Lesbian Couple’s Chastity Submissive: Part 3 (Patreon)

            Alex let out a frustrated moan as his hands instinctively drifted to his groin, fingers brushing against the cold, unyielding metal of the chastity cage. The smooth steel felt foreign against his skin, its presence an ever-present reminder of Katarina and Alina’s control. His fingertips traced the curve of the cage, searching for any weak point, any gap, but the craftsmanship was flawless.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, his voice thick with desperation.

           He curled his fingers around the base of the device, tugging experimentally. The snug metal ring encircling his cock and balls didn’t budge, digging into his skin as he pulled harder. The pressure made him gasp, his arousal spiking despite the discomfort. It was maddening—his body betraying him, turning his attempts to free himself into another source of torment.

           His hands moved up to the cage itself, gripping it firmly as he tried to slide it off. But the design was perfect, cruelly so. The cage encased him completely, leaving no room for movement, no chance of slipping free. The steel was cool to the touch, unyielding even as he pressed and twisted, trying to find some way to loosen it. Each attempt only reminded him of the lock—securely fastened and entirely out of his control.

           “Come on, come on,” Alex hissed, his breaths coming in short, frustrated bursts. He knelt on the floor, angling his body to see if a different position might give him better leverage. His fingers worked furiously, pulling and twisting, but the device didn’t give an inch. The harder he tried, the more the cage seemed to mock him, its perfect fit leaving no room for escape.

            His hands moved to the underside of the device, feeling for the seam where the ring and cage joined. He pressed his fingertips against it, hoping to pry it apart, but the mechanism was flawless. The smooth connection showed no weakness, no gap he could exploit. His frustration mounted as he clawed at it, his nails scraping uselessly against the steel.

           The weight of the cage only amplified his helplessness, the tightness a constant reminder of how thoroughly he was trapped. His arousal hadn’t subsided—it had grown worse, his cock straining futilely against the unyielding steel. The pressure was unbearable, every twitch and throb sending jolts of frustrated pleasure through him.

            “God, this is impossible,” Alex groaned, slumping back against the couch. His hands fell to his sides, trembling from the effort. The device remained perfectly intact, perfectly secure, perfectly immovable. No matter how hard he tried, there was no way to free himself—not without the key. And Katarina and Alina had made it perfectly clear who held that key.

            Alex’s chest rose and fell with laboured breaths as his hands moved back to the cage, this time more slowly. His fingers traced over the lock at the tip, its tiny keyhole a cruel taunt. He gripped it again, pulling experimentally, but the lock didn’t even budge. The cold metal seemed to hum against his skin, as if alive with the energy of his frustration.

            He ran his hands over the smooth curve of the cage, his touch lingering as he explored every inch of its design. The cool, hard steel was seamless, unyielding, and impenetrable. His fingers pressed against it, trying once more to slide it off, but the tight fit left no room for movement. The harder he pulled, the more he felt the ring digging into his skin, its snugness a stark reminder of his captivity.

           With a frustrated cry, Alex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as his hands dropped away from the device. His head hung low, and he squeezed his eyes shut, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The cage wasn’t just a physical barrier—it was a symbol of everything Katarina and Alina had taken from him. His freedom, his autonomy, his control—all locked away in that tiny, unyielding device.

          He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath as his arousal simmered beneath the surface, leaving him squirming against the unrelenting steel. There was no escaping it, no escaping them. Katarina and Alina had made sure of that.

          Katarina stretched languidly across the bed, her golden hair splayed out on the silk pillows as she gazed at Alina with a devilish grin. In her hand, she held the small silver key, letting it dangle from her fingertips, catching the dim bedroom light. She turned it slowly, watching the way Alina’s dark eyes followed it, her lips curving into a sultry smile.

           “This little thing,” Katarina murmured, her voice low and teasing, “is so much power, isn’t it?” She twirled the key between her fingers before handing it off to Alina, their fingers brushing in a way that sent a spark through both of them. “It’s like holding him in the palm of our hands.”

           Alina chuckled, the sound warm and rich as she took the key and rolled onto her side, the silk sheets slipping down to reveal the curve of her bare shoulder. She brought the key to her lips, kissing it lightly before holding it up between them. “It’s more than just power,” she said, her tone playful. “It’s control. It’s ownership. And God, does that make me hot.”

