Naming names – epilogue

“There is actually one more name on the list.”

“There is?” the bound heroine looks thoughtful, “I thought that was everyone we discussed?”

You show her the notebook page, down at the very bottom of which is written ‘Wonder Woman – Diana Prince.’

“Ah,” she says, “Frankly after all this I’d be more than happy to say goodbye to Ms. Prince forever.”

“Which is exactly what I don’t want you to do,” you say seriously.

“No? And why is that?” she asks, her expression guarded.

“For one thing, I genuinely think spending some time among us mortal normals is good for you, both socially and sexually.”

Diana flashes an ironic grin, “How very considerate of you.”

“Don't worry, I also have selfish reason: it’s easier for me to, shall we say, access you in that identity? And my voyeur cameras won’t do me much good if you never use the apartment.”

“The gods weep for the unfairness of your situation.” Her words are heavy with sarcasm, but more in amusement than in anger.

“As well they should. So in exchange for letting you go and keeping your secret identity secret, I want you to agree you’ll continue to use the apartment and spend a little more time as Ms. Prince than you have in the past.” She opens her mouth to object, “Within the constraints of your busy schedule of crime fighting and world saving, of course.”

The Amazon Princess considers that for a moment, then jerks her head in a nod, “I have been spending rather less time as that Diana of late. You may be right about making that a higher priority. I can’t promise how much time I’ll have available, but I agree to make more of an effort.”

“That is all I ask. In this moment anyway,” you wink as you move around behind and start untying her from the post, starting with her ankles, working up the legs to her torso, then her hands, and finally her neck.

She steps away from the pillar rubbing her wrists, the lasso still around her neck like a collar. You’re not short but she’s still a couple inches taller than you. “Um, on your knees bitch?” you joke, and the look she gives you clearly communicates ‘Don’t push your luck.’ But she does kneel. From behind, you gather up her thick mane of black hair, leaving her graceful neck and shoulder bare. With the other hand you loosen the coil around her neck, slide it upwards over her head until it’s clear of her hair, and your prisoner is free.

She pulls her top back up over her breasts (Goodbye Wonder Twins – see you soon!) before turning to face you. “All right then.” She avoids meeting your eyes, which is fine because you’re not sure you could hold that gaze right now. She holds out her hand and you pass over the golden lasso. She starts to say thank you, visibly stops herself, and you realize she feels as awkward as you do.

“What happened tonight was not okay.” Her confident Superheroine Princess voice is back, but she still can’t look at you.

“I know. And yet.” You manage to keep your face neutral.

“Um right, well…” She looks around the room for a minute. “You know how to get ahold of me,” she announces as she opens the door and strides out into the garage as if nothing happened.

Well. The next couple of months are going to be very interesting!

[Author’s note: Wow, I had no idea that would take so many chapters! I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I enjoyed thinking them up. Thanks for your interest and your comments! I’m going to work on a couple other branches for a bit but I will come back to this line at some point and see how things turn out.]