Games people play

[Sprayman]

Judge

Simone’s challenge is interesting but presents a problem.

“Simone, your challenge is acceptable but it presents me with a problem. I’m sure I can find the required footwear in your size and have them here in a reasonable time. Max on the other hand wears a men’s size twelve and I’m not even sure stiletto pumps are available in that size. If they are available, I have no idea where I’d find them. If I could find them, I’d still have to get them here and that could take days. It could delay the game for quite a while.”

Max

“Judge, I have a question for Simone. What happens if we find a pair and the heels break as soon as I start running? I only ask because it’s likely to happen. I weigh about 200 lbs and I don’t think stiletto pumps, especially six inch heeled ones are going to handle that kind of stress well.”

I have to give Simone credit. When she mentioned a race, I was sure she’d lost her marbles. I’m in top shape and my stride would be about a foot or 18 inches longer than Simone’s. No way could she could beat me in a straight out race… but this… WOW! I don’t see how I can win. Maybe the judge will void her challenge if he can’t find the damn shoes.

For now, let’s see what she says about my question. If the heels break off clean, I might be able to run in what’s left. If I can run… I can win…!

[Chocolate Thai]

I'd expected Max to balk at the challenge, and I was more than ready to counter his objections.

"Max, the drag queens and trannies of the world will tell you that running in those shoes is absolutely possible. I know for a fact that they make that type of shoe in your size, and even beyond it. As a matter-of-fact, before I was brought here, my brother emailed me a YouTube video of a transvestite, Anna Nicole, impersonator who outweighed you by...oh, a good fifty pounds, and he had feet the size of boats.  He danced and pranced around the stage and ran around the bar where he was performing just fine, and the shoes looked none the worse for wear..."

I turn my attention to the Judge next. If all he needs is a way to find the shoes... I had an answer for that too.

"Judge, the video shouldn't be hard to find If you go to YouTube and search Anna Nicole.  At the end, I even remember him plugging the site where he'd ordered the shoes, so that would be how you could find some like them. I'm sure they offer overnight delivery. And with all due respect, Judge... Your resources seem to be almost limitless. Your people took me from a school parking lot, disposed of my car and flew me out of the country in less than 24 hours. I definitely think they'd be able to get their hands on a pair of shoes and bring them here within a reasonable amount of time...they might even be able to have them here by late this evening if same-day delivery is an option."

Finally, I address the question Max just asked. "As far as Max's concern about what will happen if the shoe breaks, Judge...well as long as he doesn't purposely snap the heels off, I'd be fine with him continuing the race on what's left of the shoe. Although that might be something he would want to try to avoid. Any woman will tell you that walking on a broken heel is extremely difficult... and running would be nearly impossible."

 I glance over at Max, as I wait for the Judge to speak. He doesn't look too happy about my answer. I get the feeling he doesn't take too kindly to being put at a disadvantage.

I know exactly how he feels.

[Sprayman]

Judge

“Well Simone, it appears that you know far more about transvestites than I do, at least about their clothes and accessories. One of my assistants is tracking down the video you mentioned and we will see about the availability of the shoes in Max’s size shortly.”

“You are correct that I have considerable resources at my disposal but I will caution you about assuming we are willing to expend them for an outsized pair of shoes. Spending time and money to secure contestants is an acceptable business expense but spending….. according to my assistant….. about $1400.00 for a pair of shoes is not! That is the estimated cost of same day delivery for Max’s size 12 pumps and they won’t arrive until after supper this evening.”

“In future challenges, I may impose a penalty for special equipment requirements. Just because we have sufficient funds, don’t think you have carte blanche to spend them! I will let it pass this time since we didn’t set limits in advance but you both are now advised. It seems that we will have to adjourn until DHL delivers Max’s shoes”

Max

“Judge, maybe I can help. In the interest of moving this game forward, and because Simone has devised a challenge I doubt I can win…” I look toward Simone and give her a martial arts ‘sitting bow’ by pressing my right clenched fist into the palm of my left hand in front of my chest and bending forward at the waist slightly while staring into her hazel eyes, “…I’m willing to admit defeat and concede her challenge.”

Judge

“Well….. that will certainly expedite things and reduce costs significantly!”

 “So be it. The score is one to zero in favor of Simone.”

“Since neither of you have had to actually do anything so far, we will move on to Max’s challenge. Max, have you decided what your first challenge will be… or do you need another hour to make your decision?”

Max

“No Judge, I’m ready to go… and my challenge doesn’t require any equipment at all.”

"I challenge Simone to a push-up contest. We can do it here and now. Military style push-ups - no saggy knees or bellies on the floor.  Back has to be straight and each one has to go all the way down and all the way up every time. Judge, you time us for... oh... lets say ten minutes and have two of your staff count how many each of us finishes in that time. Highest count wins. Simple and easy."

“OK, maybe not easy, but safer than me trying to run in high heels.” I look at Simone and give her a little grin. “You aren’t likely to break your neck doing push ups…!”
 