           Katarina’s eyes darkened, and she reached out to trace her fingers along Alina’s collarbone, her touch soft but deliberate. “You’re not the only one,” she purred, leaning in to brush her lips against Alina’s. The kiss deepened almost immediately, their mouths moving together with a hunger that had been building all night. The key slipped from Alina’s hand and landed on the bed between them, forgotten for the moment as their hands roamed each other’s bodies.

          Katarina pulled back just enough to smirk, her fingers brushing against Alina’s swollen lips. “But don’t drop it too far, darling,” she teased, reaching for the key and holding it up again. “After all, he’s not going anywhere without this.”

           Alina’s breath hitched, her hands sliding beneath Katarina’s silk nightgown to caress her bare skin. “He’s probably squirming in bed right now,” she murmured, her voice husky with arousal. “Running his hands over that cage, trying to figure out how to get out of it. But he can’t. Not without us.”

           The thought sent a wave of heat through Katarina, and she moaned softly as she leaned into Alina’s touch. “And that’s exactly how it should be,” she said, her voice low and dripping with desire. “He’s ours now. Locked up. Helpless. Completely at our mercy.”

           Alina grinned, her hands sliding up Katarina’s thighs as she leaned closer. “Do you think he’s hard right now?” she asked, her tone teasing. “Do you think he’s throbbing in that little cage, desperate for relief?”

          Katarina’s lips parted, her breath coming faster as her fingers tangled in Alina’s dark hair. “Of course he is,” she said, her voice a whisper. “He’s probably clawing at it, trying to pull it off. But it’s no use. The more he fights it, the more he realizes he’s trapped. And that’s the part that turns him on the most.”

          Alina let out a low, throaty laugh, her lips brushing against Katarina’s ear as she whispered, “And the part that turns us on the most.”

          Katarina moaned softly, her body pressing against Alina’s as they kissed again, their tongues tangling in a heated dance. The key was still in her hand, and she pressed it against Alina’s palm, their fingers closing around it together as if sealing some unspoken pact.

          “You know,” Alina murmured between kisses, her voice breathless, “we should make him earn this key. Make him beg for it.”

           Katarina’s lips curved into a wicked smile as her hand slid down Alina’s body, exploring the smooth lines of her hips and thighs. “Oh, he’ll beg,” she said, her voice dripping with confidence. “He’ll beg, he’ll plead, he’ll do whatever we tell him to. And we’ll make him love every second of it.”

           Alina’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, her chest rising and falling as Katarina’s touch sent shivers down her spine. “I love how helpless he is,” she said, her voice soft but filled with heat. “How much he needs us already. And we’ve only just started.”

           Katarina tilted her head, capturing Alina’s lips in another deep, searing kiss. The key pressed between their hands, cool and hard against their heated skin, a constant reminder of the man locked away and squirming in frustration. They passed it back and forth again, letting the weight of it fuel their desire as their bodies moved together in perfect harmony.

           The room grew hotter, their moans mingling as their kisses became more frantic, more desperate. The thought of Alex, locked in chastity, completely under their control, only heightened their arousal. They couldn’t get enough of each other, their hands and mouths exploring every inch of bare skin as the key glinted on the sheets beside them, forgotten for now but never far from their thoughts.

           As their bodies tangled together, their minds remained on Alex, imagining his frustration, his longing, and the way he would eventually look at them—with devotion, with need, with surrender. And they knew, without a doubt, that they held not just the key to his cage but the key to his very soul.

          Alex’s phone buzzed on the table, the sharp vibration breaking through the quiet hum of his thoughts. He glanced down, his heart immediately skipping a beat when he saw the names lighting up his screen: Katarina and Alina. Hesitating for a moment, he unlocked his phone, the nervous anticipation in his chest already making his fingers tremble.

Katarina: "We hope you’re behaving yourself, Alex. 😉 Alina and I were just talking about you… locked up so tight, so obedient. It’s a good look on you."

