Erica's Discovery Ch 1
For some of my long-time fans I wrote two more parts to Erica's Awakening and Erica's Journey of Discovery, but forgot to publish them. My bad. I was going through my list of publications and realized that I forgot to publish. If you haven't read any of the Erica series it would help continuity if you read them first.
This is basically an erotic love story and of course all characters are over 21. It will definitely not start out as a love story, but it will get there. The Erica Series contains BDSM, bondage, exhibitionism, and lots of kinky sex. If you don't like these things then this story may not be for you. Please vote often (fives are most welcome) and of course please leave constructive comments.
PS - This is the fourth and final Part of the Erica Series. If you have fantasies, ideas, etc for new stories please let me know, that includes twists on existing stories and I will see what I can do. Many of my stories have started out that way.
Erica's Discovery
Chapter 1 - Love Wins
Erica spent three days in the hospital and most of the time was being evaluated. With all the drugs pumped into her system over the last few days they wanted everything out of her system before they released her. Alan stayed by her side the whole time, someone had taken advantage of his absence before, but not again. Erica didn't mind, because he was there to hold her when her bad dreams struck.
When they were both awake, they talked, cuddled, kissed, and tried to push aside all the bad things that happened during the last week. Alan felt like much of this was his fault, after all it was his job to protect Erica. The image of that mutilated body in the morgue haunted him and he realized that it could have been Erica. He knew he was lucky that it wasn't and he was determined to never let anybody get that close to her again.
Erica actually had many of the same thoughts. In the very beginning Alan had doubts about whether they should pursue Playboy modeling or not. It was only at Erica's insistence that they went ahead with the Playboy photo shoots. She had promised to tell Alan everything, but she had hidden the fact that she couldn't remember many of the photoshoots. He would've stopped her if he had known the whole truth and she knew deep down all of this was her fault. While she had paid a huge physical and mental price; Alan had too.
Erica also realized that Alan's decisions and instincts throughout this whole affair were much better than hers. She had always been extremely independent and it was hard for her to let Alan really be her Master. She had no trouble in the bedroom and desperately wanted him to conquer her, use her and give her the bliss she had never known. However, outside the bedroom was more difficult, but the last week had shown that she needed him there just as much. She knew it would be difficult, but she vowed to let Alan truly be her Master from now on.
When it came time for her to go home from the hospital Jennifer had helped to pick out some of Erica's nicer sundresses. Erica, still in full exhibitionist mode, had wanted something much racier and more revealing. However, Jennifer thought something more subdued was probably better for sure to be publicized, the hospital exit.
During her stay in the hospital, Erica and Jennifer had become very close. Every time Alan saw them together, they were either talking in very hushed tones, laughing or they were clinging to each other with tears streaming down her face. Jennifer seemed to be very good for Erica and Alan was happy that she'd found a new friend that seemed to know what she was going through.
Alan, however, was another story, anytime someone new came on shift Alan would grill them trying to verify who they were then stayed protectively close to Erica whenever they were in the room. When it came time to leave Alan went a little crazy. As they exited the hospital room with a nurse pushing Erica in a wheelchair, she thought he acted like a Secret Service agent protecting the president. He was looking for threats everywhere with even loud noises making him jump to protect her.
During their departure the press was outside the main entrance and had virtually blocked their exit. A fact Alan hadn't counted on was, the kidnapping and sale of a Playmate was salacious news with everyone wanting lots of photos and interviews with Erica. Mike helped them find an alternate exit from the hospital and sent word to clear the press from the entrance to their house.
Erica felt fortunate that she had been drugged most of the time. She only had her dreams and vague recollections of what happened. Physically she had healed fairly quickly, but she was still having nightmares and knew it would be a while before those away. Everyone told her had happened, but it was like she wasn't there and her nightmares were the only emotional fallout. Having Alan's arms wrapped tightly around her seemed to keep all the bad dreams away and she needed him holding her.
What Alan had gone through, the kidnapping, thinking she was dead and finding her in a crate had almost broken him, but with Mike's help he had saved her. Unfortunately, he was now overprotective and he treated her like porcelain doll afraid that at any moment something bad would happen to her. Erica could see the pain in his eyes and she didn't know how to get her husband and Master back. So, during their trek through the hospital she reached over, grabbed his hand, kissed it, held it against her cheek and this seemed to settle Alan down a little bit.
As they finally left the hospital and got into the car Alan helped Erica in the passenger seat lifting her gently like she was fine China. She loved that he cared for her, worried about her and pampered her, but after everything that happened, he seemed afraid that he would break her. For Erica all of this was like a vivid dream, with the hardest part the knowing that she had been repeatedly raped and couldn't remember anything about it. Alan, however, had vivid memories of what was done to her and you could see it in the way he treated her. For Erica it was like an itch she couldn't scratch, always there, but you couldn't do anything about it.
When they got to the house, Erica almost had to browbeat Alan to let her walk into the house. With the paparazzi staked out around the hospital and their house Alan was going crazy searching for threats. Erica just wanted to be alone with Alan and try to rekindle the love and passion from before the photo shoots. She even thought about giving the paparazzi a show, letting them take their photos, then maybe they would leave them alone. Alan knew this would just create more photo demand, so he nixed the idea. Mike and the cops helped keep many of the paparazzi away with patrols around the house, but they still came in droves. They closed all the windows, doors and blinds and hunkered down for the duration.
~~~
The day after Erica's release from the hospital four large men arrived at LAX. Each man was huge, very muscular with short, cropped hair and looked as though they were fresh from the military. All of them looked hard and focused. They only spoke when they had to and even then, in short, clipped sentences. They had flown all night and most of the day from Germany, but never seemed to lose their wary concentration.
They carried their duffel bags to the car rental area where they rented a white cargo van with only rear tinted windows. Each man knew his job and no one spoke as they piled into the van. They made a stop at a U-Store-It and spent a half hour sorting through the interior of the storage area before loading duffel bags into the van.
After a couple of other stops for food and drink they drove for another hour until they joined the paparazzi staked out around Alan and Erica's house. They meandered through the crowd of photographers asking innocent questions and after an hour met back at the van. They all reported their findings, with all the police and photographers they agreed that they were too exposed. They needed to find another way and another time.