[Chocolate Thai]

As much as I would have liked to see Max trying to run in a pair of stilettos, I am pleased to hear that he is forfeiting the challenge. I am even more pleased to hear that the Judge is allowing it. Maybe I'd misunderstood the rules when I'd read them initially, but I'd understood them to say that if the Judge deemed a challenge acceptable then the players must participate...or starve. I am happy to have been mistaken.

  I soon find that my happiness is short-lived as Max proposes a push-up competition for his first challenge. I know that I can't win it. I can do push-ups -the real ones not the girly ones- but I would be exhausted within the first five minutes. It would be pointless to even try it. Max would wipe the floor with me. If the Judge is feeling lenient then I feel that I should take advantage of his generosity while I have the chance.

"Judge, in the interest of saving my energy for a challenge I might actually stand a chance of winning, I'd also like to concede defeat and move on to the next round."

[Sprayman]

Judge

Damn it! I was afraid of this. I can’t allow Max to concede and then tell her she isn’t allowed. I’m going to have to stop both of them, or allow both of them to concede. This has to end right now. I need them to actually compete and get it on video or we could lose money on this idea. The powers to be won’t like that at all!

“Very well Simone I will allow you to concede. The score stands at one all. The rules of the game say that you cannot refuse a challenge and I allowed both of you to concede defeat on the first two challenges. Conceding isn’t refusing to compete; it just means that you each gave up before the actual competition occurred. I deemed that was allowable within the stated rules.”

“So, after one round, we have a tie score.”

“After Simone’s challenge, I modified the rules and excluded ‘special equipment’ that is unusually expensive or difficult to obtain. The idea of this game is competition. Our audience will be very dissatisfied if all they see is one concession after another. At this rate, there would only be one contest in the game when I declare it a tie and then issue a tiebreaker challenge. That is unsatisfactory.”

“I find it necessary to amend the rules again. Neither of you may concede a challenge again. The remaining eighteen challenges will be completed by competing. Conceding will be the same as refusing a challenge. It is now 10:05. You are both excused until 1 PM when we will meet here again. Simone, you will issue the second of your ten challenges at that time. After your challenge is completed, you will have one hour to recuperate before Max issues his second challenge.”

“You will both try to confine your challenges to something that can be done expeditiously so that we are finally able to begin the game today. I want to have two completed challenges by suppertime this evening.”

“You are both excused. Return to your rooms, have lunch, and consider your next challenge. Good luck.”

[Chocolate Thai]

Back in my room, I set the alarm clock next to my bed for 12:00 pm and take a quick nap to catch up on some much needed sleep. When it goes off, I awake refreshed and more than a little hungry.  I pick up the phone and order a small salad without dressing and without a drink. After Max told me about his 'orders', I trust the Judge and his staff even less with my food and don't put it past them to drug it in an attempt to keep me off my game, but I have no intentions of making it easier for them to do so.

The salad is brought up promptly within ten minutes, and I nibble on the unappetizing meal as I consult my list of challenges. My eyes repeatedly scan the paper as I try to decide on which challenge to choose next. It is obvious to me that Max will mainly use physical challenges, hoping to beat me on the merits of strength alone. Unfortunately for me, this may work for him the majority of the time, but maybe I can try to deter him from thinking I'm some weak little girl that won't be able to compete at all with his physical prowess.

 Growing up with three brothers, I had been exposed to all kinds of sports and physical activities. I didn't always excel at them, but I could usually give my brothers a good run for their money when playing against them for bragging rights or the assignment of household chores. My parents had always encouraged my extracurricular activities and exploration of different sports. They had often spent thousands of dollars on lessons, team dues, and uniforms, only to have me grow bored with that particular sport and move onto the next. They had never complained though, and instead had supported me whole-heartedly as I'd tried to find a sport I wanted to stick with.  Up until now, I'd taken this for granted. Now though, I silently thanked them for their encouragement and hoped to some day be able to tell them this in person.

My eyes repeatedly come back to one written idea and I decide to go with it. As a child, one of the activities I'd spent the most time engaged in was gymnastics. I was damn good at it, and had won numerous trophies that, even now, decorate my parent's living room amongst the many other trophies my brothers and I have earned over the years. As I'd gotten older, my interest in gymnastics began to lessen and I'd stopped competing. I chose instead to use my skills in other ways, and I'd joined the high school cheerleading team, winning even more trophies and plaques in cheerleading competitions.

 I have no intention of challenging Max to a cheerleading competition, however. I don't want to purposefully embarrass the man by making him dress in a cheer uniform and wave pom poms around in front of countless viewers who could possibly include his family, business partners, and staff. My earlier challenge for him to race me in high heels had been issued to ensure my victory, not to humiliate him. After all, we are in the same boat, and I hope that he would do the same for me when it's his turn to issue his challenges. I have instead, decided to challenge him to a gymnastic competition. I don't think I need to cripple him to win that. I am hoping his height, muscle mass, and lack of gymnastic experience will do that for me.

My mind made up and my plate now empty, I walk to my room and rummage through the clothing there.  I settle on a red sports bra and matching shorts. I change into them, turning off the lights again and dressing quickly in case the Judge is spying. When I am done, I begin my warm up routine, stretching my muscles and doing light exercises to increase my heart rate and maximize blood flow. When the Judge announces that the room door is now unlocked, I am ready. I drape a towel around my neck and walk out of the room to the elevator where Max is already waiting. He looks at me with curiousity when he sees my outfit and me wiping a thin sheen of sweat from my forehead as I step onto the elevator, but he says nothing and again we ride the elevator in silence.