Another message appeared a second later, this time from Alina:

Alina: "Speaking of good looks, we’re going out tonight. Clubbing. 🍸 Meet us at our house at 9pm sharp—we’ll make sure you’re... dressed appropriately. Don’t be late, or you’ll regret it. 😏"

         Alex felt his cheeks burn as he read their messages, his breath catching in his throat. The words “locked up so tight” seemed to jump off the screen, sending a wave of heat through him. His hands instinctively drifted to his lap, his fingers brushing over the smooth steel of the chastity cage. The cage, their cage, served as a constant reminder of his situation—a mix of helplessness, arousal, and an undeniable thrill he couldn’t fully explain.

          He read the texts again, his mind racing. They were going out tonight? Clubbing? And they wanted him to meet them at their house? His pulse quickened, a mix of nerves and excitement building in his chest. What did they mean by “dressed appropriately”? What were they planning?

          Another message came through, this time just from Katarina:
"Oh, and don’t even think about touching yourself before then. Not that you could, of course. 😈 Be a good boy for us, Alex."

          Alex groaned softly, the ache of arousal surging through him at their teasing. The way they spoke to him, the way they reminded him of the control they had—it made him feel both embarrassed and utterly captivated. He quickly typed out a reply, his thumbs fumbling over the keyboard.

Alex: "I’ll be there. Thank you."

          He hesitated before hitting send, unsure if his response sounded too formal—or too eager. But there was no time to overthink it; he pressed send and set the phone back down, exhaling shakily as he ran his hands through his hair.

          Alex stood on the front porch of Katarina and Alina’s house, his heart pounding in his chest. It was 9:00 PM on the dot. He wiped his palms on his jeans, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door. His mind raced with images of the teasing texts, the playful tone they’d used, and the implications behind their invitation. The chastity cage seemed tighter than ever, the weight of it a constant reminder of his vulnerability.

            The sound of high heels clicking against the floor approached the door, and Alex straightened his posture, his pulse quickening. When the door swung open, his breath caught in his throat.

           As Alex stepped through the doorway, following Katarina and Alina, he was immediately greeted by the intoxicating scent of their perfume and the faint click of their heels on the hardwood floor. His nerves were already wound tight, but their teasing smiles and the way they seemed to orbit around him made his stomach do somersaults.

           “Such a good boy,” Katarina purred, pausing to glance over her shoulder at him as she reached for her clutch. The hem of her tight black dress barely skimmed the tops of her thighs, and she caught his wide-eyed stare with a smirk. “We likegood boys, Alex. Especially ones who know how to behave… even when it’s hard.”

            “Especially when it’s hard,” Alina added with a wicked grin, her dark eyes flicking to his lap. She leaned against the edge of the table, one long leg crossing over the other as she tilted her head playfully. “Well… not that you would know about that right now.”

            Alex’s cheeks burned crimson, and he instinctively shifted his weight, trying to will himself to stay calm. The steel of the chastity cage pressed firmly against him, a constant and unyielding reminder of his predicament. His throat felt dry as he struggled to find words, but they didn’t give him the chance.

           Katarina stepped closer, her blue eyes glinting with mischief as she traced a finger along his collarbone. “What’s the matter?” she asked softly, her voice dripping with feigned concern. “Is it… uncomfortable?” Her lips curved into a teasing smirk as her finger traveled down his chest, stopping just short of his cage.

           “Oh, don’t tease him too much,” Alina said, pushing off the table and sauntering over to join her lover. Her fiery red dress clung to her curves like a second skin, and the way she moved was almost hypnotic. “He’s already squirming. Look at him.” She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly against Alex’s arm. “Poor thing. It must be so tight down there.”

           Katarina laughed softly, her hand trailing back up to Alex’s jaw, forcing him to meet her gaze. “Of course it’s tight,” she said with mock sympathy. “That’s the point, isn’t it? Locked up nice and snug. Just how we like you.”

          Alina chuckled, leaning in close enough that her lips nearly brushed his ear. “But you don’t mind, do you?” she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. “You like being locked up for us. Being our good, obedient little boy.”

          Alex’s breath hitched, his cheeks burning hotter than ever. “I-I…” He trailed off, unable to form a coherent response under their combined scrutiny. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure they could hear it.

          “Speechless,” Katarina murmured with a satisfied grin, stepping back to grab her clutch. “That’s exactly how we like you, Alex. Quiet. Behaved. And completely…” She glanced at Alina, who handed her a purse with a smirk, then turned back to Alex. “…under our control.”

