“Hey, Boss – she’s awake.” She looked at the man coming towards her, slipping his phone back into an inside pocket of his suit. Early fifties with impeccably styled silver hair, a flash of gold at the edges of his dark tailored suit. He smiled at her “Hey, Kate, good to meet you, how ya feelin’?” 

“I….uh, okay, I guess. Hungry.” Kate looked around and caught a glimpse of green outside the window. Still a bit dazed, she had the feeling she was not in Missouri anymore. “What happened? Where am I, and who are you?”

“Whoa there, Missy,” he held up his hands warning her to slow down, “one thing at a time.” His cell phone was in his hand again. “Yo, Sal, bring our guest up a sandwich, will ya?” he barked in a thick New York accent. Glancing briefly at Kate he asked, “Is turkey okay?” She nodded. “Yeah, turkey is fine,” the man replied into his phone then swiftly tucked it back in his breast pocket and grinned at her. While she was sure he was meaning to be kind, his grin somehow reminded her of a predatory shark.

“Okay, Kate. My name is Lou Gaetano. Me and my partner, Sal, we work for Mr. Scozzari. We was all in the limo when we saw you crash.” The sharp Brooklyn accent was no-nonsense.

The accident! Faded and disjointed memories danced around the edges of her mind. “Y-You pulled me out of my car?” she asked even more confused.

“Yeah, that’s right.” The smartly dressed Lou Gaetano glanced at her, something dark sliding briefly behind his gaze.

“Um, how did you know my name?” Kate warily asked. None of this was making any sense to her.

“No offense, doll, but we looked through your purse, you know, to see if there was some family we could call.” A hint of malice serrated the edges of his smile now. “Didn’t find any, so the Boss decided we’d bring ya down here and take care of you personally.” 

“Down here?” she was growing even more nervous now. “Down where?” Who were these people and what was she doing here?

“Just outside Miami, it’s Mr. Scozzari’s winter home,” Lou chuckled, glancing almost agitatedly at his watch.

Fear and even anger was beginning to thrum through her veins. “Miami! What the hell? What about my house and my car? Who the hell do you people think you are?”

A glint of ice showed in Lou’s eyes, and his tone slid from warm to coldly civil. “Who I am is not important,” he pointed his finger like a stiletto at her, “who Mr. Scozzari is, and what he wants – now, that’s what you should be thinking of. If it weren’t for him, you’d be a frozen lump of meat at the bottom of that ditch.”

Somewhat chastened and still scared, Kate quickly moderated her tone. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you, I do appreciate you all saving my life, but why not take me to a hospital? I’m just so confused.” She tried to hide the sigh of fear deep inside her.

“Oh, we got a doctor to check you out.” Lou straightened his elegant suit, even though it was sharply pressed. “But we had to get back here for a meeting, and Mr. Scozzari insisted on caring for you himself, so here you are,” Lou said as if that explained everything.

Still confused, Kate looked intently at the man in front of her, “How – how long have I been out? When can I go home?”

“You were just out for a couple days. I’ll let you talk to the Boss about the other,” the bedroom door swung open, “hey look, chow time!” Lou turned and faced the door, glad for the interruption.

Kate turned to see the doorway almost completely blocked by a hulking muscular man who was holding a tray with her sandwich and a glass of iced tea. 

“Kate, this is Sal DiMarco,” Lou gave a quick introduction. “Sal, meet Kate.”

“Hello, Kate,” the large man rumbled. “It’s nice to finally see you up.” He set the tray down on the table beside the bed. “How’re you doin?”

“Okay, I guess. Thank you for the sandwich, Sal,” she said respectfully. She certainly didn’t want this big man mad at her. With his dark eyes, shaved head and rippling bodybuilders’ physique, he was an intimidating sight who looked like he could break someone in two with his bare hands.

“Sure, no problem.” Sal glanced at her again, and Kate saw some kind of brief emotion cross the large man’s face she couldn’t understand, did it look like concern? “If there’s anything else you need, you just let us know.”

The men turned to leave the room, but Lou paused just before he left, a dark twinkle in his eye, as if he knew a grand secret she didn’t. “Buon appetito, Kate. Take it easy and get some rest, the Boss is gonna want to see you soon. If you need anything, Sal here will be right outside the door.”

Kate shivered at the dual meaning. Was she a pampered guest or a prisoner? She was beginning to feel more like the latter, and she slowly ate her sandwich while her mind whirled with questions. Thoughts of the cold and empty home in St. Louis she no longer loved, the money and power evident in this home and this whole crazy situation.

