Blindfold

'In the darkness sight is no use at all. You are helpless, forced to abdicate all responsibility to your master. Though you may survive by trusting your other senses, those senses can be deceived - and a master's pleasure may be in deceiving you . . .'

Alexa shivers at the sound of these words, spoken by the saturnine Aidan Kane, a fellow-delegate on a management course. Though she abhors the man, his words strike a chord. The thought of being helpless in another's power speaks to the deep wellspring of sensuality inside her.

It appeals to Piet, her husband, too. Alexa's desires are his to explore - and exploit. And when Aidan threatens to blackmail her because of a sexual indiscretion Piet is not displeased. He urges her to go along with whatever Aidan requires of her. And so, frightened and yet excited beyond measure, Alexa takes her first steps into the dark . . .