Now, once again seated at the conference room table,  I answer the Judge's question as to what my next challenge will be.
 
"Judge, I'd like to challenge Max to a gymnastic competition. Each routine can be up to, but can not exceed, 90 seconds. The routine should include gymnastic moves such as hand stands, somersaults, splits, back flips and cartwheels. Max can choose to do whichever he wants or even all of them...and the person with the best routine, range of movements and execution will be the winner."

[Sprayman]

Judge

“Very well Simone, your challenge is acceptable. We have a large and complete gymnasium occupying the entire 3rd floor of this building. I will have my staff put down a mat on the open floor area for your competition.”

Max

“Judge, I’d like to change into my bathing suit and warm up a little before we begin. If it’s OK, I’ll go and change now?”

Judge

“Fine Max, Go put your suit on and meet us down in the gym. Simone and I will join you in a few minutes. That will give you some time to warm up.” Max replies, “Thanks Judge, I’ll only need about five minutes warm up time.” He stands and leaves the conference room as I activate the elevator and set it to self-service. I’m not worried about Max trying to run away. 

“Now then, I have a few things I want to discuss with you Simone, and this is as good a time as any. The first is your somewhat dangerous attempts to foil our cameras. Dangerous for you, I might add. Please watch the plasma screen on the wall.”

As I talk, I lower a 52 inch plasma screen TV on the end wall of the room.

“Trying to shower or change clothes in complete darkness is dangerous Simone, and while you might not believe me, I don’t want you injured. The purpose of this little talk is to show you how unnecessary and futile your efforts have been. Remember when you dropped the soap while showering this morning? Watch…”

Then I run the video we took as Simone showered this morning. The picture is bright and clear although the color is slightly off due to the infrared lighting. Every detail of Simone’s nude body is clearly shown as she drops the bar of soap, crouches, and fumbles for it in what is to her, total darkness.

“And next…”

Then we run the video as she changes from her morning attire into the clothes she now wears. Once again, all of her natural beauty is clearly visible as she gropes in what seems to her complete darkness, trying to find the sports bra she plans to wear.

“As you can see from these two video clips, darkness doesn’t hinder us at all. You, on the other hand, will sooner or later get hurt if you persist in trying to work blind. I understand you wanting to maintain some dignity but it simply won’t work. You have been, and will be on display whether you like it or not.”

“Before you lose your temper again, let me finish with what I have to say. I have been trying to determine what type of diet you appear to subscribe to in your daily life. I thought at first you might be a vegetarian but one of my assistants mentioned you looked like you were afraid we were trying to poison or drug you, since all you seem to drink is tap water. When I watched your meals with that idea in mind, I realized she was likely correct. Is that what you are worried about Simone?”

I can see Simone struggling to control her temper. Finally, she manages to spit out, “It did cross my mind…!”

“Let me assure you that we won’t drug your food or drink. It may seem that I and my staff favor Max in the game, and honestly, I would much prefer you as my slave rather than Max. None the less, I wouldn’t try to cheat by drugging you. Besides, if drugging you was my intent, I could just as easily gas you through the ventilation as put it in your food.”

“Our kitchen here is excellent if I do say so myself and it would be a shame if you lost the game due to lack of necessary nutrition. I give you my word that your food and drink is untainted in any way. If that isn’t good enough for you, and I can understand if it wouldn’t be, then I can arrange for you and Max to eat your meals together from the same serving dishes. That way you could be sure that we were drugging both of you… or neither…!”

“I admit I want Max to win… but I won’t prevent you from winning Simone.” Thank God she can’t see my face right this second… “Frankly, I doubt that Max will need any help to beat you. He is a remarkable man in a great many ways and the most determined person I’ve ever met. My guess is… you would have to kill him to win… and that’s against the rules…!”

[Chocolate Thai]

I am seething with anger as I watch the images of myself showering and dressing being displayed on the television's screen. I feel so violated. Of course, I'd known the Judge was watching, but to actually see what he was seeing...to actually see my naked image on the screen, illuminated and crystal clear despite my best efforts to modestly hide it, was infuriating. I blink back angry, frustrated, tears as I clench my jaw in an effort to bite my tongue and keep my fury in check.

The Judge then goes on to assure me that he and his staff are not poisoning my food. He admits to wanting me as a slave, which makes my skin crawl and fills me with dread, but his reasoning for not drugging me makes sense, and I can't help but take his words under consideration as I struggle to get my emotions back under control. If he wanted, he could very well sedate me whenever he wished; either through the air vents in my room, or by having someone come in at any time and inject me. I realize now that my reluctance to eat the food being offered is only robbing me of nutrition, which in turn, is also robbing me of the energy I would no doubt need to compete against Max if I had any hope of winning this game.

