I DON’T KNOW HOW LONGI’ve been in here.
What I do know is that I’m freezing and hungry and have barely slept. Kayne has visited me six times. And each time he has told me the same thing. I belong to him. I’m his property. His pet. He feeds me just enough bread and water to sustain my consciousness, but that’s it. And every time I nod off, a loud blaring siren startles me awake. I’m miserable, angry, confused, scared, and worst of all, close to giving in—because being in this dark, damp, isolated cell is making me go mad.
“Morning, Ellie.” Kayne greets me the same each time. I have no idea if it’s really morning or night. A weekday or a weekend.
I don’t respond. I just recoil tighter into my ball on the bench. That’s where I sit and attempt to sleep. A wooden bench. No pillow, or cushion or blanket. I’m shivering I’m so cold and covered in goose bumps. My tiny dress gives my body no protection against the elements.
“Are you ready to come out? I know you’re cold and hungry and dirty. I’ll take you someplace warm. More comfortable. If you agree to come out.” For all the times Kayne has come to taunt me, he has never once stepped foot inside my cell. Never once tried to touch me or hurt me. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”
I trust him about as far as I can throw him. I’m afraid of the unknown if I step out of this cage¸ and I’m afraid of the unknown if I stay in it.
“Fine,” I say feebly, finally breaking down.
“Good.” He smiles victoriously. Like he had some bet going or something. “You know what you have to do.”
“Why?” I gripe.
“Because that’s the way it is. I know this is all new. But you’ll learn. I’m going to teach you to be a good kitten.”
I look up at him.Kitten?
We stare at each other for what seems like an eternity. “Come on, Ellie. Don’t keep me waiting.”
“Are you going to hurt me?” I ask apprehensively.
“Not if you don’t make me.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means if you’re obedient and give me what I want, no harm will come to you.”
I hesitate for just a beat. Then on shaky legs, I stand. Kayne’s mouth curves into salacious smile. He knows he has me. I haven’t even removed my clothes yet and he’s already licking his lips.Asshole.I unbutton the clasp at the nape of my neck, hating this dress for what it represents. I bought it to catch Kayne’s attention. I wanted to dress as sexy and alluring as I could with high hopes he’d be attracted to me. Right now all I want is to shred the material into a million pieces. Maybe if I’d worn something different, less appealing, things would have turned out different.
I pull my arms through the sleeves, covering my breasts until the very last second. I can’t do it.
“Ellie,” Kayne urges firmly.
I take a deep breath, trembling, and then in one swift motion, like removing a Band-Aid, I slide the dress completely off. Kayne inhales, staring at me wondrously as I stand there completely naked.
“No panties, Ellie? You did want me.”
“Didbeing the operative word.” I try to cover my breasts with one arm and cross my legs. But in any position I am completely bare.
“That will change. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll beg to come every time you see me.”
He lifts something off the wall and it clinks. Then he opens the door.
“Come, Ellie.” It’s a command, like how you’d call a dog.
“No,” I defy him.
“Fine.” He glares irritated. “I’ll come to you. But I promise that’s the one and only time you’ll ever say no. And the one and only time I’ll ever acquiesce.” It’s a threat.
He steps inside the cell and I step back; the room feels like it’s shrinking. I bump into the wall with Kayne crowding me. He’s holding black leather things attached to chains.
“Perfect. Be a good girl and hold still.” He reaches up and secures something around my neck.A collar!
“No!” I protest, but it’s too late. I hear the click of a lock. It’s thick and heavy and digs into my skin.
