Zara began to have trysts with Myles on a regular basis – once a month at first, then every couple weeks. They would use Myles' office or his basement “exam room” and sometimes they would get a hotel or motel room. They didn't always have sex when they got together - sometimes they would go for dinner or to a park and just talk. Myles found it cathartic to talk to an “outsider” about Jolene's failing health. She had Stage B Congestive Heart Failure and while her medications were working well so far, he knew it was just a matter of time before they didn't and she went to Stage C and then the final stage, D. He dreaded the day he would lose her.

Zara's marriage continued to disintegrate. Adrian was spending more and more time at Becky's. Whenever she brought the subject of divorce up, he would threaten her with financial ruin. He said he had consulted with a divorce attorney who told him that since Zara had been paying almost all the bills, he could get alimony. He continued to remind her that she had no proof of his infidelity. One time, he punched her in the face. She grabbed his wrist and had him on the ground in no time flat. Though she had promised Myles she would get out if she thought Adrian was going to hit her, she felt she'd taken care of the situation and that her husband would not do it again. Unfortunately, the next time, he held a knife to her throat and threatened her. She wanted to call the police, but didn't dare for fear of provoking him into filing for divorce and asking for alimony and maybe more.

To keep herself busy when she wasn't at work, she immersed herself in her gardens. She had flower gardens, as well as a huge vegetable garden. She'd bought the property beside them, which had a run down house on it and was being sold for back taxes. After having it razed, she put in a big vegetable garden and more flower gardens. Summer was getting on, and the vegetable garden was producing well so she had lots to can and freeze for winter. She didn't do it to save money, she did it because she liked home grown food better and she knew it had no chemicals or preservatives in it.

One morning, as she was having her breakfast, Adrian came downstairs and poured himself a cup of coffee. Sitting down at the kitchen table with her, he asked “What were you dreaming about last night?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You kept muttering the word 'miles'. I figured you were running a race or something.”

Zara gulped. Was she saying Myles' name in her sleep? “Must have been something like that.” Adrian seemed satisfied. He didn't act like he didn't believe her, but she had to find a way to stop doing that, if she could. Maybe she should move out of the master bedroom and into a guest room, she thought. Only problem was it might make Adrian suspicious.

She decided to not say anything to Myles about it. No sense upsetting or worrying him.

A few weeks after that, during one of her weekly therapy sessions, Myles seemed preoccupied, which was unusual for him. She finally confronted him about it. “What's wrong, Dr Holt? You seem like you aren't all here today.” She called him by his title when they were in a session. It separated that from their affair, in her mind.

“I'm sorry, Zara. I should have cancelled your appointment. I cancelled my other ones for this afternoon, but I didn't want to cancel yours.”

Zara could sense something was very wrong. “Myles, what is it?”

He sighed. “I don't want to burden you, Kitten.” He rarely used his pet name for her during therapy, but this session was probably over anyway.

“Tell me, Myles. I tell you all my problems.”

“Which you pay a very pretty penny for.” She had insisted on paying for her sessions, even when he had said he would not continue to charge her.

“That isn't the point. Let me be here for *you*.”

He sighed again. “It's Jolene. I've told you about her CHF. This morning, her cardiologist told her she's now at Stage C. Stage D is end stage.”

“I'm so sorry, Myles.”

“Thanks, Kitten. It's come as quite a shock because she has been doing well with her medications and she still doesn't look or act sick.”

“You should have cancelled my appointment. You need to be with Jolene.”

“I didn't want you to miss a week. I'm worried about you, Zara.”

“There is no need to worry about me. I am fine.”

“I want to be sure of that. I don't trust Adrian.”

Zara got up and stepped over to Myles' chair, sitting down on his lap. She put her arm around him. “Don't you worry about me. Worry about Jolene. And go to the house. She needs you right now.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek before she got up. “I'll see you next Tuesday.”

“Don't forget our date Friday night.”

“Don't you want to cancel it?”

“No. I need it, Zara. And Jolene will be babysitting anyway so I would just be home all alone.”

“Okay, then. I'll see you Friday.” She picked up her bag and walked toward the door.

“Thanks, Kitten”, she heard as she left Myles' office.