On the screen, the footage plays on, cycling through all the times I've showered and dressed in darkness, hoping that he couldn't see me clearly. I continue to watch in horror as the camera focuses and refocuses on my body at all different angles from what appears to be multiple camera locations within the bathroom, zooming in on my breasts... my ass... the neat strip of pubic hair above my sex....

I feel like I'm going to be sick. Something tells me that there's no need to ask him what my duties as his slave would entail.

"Please, turn that off." I say, averting my gaze.

 Thankfully, the Judge turns off the TV and it quietly ascends into its hidden spot in the room's ceiling.

 "I'll take what you said into consideration...may I go now, please?" The Judge doesn't answer for a moment, hesitating as if he wants to say more. "Please, Judge...I need to see the gymnasium and do a practice run...may I go now?" Finally he answers, telling me that I am permitted to leave and I practically run out of the room, my eyes stinging with tears.

In the elevator, I dry my eyes and try my best to calm down as it descends and then finally comes to a stop on the 3rd floor below. When the doors open, I step out into the largest gymnasium I've ever seen with my own eyes. The Judge hadn't been lying when he'd said that it was fully equipped.  There is equipment for almost every sport imaginable stationed in organized clusters throughout the room. My eyes scan the various items as I slowly walk through the gymnasium toward where I can see the gymnastic equipment is stationed. Aside from myself, there is no one else in the room, and the steps from my sneaker clad feet echo off the highly polished wooden floor and bounce back off the walls and lofty ceiling above my head.

The gymnastic section of the gymnasium is impressive to say the least. It features a large trampoline, a pommel horse,  steel rings, even and uneven bars, and a vaulting apparatus.  There is a large section of spring floor unoccupied and I walk over to it. I pull my hair back into a ponytail before removing my socks, sneakers, and the towel from around my neck; setting the items aside against a nearby wall.  I step onto the blue spring floor and bounce a few times on the balls of my feet to test the springs beneath the floor's surface. I then take a running start and perform a practice somersault with a half twist, managing to stick the landing.

'My old gymnastic coach would be so proud...' I think, smiling to myself.

 I hear clapping behind me and spin around to see Max walking up while clapping his hands together slowly, his facial expression unreadable. My wide eyes take in the sight of him as he walks over to casually lean against the wall, folding his arms across his broad, muscular chest. He is dressed in nothing but a square legged speedo that stops about mid thigh. His body is hard, as if cut from stone, and every muscle on it stands out in definition...even the one behind the spandex material of his bathing suit. At the sight of it I turn away quickly, hoping he hadn't noticed me looking.

Once again the Judge comes to my rescue and asks if I'm ready to commence the challenge. I nod, and walk to one of the marked corners of the spring floor. I am startled as music suddenly fills the room. I hadn't asked for any, and in fact, it proves to be a distraction of sorts because now I feel as though I have to orchestrate my movements with the beats of the song. I am a good dancer though, so I try to make the best of it and incorporate some pirouettes and high, front and back, leg kicks into my routine before exhaling completely and running at full speed toward the middle of the floor. Before I reach it, I perform a front somersault, followed by a backflip, and then launch myself up from the floor to complete a second backflip with a half twist, sticking the landing as best I can. I perform some rhythmic dance moves combined with aerial splits and kicks in time to the music, position myself again at the other corner of the mat, and exhale in preparation for my next set of tumbles.  I take off running again and launch into another front somersault followed by two back flips, ending in a full twist this time. I again perform some body movements to the beat of the music, kicking high and dancing on my pointed toes for some time before exhaling and going into my final series of tumbles. I take off running for the last time and launch my body into three front somersaults followed by two back flips. When I come to a stop, I drop to the floor in a front split, swing my legs around, and lift my lower body off the floor while keeping my legs straight up in the air. I scissor my legs to the music for a second before spreading them wide, bringing them back to the floor while holding their position, and lifting my torso, ending in a side split as I raise my arms and hold the pose until the Judge realizes that I am done and stops the music.

The room is silent except for my labored breathing.  My routine wasn't perfect but I'm almost positive that Max won't be able to do better. I gather my legs under me and rise, my eyes flickering toward Max who still leans against the wall, but is now shaking his lowered head with a small smile playing across his lips. I walk over to my things and sit on the floor, grabbing my towel and wiping my neck as I lean back against the wall and try to catch my breath. I watch as Max walks to the center of the spring floor.

"Max, would you like to perform to music?" The Judge asks.

I frown. The bastard hadn't asked me if I wanted music!

"No, thanks." Max answers gruffly. "This will be quick."

"Very well Max, Please begin when you're ready." The Judge replies.

I watch as Max inhales deeply and then exhales slowly before launching into a series of back flips without needing to run and gain momentum first. When he stops, he performs a few aerial martial arts kicks that stun me with their ferocity and power. He yells loudly with each kick and then begins a series of cartwheels, first using his hands to gain speed and momentum, and then using nothing but his legs and upper body strength to propel his body into the air. When he stops again, he kicks his right leg high into the air, almost completely perpendicular to his body, and leaves it there for a moment before slowly lowering it to the floor while keeping it perfectly straight and not wavering in the slightest on his planted foot. I know from experience that pulling off a move like this would take tremendous lower body strength and physical discipline. I watch in amazement as he goes into a handstand when both of his feet are again on the floor. His body is again perpendicular and the muscles in his arms bulge as he holds this position while slowly bringing his straight legs forward until they nearly touch the floor and then lifting them back to their original position. Still in the handstand position, he does a split and then tucks his arms and legs into his body, rolling into a ball and then springing to his feet in one fluid movement that ends with him standing straight, with his feet together, arms at his sides, and head bowed.