~~~~
Then for the next two days Alan continued to treat her like a porcelain doll, afraid to touch her, afraid she would break. On the second night, he tentatively made love to her, and once again he treated her like a porcelain doll. He was so placid and tentative she almost didn't feel a thing. However, the one thing she could feel was his damaged heart, it would be inaccurate to say he had a broken heart, but something inside him was broken. Her worst fears had come true. The only person she ever truly loved, the only person that had always stood by her had been hurt. Alan had been right; the Playboy shoot had been a bad idea and had damaged the only wonderful thing in her life.
Erica felt the pain in his heart and could see it in his eyes as well. After the tentative attempt at making love Erica crawled on top of him pinning him beneath her and said, "Talk to me, and tell me what's going on. I know you're in pain, but I love you more than ever, so please let me help you. I want my husband and Master back."
Erica could see the pain crawling out of his eyes as the tears began to flow. He pulled her hard to his chest in a crushing hug, and after he started to get himself under control, he stuttered, "I let you down and all of this is my fault. I left you to see that client and you were raped, I left you to get coffee and you were kidnapped. When I saw that brutally burned and mutilated body in the morgue, part of me died inside and I knew it was all because of me that she died. I've let you down, I was supposed to protect you, take care of you and everything that happened was because I didn't do what I was supposed to do."
Erica rained kisses all over his face, then pulled back, looked into his eyes and with her heart full of love, "This is not your fault baby, and if it's anyone's fault it's mine. From the very beginning, you had bad feelings about the photo shoots and tried to talk me out of it. You know my parents always drove me to succeed and this was my new career, so I had to go for it. Baby, it was you against a massive organization ... you still beat them and saved me."
With her eyes brimming with tears in an ache in her heart she continued, "You remember once you said that you would always love me and protect me. If something did happen to me you said you would never stop until you found me. That's what you did my love, you never stopped until you found me and saved me."
Alan pulled her tightly against his chest and Erica felt her ribs protest against his crushing hug. "I can't get that image of your mangled, tortured and brutally mutilated body lying on the table in the morgue. I knew that it was my fault. I'm so scared that if I let my guard down for one second something can happen to you again and this time it really will be you on the table. Oh God baby, I love you so much I can't bear the thought of something like that happening to you." Alan said chokingly.
Erica could see he had been torturing himself with all that had happened and was blaming himself for letting it go on for so long. She knew he would need therapy to get rid of these images and to be honest she could probably use some as well. For now, Erica had to use what she had, so she began rubbing her body over Alan dragging her hard nipples across his chest and her pussy over his cock.
She started licking and tugging on his ear and neck with her lips, then she whispered, "Does this feel like a corpse, this is your warm-blooded woman, your lusty wife who needs you. I need to feel your love, Alan; I need to feel you inside me. I want to feel your cock pulsing inside me as you claim me as yours. I need my Master, the man who drives me insane with passion, my inventive lover, my best friend, my husband and the Master of my body back."
As she seductively rubbed her body over his, she could feel his cock respond, only a little, but in a hopeful sign she felt his hands caressing her back. Then he cupped her ass in his hands and pulled her to him and she excitedly whispered in his ear. "Fuck me, fuck me hard and show me how much you love me. Be my caveman, grabbed me by the hair and take me as your woman. Pound me into the bed, fill me with your cum and mark me as your woman. I need you baby; I need your love and I need you to be my Master again."
She could feel him starting to respond to her demands, but it was still tentative and she needed him. She needed her husband back, so she took it to the next step, slapped him in the face and yelled. "FUCK ME DAMNIT, FUCK ME HARD LIKE YOU MEAN IT." Then she slapped him again.
With the first slap, Alan was stunned, but it shocked him out of his reverie with his depression starting to fade. With the second slap and her screaming, he felt himself rise to the challenge. Alan growled and flipped Erica onto her back, grabbing her two wrists in his hand pinning them above her head. He aggressively grabbed her throat in his mouth and began raking his teeth over her sensitive skin as he felt her throbbing pulse in his mouth.
As her loving aggressive husband began to assert his control, Erica felt chills rush through her body with goose bumps popping over her skin. She noted his cock was hard as steel as it lay on her belly and in her mind, Erica screamed. "YES, OH GOD YES."
Alan aggressively claimed her throat then began kissing down to her quivering breasts and as he sucked her nipple into his mouth, Erica moaned lustily thrusting her breasts into his ravenous mouth. Alan trapped her nipple between his tongue and teeth, stretching and pulling sending jolts of desire directly to her quivering pussy. This was exactly what Erica needed and wanted. As Alan released her hands, she began to claw at his back with her fingernails spurring him on.
If that wasn't enough, she moaned with erotic gasps saying, "Oh Alan, take me and show me how much you love me, I want to feel your seed shooting inside me."
Alan arched his back and with one continuous thrust buried his cock inside Erica's cunt. She arched her back in pleasure as Alan gave her exactly what she wanted. She felt exquisitely stuffed as his cock slammed into her cervix and Erica began to shiver as he aggressively pounded her into the mattress. With each thrust crushing her inflamed clit between them and Erica felt spikes of incredible pleasure seize her quivering quim. Alan claimed her mouth thrusting his tongue inside her mouth in rhythm with his cock claiming her pussy.
Erica wrapped her legs around his back with her fingernails passionately clawing his back spurring him on as she felt the orgasmic tension build in her body. Alan also felt the tension in her body building and he knew soon she would be exploding around him in ecstasy. Now more than ever he wanted to see his woman exploding in rapture with a look of complete and utter bliss on her face.
Alan continued his relentless thrusts into Erica's impassioned body until she suddenly threw her head back, arching her body and froze as a massive wave of ecstasy swept aside everything else. Moments like this made Alan feel like a god with the power to breathe ecstasy into the only woman he ever loved. He reached between them and started flicking her clit to stretch out her orgasm and keep that look of bliss on her face and the rapture contorting her body.
Erica felt Alan start flicking her clit while continuing to drive his cock into her pussy punishing her clit and sending fireworks rocketing through her head. In a brief moment of rational thought, she knew her, teacher, lover, Master was back, pushing and driving her lusty fervor before him. Then a tidal wave of lustful craving swept all rational thought away.
Having this loving sensual woman writhing in ecstasy while impaled on his cock was getting to Alan. So, he finally planted his cock deep against her cervix and painted her insides with ropes of his hot thick cum. Erica shook in loving contentment as she felt Alan pulsing inside her with the hot slickness of his cum filling her. Oh, how she loved this beautiful intimate moment.