Friday at work, Zara got a text from Myles. Change of plans, Pet. He had her listed on his phone as “Pet”. Zara had changed his name on hers to “TC”, short for Tom Cat. Are you still expecting your partner to be out for the night? He did not refer to Adrian by name, just in case the wrong person got hold of his phone.

Yes.

TC: Good. Come to my office at 6:00. Dress sexy and bring an overnight bag. Do not take a hotel room.

All afternoon she wondered what he was up to. She had brought a dress and overnight bag to work with her, as she'd reserved a motel room for herself and Myles. She called and cancelled the reservation. Being Friday, she was able to get away a bit earlier than normal. Most of the executives were gone by 3:00. She had to go home to change as the dress she'd brought to wear to dinner wasn't what she'd call “sexy”. After their first dinner together, she had gone on a shopping spree and bought some less revealing dresses suitable for the type of restaurant they dined at.

At home, she had a quick shower, then selected a red dress with spaghetti straps that criss crossed on the open back. It had a long V in front, making her braless breasts easy to see. Summer was over and it was cooling down, but she put a nice jacket on over the dress and would take it off when she got there. She redid her makeup and brushed her hair. Oh how she wished she could grow it out. She cursed Adrian for being such a prick.

Zara arrived at Myles' office just before 6:00. There were no other cars in the area for patients to park, but she sat down in the waiting room anyway, just in case he was with someone who had been dropped off.

After a few minutes, Myles opened his office door. She got up and walked toward him. “You look beautiful”, he complimented her.

“Thank you.” Myles kissed her and she stepped into the room. A meal of Chinese food was laid out on his desk. She loved Chinese and he knew it. Two tv trays were set up in front of the chairs. A few candles had been lit and soft music was playing from a portable CD player.

“I thought we'd eat here tonight”, he told her. “I'm sorry I don't have a proper table. I thought of eating in the house, but it just didn't feel right, even though Jolene is away tonight.”

“It's okay, Myles. I understand about the house. This is just fine.” They filled their plates from the containers on the desk and sat down to eat. “How are you and Jolene doing?” she asked.

“Jolene is doing better than I am, to be honest”, he replied. “She moped around for a couple days, then she was back to her old self. She said she is going to make the most of whatever time she has left.”

“But you aren't doing so well.”

“No. I've known ever since her diagnosis that, barring something unexpected, I will probably outlive her. All of our marriage, I just assumed I'd go first, even though she is older than me, since men have a shorter life expectancy than women. Until now, I didn't think too much about the end – except at the beginning. I thought about it a lot then for a while, but as time went on, it was on my mind less and less. I think Jolene still being able to lead her normal life helped with that. But now, it seems like the end is nearer and I'm having trouble with that.”

“Did her doctor give her a time frame?”

“He said it could be weeks, months or even a year or two before she deteriorates to Stage 4.”

“And then...”

“At that stage, all that's left to try is a heart transplant – if the patient is strong enough to undergo the procedure.”

“So, there is hope.”

“There would be – but she says she will not have a transplant.”

“Why not?”

“She says she would rather a heart go to someone younger, perhaps someone with children to care for. And that she does not want to be having to take anti rejection drugs, which lower the immune system.”

“Myles, it's easy for her to say she doesn't want a transplant when she doesn't need one right now. But when the time comes, she very well may change her mind. The instinct to live is a very strong one.”

“You might be right, Zara. But Jolene is stubborn. I can see her standing her ground right to the end.”

“Myles, have you thought of seeing a therapist yourself? What you are going through with Jolene is very difficult. You are welcome to talk to me any time, day or night, but I'm not a professional counsellor.”

“Yes, Kitten, I've thought of it. Many therapists have their own therapist. Hearing about others' problems and worrying about patients takes it's toll. I've considered it in the past but now I think I may look for one. Though talking to you is helping. I'm glad we didn't cancel tonight. I needed to see you and take my mind off everything for a night.”

After they finished their meal, Myles took the leftovers to the house to put in the fridge, as the bar fridge he had in the office was too small. Then he blew out the candles and told Zara to bring her bag and follow him. He led her down the stairs to the basement. She thought he was going to take her to the room with the exam table but no, he walked straight ahead instead of turning right at the bottom of the stairs. He unlocked the door in front of him. “Stay here”, he instructed her as he walked through and shut the door behind him.

