The Pygmalion Hypnotist

By Angraecus Daniels

Hypnotist Darren Braid is preparing to launch his new line of erotic hypnosis CDs. On the advice of a publicist he plans to hypnotize a an aspiring actress and transform her into a dominatrix. They'll film the transformation and launch the CDs and videos together.

But under hypnosis the starlet reveals repressed memories of a childhood abduction and sexual abuse. Instead of working with a publicist, Darren must work with the FBI to catch her abusers.

“The story has a bold arc, a solid middle and a hopeful end. “ - InD'Tale Magazine. http://www.indtale.com/reviews/contemporary/pygmalion-hypnotist-darren-braid-series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angraecus Daniels
• Release date: Jan 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311417374

Angraecus Daniels

Writer, philosopher, spoken word artist, I'm a synergist who combines ideas from diverse fields to explore new paradigms. I wrote the Darren Braid series to try to bridge the gap between erotica and reality. Erotica always seems to portray an idealized version of dominance and submission, where dominants are virtually all-knowing, and submissives are all happy and fulfilled. News programs and crime dramas seem to do the opposite, only showing women and children being abused and exploited. But in real life, the positive and negative exist together. People enjoy healthy D/s relationships because they learn from other people's bad experiences. I'd never seen a story that brought both sides together, and I thought it would be interesting to explore the coexistence of positive and negative relationships.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Darren emerged from the walk-in closet wearing his one expensive suit coat. He had bought the suit for his brief stint as an undercover agent and wore it exactly once. Holding up gold and red neckties, he asked, Which one?

Latoya suppressed her laughter as she sauntered over to him, her near perfect figure making her business suit look both elegant and sexy. Neither, lover. You're not playing a ruthless slaver tonight. She brushed her hands over his shoulders. Even this jacket is too fancy for tonight.

Darren sighed. If there's one thing I miss about being a recluse, it's not having to worry about my clothes. Even when I was a teacher, all I needed was a basic jacket and tie.

Latoya slid her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his. You can always go back to your solitude. She kissed him softly, sending tingling sensations throughout his body. But isn't this worth an occasional business dinner?

Darren slid his hands up her sides. You are, he whispered.

Latoya patted his chest and pushed away. You can wear the jacket, but no tie. She walked back to her dresser and selected her red pearl necklace; its color providing a subtle accent to both her outfit and her caramel-colored skin. The adult entertainment industry is very casual, and the people are more open minded than at a university.

Really? Darren folded his arms as he leaned against the door frame. Are you going to tell your sorority sister all the intimate things we do when I hypnotize you?

Maybe, she smiled coyly.

#

The hostess smiled. How may I help you?

Darren replied. Latoya Douglas, party of three.

Ivy made the reservations, Latoya reminded him. It's probably under her name, Caldwell.

Yes, the hostess replied. Miss Caldwell has already arrived. This way please. She led them into the dining area. The restaurant was spacious with soft lighting and clean tablecloths. Fewer than half the tables were occupied, but the empty tables were set with napkins and silverware.

Ivy sat with her laptop computer at a table with five place settings. She was a caucasian woman, in her late 30s with a healthy California tan and auburn hair falling lightly over her shoulders. She looked up as they approached, smiled, closed her laptop, and rose to greet them.

Latoya hugged her. It's so good to see you again; been much too long. How have you been?

Overworked and under paid just like ninety-nine percent of the country; but I'm good. But you, CEO of a record studio? How did that happen?

Right place at the right time. She took Darren's arm and pulled him forward. This is Darren Braid, the hypnotic storyteller I told you about.

Darren extended his hand, Nice to meet you.

Likewise. Ivy shook his hand, then packed away her computer while Darren and Latoya seated themselves. I listened to that hypnosis demo you sent over. It was amazing how real it all felt. I actually felt like I was at a 60's love-in. How did you do that?

Practice, lots of practice.

Ivy retook her seat and invited the couple to join her. So how did you two meet? And how is Sonya? I haven't heard from her in ages.

Even prepared for the question, Latoya faltered. But she squeezed Darren's hand and recovered. We met online. I was surfing the web looking for something new, and I came across his web site. I listened, we chatted, we found we had a lot in common, and we decided to get together. We've been practically inseparable ever since.

The story was essentially true, it only omitted the fact that Darren had actually came to Los Angeles as part of the FBI sting that sent her employer to jail for human trafficking.

The waiter came to the table. They ordered drinks and appetizers, and the ladies continued with the small talk, reminiscing and catching up. After a while, Ivy began glancing towards the entrance and checking her smart phone's clock. By the time the meals arrived, she looked worried.

Darren finally asked, Expecting someone to join us?