Alan gave her no time to wallow in the blissful intimacy of the moment, with her legs relaxing around his waist he pulled his cock out of her. Then sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed her by the waist and draped her cross his lap. Alan made sure his knee was pressed firmly against her clit then with a hard-open palm spanked her ass and driving his knee into her clit.
In a heartbeat Erica was stretched across her loving husband's lap. As the painful spank merged with the ecstasy of his knee crushing her clit, she was suddenly on the verge of a massive orgasm.
"Oh God Mm Master, Oh God ... One Master." She screamed as her body shook and twisted on his lap suddenly filled with love and unclenched desire.
"You may cum my Baby, as much as you can." He whispered and his hand once again descended forcefully upon her red squirming ass.
Alan started raining blows on that incredibly soft yet firm ass and with Erica immediately exploding in a bright light of ecstasy and her body flailing on Alan's lap. Alan draped his free arm over her back to hold her twisting shaking body in place. As he continued to spank beautiful ass, he noticed that she tilted her butt up anticipating each blow. Then as it came, she flinched away from the pain thrusting her clit hard onto his knee.
Each time her clit slammed into his knee she screamed in ecstasy arching her back, convulsing in orgasmic splendor as her cum ripped through her body. The combination of pain and pleasure was driving her to the edge of sanity and each blow forced more orgasms to pile on her already gloriously frazzled body.
Erica didn't know what she liked more, the swat above with the pain or the ecstasy below as her clit was crushed against his knee. But soon it didn't matter as they merged into continuous idyllic orgasm and she drifted into the sea of euphoria. She reached her area of subspace and was cast adrift with no thoughts, only incredible, beautiful, loving sensations.
Alan stopped the spanking and began to lovingly caress her beautiful ass, now hot and red from the spanking. He slid his fingers into the soaking wet furnace that was her pussy and picked her up by her waist. With her legs straddling him he slid his hardened cock deep back into her pussy.
Erica's eyes were still unseeing and lost in the incredible rapture. As his cock slid inside her mouth fell open in a silent testimony to the ecstasy she felt when he was inside her. Alan held her impaled on his cock as he gently kissed her face and neck. He teased her nipples with his fingers wanting to bring her back to him, but still keep her stimulated. He needed her stimulated because he was far from finished showing her how much he loved her.
As Alan saw her eyes start to focus again Alan continued teasing her nipples and now softly caressing her clit as he said, "Now who do you belong to?"
In Erica's mouth quivered as she softly, lovingly wrapped her arms around his head, and gently kissed him saying, "You my Master, only you!"
Alan growled, "Whose property, are you?"
Erica breathlessly whispered, "Yours Master, I'm your property!"
Alan took her throat in his mouth as he growled, "What do you do with your Master's property?"
Erica whimpered with his teeth raking over her neck sending chills through her body. She gasps then softly said, "I must take care of my Master's property
He softly asked, "Will you ever go off by yourself and put yourself in danger again?"
"No Master. I want you always with me loving me and protecting me." She whispered then once more gently kissed his lips.
"Good because I can't live without you."
Alan scooped her legs over his arms and stood with Erica impaled on his cock. As she felt gravity pushing his cock deeper inside her and crushing her clit against his pelvis Erica felt love well up inside her. Their eyes locked in each other's gaze as Alan began to drive inside Erica with deep meaningful loving thrusts. Erica had never completely come down from her orgasm and was quickly back to the edge of another massive cum. He began to lift her up and down his cock letting gravity impale her on his cock and she felt herself start to cum again, then she remembered.
"Master may I cum?"
"Wait my pet, keep looking into my eyes, I want us to come together seeing the love in each other's eyes." Alan whispered.
Alan kept thrusting lovingly and purposefully into her and Erica was trying to do as her Master asked, hanging by her fingernails ready to fall into the orgasmic abyss. With their eyes still locked with pure love holding them together, Alan said. "Cum for me baby!"
Alan held himself deep inside her and as he shot his come against her cervix with his seed trying to break through into her womb. Erica felt him inside her, pulsing as his eyes conveyed the complete and committed love he felt. Then everything around her went white with the euphoric explosion inside her body and heart. She couldn't see anything except Alan's eyes still linked to hers with love.
Alan sat on the bed with Erica still lying on top of him and for the next hour they lay intertwined in various positions. They touched, caressed and held each other, using their love to heal the wounds of the last few days. Erica realized that their love was truly the best therapy and with it, they truly can get through anything.
Erica and Alan spent the rest of the day healing themselves with their love for each other. For the entire day, neither was out of each other's arms and they spent most of the day cuddling and talking. Throughout all of last few weeks, Erica realized three things about herself and tried to explain her lessons to Alan.
First, she finally realized that she is a beautiful and very sensual person, something several months ago she would've fiercely denied. She craves erotic stimulation, but she needs to be pushed, taken and mastered to truly feel the ecstasy she requires. As part of this her sensual discovery she realized that she is:
• An Exhibitionist - When she dresses scandalously and sees herself in the mirror, she is enthralled with what she sees. She needs to feel the crowd's eyes caressing and crawling over her naked skin validating her passion. She feels the lust in their eyes amplify her own and the more eyes on her the more crazed she becomes.
• A Submissive - she needs to be Mastered and controlled to really experience love and passion. She needs to be conquered, having her spoiled and petulant ways stripped away from her so she can release her inner harlot. However, it has to be someone she trusts and loves and that can only be Alan.
• A bondage slut - Her body comes alive when she's bound and under control of her Master. The bonds take away her ability to resist and that makes her hotter than she's ever been. She's forced to accept everything her Master does and it excites her immeasurably. Her whole body is sensitive and pleading for more and when there's a crowd watching her whole body is electrified.
• She is madly in love with Alan. He is the only reason the first three exist. She couldn't do any of them without his love, caring and protection. She only feels safe with him and he is the only reason she can let go enough to feel any kind of intense desire.
Showing herself and having erotic or glamorous photos taken of her are part of the erotic stimulation. Everything Alan does for and to her drives her wild only making her want more. Her ultimate stimulation is being bound, presenting herself to an audience while showing everyone that she belongs to Alan. Then she is exposed and safe.
Second, she's ambitious, something she's always known about herself and she has to have some kind of a career outlet. She loves modeling, especially the more glamour and the erotic photo shoots, but her ambition will drive her to take riskier jobs. As she just learned the risks can be to her physical safety, but also the safety of her love with Alan. She has to find some kind of way to balance her ambition and safety.