Zara was left to wonder what he was up to. She was curious, but not apprehensive. He'd never done anything to her that harmed her. She was a lot more trusting than she had been at the beginning of their first sexual tryst, when he'd restrained her wrists and ankles without warning. She sometimes wondered when the floor was going to fall out from under her and he ruined that trust, as she'd come to expect that from men. But those times were becoming fewer and further apart. Myles seemed to be the real deal.

She didn't have to wonder what he was up to for long. A couple minutes later, he invited her into the room. She stepped in and saw to her left, a large bed with 4 short posts. A leather cuff was attached to each post by a chain. On the far wall was a dresser and on top of it, some candles which Myles had lit, as well as a vase of artificial red roses. On the fourth wall, opposite the dresser, was a taller dresser with a Keurig coffee maker on top, as well as a tray with a couple mugs and a couple glasses. Zara could see a doorway, but couldn't see what was in the other room. There was a bedside table on each side of the bed with a lamp on each. In the corner beside the shorter dresser was a small bar fridge. On the wall opposite the bed, there were two comfortable looking chairs with a small table between them. There was a small window on the far wall with it's curtains drawn.

“I wanted to get you real roses, Kitten”, Myles explained. “But I knew you couldn't take them with you, so they'd just wither and die down here.”

“You're right, Myles. I love them. This is beautiful. But we agreed to no emotional involvement.”

“It's not, Kitten.” He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “I just thought it would save us some money to spend overnights here instead of a hotel or motel room.” They had been splitting the cost of a room when they spent the night together. “I know we can afford it, but I'd rather you put that money aside and save up for when you leave Adrian.” What he didn't say was 'If he doesn't kill you first.'

“As long as you aren't getting emotionally involved, Myles. You know I can't leave Adrian.”

“You mean you won't. But that's not a subject for tonight. Tonight is all about pleasure. Did you bring your collar?”

“Yes, I did.” She reached into her overnight bag and brought it out.

Myles put it around her neck, whispering to her the words he always said when he put her collar on - “you are mine.” He kissed her, then took her by the hand and guided her to the bed. She was able to get a glimpse into the doorway – it was an ensuite bathroom. He kissed her again as he ran his hands over her body. He lifted the skirt of her dress to find she was not wearing panties. “Oh, Pet has no panties on”, he said as he playfully slapped her ass.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to notice .... Sir”, she replied. “Do you like?”

“Oh, I like!” He lifted the skirt and pulled the dress over her head, exposing her naked body. She used to feel self conscious when he looked at her body, even though she worked hard to maintain it, but she was now used to it. “You are beautiful, Pet”, he told her for the millionth time. Zara blushed. She knew her short hair made her look tomboyish and she appreciated Myles overlooking that.

“Thank you, Doctor”, she replied meekly. She also knew that when the collar was on and they were 'in role', that he liked her to be that way, at least at first, until they really got hot and heavy. “I'm sorry, I had to put the catheter in last night. I just couldn't go.”

“Pet, how many times do I have to tell you that you do not apologize for that. This is a medical need and it can't be helped. You are beautiful to me, and that does not change when you have a catheter in.”

“Yes, Doctor. Thank you.”

“Did you bring an overnight collection bag with you?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. You'll be able to sleep through the night without having to get up to empty your bag. Now, let's enjoy ourselves.” He reached out and caressed her breasts. then lowered his head and took one nipple into his mouth. Zara ran her fingers through his hair, holding his head to her. She had learned that he liked her to do this while he was sucking on her nipples. His hair was kept short, but not too short to run her fingers through.

After a bit, he stood up and pushed her toward the bed. “Face down in the middle, Pet”, he instructed. She lay down the way he wanted and he secured her wrists and ankles with the restraints, leaving the chain on the ankle cuffs loose enough that she could bend her knees. He put a pillow under her and lay down between her legs. She felt his tongue on her as he found her clit and licked it while inserting a couple fingers into her. She is so wet, he thought to himself as he pushed in further. He touched her cervix and backed off a bit, curling his index finger to stroke her g spot. She was moaning and breathing hard and it didn't take her long to cum. He felt the contractions of her vagina around his fingers as she called out his name. It gave him great pleasure to know he was giving her such great pleasure. It was a new feeling to him. Jolene had never climaxed with him and his previous mistresses were rather reserved when they came. He loved that Zara was so vocal.