These guys were obviously mob. She’d never heard of this Scozzari before, but he must obviously be some sort of crime Boss to have this kind of money and lifestyle. These men had saved her life and brought her here, but why? Lou had already mentioned that they had looked for her family and found no one, so ransom was an unlikely motive. She finished her sandwich and got out of bed, the soft cotton nightgown she was wearing brushing against her calves. She shivered again at the realization that those goons had seen her naked while she was out. She sat in a soft upholstered chair and stared out the window and saw a vast expanse of lawn stretching down to the ocean. A piece of real estate like this, near Miami, would easily be several million dollars. Just what had she been brought into and what plans did this ‘Boss’ Scozzari have for her?

Some twenty minutes later, it was time to find out. There was a knock at the door, and Sal poked his head in. “Kate, the Boss is ready to see you now. There’s some clothes in the closet in your size, help yourself. I’ll be right outside; and, when you’re ready, I’ll take you downstairs.” He nodded and then softly closed the door behind him. 

Heart pounding, Kate rifled through the closet. It was filled with a variety of beautiful dresses and clothing all in her size, as well as shoes! She trembled for a moment; all these items were brand new, some still had the tags on them. Had Scozzari bought this wardrobe for her? And if so, why? She found a bra and panties in the dresser, selected one of the more casual summer type dresses and took a moment to primp in the mirror, brushing out her red hair and checking to make sure she looked presentable. She didn’t know what was to come, but it wouldn’t hurt to make a decent impression on this Scozzari fellow. As she glanced at her green eyes in the mirror, she was surprised she did not look more frightened. Thankfully, except for a fading bruise on her forehead, she was not hurt from the car accident. 

Steeling her nerves for whatever was to come, she opened the door. Sal looked her over appreciatively. “Hey, Kate, you look nice. The Boss is gonna like you in that dress.”

She was beginning to feel a little like a cow on the auction block but somewhat flattered as well. She hoped the Boss would like her, it could only make things go better, whatever was about to transpire. 

Sal led her through the house, and she got a fleeting impression of moderately overstated opulence, heavily gilded framed paintings in rooms and hallways that were part Miami Vice and part Goodfellas. The house was huge, and the room the big man was leading her to was obviously the largest in the house, a grand ballroom on the first floor that overlooked a strikingly beautiful swimming pool. Lou Gaetano was already in the room and fell into step beside her as she and Sal walked toward the far end of the room.

It was then that she noticed the Boss. Six feet tall and well built of toned muscle, dressed in a white shirt, riding breeches, and tall black riding boots. His back was turned to them as they approached, but then he turned and Kate’s breath caught in her throat. The Boss simply radiated confidence and charm; he was perhaps 47 with piercing blue eyes, salt and pepper hair that was neatly combed back, a tanned olive complexion, and brilliant white teeth that flashed at her now as he smiled and extended his hand.

“Ah, our guest has arisen!” even his voice sounded charming and charismatic. “Welcome to my humble home, Ms. Perkins. My name is Sergio Scozzari, but everyone calls me Sam,” he said, again just a barest trace of an Italian accent in his cultured tone.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Scozzari,” Kate instinctively used the more formal name; somehow his commanding presence required it. ‘Sam’ felt entirely too diminutive. “And thank you for saving my life.” 

“Well, Lou and Sal here did the real work, but it’s good to have you here in one piece.” The way he was looking at her made her slightly nervous, and the words began to spill from her mouth.

“Mr. Scozzari, Sir? I appreciate what you and your men did for me and all, but why have you brought me here against my will? When can I go home? What do you think?”

He cut her off with an abrupt wave of his hand, and she could see steel creeping into his eyes. “I had hoped for more than questions from you, Kate. Or should I say Caterina?”

Her jaw dropped open. Only her family had ever called her that, although it was her legal name, she had sweet-talked the guy at the DMV to put ‘Kate’ on her license. How could these brutes know that intimate information? “How dare you!” Again she was silenced by a harsh glare and a gesture.

“I know quite a bit about you, Caterina. My sources are fast and thorough. I know about your ex-husband, Philip, running off with some whore, your farmhouse in Missouri, your parents – even your brother, Carlo, God rest his soul. I’m sorry for your loss.” The name and the memories and the awareness of the interest this powerful man had taken in her combined to knock her completely speechless, her mouth agape. “Close your mouth,” Sam quietly ordered. “A beautiful woman like you looks stupid with your jaw hanging open like that.” 

“Close it and keep it that way ‘til the Boss tells you different,” Lou’s menacing whisper in her left ear sent an icy shiver to her soul as Scozzari continued.

