When she gets home, she sheds her clothes like a snake, and paints her face like the devoted slut she is.

Dinner scents the air when he arrives.

He too sheds the accretions of the day: briefcase, phone… worries.

He takes her by the hair. Caressing her nakedness, he kisses her deeply. The power flows between them as she submits and both are refreshed.

“I have a gift for you.” A silver collar appears in his hand.

She sinks gracefully to her knees.