Yes, another client. I want to propose a joint publicity campaign, and I want to present it to you at the same time. Maybe I should call and remind them. Would you excuse me for a moment? She picked up her phone and rose from the table, but froze when she saw another couple entering the restaurant.

The man looked forty-ish, with thinning blond hair and a waist that was just starting to spread. He staggered a little as he walked. The girl looked half his age and seriously undernourished. Her mousy brown hair was straight and flat. She clung to his arm as if she was afraid of being left behind. They both wore large, dark sunglasses, though it was nearly 8:00 pm.

The man wiped his nose as the hostess escorted him and the girl to the table. Ivy introduced them as Scott Sunderland and Liza Hill. Scott is an adult film maker, and Liza is his new discovery.

The couple sat, and Liza pulled her chair close to her companion. Scott whipped out a business card and handed it to Latoya. Sunderland Productions. Hottest babes under the sun. His eyes rolled over Latoya's body like he was appraising a car. You're one hot lady. I could make you a star.

Baby, Liza squeezed his arm. You said I was going to be your star.

He patted her hand. You are babe, you are. But you know a movie needs more than one babe. He wrapped his arm around her. Liza here is going to be the next big thing. I've just got to line up the right project for her."

Darren's stomach turned. In his teaching days, he had dealt with a few students who abused drugs. But he'd never seen it flaunted so flagrantly. Only Latoya's grip on his thigh kept him from getting up and walking out.

It's so nice to meet you both, Latoya spoke with her diplomatic business voice. Ivy, you want to explain your idea now?

Ivy didn't seem to hear her. She was staring at Liza. Have you eaten yet? Liza, you look like you haven't eaten all day. Let me order something for you. She waved for the waiter.

I'm not hungry, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ivy's right, babe. You need to keep up your strength. Have something to eat." Scott put the bread basket in front of her, but she ignored it. She lowered her head to his shoulder, and, for all anyone could tell, fell asleep.

Behind her, the hostess seated an athletic blonde woman. FBI agent, Kristen Parker smiled at the hostess as she accepted the menu. But her gaze lingered on Liza and Sunderland before she actually looked over the dinner options.

Ivy, Latoya softened her voice with sympathy. Why don't you tell us your publicity idea.

"Right. Scott, you know how the porn industry is suffering. With all the free porn available online now, people aren't as willing to pay for it. But people are still buying fetish material. There's a huge untapped market for femdom and personality transformation videos. Darren can hypnotize Liza and transform her into a strong-willed dominatrix. Scott can film the transformation.

You release the video at Exxxotica in August and make a big splash. We'll create a media stir around it. Darren, you can release one or two of your erotic hypnosis CDs with the video. I'll promote you as a sex educator and visionary; book you together on radio, TV and magazine interviews. We'll put you on the world stage.

Fantastic! Scott said. I love it!

I don't… Darren started, but Latoya's squeezed his thigh harder.

It's a wonderful idea, Ivy. If Liza is willing. Liza didn't respond, but behind her Agent Parker was nodding and mouthing the words do it.

I'm not Pygmalion.

Everyone turned confused faces towards Darren. He turned to Latoya, My Fair Lady? Her eyes widened in recognition. She glanced at Liza and covered her mouth to stifle a burst of laughter. Darren, you're an artist, and you're brilliant. But you said it yourself; if you knew anything about marketing, you'd already be a millionaire.

Agent Parker dug a smart phone out of her purse and made a call, which made Darren glad he no longer carried his FBI-issued phone.

Not that; I'm sure it's a good idea. But I don't…

Latoya touched her finger to his lips. Trust me. This is the kind of marketing campaign that will make you a household name, and that's what will sell your CDs.

Agent Parker clapped her hand to her face with exaggerated surprise. Professor Braid? She squealed with delight. Is that you? She jumped up and rushed to Darren's side. She gushed with excitement, What are you doing here in L.A.? She turned to Sunderland, I had Prof Braid for Psych 102. He's just the best, you know? He did this demonstration in class where he hypnotized several students. It was so… she shivered with exaggerated excitement. "I so wish I could see more. You know, if you're hypnotizing anyone here in L.A. I'd love to watch. Oh! Maybe I can even help. I hypnotized my roommate once. She gave me the most wonderful lap dance.

Oh, but I'm interrupting your dinner. I am so, so sorry. I'll just leave you alone. But call me. She whispered quickly in Darren's ear, Restrooms. Then she retreated quickly to the back of the restaurant.

Sunderland drooled at the spectacle. By all means, invite her to join us.

Darren rolled his eyes, Excuse me, I have to use the men's room. He went to the back of the restaurant and found Agent Parker waiting.

She dropped her act and spoke plainly. You have to say 'yes', and take me as your assistant.