“So you see, I know all about your life. You’ve got nothing to go home to, and no one who’s going to come looking for you. I saved your life. You owe me big time.” His blue eyes radiated total dominance and power now. “Boys, help her display the proper gratitude.” A heavy hand on each shoulder forced her to her knees, and Kate almost collapsed completely as Don Scozzari stepped closer to her and took her chin in his powerful hand, tilting her head up so that he could stare into her eyes. The combination of fear and the sheer animal magnetism of this man were overwhelming. The Don’s voice was gentler now. “I promise, Caterina, we will not hurt you – unless you give me cause. I have something in mind for you, a feeling I got when Sal put you in my limousine three nights ago. I need to know if you are suited for this particular job. I will know in twenty four hours; and, if you are not the woman I seek, you will return to your home and your life, such as it was...” 

Sex? Kate wondered. Could it just be this Scozzari wanted a blowjob for saving her life? The thought flew from her mind before it had fully formed. This was a man who could have any kind of sex he wanted, from any number of professionals or money crazed bimbos. 

“…But if you are what I think you are, I will be moving you into my homes. You will want for nothing; you will eat the finest food and wear the most expensive clothing and jewels, travel, anything you like. I only ask that you be available to perform this particular job anytime at my request.” Sam Scozzari looked deeply into her gaze. “Do you understand?”

Kate nodded and the Don let go of her chin. She immediately lowered her gaze to stare at the shining leather of his riding boots, wondering just what this ‘job’ was he wanted her to do.

“Lou, Sal – get her ready,” Sam ordered casually.

“You got it, Boss.” Lou tugged on Kate’s arm. “Get up,” Lou hissed, and Kate rose to her feet standing there and trembling. “Strip,” ordered the mobster with an evil leer. Kate hesitated, and Lou humiliated her further. “Come on, it’s not like we ain’t seen it before, and on women much prettier than you I assure you.” The laughter of the three men echoed through the large room as Kate began slipping off her dress, tears welling up in her eyes as she removed her undergarments and slipped out of her shoes.

She stood naked before them, the three gangsters eyeing her appreciatively. The Don began a slow walk around her, studying her intently; and, when she turned to keep facing him, Lou grabbed her hair roughly. “Hold still, woman! You weren’t told move your head!”

Don Scozzari was behind her, and she almost leaped out of her skin when he touched her, stroking his hand down her back, probing gently to find her ribs, then taking her shoulders in both hands and kneading her biceps before turning his attention south to give her buttocks a firm squeeze. “Yes,” he murmured, “very nice, squisito.”

While the Boss was inspecting her, Sal had gone to a small table against one wall returning with some items. He handed two of the objects to Kate. “Here. Put these on.” Kate stared at them, kneepads? Maybe it was just a blowjob, after all. She put them on and stood facing the Don again. An evil smile played across his movie star like features. “Alright, boys, let’s see how she takes the bit!” 

Bit? Bit!!! Kate’s arms were restrained tightly by the two goons, but she saw the contraption of leather and metal the Don was raising up to her face, and she didn’t want any part of it. “Hey, what the hell, no…” she tried to wail as she twisted her head to the side.

“Hold her!” barked the Don, and one of Sal’s massive hands twined its way into her hair, pulling her head back. Lou’s free hand now trapped her nose in a painful pinch, forcing her mouth open as Don Scozzari jammed a metal horse bit in her teeth and quickly fastened some straps around her head. She was bridled, a long rein trailing from each corner of her mouth as the mobster’s plan for her became evidently clear.

As if to remove any trace of doubt, Lou Gaetano growled, “Now, down on all fours. You’re gonna be a good ponygirl for the Boss, ain’t you? Otherwise, yer gonna be hurt bad.” Too dumbfounded to think, Kate sank to her knees again and placed her hands on the lush parquet floor. The Don’s boots were before her, and she felt compelled to bow, to press her forehead and lips against the severe black leather. “That’s nice,” chuckled Don Scozzari. “See that, boys? That’s the proper way to show your respect.” He let her linger there for a few humiliating moments, finally commanding her to rise to all fours again. “Up, my pretty cavalla, it’s time to put you to the test.”

He had collected a riding crop and had it looped around one wrist as he gathered up her reins and swung a leg over her. He gently settled his weight onto her hips, and Kate felt the pressure in her kneecaps and leg bones as she absorbed the load. Scozzari slid forward slightly, and his weight on her spine made her back dip and bend a little, forming a natural saddle for her elegant rider. He wiggled himself to and fro, gradually increasing the weight on his human pony, until he could pick his feet up. His knees clamped tight to her ribcage and his leather boots stroking her thighs for a moment until they found purchase in the creases where legs and buttocks met. He adjusted his seat slightly, enjoying the feeling of his new mare’s muscles working beneath him.