After she had a couple more orgasms, he stood up and took his pants and shorts off. He was fully erect and so eager to be inside her, he didn't bother taking his shirt and tie off. He got back between her legs and entered her in one swift thrust. I have to be careful, he thought as he began to move in and out of her. She's catheterized right now, so I need to be gentle. He wanted to get a little rough, but didn't dare, even though she enjoyed it. He did not want to cause any damage to her urethra. He lay on her back, kissing and biting her neck as he continued to thrust in and out.

Suddenly, he stopped and reached over into a drawer in one of the nightstands. He took out a silicone butt plug and some lubricant. “Ever had one of these in?” he asked her as he showed the plug to her.

“No”, she answered with trepidation.

“You'll love it, Pet.” He began to put lubricant on her anus.

“D-do I have to have it?” she asked, then added “Sir?”

“Yes, Pet, you do.”

“Why?”

“Because I say so. You know you have your safe word, if you need it.” She had not used it since that night in the motel room before her first spanking. “Now, no more protests, my dear.” He gave her a gentle slap on the butt to remind her of what would happen if she didn't stop. Zara resigned herself to what was to be.

Myles put some lubricant on the plug and began to slowly push it into her. She winced as she felt it open her sphincter. “Relax, Pet. It will be a lot easier. You enjoy my cock in here, don't you?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Then you will like this. It's just a small one to get you started. Here, I'll put some more lubricant on it.” He took the plug out and added more KY, then began to push it in again. Zara was more relaxed this time. When it was in all the way, he got up from the bed.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Just to wash my hands, Pet. I'll be right back.” He went to the ensuite to thoroughly wash his hands after touching her anus. Being an MD, he knew the importance of cleanliness in regards to anal play. Back in the bedroom, he got on top of her again and pushed into her pussy. Despite her reluctance to try the anal plug, she was still wet. “How does it feel now?” he asked.

“Okay....I guess.”

“Give it time, my dear. You need to get used to it.” He kissed her neck and pulled her up onto her knees as he began to thrust in and out of her.

It didn't take long for her breathing to pick up again and soon she was moaning with pleasure. She was getting used to the plug. Myles was right – she did enjoy having his cock in her ass and the plug was starting to feel good, too. Soon, they were climaxing together, calling each others' names out as their orgasms overtook them. Zara's knees gave out from under her and Myles collapsed onto her back.

“I know we agreed to no emotional involvement, Pet”, he said to her as he began to release her from the restraints. “But I have to tell you that you are something else. You make me feel like no woman has made me feel before. I don't want our trysts to ever stop.”

Once the restraints were off, he lay down facing her. She turned to him. “I feel the same, Myles. You make me feel like no other man has in the past. But we need to keep it casual. I can't afford a divorce and you need to be there for Jolene. I don't want to hear any talk from you of leaving her in her last months, or years or however long she has left.” It was rare for her to speak like this while the collar was on, but she needed to impress upon him the importance of keeping it casual.

“I have no intention of leaving her, Pet. Don't worry about that. What do you think of the room?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I love it.”

“It's not quite done. I need to get some pictures up on the walls. They look bare.”

“It's okay, you don't need to.”

“Yes, I do. I want it to be 'homey'. And I want it to be a place you can come to if you need to.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If you need to get away, even if just for a night or two.”

“Adrian spends most nights at Becky's.”

“But not all. I know your fights have been escalating in intensity. I don't want you to have to go to a hotel or motel if you need to get out fast. It's not hard to track someone down at one of those. He doesn't know of this place, so it's safe – as long as he doesn't follow you and if he does, you call 911 and drive to the nearest police station.”

“Myles...”

“That's an order, Kitten. You still have that collar on. Orders that have nothing to do with our sexual relationship, and that are given while it's on, apply when it's off, unless otherwise stated or inferred. No arguing. I am firm on this.”

“All right!” She gave in, not wanting to ruin their evening.

“Thank you, Kitten.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Now, let's get some sleep.”

“I need to change my catheter bag.” They each did their bedtime routine, then got back into bed. Myles turned off the lamp and put his arms around Zara, holding her tight. This was the first time he'd done this when they spent the night together. He felt a need to keep her close and safe.