You want me to go into business with an unreliable crackhead? Why?

We think he's bootlegging DVDs. I want you to get me into his studio so I can look around.

Darren folded his arms over his chest. Since when does the FBI care about bootlegged videos?

Since always. But Congress is considering more than two dozen new anti-piracy laws. So we're conducting some discrete inquiries to estimate the potential costs for enforcing them.

Okay, but why involve me? Marisa could do porn. It would be nothing compared to what she did to infiltrate Breaux's operation.

Marisa is on leave.

Darren winced with a twinge of guilt. Post traumatic stress?

Yes. How did you…?

I'm sorry about that.

It wasn't your fault. You didn't force her to go undercover, and you're certainly not the one who shocked her with the cattle prod.

I know, but she might not have been as susceptible if I hadn't hypnotized to feel so eager to please.

You helped us bring down a human trafficking ring. As far as she's concerned, that was worth the cost of a few burns and bruises, and even the nightmares.

Darren nodded. But the answer is still 'no'. Now I need to get back to this farce of a business dinner.

He turned around, but she darted around him and barred his way. This will affect you too. Your CDs will be pirated, sold overseas, made available online, and you'll be cheated out of thousands, maybe millions of dollars. She held his gaze for a moment, then she let him pass.

Darren returned to the table where Sunderland was digging into a basket of cheese covered nachos. Latoya and Ivy had moved their chairs together and were whispering about something. Liza could have been asleep or staring off into space.

As soon as Darren sat down, Ivy leaned in close and whispered, Please, help me get Liza away from this jerk.

Chapter 2

Back in their apartment Latoya asked, So who was your groupie?

My what?

Your pretend student.

Darren chuckled as he dropped onto the sofa. Kristen Parker. She's FBI, works with Mike and Marisa, and I think she's also Marisa's friend. She wants to play the part of my assistant if I agree to Ivy's plan.

Latoya settled on his lap and slid her hands over his shoulders. How is Marisa? You never told me what happened to her.

You've had other things on your mind. He slid his hands around Latoya's waist. We got her out. She was beaten, and one of the guys had used a cattle prod on her. But mostly, she was really, really pissed. I haven't seen her since the sting, but Kristen says she's taking time off to deal with the stress of her ordeal.

I hope she'll be okay.

She's strong; she'll get over it.

You could help her deal with it.

Post traumatic stress isn't my area of expertise. And she probably wants to be as far away from me as possible.

Why?

She had an unusually strong response to my obedience training program. Even afterwards, she instantly obeyed everything I told her. It became like a compulsion, and I think she's afraid I'll take advantage of her. Mentally, he added 'again'.

Latoya must have read the thought in his eyes. You only did that for the sting. You wouldn't do anything to really hurt her.

Thank you. He kissed her shoulder. And I think she knows that. But stress creates heightened emotional responses, which aren't easily overcome by reason. She nearly lost herself to the alternate identity I gave her. Then she was caged, beaten, and shocked. Best thing for her is to get some distance from everyone who contributed to her ordeal, including me.

Latoya nodded. I understand. She unbuttoned his shirt and started fingering his chest. Now, about Ivy's plan. It's a great idea; and it will give you lots of exposure.

I know it is, but I'm not going to partner with that crackhead. You saw how poor his judgement was. He propositioned you right in front of me. Didn't see — or didn't care — that you're a successful business woman. And that girl, she was barely awake. I doubt she could concentrate long enough to be hypnotized.

Drugs are a part of the entertainment business. You can't avoid them completely. Even Jimmy, Little Big Horn, sometimes takes a little speed before going on stage.

Darren sighed. He'd have preferred to avoid any association with drug users. But Latoya had worked hard to get where she was, and he couldn't order her to throw it all away. Well, keep the drugs away from me. I want nothing to do with it. And did you notice the way your friend was fussing over that girl? There's more than just a client relationship there.

Latoya nodded. "Ivy's little sister died from a drug overdose. She got hooked at a party her first week at college. By the end of the semester she was dead. Ivy blamed herself for not protecting her sister and dropped out for the rest of the year.

I'm sorry. I know how hard that can be.

Darren, Liza looks just like Ivy's sister, same hair, same figure, same near dead expression. Ivy is like a deer caught in headlights. She can't look away, and I'm afraid she'll end up reliving her sister's death all over again.

Darren squeezed Latoya tighter. "So you want me to help Liza to help Ivy. But I can't just snap my fingers and transform a girl into a domme.

"Personality is constructed on hundreds social interactions and thousands experiences; most of which happen in childhood. I'd have to regress her to a young age and give her entirely new set of experiences. And I'd have to provide a conceptual framework for her to interpret those experiences in a way that shows her how to enjoy exercising power over other people.

