Blindfolded (17 page)

“Didn't catch the name. I thought it would be good for you to stay a few days and let the herd care for you. I hope you don't mind.”

“I… Except for Jay, no one has ever taken care of me before.”

“I know. I have so much I want to show you, but right now, you need to rest. I left a catalogue for you to go through, by the way.”

“A catalogue? For what?”

“To pick out your tack. I want you to see what is in store for you. Now sit back and let my girl bathe and massage you. I will have someone bring dinner up to you as well and then we’ll begin.”

“Tonight? I begin training tonight?”

“Yes. Tonight, you will be blindfolded.”

With Meow cuddled on her lap, Regan marveled over the beautiful harnesses, headgear, shoes, and accessories made for the human pony. This world, outside of the playground, was one she was eager to join.

She grinned as she circled various items that caught her eye. She would be adorned in scarlet and gold.

* * *

“How long are you going to wait?” Charlotte scolded Jay as they sat together for their weekly Sunday dinner three weeks later. “She is becoming independent and needs to be mounted.”

“She needs to find me,” Jay said stubbornly.

“Find you? How can she find you when you never leave? Stop being such an idiot and show yourself to her already. What are you afraid of? You aren't that ugly.”

“I want you to put her up for sale. After the show.”

“She will not agree to be sold, dumbass. She made that clear.”

“Don't give her a choice,” Jay shrugged.

“Okay, let's get something straight: these are
my
stables, and she is my pony! She has been working harder than any I have ever seen to prepare for this show. I never have to discipline her, and she accepts every challenge I give her without question. What is your problem?”

“I told her she had to find me.”

“You are so damn stubborn I could…” She reached across and slapped him upside the head. “Did you even bother to read her new book? She got that written and published two weeks after you released her.”

“Actually, I did read it. Do you remember the ending?”

Charlotte looked at him incredulously, and then a smile slowly lit her face. “You sneaky little shit. Okay. I will put her on the block after the show.”

Chapter Nine

Regan paced around nervously as she waited for her handler to arrive. Her eyes were covered in golden blinders, and a long, black tail protruded from her arched bottom. She had watched her body change, along with her spirit, as she had trained for her first show. In the pasture, she had been encouraged and praised by Lionel and the other ponies, who commented on her grace and dignity as she performed even the simplest of exercises. The friendships she was developing grew stronger each time they rested together, and soon she found herself socializing outside the stable, sharing lunches with the girls, going out dancing with Lionel, and looking forward to the sound of her cell phone as one of the herd called to just talk.

She sensed Jay's presence often but did not seek him out. She simply put on a performance every time she practiced, knowing he was there, watching, guarding, and smiling. She was proud of her new life and laughed as Kennedy emailed her, demanding she stay home and spend more time writing! She also developed a deep love and respect for Charlotte, who had taken over where Jay had left off and helped Regan discover more about herself. She wanted to win the trophy for her beloved stable mistress, but the show was about her. It was time for her to climb over the fence and not be afraid.

Regan turned to the sound of footsteps and fell into the graceful bow that she had been taught. She had learned to both raise and lower herself in her positions without the use of her hands. Hours of trotting and prancing had strengthened and toned her long legs, and she had learned how to posture herself to show her beautifully-adorned breasts. Charlotte had promised her bells as soon as they healed, and today she would be wearing them.

Charlotte had also informed her that after the show there would be a special event and requested that Regan participate in it. Eager to please her trainer, Regan agreed without asking questions. She did not care what it was. New experiences brought her joy and confidence, and she would no longer hide from them.

She felt a hand touch her chin, and she tilted her face in the air and opened her jaw. A straight bit was inserted into her mouth and lodged behind her back teeth. Her handler had thought to lubricant the rubber, making her lips slid comfortably over the bar. The bit and bridle was tightened, and she waited the command to stand.

A simple tug to the reins brought her to her feet. She stood still as the tack was placed over her body, and her arms were secured in saddle position behind her back, forcing her corseted naked breasts to stand out proudly. Her mind imagined how she looked in the scarlet leather harness decked in gold studs, the gold chastity belt, red boots with golden shoes, and a magnificent scarlet plume with gold trim for her head. She wiggled her bottom playfully as her handler strung bells through her tail, and she whinnied when a smart smack was applied to her backside. Finally, she felt fingers on her nipple rings and the weight of two gold bells pulled on her.

She was ready.

Her handler used simple whistle commands and had her follow him out into the ring. She fought back a blush as the crowd clapped in appreciation for the stunning pony being displayed.

She knew the drill, starting with warm ups. She was attached to a long lead and slowly walked to the perimeter until she felt the tension upon it. The flick of a training whip was her signal, and Regan lifted her head high and began to walk. Her moves were long, slow, and deliberate, her feet exploring the strange turf below her as she gained a feel of her surroundings. She could sense the confidence of her handler as well, which allowed her to simply follow direction.

Charlotte had informed her that the blind-competition was both for the pony and the handler, and that they were paired with someone new to eliminate any habitual moves that would interfere with the designated course.

She snorted as the whip set her to trot, then to canter. She was grateful for the long hours of training as she felt her body strain to stay in the circle, keeping the proper tension on the lead and not breaking stride. Just when she thought she would stumble from exhaustion, the whistle to stop was heard, and she slowed to a walk.