          Alina picked up the key to his chastity cage from the table where it lay and dangled it in front of him, the small silver object gleaming in the light. “This little thing,” she said, twirling it between her fingers, “is the only thing standing between you and freedom. And you’re not getting it anytime soon.”

           Katarina laughed, slinging her purse over her shoulder. “Not unless we decide you’ve earned it. But don’t hold your breath.”

           Alex swallowed hard, his head swimming as he watched Alina pass the key to Katarina, their fingers brushing in a way that felt deliberate—like a reminder of their control over him.

          “Well,” Alina said, her tone light as she slid her arm around Katarina’s waist. “We should get going. The night’s young, and we’re not waiting around forever.”

          “Exactly,” Katarina said, gesturing toward the door. “Come along, Alex. You’re driving. And no distractions—we don’t want you crashing the car just because you can’t stop thinking about how locked up you are.”

           Alina burst into laughter as Alex stammered, “I-I won’t!” His face was redder than ever, but he followed them to the door, his steps awkward and hesitant.

         “Oh, we know,” Alina said as she slid into the passenger seat, her grin positively wicked. “Because if you’re a very good boy tonight, maybe we’ll think about letting you have a little… relief. But only if you behave.”

          Katarina, settling into the back seat, leaned forward with a playful smirk. “Or maybe we’ll just keep you like this a little longer. You look so cute when you’re desperate.”

           Alex groaned softly, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he started the car. The two women giggled in the backseat, exchanging knowing looks, and Alex realized the night was going to be much, much longer—and more challenging—than he’d anticipated.

         The neon lights of the club flickered in vibrant purples and blues as Alex followed Katarina and Alina inside, the heavy bass of the music reverberating through the air. The crowd was alive, a mix of bodies moving and laughing under the strobe lights, their energy electric. For a moment, Alex felt out of place—awkward in a sea of confidence—but then he caught sight of the two women ahead of him, their hands clasped together as they navigated the crowd with ease.

         Katarina turned back, her golden hair shimmering under the lights as she shot Alex a wink. “Stay close,” she called over the music, her voice warm and teasing. “We wouldn’t want to lose you.”

           Alina laughed, pulling Katarina toward the bar. “Or maybe we would,” she joked, glancing back at Alex with a sly grin. “But then, how would you carry our drinks?”

          Alex smiled nervously, trailing behind them as they reached the bar. The women ordered cocktails with practiced ease, their flirtatious banter with the bartender drawing attention from everyone nearby. When their drinks arrived, they clinked their glasses together and sipped, their eyes gleaming with mischief as they turned their attention back to Alex.

“To a fun night,” Katarina said, raising her glass toward him.

         “And to keeping you nice and locked up,” Alina added with a wink, her grin widening when she saw Alex’s cheeks flush.

         Before Alex could respond, Katarina placed both their drinks in Alex’s hands, and grabbed Alina’s hand and pulled her toward the dance floor. “Come on!” she said, her voice cutting through the music as she tugged her lover along.

            The two women were a vision under the pulsing lights, their short, tight dresses shimmering as they moved to the beat. Their bodies pressed together as they swayed, their hands exploring each other’s curves with a confidence that left Alex breathless. Katarina leaned in, capturing Alina’s lips in a heated kiss, her hands sliding down to grip Alina’s hips as they moved in perfect sync.

        Alex couldn’t tear his eyes away. The way they danced—so unapologetically sensual, so completely in their element—was mesmerizing. The heat in his chest and the tightness in his cage only grew as he watched them.

         After a moment, Katarina broke their kiss, her blue eyes locking onto Alex as he put down the drinks. With a smirk, she held out her hand, beckoning him forward. “Come on, Alex,” she called, her voice teasing. “Don’t just stand there. We didn’t bring you here to watch.”

         Alina joined in, grabbing his other hand and pulling him onto the dance floor. “Yeah, let’s see if you can keep up,” she said, her tone playful but challenging.

          Alex stumbled slightly as they led him into the throng of dancers, his heart racing as the women positioned him between them. Katarina was in front, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders as she moved her body to the music, her hips swaying tantalizingly close. Alina pressed herself against his back, her hands sliding around his waist as she leaned in to speak into his ear.

