I try to scoot back farther, away from him and his rage, but I can’t. I’m cornered.
But I’m safe.
My heart beats faster.
He won’t come in here. I’m safe here.
But I’m not.
He doesn’t hesitate to bend down, walk straight into the cage and grab me by my ankle. He yanks me toward him, and I yell.
My fingers try to grip onto the bars, but they slip as he pulls me into his chest.
I scream and try to kick away.
No! He lied! He lied to me! My heart tries to climb out of my throat as fear consumes me.
“Stop fighting me, princess,” he says quietly and his voice is gravelly low.
My blood runs cold, and I still in his arms from fear of what he’s going to do. I knew it was too good to be true. I’m not safe. I never was.
He brings me to the bed, and I wait for his fury to be unleashed. My body sinks into the mattress, and I keep my eyes closed.
But nothing happens. I pull the blanket tighter around me, as if it can protect me. It never has before, but I have nothing else. There’s nothing left.
After a moment passes with the only sound being his heavy breathing, I open my eyes.
The bed dips and groans as he sits on the bed, his back to me.
I don’t understand.
“You won’t ever do that again.” Gio’s voice is hard, unforgiving. And I cower behind him. “Do you understand? I’ll take your cage away if you dare leave me like that.” He finally turns to face me, and I can see the hurt in his eyes. “You will let me give you aftercare, do you understand that?”
My heart’s racing, and I feel so confused. He leans down and kisses me. His tender touch is so unexpected. My heart swells, and tears leak down my cheek.
I don’t understand it.
He pulls away with his eyes still closed and says, “You don’t leave me after something like that. Not until I say you can.” He opens his eyes. “You need to be comforted. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I answer weakly.
His eyes roam over my face, searching for something. “Are you okay?” His voice is so soft, so calm. It’s a side of him I haven’t seen.
I nod my head, but my fingers slowly rise to my throat.
An asymmetric grin pulls his lips up. “Did you like that?” he asks, his fingers touching mine and then sliding down my throat.
I can’t lie. I didn’t. I shake my head slightly, and concern is written all over his expression.
“Please don’t,” I shut my eyes and I can’t continue.
“Shh,” he leans forward and kisses my jaw and then down my neck and collarbone.
“I thought you enjoyed it… You didn’t…” He clears his throat and looks away. “You didn’t want any of it?” he asks.
“No!” I’m quick to correct him. “Just the choking.”
He looks back to me and considers my words. I can tell he wants to ask.