Third and most important, she has to have Alan, he's her whole world and not only can she not do without him she doesn't want to. She's never known the kind of all-consuming and self-sacrificing love that she feels for Alan. She needs to feel him with her all the time, if not physically then spiritually. They played sexual dominant and submissive games, but Erica wants to take it to the next step and she wants to live it. He is her Master and her reason for feeling anything.
Nothing means more to her than Alan's gentle, loving and complete dominance over her and she wants him to guide and control her. She was in love with Alan when they married, but the minute she truly gave all of herself to him everything went to a whole new level. He patiently loved and cared for her then dominated her when she needed it. She would have nothing without his love embracing her and it has taken her this long to grasp it.
Erica realized that numbers two and three are in conflict with each other. However, as she explained all of this to Alan, she knew he would find a way to make everything work. As the evening started to approach Alan decided they would indulge in item number one. They were going to go back to the restaurant where Erica first revealed herself and he was going to help her pick out another outfit to devastate their patrons and staff. This time he called them and made sure they were okay with the special show he had planned.
When Erica heard of Alan's plan, she started getting wet thinking of all those eyes ogling her again. Ultimately, they picked out a very beautiful and sexy dress. It was grey with a deep plunging neckline. The mini dress had classic sleeveless spaghetti straps that were simple yet stunning. The fitted shirred stitched skirt had a flattering straight hemline with a centerline that hugged her hips and butt while barely covering them.
The dress had a cowl draping plunge neckline that left most of her breasts and much of her back and belly exposed, with her nipples barely covered. The billowing bodice was perfect for flaunting Erica's spectacular breasts, but Alan had a spectacular addition.
Erica came out of the bathroom, dressed with hair and makeup perfectly. Once again Alan's face fell open in awe as he stared at the stunning vision standing before him. He marveled at how a simple dress can be transformed into a spectacular display of titillation when Erica wears it. Once again, she was devastatingly beautiful as she seductively walked over to Alan smiling beautifully.
She reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed, "You know how I love it when you look at me like that." Then she pulled herself into his arms and laid her head against his chest saying, "Alan, I love you so very much."
Alan wrapped his arms around her kissing the top of her head and as she tilted her face upwards, his lips descending to hers. They gently kissed intimately, expressing their undying love for each other. As he looked into her sparkling eyes, he said, "Are you ready for my additions to your outfit?"
Her eyes started to sparkle with mischief and excitement as she said, "Oh yes Master."
Alan leaned down to the drape of her dress moving it to one side uncovering her left nipple, which he promptly sucked into his mouth. He worked it until her nipple was thrusting proudly and hard in his mouth. When he pulled his mouth away from her nipple, he clamped a small clip on her nipple.
Erica had been moaning softly as he was sucking on her nipple, but as he clamped the clip on, her moans turned gasps. She gulped air thrusting her breasts into Alan's hands with the sudden bite of the clip. The sharp harshness of the clip sent bolts of electric desire directly to her already wet pussy. As the craving began to course through her body Alan started working the other nipple in his mouth.
When her right nipple was hard and proudly waiting for the chomp of the nipple clamp Alan looked at her softly as he clamped her right nipple. Erica knew it was coming but the bite of the clamp shot a pulse of blistering desire from her nipple to her dewy folds. Erica quivered and gasped as she felt the exquisite ache of the clamps on her nipples. As she looked down, she could see her tortured nipples hidden beneath the folds of the dress, but the chain connecting the two clamps was visible for everyone to see.
Erica's breath caught as she realized everyone would know she was wearing nipple clamps. Erica looked up at Alan with his soft loving smile and she knew this was all for her. He was once again asserting his dominance over her body. This was only the beginning and she shuddered at how explosive her climaxes were going to be by the end of the evening. She looked down at the chain connecting her nipples then she saw the third clamp. She realized these were the clamps she used when she first greeted Alan as his love slave.
Alan slid the last clamp underneath her dress. He knelt in front of her pushed her dress up to her waist and slowly slid her thong down to her knees. He grabbed both of her muscular ass cheeks in his hands and fed her clit to his waiting mouth. Erica's head rolled back on her shoulders as she felt desire coursing through her body and a yearning to have her pussy filled with his cock. Then he clamped last clamp on her clit with the craving was almost too much as her body rocked back and forth with pounding sensations. Her knees threatened to give out, but Alan held her tight and would not let her fall.
Alan slid her thong back up covering her womanly slot but it made the clamp pull on her clit with her thighs quivering violently. She whimpered with the harsh pull and when he saw the reaction he said, "The outfit looks better without the thong any way." He slid the thong back down her legs and had her step out of it. Then he pulled her skirt back down tightly but barely covering her very sexy ass. As he stood in front of her and she wrapped her arms around him she realized something else. The chains were shorter than she remembered because every movement and was tugging on her nipples and clit.
She looked at him questioningly and he said, "Yes, I shortened the chains so that every step, every movement will pull and tug on you keeping on the edge of orgasm all night. How do you feel baby?"
Erica felt her passionate anticipation grip her by the throat as she huskily breathed, "Oh Alan, everyone's going to know that I have nipple clamps. Everyone there will know what a wanton hussy I am. Oh God Alan, just the thought has me so turned on my knees are about to give out. You know what turns me on more than I do, God, I love you so much."
"I have one more thing for you baby and that's to show everyone that you belong to me." Alan pulled out the beautiful leather collar that Erica had bought as well and buckled it around her neck. As he looked up Alan could see this one gesture made her happier than anything he had ever seen. As her eyes filled with tears of joy he leaned over and gently kissed her. With their lips still barely touching he decreed. "Now your mine, all mine and I am never letting you go."
With that the tears let go falling from her eyes and streaming down her face with the joy of belonging to Alan there for all to see. Alan put his hand behind her head and guided her lips to his as he kissed her softly yet fiercely. Then in a dominate voice growled, "Now my beautiful love slave, who do you belong to?"
With her heart filled with happiness and her eyes filled with love she whispered, "Oh you Master, only you. My heart and body are yours to do what you want. I am completely yours, all you need to is to command me, and I will do everything you want. Please Master kiss me again, I love you so much."
With that Alan buckled the cuffs on her wrists, kissed her and attached a leash to her collar. As he guided her out to the car, he had never seen her look more beautiful and she radiated an incredible sensual heat. It seemed at that moment she was the womanly incarnation of a sexual desire. As she sat in the car she moaned as all the chains pulled on her nipples and clit. She looked over at Alan and stared at him lovingly, but also with a fierce desire for him to ravish her.
