“Because only then will you be able to let go of your demons.”
“I don’t understand. What the freaking hell is happening?”
I move toward her, pulling her into my arms, noticing how she flinches as my naked body presses against her fully clothed one.
“You want to know what goes on inside this room. When you experience it, you will be as addicted as I am.”
I stroke her face, my tone low and soothing. “Empty your mind, free your body of chains and relax in oblivion where nobody can hear you scream.”
“Scream?”
Her tone is husky, giving me hope, and I kiss her lightly on the lips and whisper, “I cannot build your strength until we deal with your weakness, and you will need to be strong for the journey ahead.”
“What, marriage to you?”
“Of course, but not just that. We have a job to do first, and you will face your biggest fears. You must be mentally prepared for that.”
For a second she hesitates, and then nods slowly. “Okay.” Her breath hitches as she clears her throat. “Um, okay, but no weird kinky shit. Promise me that.”
“I promise.”
She steps away and removes her clothes. Every second deliberately slow, almost as if she is changing her mind several times over.
Finally, she stands before me naked, the shadows dancing across her skin, blurring her from full view. Her eyes sparkle in the light, hesitant, afraid, and yet curious.
“Lie down on the bench.”
She does as I say, and as her back hits the wood, I lift her wrist and slip it into the restraint that lies hidden underneath.
“What are you doing?”
She makes to sit, and I push her down, effectively securing the other wrist before doing the same to her ankles.
“Relax, angel. This is liberating.”
My cock is hard because of course I want her, but this isn’t about me. It’s all about her boundaries and setting mine.
On a ledge under the bench is a blindfold, and I slip it over her eyes and whisper, “What can you see?”
“Nothing.”
She is nervous and shivering despite the warm temperature in this room, and my tone is low, husky even. “Empty your mind. Forget I am here, forget who I am. Just respond to my voice.”
I’m aware I’m no Su Yin and don’t have the tools of her trade at my disposal, but they will come later when she is ready to let the pain go.
I stroke her hair, running my fingers through the silky strands and whisper, “Tell me your name.”
“Tiffany.”
“Are you happy, Tiffany?”
“No.”
A lone tear slides from under the blindfold, and I carry on stroking her head.
“Tell me why?”
“I, I can’t.”
