"She shook her head, avoiding my gaze.
"I wasn't aware you'd removed all my clothes. I thought I had my underwear on. It's been monthssince I've seen you, so I apologize if I am not used to being naked around you."
I wasn't too happy with her answer, but didn't show my displeasure. I wasn't here to piss her off. Let her have her feelings. I realize I can't control them any longer, and I want to try my hardest to give her choices without intervening.
I shrugged, grinning at her.
"I understand, pet. Can I call you, pet? Do you mind? I have become used to my terms of endearment for you."
She nodded, smiling weakly while absent-mindedly picking at the edge of the blanket.
She's a nervous little thing.
"Sure, feel free. I don't mind."
She responded barely above a whisper.
I grinned at her while lifting a loose strand and twirling it through my fingers. I missed playing with her hair.
"Good. Now, we’re going to talk.”
She looked flustered, knowing damn well she was in trouble, but I didn’t care.
She was going to listen to what I had to say.
“When I set you free, you promised not to step into a clubeveragain. We had a deal, remember?"
She averted her eyes, looking down at the floor, unable to face me. Her voice was shaky.
"I know I did, but it had been quite a while since I left you, and I never heard a word from you again, so I thought you didn't care whether or not I honored it."
She looked at me, anxiety written all over her face.
"Are you angry with me for not obeying you?"
I sighed deeply, lifting her chin.
"When I saw what a train wreck you were after I showed up to rescue your drunk little ass, I almost lost my temper in public. You had two guys humping you like dogs, and you could barely stand up. To say I was angry is an understatement." She swallowed hard, clutching the blanket as though her life depended on it.
My tone remained stern, but gentle.
"I was livid because you put yourself in a dangerous situation. Becca wasn't with you when I arrived."
I shook my head disapprovingly.
"She left you alone and vulnerable with those two men, who could have been traffickers or rapists. I'm just glad I got there when I did. I hate to think what could have happened if I had not shown up."
I could see the tears forming in her eyes as her lips trembled. "I-I am sorry, Atlas. It was very irresponsible of me to act that way. I should never have gotten that drunk."
I raised my brows, questioning her.
"And what else, pet?"
She tried to turn away, avoiding my gaze. I wouldn't tolerate that. I snapped my fingers.
"Look at me. You need to own up to what you did."
Her green eyes gazed into mine.
