Notes: lucel, the editor of this story, has given a lot to this project. The form she has given to my thoughts has made them easier for the readers to understand. Without her the story wouldn't be as enjoyable as it is now. If there is someone reading this and pondering if using an editor (or a beta) would be a good idea take a look on the unedited version of this story on my LiveJournal (user elaere). This version is much improved. This story was inspired by Shannon Marie's The Quoin Challenge. Challenges 1: Temptations I was lounging on my couch enjoying the sensual sound of the purring, seductive voice. I knew what the man was saying: I had heard his voicemail several times. He had the kind of voice that went straight to my cock. Soft. Melodious. Full. Dark. He had me hooked. What he was saying was as seductive as his voice. Dear Mr. B, You have visited several of The Quoins these last few years. We understand you will be visiting Pittsburgh next month. While you are there, we would be honored if you would visit our Pittsburgh establishment, The Challenge. The Challenge is somewhat different from the other Quoins. We select our guests very carefully, and only those who receive this invitation are eligible to receive further information. Mr. B, we have become convinced that you would find our other guests interesting. We also believe that they would be delighted to meet you. Each Quoin creates a recreational world for the man who seeks only the best, as you are well aware. We at The Challenge offer guests the very best of quality activities and personnel. However, we demand something in return. We demand that each of our guests accepts our challenge. If you are ready to respond to this challenge, contact us without delay, so you can meet with our representative during your visit to our city... I found even these simple directions to be thrilling when the fantastic voice went on for a while telling how to make contact. I decided I was up to a challenge. I had already been in Pittsburgh for a couple of days before I was contacted the second time. The meeting was set for five p.m. in a little "greasy spoon" of a restaurant, serving the kind of food that is better not discussed... When my host arrived, and he was considerably late, he congratulated me. My reactions to the "diner", as he referred to our meeting place, had been monitored. They were the deciding factor in his final decision to meet me. He said I was actually a very brave man to try to eat there. Already, I liked the man. Late and making fun of me and I liked him! I think his looks had something to do with my reaction. He was of middle height, with golden blond hair, and slight of build. His face was absolutely beautiful, and he had shining blue eyes. His lips were made for kissing. He wore a suit. The garment seemed to be very appropriate for him, even if I had never before seen one worn for this kind of business. His age eluded me; maybe he was in his early twenties? He looked delicious enough to swallow without a bite. As we took our seats, he told me to call him "J". We ate an excellent meal and enjoyed relaxed conversation. He did not want to talk business during the meal. I had the feeling I was still being evaluated. Finally, "J" seemed ready to give me his decision and the information I would need to proceed. "Mr. B, I have decided that you really are ready to take up our challenge. However, if I do give you the information you need to enter our Quoin, The Challenge, you must proceed. You will not be able to turn back. If you try to do that, we will have no choice but to apply force. We know enough about you to know what kind of lever will make you honor your contract. For the last time, are you sure you want this information, Mr. B?" What he said took me by surprise. "You mean that if I decide even to listen to you, I will have to commit myself to any kind of action and treatment you see fit?" "That is the first challenge." Would I be asked to humiliate myself? Would I be safe... my body... my mind? I looked at "J" for any hint or clue that would reveal the nature of the ordeal, but his face was an expressionless mask. "How will you answer the first challenge, Mr. B?" His voice was toneless, without expression. Suddenly, I knew that this was not the man who had lured me here with his voice. I had not thought of that man since I met the blond. My mind was reeling. "J" did not push me. He gave me the time I needed. ------- ------- ------- "I'm ready." But was I really? My bravado would take me just so far.