This display from him is totally unexpected. I could tell from looking at him that he was fit and knew from the way he'd lifted me earlier that he was strong, but I had no clue that he was capable of movements of this range and skill. I am now worried that the Judge will hand him the victory based on his well executed martial arts performance, instead of judging on the gymnastic skill as I'd specified.

Max walks over to the wall and sits a few feet away from me, barely appearing to be out of breath. I can't help but to glance over at him and bite my bottom lip with worry as I wait to hear the Judge's decision.

[Sprayman]

Judge

“Let me start by congratulating both of you on an outstanding contest. This is exactly the sort of competition we were looking for in our game. Each of you did an outstanding job and both of your routines were magnificent. Well Done!”

“I am going to defer grading of your performances to an associate that has some knowledge of gymnastics. Tapes of your routines are being sent to her now and we should have her grades in just a few minutes. If I were to grade them personally, I would give Max the higher score based simply on the obvious strength he displayed.”

I see Simone frown as she hears my words. Truth be told, her routine was more smooth and graceful, and will likely get the higher score from my associate, but I can’t help adding to her stress level. Simone can’t contain her temper and says, “I don’t think that’s fair Judge. I challenged Max to a gymnastic competition, not a martial arts display and…” I turn up the volume and drown out her complaint…

“SHUT UP SIMONE!”

Volume returned to normal, I continue, “Let me remind you that my decisions are final and can’t be challenged. Luckily for you, I’m not making this decision alone. If I were, you would lose based just on that outburst. You had better learn right now that I am in charge. One more outburst of temper and I will award you a penalty. Rest assured you won’t like it if I do.”

“I have my associate’s grades and comments now. Max, she says your routine was non-traditional for gymnastics but very well executed. She gives you a score of 8.0. She also says she would love to meet you in person one day.”

Simone sucks in a deep breath and bites her lower lip when she hears Max’s grade.

“Simone, she says your routine was well executed with minor flaws and much more traditional. She gives you an overall grade of 8.5 and declares you the winner. I am inclined to impose a one point penalty for your temper tantrum, which would make you the loser instead. I won’t do that… but I should!”

“The score stands at 2 to 1 in favor of Simone. You now have a one hour rest before Max issues his second challenge. You may return to your rooms. We will meet in the conference room in one hour.”

Max says, “Judge, my next challenge will be in the pool. To save some time Simone, please wear your bathing suit to the meeting.”

“Thank you Max, Simone, please do as Max requests. There are bathing suits in your dresser. The pool is in the courtyard of this building. Max will show you the way when we leave the conference room meeting. Have a good rest and good luck to both of you.”

[Chocolate Thai]

I'm guessing that Max's next challenge will be a swimming competition. I can't see any other reason for being in the pool. I don't think he looks like the type to being playing Marco Polo.

I have the lead now, no thanks to the Judge, and I want to keep it. I'm an average swimmer; not particularly great but not too bad either. I think I could hold my own in a race against him...only time will tell.

Back in my room, I rifle through the dresser drawers and locate one that is filled with bathing suits. I look through them, trying to find a one-piece, but there aren't any. I reach in and pull out one of the bikini bottoms and toss it aside when I see that it is a thong. I reach in and pick up a different bottom, frowning when I see that this one also has a thong back. I get a sickened feeling in the pit of my stomach as I pull out each one until the drawer is empty and the suits lay scattered about my feet...all of them with thong bottoms. I look up at the ceiling disgustedly, knowing the Judge is watching and enjoying my distress at the prospect of having my ass on display for countless viewers to gawk at.

'Fine! I'm so tired of him and his stupid mind games...'  I think, as I sit down cross-legged on the floor and try to choose which one of the sets to wear. 'I'm not going to let him get to me this time. I've worn a thong bikini before. I can do it again. I don't have anything to be ashamed of. He's the one that should be ashamed... of himself!'

I find a peach colored bikini whose top and bottom offers more coverage than the rest, and put the remaining suits back into the drawer before standing. I don't bother to turn off the lights to get dressed. After what the Judge showed me in the conference room, it was absolutely pointless to do so. I change my bottoms first and then switch tops, making sure to tie the strings securely at the neck and around my back. When I am done, I look at my reflection in the mirror for a moment and then turn away unhappily.

'Well, at least I'm not naked.' I think, as I lie down on the bed and try to relax as much as I can before it's time to leave.

When the Judge advises that the door is unlocked, I sigh heavily and rise from the bed, dreading leaving the room. I refuse to let my discomfort show, however, and force myself to hold my head high and not try to hide my body with my arms as I walk out of the room and approach the waiting elevator.

[Sprayman]

Simone is walking to the elevator when I leave my room. She is wearing a bikini… a very brief string bikini… and as she turns toward the elevator door, I see it has a thong back. The view is… outstanding!! I can feel a slight stirring in my own suit.