When they got to the restaurant, the valet opened Erica's door, but she sat there until Alan came around, then she handed him her leash and she stepped out of the car. The valet stood there with his mouth open frozen in place as the sexiest woman he'd ever seen stood in front of him. Alan took Erica's hands, pulled them behind her and buckled the cuffs together so that when she walked her shoulders would be pulled back with her breasts thrust proudly forward. The chain between nipple clamps would be there for all to see, tugging on her nipples as her unfettered breasts wobbled enticingly on her chest.
Last time when she came into the restaurant all the noise died as everyone watched her walk through. This time the silence was broken by several gasps and unbelievable comments as the world's sexiest slave girl walked through the restaurant. Erica had her head high and he could see her unfettered breasts pulling and tugging on the chains as she walked. About halfway there Alan could see her knees start to wobble just a little bit and he lovingly put his arms around her. His arm helped to steady her for the last part of her walk. Throughout it all Erica stood proud to be Alan's sexy slave girl.
As she sat down Alan undid her cuffs so that she would be able to eat and he noticed her breathing was coming in labored gasps. When Alan asked what wrong Erica had told him that when he saw her legs wobbling, she was having an orgasm as she walked through the restaurant. She would have fallen to the ground if it weren't for his arms and support.
Erica dropped her head looking at the ground and shamefully said, "I'm sorry Master, I came without your permission. I submit myself for your punishment." As she finished saying that her eyes lifted just a little bit, Alan could see the gleam in her eye.
Alan smiled a crooked little smile then in a commanding tone said, "I'll think of a suitable punishment later my petulant slave girl." He gave her a sly wink and she followed with a saucy expectant smile.
She leaned over and kissed him and said, "You are the best Master any slave girl could ever want and I am so proud that I belong to you. I'm so proud that you are my Master. Alan, I love you so, I can't even tell you the depth my love for you."
She laid her head on his chest just as a lady came over and asked if she could join them for a second. Alan looked up and thought she looked familiar but he couldn't place who she was, so he said, "You may join us for just a moment and who are you by the way?"
The woman cleared her throat then nervously said, "My name is Christine Hefner and when I saw you walk in I knew who you were."
Alan forcefully stood putting himself between the woman and Erica with his face a mask of fury. "You have a hell of a lot of nerve coming over here. I've never hit a woman in anger, but you're tempting me right now."
Christine held up her hands in a sign of surrender, "Please Alan, I understand the way you feel, please give me a second to explain why I'm here."
Erica stood up grabbing Alan's hand, pulling it to her cheek and kissing it. She put his arm around her waist and he automatically curled his arm around her pulling her into his chest. Erica had forgotten about all the clamps but the minute Alan pulled her to his body all the clamps pulled in different directions setting off a massive erotic quake through her body. Erica's legs started to sag underneath her as she whimpered into Alan's chest.
Alan quickly forgot about Christine and helped Erica back to her chair. Alan caressed her quivering face and said, "I'm sorry baby, I forgot for a second." Alan felt his fury coming back in full force as once again because of Playboy Erica had been affected. As he swung back getting ready to confront Christine, Erica grabbed his hand and pulled him back.
He looked into those beautiful soulful eyes as she said, "She knew what she was doing when she came over here, can we listen to what she has to say?"
Erica was pleading with him through her eyes and Alan knew she was right. Christine knew full well she was walking into a highly hostile environment and she must have had good reason to do so.
Alan gestured for Christine to sit down then he pulled his chair right next to Erica and put his arm protectively around her. For Erica that's all it took with his arms around her she felt safe again, secure and contented. She laid her head against his arm looking up at him with every bit of love she had in her.
Christine looked softly at both of them then began, "First I don't think any of us have true appreciation for what both of you have gone through at the hands of Jonathan Hanson and his minions. I wish we had known and could've put a stop to what was going on, but unfortunately, he fooled us, just like he fooled a lot of people. Our lawyers have been meeting with your lawyers and we are prepared to offer a settlement that will guarantee neither one of you ever has to work again, unless you want to. But that's not my real reason for coming here tonight, Erica you are."
"Erica, you have no idea how you come across on camera, you are incredibly beautiful but you have a unique combination of innocence and sultry heat. This sensual combination elevates you to the elite and most iconic models we have ever photographed. I want to propose that you still shoot the centerfold for September. If the shoot comes out as I expect I can virtually guarantee you a playmate of the year the following year. You will have complete control of everything, you can choose the photographer, locale, food and of course security will be provided."
She rushed to continue, "Now what's in this for all of us? Well for Playboy I can almost guarantee you will very quickly become one of our all-time favorite playmates. For us that means sold out issues whenever you appear in the magazine, Web site or in person. What that means for you is the power and prestige that go with an internationally acclaimed playmate. You will be in high demand for glamour, fashion, nude photo shoots and even movies. You will get the chance to accept or turn down whatever kind of job you want, you will be in the driver's seat."
"I know you want to start a modeling career and I can guarantee by the time September gets here you will be one of the most sought-after models in the industry. In other words, you will be starting off your modeling career at the top and in high demand, also demanding high prices. However, we have a three-week deadline before the shoot has to take place, just please let me know in the next few days if you will do this."
She changed subjects as she rambled on, "As a woman and chairman of the board, what you went through is an abomination to me. The fact that he did this under our nose and in our facilities makes me sick to my stomach. Whether you do any of this or not I want you to have my villa in St. Barts for a month. I will pay all-expenses and include the use of my jet to get you there and back. This is not Playboy; this is my gift to you for your renewal of vows."
"Thank you for your time, for your sake, your career and the whole world. I truly hope you will let us capture your innocent and sultry beauty on film. Erica, you are a rare and incredible beauty and done right pictures of you could be some of our most beautiful and artistic work. I really hope you give us the chance to photograph you and share you with an admiring public around the world. Thank you very much."
She started to stand, but then turned back to the loving couple and sat back down. She looked at them for a second and her demeanor changed from businesswoman to just a woman. Her voice lowered to a husky, admiring tone as she said.
"By the way, I don't think I've ever seen two people so in love and so in sync with each other. I truly envy what you two have, it's something most of us mortals strive for, but we always seem to fall short. I would really like to see a book called "love" with photos of you two. If we can capture all the love that you two have for each other, it could be the most beautiful and artistic book ever published. Thank you again."