It was time. The course consisted of obstacles which the blinded pony was required to conquer. Speed, grace, and proficiency were graded. Points would be taken for missing an obstacle, falling, or hesitancy. The course was about complete trust, for without her hands, a pony risked falling and hurting herself. The bell sounded, and Regan waited, closing her eyes behind the blinders. The whistles told her the type of obstacle, how far to go, and directions to turn. She began to prance, smiling gleefully as she began the circuit.

The crowd cheered as she gracefully leaped over a low jump and wove through the fenders without even touching a bar. She dropped to a bow in the direction of the judges, the audience, and her trainer, then released a happy whinny as she trotted to her handler’s side, making certain to jingle her tail bells. She felt a hand caress her face, a hand that smelled of lemons and freshly mowed hay.

He had come for her.

Unable to speak, Regan could only smile. She tossed her head and butted against him affectionately as they waited patiently for the score. The reaction of the crowd told her that it had been posted. She had won the trophy for Charlotte's room!

Still blindfolded, Regan was led to a platform where something was placed around her neck. Her heart stopped as she heard bidding begin.
What?
No!

She hadn’t agreed to be sold! Unable to cry out and hitched in place, Regan felt panic fill her body. She didn't want another master or mistress! How could Charlotte do this to her?

Loud clapping indicated the auction was complete, and Regan was led out of the ring. She felt defeated, hanging her head and dragging her feet, until the snap of a crop struck the back of her thigh. She knew what was coming, and she fought back tears. She was being led to the branding stall where she would be handed over to her new owner and branded as his or hers.

As she waited her fate, Regan recalled her story of the little girl in the playground. She felt as though she had been chained once again, without a voice and without a choice, to the swing.

Then it dawned on her. It was not about choice now; that she had done. It was about trust. Did she trust Charlotte to keep her promise? If she did, Regan would be assured of happiness, even if it wasn't with Jay. She had pursued this lifestyle for her own pleasure and satisfaction, not to please him. Peace settled within her, and she released her fear.

She felt herself being bent over and her wrists and ankles tied in place. Something cold pressed again her right upper thigh and was then wiped away. She heard the sound of metal and felt the heat near her skin. She released a scream as the brand seared her, the seconds feeling like hours as the smell of burned flesh reached her nostrils. Something cool was placed over the burn, and she felt a hand stroking her shaking back in long, gentle caresses.

There was no going back now. She was owned and marked. A blindfolded pony girl who had nothing left but trust.

* * *

Regan woke, bathed in sunlight. Her thigh throbbed as she sat up, trying to gather her surroundings. Vases of bearded iris and hyacinths filled the room, and next to the bed was a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries. No, it couldn't be!

She turned to look at her brand. It was a 'J'.

He had bought her.

“Regan?” his low voice asked. She turned her head to see a tall, rugged man enter the room. He was beautiful, with jet black hair, a strong jaw and nose, and warm, hazel eyes with the longest lashes. She stared, dumbfounded, as he sat next to her on the bed.

“Jay? Is that really you?”

“Jayson Mandell.”

“Are you Kennedy?

“No, your Kennedy is a woman. Her cover artist, Leigh, is married to my ex-fiancée’s ex-husband. She helped me locate you.”

“But how…?”

“It's a long story, pet. Eat.” He popped a strawberry into her mouth. “It started when I was hurt. After I recovered my sight, I began to explore means of training through the senses and became a rehab specialist for sensory and brain injuries. I ended up in an army hospital in Iraq where I had the opportunity to train the rehab teams. That is where I discovered you.”

“Me?”

“Your ex had sustained severe brain trauma after going on a drinking binge and then diving into a swimming pool. During his stay, he received letters from this lovely woman whose words were like pure poetry. I read the letters to him, hoping to trigger him from his stupor. They were passionate, sensual, and had an edge that I couldn't put my finger on. I could tell she was hurting and wondered what type of man would have left her in such a state. When he started talking again, I understood. He was cruel, insulting, and unworthy. I made a decision, and while they were busy watching a movie, I called her.”

“That was
you
? And that song you hum… that's where I heard it!”

“When I heard your voice and the pain behind it, I knew that I would not be able to forget you. But it was the beginning. Steve started to boast about your writing and gave away your penname. It angered me, the disrespect I heard from him, and made me want to meet you even more. Especially given my… uh…
personal interests
. I had your P.O. Box info and cell number and was able to track you down to the area you lived.”

“You did all that, for me?” Regan was astounded.

Jay touched the side of her face. “I began to read your books. There is so much in them about who you are, what you desire, and where you want to go with your life. Charlotte thought I was crazy when I approached her about finding you, but she's my big sister. She wanted me to be happy, especially after I had been so hurt by Merri's rejection.”

“But why did you kidnap me? Why didn't you just come talk to me?”

“Would you have given me the time of day? Or would you have run away and hid?”

Regan was quiet. He was right. She would have stayed sitting on that playground swing and never would have looked at him twice.

Jay continued, “I decided to take the risk and give you the fantasy that you wrote about, to see if I could encourage Regan to rise out of the ashes of Felicity Fairchilde. She exceeded my expectations.”

“I did?”

“I am so proud of you, my pet. You embraced yourself. Instead of looking for me, you began to search for you. That was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. I did not want you to be lost without me, but to be strong and independent. I also know that had I asked your permission to brand you, it would not have had the same effect that it did with you choosing to do this for yourself.”