“Wow… nice suit Simone… way nicer than mine! The… color… is very flattering!”

The door to the elevator opens as I speak and Simone steps quickly in, turns, and backs up to the back wall glaring at me. I look back at her as the door closes.

“Look Simone, I’m sorry if that upset you. I can’t help being a man and any man would see you in that suit and have to say something equally stupid. You’re a beautiful young woman and your suit lets everyone see that. It was meant as a compliment.”

When I say the word ‘beautiful’ Simone drops her eyes and ends the glare. I can almost imagine that she is suppressing a smile. When the door opens on the ninth floor, I purposely step out in front of Simone and walk directly into the conference room, allowing her to enter behind me… and out of my direct view. She sits in the first chair she reaches. I take a seat across from her, on the far side of the table.

As soon as I’m seated, the Judge’s voice issues from the speakers asking, “Well Max, are you ready with you second challenge?”

“Yes Judge, I am. I challenge Simone to a breath holding contest in the swimming pool. The pool is fourteen feet deep under the diving board. Simone and I will step into the pool together from the board, holding hands so we enter at the same time. Each of us will also be holding a ten pound dumbbell from the gym weight rack. The weight will ensure we go all the way to the bottom and stay there. First one to drop the weight and surface loses. Once both of us are on the bottom, we can stop holding hands. I wouldn’t want Simone trying to hold me down when I’m ready to surface… or vice versa!”

“We can stop at the gym and pick up the weights on the way down to the pool. My challenge won’t take more than three or four minutes once we start. I doubt Simone can hold her breath longer than that, and I’m sure I can’t.”

Although I have years of U S Navy Seal training to draw on, my challenge is a risk. Simone’s smaller body has less volume than mine and less blood in her veins to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide. It’s the CO2 buildup that causes the body to breathe after holding your breath under water. If Simone knows the technique to purge her body of CO2, then she might be able to beat me at my own game because her smaller body mass will build up CO2 slower than mine. It’s a calculated risk. I’m betting she doesn’t know the necessary technique… and if she does… I still have an ace up my sleeve. OK… no sleeves… it’s just a figure of speech…!

Judge

“Very well Max, your challenge is acceptable. You and Simone can stop on 3 to get the weights and proceed to the pool. There will be a SCUBA equipped camera man in the pool with you to film the contest underwater and to act as a safety man for the event. I took the advance notice you gave to get him equipped and ready. He is already waiting by the pool. You both may go and get the needed weights. I’ll see you at the pool.”

[Chocolate Thai]

I instantly regret not grabbing a coverall or towel when Max speaks up behind me and comments on my bathing suit. I don't dignify his comment with a response though, and quickly obscure his view by backing up against the furthest elevator wall when the doors open. I glare at him angrily as he steps onto the elevator and the doors close behind him. He then surprises me by apologizing if his comment was offensive and goes on to compliment my beauty. I lower my gaze, still uncomfortable, but now feeling that I may have overreacted. His comment really hadn't been demeaning. In the years after puberty hit and my body began to develop I'd certainly heard worse.

When we reach the floor below and the doors open, I am grateful to him for stepping off ahead of me and leading the way into the conference room. Once seated, I am surprised to hear that his challenge doesn't involve swimming at all, but instead is a breath holding competition. I don't like the idea of being fourteen feet beneath the water, but I feel as though I still stand a good chance of possibly winning. My brothers and I had spent countless hours at the community swimming pool as children and along with diving and swimming, holding our breath underwater was a competition we'd often engaged in. I haven't done it in a while though, so I don't know how long I can last without air, but I certainly plan on doing my best.

The Judge dismisses us and we leave the conference room, again with Max in the lead. I am happy that the nature of this challenge doesn't leave the winning decision up to the Judge.

'At least the bastard can't try to sabotage this one for me.' I think, as the elevator doors open and we step inside.

[Sprayman]

As Simone and I enter the elevator and start down to the 3rd floor gym, I stand facing away from her and begin my breathe-up exercise period of long slow deep breaths to oxygenate my blood. I keep the sounds of the breathing to a minimum so I won’t give Simone a clue to what I’m doing. I’ll work on purging the CO2 when I get on the board. Purging will sound like I’m hyperventilating to her and she may do some of that too. Hyperventilating isn’t recommended though and can cause unconsciousness. Too bad for her if she tries to copy me.

When we get to the 3rd floor and the door opens, I tell Simone, “Hold the door open and I’ll grab the weights. Be right back.” Walking to the weight rack, I take a ten pound dumbbell in each hand and return to the elevator. I hand one of the dumbbells to Simone and then press the button for the lobby. “Guess the judge is letting me run the show for now,” I say as the door closes and the car descends. I keep up the slow deep breathing as we reach the first floor and the door reopens.

“Follow me,” I say as I turn left and head for the courtyard and the pool. Walking makes it easier to do the breathe-up and I increase the depth of each breath. Opening the door to the pool, I hold it for Simone. I want her distracted while I finish the breathe-up routine.