“Relax,” she said, her breath warm and teasing. “We don’t bite… much.”

            The women moved in perfect harmony, their bodies brushing against Alex with every beat of the music. Katarina’s hips swayed in front of him, her movements slow and deliberate, while Alina’s hands trailed over his sides, her touch sending shivers down his spine.

           And then, as if by some unspoken agreement, both women began grinding against him, their movements perfectly timed to the pounding bass. Katarina’s ass pressed firmly against his chastity cage, the friction sending a wave of heat through him, while Alina’s hands slid down to rest on his hips, holding him in place as she moved against his back.

        “Having fun, Alex?” Katarina asked, glancing over her shoulder with a knowing smile.

        “You seem a little… tense,” Alina teased, her voice low and sultry as she leaned in closer. “Or maybe that’s just the cage.”

           Alex groaned softly, his cheeks burning as he tried to stay composed. The pressure of their bodies against him, the teasing in their voices, and the relentless beat of the music made it impossible to think straight. Every movement reminded him of his confinement, the unyielding steel of the cage a constant presence as they danced all over him.

           Katarina laughed, her hands sliding up to cup Alex’s face as she turned to face him. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered,” she said, her tone dripping with amusement.

           Alina wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her breasts against his back as she whispered, “We’re just getting started, Alex. The night is young, and so are we. Try to keep up, okay?”

           As the two women continued to dance, their hands roaming and their bodies pressed against him, Alex felt completely overwhelmed. The mix of arousal, frustration, and sheer exhilaration was almost too much to handle. And yet, he couldn’t deny how much he craved their attention—how much he wanted to be exactly where he was, no matter how maddeningly teasing they were.

         For the rest of the song, he let them take the lead, their laughter and flirtatious touches drawing him deeper into their world, one dance step at a time.

            The bass pounded through the club, the rhythm a visceral force that throbbed in Alex's chest. Katarina and Alina had him surrounded, their bodies moving in perfect sync, grinding against him from either side. The heat between them was intoxicating, their teasing touches relentless as they toyed with him. The unyielding steel of the cage he wore seemed to tighten with every passing second, trapping his growing arousal in an agonizing mix of frustration and desire.

            Katarina’s hips pressed against him with deliberate precision, her movements so smooth it felt like she could read his mind. Every roll of her body against his cage sent shocks of pleasure coursing through him, each one leaving him more desperate than the last. She looked over her shoulder with a smirk, her dark, kohl-lined eyes gleaming with wicked intent.

            "Poor Alex," she murmured, her voice just loud enough to cut through the music. "You look so overwhelmed." She leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear, her breath warm and teasing. "I can’t tell if it’s the cage or us that’s making you this flustered."

             Before Alex could even think to respond, Alina pressed tighter against his back, her hands roaming up his sides to rest just beneath his ribs. Her curves molded perfectly against him, her touch maddeningly light as her fingers teased at the hem of his shirt.

           "Definitely us," Alina purred, her lips grazing his other ear. "Look at him, Kat. He’s completely at a loss." She giggled, the sound soft and wicked, her hands drifting downward to rest just above his hips. "It’s adorable, really."

             Alex’s head was spinning. Their voices, their touches, the way they moved around him—it was all too much. He tried to say something, anything, but all that came out was a shaky breath. The heat between them was suffocating, their beauty and confidence so overwhelming it made him feel small, helpless, and hopelessly aroused.

           Then, Katarina did something that made his knees nearly buckle. She turned to face him fully, her hands sliding up his chest until they reached his jaw, tilting his head so he had no choice but to meet her gaze. Her lips curled into a knowing smile before she glanced over at Alina, her expression full of mischief.

           "Shall we give him a little more to think about?" Katarina asked, her tone laced with amusement.

           Alina’s laughter was warm and low as she moved to stand beside Katarina, her hand slipping possessively over Alex’s chest. "Oh, I think he can handle it," she replied, her eyes flicking to Alex’s flushed, helpless face. "Or maybe he can’t… either way, I’m in."

           Before Alex could even process what was happening, Katarina cupped Alina’s face, and their lips met in a slow, passionate kiss right in front of him. The sight was devastating—two stunning, older women, their mouths moving against each other with sensual ease, their hands exploring each other as if they were the only two people in the room.

