly nodded, then she nodded to Celeste and said, "I can't tell you how pleased and proud we are right now.. “Yes I am, I live on the 7th floor, I’m a touring musician and this is where I unwind when I'm between gigs.”“Oh! We’re just below you on 6, I hope you can’t hear the kids when they run wild down below.” She laughed so sweet.“So that was you yelling and chasing them out to the patio? Just kidding, these walls are solid. Very little makes it to your neighbors.” I grinned that innocent grin that usually helped get me laid regularly.Our drinks arrived, and I held my glass up and said, “here’s to.