“The judge told me yesterday that our collars are safe in the pool area. What we’ll do is get up on the board and clasp hands. We’ll slowly swing them back and then forward. When our hands come forward for the third time, we’ll step off into the water. Once we’re on the bottom, you can let go of my hand. We’ll just stand there until one of us has to surface. Understand?”

Simone nods her head yes without speaking. I can see she’s also taking deep breaths now, but too quick and too late to be accomplishing a real breathe-up. In fact, it’s more like she is hyperventilating. She may regret that in a couple of minutes. I continue my own breathe-up as we round the pool. Moving slowly so I can finish my physical and mental preparations, I step up on the diving board.

Once I’ve moved out over the water, Simone carefully steps up and moves to join me until we are standing side by side. I start the hard fast purging breaths as I reach down and take her hand. I feel her flinch slightly as our hands touch and then clasp. Moving slowly, I swing our hands back behind us, and then just as slowly swing them forward until they are almost shoulder high in front. Simone is also breathing hard as well.

I time my breaths so that I’m inhaling for the tenth time as our hands come forward for the third swing. My tenth breath is a normal inhale, and as our hands reach the full height of the last swing; I step forward off the board. Simone does also a fraction of a second later and we hit the water almost simultaneously.

A moment later, we are both standing on the bottom in 14 feet of water. I open my eyes and watch the bubbles clear away. I also watch a man wearing SCUBA tanks swim slowly closer as he extends an underwater camera toward us. Throughout the breathe-up, I’ve been striving for the perfect Zen state of total relaxation that will allow me to hold my breath for almost four minutes. My mind is just about there and I feel the muscle tension fading away as the warm pool water envelopes me. I’m back in my true element!

I turn toward Simone as I disengage our clasped hands and watch as her midnight hair drifts around her face in the current. She doesn’t look relaxed and that is the most important part of a breath hold. I should have this contest won easily. If I’m wrong, I can always use my ace in the hole. I’m betting that Simone will panic and surface if I snap the strings holding her bathing suit on! If not, it will at least improve the view. I also continue to watch Simone closely in case she blacks out and inhales water. Checking my Luminox Dive watch, I see the first minute is past before she opens her eyes and looks at me.

I can tell from her face that she is feeling the strain already. Most people who haven’t had training can hold their breath for one to one and a half minutes and we are close to the minute and a half point now. Someone who has practiced holding their breath without training can usually reach two minutes but that is about as far as the untrained person can go. I’ve had the best training in the world… from some of the toughest instructors alive. My personal best for a static breath hold is four minutes and twenty three seconds. As much as I’d like to try snatching Simone’s suit off, it won’t be necessary. Damn the luck…!

At one minute thirty seconds, I can see the panic starting in Simone’s eyes. To help it along, I give her a slow grin as I look at my watch. At one minute forty seconds, Simone’s weight hits the bottom of the pool while she pushes off and kicks franticly toward the surface. Not wanting to show her up too badly… or let her see how long I can actually hold my breath, I wait until she is treading water above me then drop my weight and surface beside her.

Simone is sucking in air like there’s no tomorrow. I take a couple of deep breaths before saying, “Well, that was fun!” My hand brushes Simone’s side as we both tread water and her reaction is almost a convulsion. She is either very frightened of me… very ticklish… or both…!

That’s something else to remember about Simone.

From the outdoor speakers around the pool, the judge’s voice says, “Max wins this contest. The score is two all. You may return to your rooms now or continue to swim if you wish. We will meet in the conference room tomorrow morning at nine for Simone’s next challenge.”

[Chocolate Thai]

 I gulp air greedily once I hit the surface of the water.  I blink rapidly to clear the water out of my eyes and try to calm myself. I remember to try and tread the water lightly lest I pull myself back down with my floundering, but it isn't easy. My heart is racing and my body is in panic mode from lack of oxygen. I continue to gasp for air when suddenly Max pops up beside me, looking just as calm as he always does.   He actually makes a comment about the challenge being fun. I have to disagree. I am about  to tell him this when his hand brushes my side, tickling the exposed flesh above my ribs. I react as I normally do when tickled, and I nearly jump out of my skin.

I hear the Judge declare Max the winner, and that's fine. He'd won it fair and square, there was no disputing that. He hadn't even look a bit desperate for air while we were down there. I'd even seen a smile on his face at one time while he was looking at that watch of his. Something tells me that Max has some sort of training either from his martial arts or maybe some type of military training, that may have assisted him with his breath holding. Whatever it was that had helped him, he'd won.

As we continue to tread water my eyes shift around the pool. This would be the best time to try and talk to Max without the Judge eavesdropping.  There was nothing around us but water and no one around to listen in and tell the Judge what we were saying. I'd seen the camera man surface and exit the pool a second after Max popped up, so he couldn't rat us out.

My gaze falls back on Max and I look into his blue eyes as he bobs up and down next to me. I decide to take the risk and speak with him.

[Chocolate Thai]

Simone:  "Max, can I ask you a question?" I ask, keeping my voice low even though I'm almost sure the Judge can't hear.


Max:  "Sure, what is it."


Simone:  "Don't you want to get outta here? I mean, the judge seems to give you a lot more freedom than he does me. It would be easier for you to   escape... don't you ever think about it?"


