I hurt from the branding iron. Bud was gone. I was a bit at odd ends. I paced about then got ready for breakfast. Today was my last day by my count. That at least was something to take heart in. I was still very worried about Dan and the money.

"There will be some new arrivals this afternoon. You will be helping." The voice of the Head Mistress startled me. I had not noticed her standing at the doorway.

"Yes, Mistress."

"You'll be working the lounge tonight. We are negotiating with your husband over a final price. You've been a good investment."

"Has he agreed to the sale?" I was stunned.

"Not yet, but we are still confident." She turned and left. I felt like someone had knocked the air right out of my chest. Surely Dan wouldn't sell me off!

I went to breakfast. I had no appetite. I diddled and finally gave it up. I wandered about until I found myself at the laundry. I busied my self there. At least it was something to do.

After lunch I returned to my room. The newbies began arriving during the early afternoon. Seldom did they receive more that eight at any given time. Today six arrived, one at a time. I reflected on the terror of my abduction. and that first day. It was horrifying, and painful. The Head Mistress assembled one Mistress for each newbie at the receiving room. We waited in silence. After fifteen minutes or so we were directed to the newbies. I found one that appeared particularly frightened and removed her gag. She sputtered. The question and answer period went just as I remembered it. The shock on the newbie's face said all that one could about the realities that had just been set upon them.

"Follow me. I whispered." And replaced her ball-gag. She stumbled after me. I found her room just down from mine.

"Is what they said real?" she asked after we entered her room.

"Every word of it." I smiled remembering that very question. It must be part of the orientation to this place. I removed the locks about her loins. She just stood shaking.

"It will be alright." I tried to be reassuring. "You can survive this, and then it's really not so bad."

"But the whole idea of really being sold is so. primitive!" she stammered. "And if they think I'm going to fuck some damn dog."

"Not only do they think so, but you will. And you'll enjoy it too," I said remembering my feelings and the Bud I lost. "And you will do everything that is asked or be whipped into it. They own you and your body in ways you can not even imagine right now."

"Were you sold?" she said as she turned away for a bit of modesty as she removed the toys.

"Leave the butt plug as long as you can. It will help in the end." We both burst out laughing at the stupid pun. "My husband is holding out."

"I'm sure mine will, without question." She stood.

"Don't be too sure. I've seen most of the women sold. Only a few go home."

Her eyes steeled against the tears. The puffiness about them betrayed her day so far.

"How long have you been here?" she asked.

"Nine days today. I leave tomorrow. How 'bout you?"

"I've got thirty days. We took 1500.00 from these animals."

"Greed. Well this will cure you of that!" I was surprised at the amount. Dan could have taken much more. I was glad that he only took just what he needed for the tennis bracelet. and not one day more! She began to cry again. I held her for several long second after she regained her composure.

"I, we really didn't need the money either. I just wanted the trip. And now I may pay much more for it than it was ever really worth." She shuddered.

I reviewed the schedule paper with her and left. I figured that she would be one of those beaten several times before she got the message. And thirty days, well, she'd get plenty used to it by then. But then again she'd earn enough in tips to cover several unnecessary trips.

I went to the lounge for my shift. I didn't my working the lounge. I had grown accustomed to the tips pinned to various places about my body. I didn't mind the fellatio after I'd had a drink or two. And tonight my ass was off limits due to the branding.

"I bid a bundle on you." It was the Master with the 'Horse Ride'. I smiled. "I gave out at 22. To rich for my blood."

Thank the Lord for that! "Has your man settled up yet?"

"No, Master." I was safe so far as I knew.

"Good man. I don't mind loosing to your man, but, well, it's a matter of pride in my stables you understand. Tell him he's getting one of the best 'riders' and fucks I've ever had."

"He knows, Master." I assured him. I am going the make sure he never forgets that either! He tossed a 100 bill on the table.

"I give you one of those for each ride if you come back." He goaded me.

"Thank you, Master." I lifted the bill and smiled. Fat chance. but then who knows, I might just to break up the boredom.

"Now suck my dick," he ordered. I smiled and complied without a word.

My shift went quick and easy. I knew the routine and was comfortable with it. It was late. I was tired. My heart raced as I sat upon my bed. I was going home tomorrow. I thought of Dan. My heart yearned for my kids. I wanted to hold them close. I heard sobs in the silence. My heart felt for that poor soul. but I was going home. Sleep was difficult but came in time.