Christine got up and walked away after leaving her card on the table. Erica got up and slid over into Alan's lap stretching arms around his neck and snuggling into the crook of his shoulder. Alan's arms wrapped around her soft supple body pulling her tightly against him, wanting to block the whole world and keep Erica safe in his arms. Alas, the world could not be pushed aside and beauty as rare as Erica could not be kept in a bottle as much as he wanted to do exactly that.
As if she could sense his thoughts Erica kissed of his neck, nibbled on his ear. Then she whispered in his ear, "Alan, of all the things I found out about myself over the last few months, you are all I really care about. I don't want to be shared or shared with you and nothing matters without you, but you know I have this career need. I have my exhibitionist side as well and if somehow you could control everything this might be the answer to all our needs and desires. Let there be no doubt in your mind will give up everything if I can only be with you. You're my lover, my protector, my best friend and the only person that truly cares about me. More importantly I have given myself to you and you are my Master, I love you and I know your decision will do what's best for both of us."
Erica began to rub her clamped nipples against his chest and quivered gasping as she said, "Your sub needs you to play with her body Master. I need you to show everyone here who I belong to and what you can do for me." Erica kissed him, leaned over to his face and looked into his eyes and said, "Please love me Alan, drive me crazy. I need you to tease me into insanity and make me explode in your arms while everyone watches. Please Master, I need you."
Alan twisted Erica in his lap until she was straddling his legs facing him. Erica was looking at Alan with her eyes full of passion and anticipation. He noted her breathing start to get more ragged as he softly grabbed the chain between her breasts. He gently tugged on it, first pushing it down so both nipples felt the pull then pulling it up tugging on her clit. While her breathing labored in between whimpers and moans, her eyes stayed on his. Likewise, Alan eyes were probing her heart through her eyes and he saw the love, but also lust, desire and need building.
"Would you like me to strip off your top and show your nipple clamped breasts to everyone here?" Alan said softly and lovingly to her.
Alan saw her eyes glaze with the incredible passion she was feeling and the knowledge that he was going to strip her in front of an audience sent her arousal skyrocketing. Now he was making her tell him to strip her, show her to the audience and ravish her in front of them. With her mouth falling open in an extended lusty whimper, she slowly nodded her head up and down.
With their eyes still locked together in a loving gaze, Alan reached and grabbed the left spaghetti strap, slowly pulling it down her arm. As her clamped nipple popped free, she quivered as her exposure to the restaurant sent jolts of erotic need through her. Alan could see the eroticism of the moment building in her eyes as he reached up and released the clamp from her nipple.
Erica moaned erotically, with her whole-body shuttering as the blood rushed back into her nipple sending fiery pulses through her belly to her already soaked womanly folds. Erica's eyes drifted shut as she tried to control the feelings running through her body. Alan lightly grabbed and twisted her throbbing nipple and said in a commanding voice, "Don't close your eyes keep them on me I want to see everything through your eyes."
Erica's eyes snapped open latching onto Alan's, pouring her love, need and hard-driving passion into his eyes. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the crowd gathering around them and knowing the whole restaurant was watching only made it that much more wanton and delicious.
Alan could see she wants more; she wants it all tonight. Alan softly massaged her exposed, tortured nipple with his thumb and forefinger, stroking it until once again it was hard and thrusting proudly as it pointed at her audience. Her breasts were wobbling enticingly as her breath came in gasping gulps and through his peripheral vision, Alan noticed the crowd growing as it gathered closer to watch.
Seeing the lust burning in her eyes Alan knew the answer. However, he was going to make Erica tell him everything she wanted, "Do you want everyone here to watch me expose your other breast and play with your nipple?"
The thought of what he was doing was driving Erica crazy with need. Once again, she realized that he knows what she needs more than she does and he is the perfect man for her. She groaned erotically, took a shuddering breath, agog with anticipation and captivated by the total control he had over her. She couldn't deny him anything and truthfully, she wanted this even more than he did. Her eyes locked on his, mesmerized by his power, then hypnotically she nodded her head up and down.
Alan reached for the right spaghetti strap and started pulling it down her arms slowly building Erica's anticipatory excitement. When the dress at last slid from her nipple, the top of her dress pooled in her lap. Erica shuddered with her breasts quivering excitedly. She was now completely topless in front of the gathering audience and spellbound with her Master controlling her every move. She knew that obeying her Master was the only way to sedate the euphoric tumult that held her body hostage.
She felt all their eyes caressing her nipples as she heard gasps and excited murmurs from the audience. Feeling all their combined lust pouring into her exposed body sent a flash of red-hot passionate yearning through her quivering belly.
With her eyes still locked to his, her Master gently pulled off the remaining nipple clamp. She whimpered loudly as the blood rushed into the tip of her nipple with her head rolling on her shoulders trying to stem the sensations trampling through her body. She tried to maintain eye contact with Alan but her trembling body was making that difficult. As Alan began to massage her right nipple, she felt each tug and twist sending corresponding caresses directly to her clit.
At this point Erica knew the audience was still there watching but it was taking all of her concentration not to let the orgasm consume her. She knew Alan wanted her to hold her orgasm and wait until he gave her permission to cum. Her Master was taking special pains to drive her crazy and she wanted to please him. Her orgasmic spring tightened and she fought to keep it in check.
Alan saw her eyes glazed with lust building in her body, ready to explode, but he still had much more to do. He first had to get her attention so he gave her a light lick on her nipple. As her eyes focused on him once more, he asked, "Do you want me to remove the last clamp?" She gasped audibly as she quickly nodded her head up and down with her eyes begging him to end the torment and ravish her.
He tugged on the chain coming out of the top of her dress sending tremors through her body, "Do you want me to strip you naked. Would you like to be gloriously nude in front of everyone in the restaurant before I take off the clamp?"
For Erica the erotic torture kept building and she wasn't sure how much more she could endure with her body shaking and trembling. Her voice quivered in passionate need as she took a deep shuddering breath and she whispered, "Oh, oh God yes, oh please Master show everyone that I belong to you."
Erica could hear the murmurs of the crowd and knew they were watching her Master play with her exposed breasts. She felt shivers running amuck through her body and her nipples tightened even more as the crowd's lustful comments reached her ears. She wants to be his play toy tonight, have him show everyone how he owns and tames her wild lustful body.