Max: "I plan to get out of here, as soon as I win the game. Until then... well... I think the collars might make it sort of difficult. Didn't the judge tell you    about trying to remove it or what happens when you get more than a half mile from this building?"


Simone:  I nod, frowning.  I steal a quick glance around to make sure we are still alone and then look back at him  "I know, Max. He told me. He's shocked me once already... I just can't believe that there's no way out of here. Like I said, he lets you do things, and go places that he doesn't let me. He wants you to win. He told me so himself. So if there were a way out of here, I think you'd be able to find it before I could. Don't you even want to try?... I mean there's a chance that I might win too." I say, still not quite believing it myself but feeling as though it needed to be put out there as a possibility.

 
Max:  One thing's for sure. The judge didn't tell Simone about the audio pickup in her collar. He can hear every word we say. "Well Simone, I guess it's time to share a little more information about myself. I spent eight years in the Navy. For seven of those eight, I was a Navy Seal. Do you know what the Seal motto is? Probably not, so I'll tell you. It goes, 'Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit,' and the most important part is the last two words. So yes, there is a chance you may win... but not a big chance. So far, I've been playing nice. But honey, if you take a real lead, just one point of a real lead, the velvet gloves come off and Mr. Nice Guy disappears forever. I will fuck you over every possible way... including literally... if I have to... or just because I feel like it!"


"Take this to the bank. I am not a nice guy... I am not a gentleman... and Missy... I am going to win!"


Simone:  I'm stunned into silence by his words.  Did he just say he would literally fuck me just to win? 'He's playing mind games.' I think, 'trying to psych me out... fine, if I can't appeal to his sense of decency, maybe I can get through to him a different way...'

"OK, Max. So you're not a nice guy. I get that...believe me, I do. But you are a business man aren't you? My parents aren't rich, but they're not poor either.They'd pay you whatever they could to get me back.  I probably won't win, and you've already told me that you wouldn't even want me as a slave anyway...So if you do win, would you just let me go? I mean, you'd be out of danger at that point...you could just say I ran away..and my parents would pay you.  I don't know what the Judge has planned for me if I lose...and I don't want to find out. I don't want to be a slave, Max.  Please, will you just consider it?
 
Max:  "Sure, I'll consider that. I don't know what limits or restrictions will be placed on me after I win, but I've told the judge I need to be back to my business in ten to fourteen days, assuming I win. I was told that wouldn't be a problem as long as I win the game. Since you would be my slave for thirty days, it stands to reason I'll be able to take you home with me. I can't promise because I don't know all the rules, but I'd at least be willing to try to let you escape once we're back in the States. Of course, I wouldn't just let you go. You'd have to make it worth my time and effort though."


Simone:  "Worth your time and effort..." I repeat, my smile at hearing that he would consider my offer fading. " Well, what would you want me to do? I told you that my family would pay you..."

 
Max:  If I win the game, I win $100,000.00 and you for 30 days. Hitting up your folks for more cash sounds silly to me at that point. Besides, my business is doing pretty good all by itself, so I don't need to fleece your dad. If I let you go, I'm giving up 30 days of sex and service. I think five days from you would be more than reasonable if I let you go afterward. So why don't we figure on that, five days of slavery in return for your freedom afterward. Seems fair to me. How does it sound to you?


Simone:  I recoil from his words as if they'd been a slap. "What??!! You're kidding right..." I look into eyes and see that...no...he is not. "But earlier you said-... I-In the elevator, you told me you didn't want-" I let the words trail off, shaking my head and realizing that it didn't matter what he'd said earlier. What he is saying now, is the problem. "I won't do it." I said firmly, glaring at him. "Are you crazy??  Listen, I'll clean...I'll cook...I'll wash your clothes and do the dishes if you want...I'll even give you pedicures and run your damn bath water for five days or even ten for that matter! ... But I am not having sex with you... I'm not a whore, Max... You can't really expect me to agree to something like that!"

 
Max:  I agree completely Simone. You aren't a whore... and I'm not going to make you one. I'd have to pay you if I wanted you to be a whore but what I said was 'slave' and slaves don't get paid. Think back about what I said before. I said, 'I’m not even sure I’d want you as a slave girl. You have a nasty temper and a nasty mouth and you jump at all the wrong conclusions. I like my slaves to be a little more laid back and easy-going.' I also mentioned I prefer blonds, but a wig would take care of that. If we  negotiate an agreement... five days of slavery for your freedom afterward... you would have to be... agreeable. In other words... more laid back and easy-going. Problems solved!"


Simone:  I stare at him for a moment before answering. "Forget it! I don't need your help. I'll get out of this on my own." I say and begin to swim away. When I get a few feet away from him I turn, " You just remember this...you may not be a nice guy, but I can be a really nasty girl myself when I want to be. I don't plan on just handing this thing over to you and resigning myself to a life of slavery. I'm going to fight back. There's no more conceding challenges, remember? I've been nice so far too...but I can make my challenges just as difficult as you can, and I can fuck you over just as easily. Don't underestimate me, Max." I hiss, and swim to the nearest ladder to exit the pool.