“Vai,” he commanded. Kate didn’t know the word, but the meaning was unmistakable, accompanied as it was by a strong squeeze of his knees and a forward thrust of his pelvis against her back. She began to crawl, playing the pony as the dominant Crime Boss; Don Sergio ‘Sam’ Scozzari, rode on her back.

The Don was an accomplished rider of horses, both equine and human, and he rode her easily, his hips working with hers as she rolled them left and right. He loved these first moments on a new steed, learning their motions and habits, finding ways to exploit and harness their natural instincts and abilities to his best advantage. He tugged gently on the left rein, and Caterina turned easily, evoking a soft chuckle from her rider. This one was a natural. Oh, she was certainly green, but he could train that out of her. But she was already exhibiting a sinewy strength, making long smooth strides with her arms, and had an instinctive response to the bit. He wondered briefly if she had done this sort of thing before but dismissed it as no matter. She was going to be his, fully his, and the thought of the experiences he would have on her back aroused him.

Kate could feel that arousal and was simultaneously repulsed and curious. This powerful man was getting turned on by riding her and that was a bit scary. On the other hand, she hadn’t aroused a man like that for some years, and she was flattered. She tried picking up her gait a little bit but was slowed immediately by a sharp tug on the bit. “Passo, mia cavalla. Walk,” Kate resumed her walk, feeling her rider’s growing erection crowding his breeches. She had completed nearly an entire lap of the enormous room and was beginning to tire, sweat forming on her brow and back. She got a brief glimpse of Lou and Sal as the Don rode her past them, leaning back on a table and watching her with wicked grins. They knew how much their boss was enjoying this and that always made things good for all of them. Kate began to slow, but her rider clucked his tongue and kicked his booted heels into her flesh to show his displeasure with her, as she struggled to maintain the speed he commanded. 

About halfway through the second lap, Kate faltered and nearly fell. Don Scozzari reined her up sharply, the bit pulling cruelly at her mouth, forcing her head up and back to strain as she stopped. He kept up the harsh pressure, pulling so hard she had to dip her back to relieve some of the strain on her neck. The Don slid himself smoothly into that inverted arch, leaning forward to press the full length of his bulging cock against her trembling skin, grinding himself hard against his new mare. His full weight crushing down on her, his heavy breathing in her ear, the throbbing erection against her back – Kate’s mind was whirling with emotions, fears and even passion as she gasped for breath beneath him.

Although he didn’t dismount, he let her remain still for a few minutes respite while he continued his lascivious rubbing; but, soon, he was ready to finish this test. WHAP! His riding crop cracked hard on her right hip, and she again began to walk around the outside of the grand ballroom. He remained in the forward position, all his weight crushing down on the middle of her spine, leaning low over her neck. Her arms had to bear more of the load now, but she could move her hips more freely, a freedom the Don had intended – and intended to exploit. WHAP! WHAP! Two more strokes of the crop and three hard kicks to her flanks and Kate found herself moving faster beneath her riding master, faster than she ever thought she could. He sat more upright now, still expertly using his knees and heels to control and command her, his human horse, reining her left and right, administering a blistering stroke of the whip when she showed signs of slowing, until her breath was coming in ragged gasps.

Don Scozzari’s intuition was precisely correct, as he cantered Kate up to the spot where they began, he jerked back on the reins as hard as he could, just at the exact moment his human steed ran completely out of strength. Kate cried out as the bit tore at her mouth and she collapsed, her riding master staying securely astride her as she went flat on the ground. The Don grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her head up, making her rise to her elbows. He was breathing almost as hard as she was as he spoke in her ear. ”Molto bene, Caterina, brava! You did very well. Are you tired? Do you want me to get off?” Kate nodded, sobbing softly, but the Don remained seated on her with his full weight. “In a moment, my beautiful ponygirl, I believe even more strongly now that you are perfect for this position, to be beneath me, trained by me and ridden by me whenever I please.” He finally dismounted then and stood before her. “Look at me, Caterina.”

She struggled to raise her head but was too exhausted. She could see the crotch and legs of his breeches were dark with her own sweat. Lou stepped beside her and unceremoniously hauled her up on her knees, pulling her hair back so she was forced to look into the steel blue eyes of her tormentor. When Scozzari had her gaze, he continued. “There will be two more tests, one later tonight, and the other one, tomorrow morning. Rest well, Caterina; you will need your strength.” And with that, he turned smoothly on his heel and strode from the room, the crop swinging idly at his side.