And you know what they say in the BDSM communities. You can't control others if you can't control yourself. If she's using drugs, she is not in control of herself.

Latoya sighed and rested her head against his, Could you at least help her become stronger. Give her the strength to see what she's doing to herself?

Darren inclined his head to the side, Possibly. But only if she's willing. She didn't agree to be hypnotized.

She did, while you were talking to your 'groupie'.

Latoya kissed his chest and stomach as she slid down between his legs. Tell you what, she said as she caressed his inner thighs. You help Liza for me, and I'll call Angela. You remember how hot she was when you hypnotized her.

Darren remembered. Angela was petite, pretty, and enthusiastic, and she had a complexion like the finest dark chocolate. Latoya invited the girl to listen as Darren recorded his first hypnotic story at Luv Bandit's studio. The girl fell into a trance as she listened and became too aroused to refuse Latoya's suggestion for a threesome.

Imagine training her as a hypnotized love slave; making her addicted to your hypnotic control, making her eager to please you in every possible way.

The suggestion stirred Darren's passions as much as Latoya's teasing caresses. Why do I feel like I'm being manipulated here?

Help Ivy help Liza, and I'll convince Angela to let you train her as your slave.

My slave? You're the one who invited her to my recording session. And you suggested she 'share her love' with both of us. I think you want her more than I do.

Latoya laughed. Okay, our slave.

Darren covered Latoya's hands. I would love that. But I don't know if I could really handle a serious poly relationship.

A month ago, you didn't think you could have any type of relationship. But here we are. Now you need to start thinking more like an artist. Artists challenge themselves; they stretch the boundaries of their art. You hold yourself back too much with me.

What makes you think that?

Oh, please. I've managed performers for over ten years. Even when I'm hypnotized, I can hear it when you hesitate. I know you're restraining yourself. Though I don't know why. I've given you permission to try anything you want.

Darren took her hands from his thigh and pulled her back onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist. "I didn't tell you everything that happened with Marisa. After our threesome, I toned down her aggressiveness and gave her suggestions to become whatever Tony wanted her to be. But I misjudged her responsiveness. She totally submerged her identity to what he wanted. If Mike hadn't been watching her so closely, she'd have become a mindless sex toy.

I don't want to do that to you. I like you the way you are.

She kissed him. "I like you the way you are too. But I still want you to grow as an artist. If you're going to develop truly artistic hypnosis programs, show the world that what you do is an art, you can't hold yourself back. You have to explore and develop your ideas.

That's why I want you to have a girl you can dominate freely. And Angela is perfect for that. She's a natural submissive, even though she doesn't know it yet. She's old enough to be legal, but young enough to still be discovering herself. And she doesn't have any serious responsibilities. You won't have to hold back. You can release your inner dominant, and let your ideas flow freely.

And you want to watch me transform her into an adoring love slave, don't you?

Um hm. She nuzzled his neck. I love to watch artists work.

Oh? Who's the groupie now?

She laughed as she slapped his chest.

Now, just to be clear, you want us to have a committed poly relationship, you, me, and Angela?

Um hm.

What did I ever do to deserve you?

You helped a friend.

You devious little minx!

Latoya sat up straight, playfully touching her lips. Who me?

Yes you! Darren kissed her shoulder. Okay, I will help your friend.

Chapter 3

The next morning Darren called Mike. As the Senior Field Agent in the Los Angeles office, Mike was Kristen's supervisor. He was also Darren's cousin and the man who had dragged him to Los Angeles to infiltrate the human trafficking ring.

Mike confirmed that he'd approved Kristen's request to investigate Sunderland and to involve Darren. But he refused to say anything more. About Marisa, Mike would only say she was on leave.

Darren called Kristen and then Ivy to let them know he accepted their offers. To both women, he explained that he'd need a few days to research and develop some ideas. Then he settled down with the computer to research the kind of experiences that contributed to the development of sexually dominant personalities.

To his surprise, there was no academic research on the subject. Google Scholar returned 1,970,00 papers on personality development, and 300,000 papers on sexual dominance (mostly in bird species), but nothing connecting the two subjects.

Darren's academic instincts kicked in as he recognized the opportunity to conduct a unique study. He could develop personality profiles for sexually dominant and submissive women, develop hypnotic programs to nurture the desired personality traits, then test the domme program with Liza and the sub program with Angela. It would be a fascinating case study. Conducting a post-mortem on his technique might even provide valuable insights for a wide variety of therapeutic situations.

It was ironic that he would discover this opportunity just as he was trying to think of himself as a recording artist instead of an ousted academic. The situation gave him a good laugh as he put on his sneakers and headed outside for a late-morning run.

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