Alan knew at this point her legs were shaking too badly to support her. So he wrapped his arms around her and stood with her in his arms then laid her back across the table. Now Erica could truly see the entire restaurant had gathered to watch. She felt all their eyes caressing her breasts; she almost felt their flickering tongues licking her nipples. As Alan finally stripped the dress from her she felt all their lusty gazes turn to her swollen glistening pussy. It was almost too much as she felt the lust overwhelming her and she was tittering over her orgasmic chasm.
As she felt all the eyes caressing her breasts, belly and down to her succulent pussy, Erica couldn't stop the passionate craving pouring into her. She saw people licking their lips with both men and women rubbing their crotch and she knew she was going to disobey her Master as the orgasm threatened to overtake her. Suddenly a firm swat on her butt brought her back to Alan as he firmly said, "Eyes on me don't make me punish you in front of these people."
Erica quivered and gratefully said, "Thank you Master for saving me from disobeying you."
Alan grabbed her arms then linked the cuffs together. Then took off his belt and wrapped it around the link holding her cuffs together. He pulled her arms over her head then back down the underside of the table forcing her to arch her back. Then he attached the belt to something underneath the table.
Alan stood in front of her looking into her eyes as he softly caressed her cheek. He lovingly muttered, "Now my beautiful slave girl you are bound and vulnerable to anyone I choose to give you too. Do you want me to give you these people, letting them lick and suck your nipples, lick and suck your pussy or even let them fuck you?"
Erica looked at Alan with panic in her eyes as she started to shake her head; no she realized that was not the right answer. The thought of everyone licking her nipples and pussy send her desire skyrocketing, but having someone else fuck her sent a panic through her. She knew her adoring husband and Master would never let anyone else touch her, so she whispered, "I belong to you my Master, and my body is for your pleasure. If it's your pleasure to give me to someone else, and then yes Master, I will do whatever you desire of me."
Alan's heart soared with the love he felt for her and he leaned down to lovingly claim her mouth while his hand began to roll over her breasts and tweaking her nipples. When his hand happened to stray across the chain attached to her clit, he gave that a few tugs as well. Erica's mouth opened wide in an intake of breath as her slightly diminished passion roared back through her body. Alan took full advantage of her wide-open maw, plundering her sensuous mouth with his tongue.
As Alan pulled his mouth from hers, Erica's whole body was twisting and writhing in barely controlled passion on the table. As he looked into her impassioned eyes she whispered, "Please, Ma Master, please make me cum."
Alan leaned over, grabbed one of her hard-proud nipples between his teeth, and pulled stretching it. After he finally let go he looked back in Erica's eyes and breathed, "Not yet my beautiful playmate, not quite yet. We still have one more clamp to take care of."
Alan kissed and caressed his way down her sunken defined belly, and through the Valley between her hips and to her weeping folds swollen with desire. Alan reached up and grabbed two napkins off the table, spread her legs wide and tied each ankle to leg of the table. Erica was now spread wide open on display for all to see and with that, all elements were in play for one of Erica's most explosive orgasms. She was bound to a table, on display for the audience to ogle and Alan was making love to her. This was her explosive orgasmic triumvirate.
As he kissed his way along her inner thighs, he saw the muscles of her legs and belly quivering as she tried to hold back the inevitable orgasm. As he reached the lips of her pussy and began to trace her lips with his tongue, Erica's gasps and moans turned ragged and breathless. He knew any second her orgasm would slip beyond her ability hold it at bay.
Alan dragged his tongue across the tortured tip of her clit and Erica screamed pleading and begging to let her cum. Alan reached up and yanked the clamp off her clit after saying to Erica, "Cum for me Pet, cum hard and long." He immediately sucked her clit into his mouth giving her tortured clit some of loving attention that it needed.
The second that Erica heard the word cum her body exploded into a muscle-clenching arch that brought gasps from the audience, but Erica didn't hear any of it. Her heart and mind exploded into a sea of colors, lights and fireworks worthy of any New Year's celebration. Erica's body twisted, writhed and strained within the limits of her bondage with all the cords and muscles on her body straining in relief against her skin.
The orgasm went on and on with Erica feeling her world shatter around her. In the back of her mind she could see and hear the audience gasping in awe at what they were seeing. That only seemed to drive her further, stretching her cum further and deepening it. She was in a blissful euphoria that very few people ever get to experience and she wanted it to continue forever. Ultimately her body could only last so long in her clinched orgasmic state and as it ended, she screamed the name of her Master.
As she fell back to the table and Alan sucked her clit back in his mouth sending Erica exploding into another back-arching cum. It was not quite as powerful as the first, but still an awe-inspiring sight. She fell back to the table with her belly trying curl her into a fetal position, but bound as she was, she could only quiver violently as her cum consumed her.
~~~
In the middle of the audience Christine watched the eroticism in front of her. Not a person here remained unaffected by the erotic sensual passion they were seeing displayed in front of them. She watched as Erica exploded again with her body shattering in orgasmic fervor in front of everyone. She knew that if she could ever get these two in front of a camera and capture the beauty of their love a new era in erotic photography could be born.
Also, in the audience were two huge men with their t-shirts stretched tight over their bulging muscles. They came into the restaurant looking for kidnap opportunities, but now they were mesmerized by the scene in front of them and forgot about their reason for being there. Neither of them had ever seen such an incredibly gorgeous woman; however, Erica's display of erotic athleticism had them drooling.
Both men had large bulges in their pants and they now understood why they were being paid such a large amount of money. They couldn't drag their eyes away from Erica as her taut luscious mind-blowing body contorted in her second orgasm. Her tiny belly was rippling in orgasmic fervor with her hips straining against her bonds. Erica's spectacular legs were shaking and quivering in a stunning display of orgasmic exultation. Her hard nipples were pleading on her shuddering breasts and both men were stunned with the spectacle.
As they both watched Alan drive her through another massive cum, they were wondering if they could sample some of her before delivery. Both of them knew it was going to be difficult to keep their hands off the merchandise once they had her and now more than ever, they knew they had to get her.
They knew with this huge crowd watching tonight was not the night. They needed to keep watching her and find her in an isolated situation. Her husband was a strong muscular guy, but there were four of them and they knew they could take him if it came down to that. As a team they had been through hell and back. This was a cake walk and they arrogantly knew she would be in their grasp very soon.