But they weren’t.

             Even as they kissed, their hands reached for him. Katarina’s fingers slid down his chest, her nails lightly scraping over the fabric of his shirt, while Alina’s hand dipped lower, teasing along the waistband of his jeans. The touch was deliberate, possessive, and maddening.

         Alex’s breath hitched as they broke the kiss, both of them turning their attention back to him. Katarina licked her lips, her smirk growing wider as she caught the way his gaze darted between them.

         "Enjoying the show, sweetheart?" she teased, her voice a silky purr as her fingers traced lazy circles over his chest.

            "You’re so tense," Alina added, her tone dripping with false concern as her hands moved to his waist, holding him in place. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "Or maybe that’s just the cage, hmm?"

           Alex groaned, his cheeks burning with humiliation and arousal. The steel of the cage seemed tighter than ever, a constant, unrelenting reminder of just how helpless he was in their hands. He felt like he was drowning, overwhelmed by their beauty, their touch, and the sheer intensity of their teasing.

           Katarina leaned closer, her lips brushing his ear. "You’re being such a good boy for us, Alex," she whispered, her tone both mocking and affectionate. "Maybe we’ll reward you later… if we feel like it."

            "Maybe," Alina echoed, her lips grazing his neck as she spoke. "But only if you keep being good for us." Her hands slid around to his chest, her touch firm and teasing as she added, "For now, I think we’ll just keep you exactly where you are. It’s too fun watching you squirm."

           The song shifted, slowing to a sultry, pulsing rhythm, and the two women moved in perfect harmony with it. Their hands roamed freely over his body, their hips grinding against him as though they could feel every ounce of his frustration. Alex’s head swam, his body trembling under their touch as he struggled to keep his balance as his cock was rock-hard behind the steel chastity cage.

             Katarina’s fingers trailed downward, stopping just before pulling back with a knowing smile. "Come on," she said, stepping back slightly but keeping her hand on his chest. "Let’s get a drink. Don’t want you overheating, do we?"

             Alina’s arm wrapped possessively around his waist, guiding him off the dance floor as Katarina led the way. Alex followed in a daze, his mind swirling with a mix of arousal, frustration, and sheer disbelief. These women were in complete control, and he was utterly at their mercy.

           He didn’t know how much more he could take… but he couldn’t deny how much he wanted them to keep going.

          As the night wore on, the three of them lingered near the bar, the club’s atmosphere buzzing around them. Alex tried to focus on the music, the chatter of nearby patrons, anything to regain a semblance of composure, but it was impossible with Katarina and Alina so close. They stood on either side of him, their hands occasionally brushing his arms or resting on his chest, their teasing glances keeping him in a state of constant anticipation.

          Katarina leaned toward Alina, her lips brushing her friend’s ear as she whispered something too soft for Alex to hear. Alina smirked, her eyes flicking briefly to him before she leaned back, her lips grazing Katarina’s ear in response. Whatever they were sharing clearly delighted them both, their giggles low and conspiratorial.

          Finally, Katarina turned to Alex, her smile wicked, her hand sliding possessively down his arm. "I think it’s time to call it a night," she said, her voice smooth and dripping with intent.

          "Well, the night’s not quite over yet," Alina added, stepping closer to him, her arm wrapping around his waist. She pressed herself against his side, her lips near his ear as she whispered, "We’re taking you back to ours, Alex. It’s time to play."

            His heart raced as the words sank in, the implication clear in their tones and the hungry gleam in their eyes. His cage pulsed with the tightness of his arousal, every nerve in his body alight as Katarina’s fingers traced lazy patterns over his chest.

        "That’s right," Katarina murmured, leaning in so her lips were barely an inch from his.

          The two women exchanged another glance, their smiles full of promise as they turned their attention back to him. The air between them crackled with anticipation, their confidence and dominance leaving Alex completely overwhelmed—and hopelessly captivated.

          "Shall we?" Katarina asked, her tone light, as though she hadn’t just promised to completely unravel him.

          Alex swallowed hard, his voice caught somewhere between panic and exhilaration, and nodded. He didn’t trust himself to speak. Whatever awaited him at their place, he knew one thing: he was utterly at their mercy—and he couldn’t bring himself to resist.