~~~
Erica was lying on the table quivering and shaking after her third massive orgasm. Then Alan walked around to the head of the table so he could look into her eyes, trailing his hands over her artistically displayed body. While one hand continued to tease her pussy and nipples the other hand cupped her face lovingly and the two lovers poured their love into each other through their eyes. Alan lovingly and gently kissed her then gazing in her eyes said, "My beautiful sexy slave girl, would you like to be fucked in front of all of these people?"
In a soft quivering, but passionately needy voice Erica said, "Oh yes Master, please yes and if it pleases my Master, please let it be you."
Alan leaned down kissing her face then her lips. In a soft loving voice, he whispered softly, "You know I can never share you, your mine, all mine and you will always be mine. I love you more than I can put into words and I will always love you."
Erica looked at him with tears of joy and love glistening in her eyes and with her quivering lips said, "Please love me Alan, make love to me and claim me as yours once again."
Alan kissed her once more with a long luxurious kiss. Then he went back between her legs, dropping his pants and began feeding his engorged cock into the gloriously soft and silky womanly slot of the only woman he's ever loved.
The audience at first was enthralled by Erica's athletic eroticism and incredibly explosive orgasms. Now that had transitioned and they were witnessing love making at its most heart-rending pinnacle. While still incredibly erotic it was the most beautiful thing any of them had ever seen. No one moved, they almost felt embarrassed as though they were intruding on a couple's intimate moment of pure love.
Alan knew that after a full night of teasing there was no way he could last very long, but he wanted Erica to come with him while he was looking into her eyes. Therefore, as his cock traveled slowly but forcefully from her swollen pussy lips to her cervix, one hand teased alternating between her nipples. His other hand caressed her clit in a way he knew would bring her to orgasm quickly. The two lovers' eyes locked in a loving union as Alan began to speed up his thrusts inside her. Erica felt the love and the erotic tension building inside her, as she moaned Alan's name lovingly.
She felt Alan start to lose his rhythm while feeling him swell inside her and she knew he was about to cum. She started reaching for hers, to trying to cum with him but it was too far away, then Alan pinched her clit and said, "Cum now for me baby."
Her mouth fell open and her eyes bugged out as her mind and body responded to his command with a blinding orgasm seizing her body. Their eyes stayed locked together passionately transmitting their love for each other and in the mist of Erica's orgasm she felt Alan pulsing inside her as he filled her with his seed. In that moment she realized that he truly is her Master with her heart, mind and body responding to his commands stronger than if they were her own.
While still buried inside her Alan reached down, untied her legs and used one of the napkins to gather their combined juices. He pulled up his pants and quickly came around to her head unbuckling her arms and picked her up off the table cradling her body. The audience, unsure of what to do now began tentatively clapping, others joined in, and soon it was a standing ovation. Erica draped her still bound arms over Alan's head and pulled herself tightly into his embrace.
As much as Erica craved the audience, at this moment she only wanted to feel Alan's love surrounding her. Alan sat down in his chair with Erica still naked in his lap and this was the signal for the crowd to disperse. Erica snuggled tightly into his arms kissing his neck and mewing in loving contentment.
Then suddenly a waiter appeared saying. "May I go over our specials for the evening?"
The absurdity of the moment struck Alan and Erica as they both began to laugh. With Erica still completely nude in his lap the waiter began to go through the menu. After they had ordered dinner Alan commanded Erica to stand still while he lovingly dressed her, leaving loving kisses everywhere on her skin before he covered her with her dress. As he did, Erica never felt more loved, cherished or cared for as she did in that one little moment.
Her heart was beating wildly in her chest with the love she had for Alan as she realized one other thing. All the beautiful loving and erotic fantasies that she's ever had and all the romantic novels she has read, she has now surpassed every one of them. It was all thanks to her loving husband; it was due to the depth of her newfound love and commitment to him.
As he sat back down, Alan looked into Erica's eyes and the depth of pure selfless love contained there took his breath away. He'd never seen the depth of her love like this and it was unselfish and limitless going straight to his soul.
Their journey of erotic discovery has led them to unearth the depth of love that two people can have for each other. They discovered talents neither knew they had, but they also found that together their deep abiding love makes them very powerful. They are in perfect sync and harmony with each other, with Alan leading and Erica following. Like two dancers displaying their synchronized art, they display the power of two people becoming one.
When two people love each other enough to sacrifice themselves for the person they love, they become powerful. When their love combines with each playing their respective role, the resulting harmony makes them unstoppable. Even as dominant and submissive they are equals sharing their power. Alan has no power that Erica hasn't given him and Alan is just directing their combined power into a loving and harmonious dance.
Alan realized as part of this he has to allow Erica to fly free, fulfilling her dreams and destiny. If he holds her back then their harmony begins to disintegrate and ultimately their beautiful and loving synergy will falter. Alan knew that he needed to let her go for her dreams, being there to love her, keep her safe and catch her when she falls. He kissed her sweetly and Alan captured one of the waiters' attentions. He asked him to have Christine Hefner stop by if she was still here.
A few minutes later she came by and Alan stood, shaking her hand, pulling Erica into his arms. Holding her tightly he said, "First I want to apologize for my rudeness earlier you have nothing to do with Jonathan Hanson's crimes and I'm sorry I took it out on you. Second, I know now that my wife has a gift that I can't keep bottled up. As much as I want to take her away, hide her from the world and save her for me, I know that's unfair to her and her dreams." Alan looked lovingly at Erica and she was staring just as lovingly back at him.
"She has a beauty; talent and her dreams are for me to help her share that beauty with the world. I will work with your lawyers and see if we can come up with a contract that I'm happy with. I'm tentatively accepting your proposal, but I want you to know that this contract is going to be airtight and with any deviation we're gone. Her love is the most precious gift I have ever been given and I will defend her against anyone that tries to take advantage of her."
Christine smiled and said, "I would have expected no less. Thank you, Alan and Erica, I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."
In the heat of their recovery, Erica and Alan found solace in their shared love, acknowledging that their bond had been strengthened through their ordeal. Despite their past hesitations, they embraced their BDSM desires, yearning for an intense, loving sex experience that would heal their emotional wounds.
As Erica continued to heal, she realized the importance of Alan as her Master outside the bedroom, recognizing the need to fully trust and rely on him for her safety and well-being. Alan, on the other hand, was determined to put his fear aside and do everything in his power to protect and reconnect with Erica, knowing that their love would guide them through the recovery process.