Page 65 of Blaze

“Yes, Sir,” she says reverently.“Just so you know, I’m probably going to test you.”

“I fully expect you to.It’s how we’ll learn what our dynamic looks like.Just soyouknow, I’m not a pushover.If I tell you not to do something, and you defy me, I will discipline you any way I see fit.”

“Yes, Sir.”

My heart squeezes every time she says that.I’ve never been in a Dominant/submissive relationship, so I had no idea how affected I would be by those words.Fuck.It sounds…right.

It sounds likeus.

I’m aware that some of the wives in his house use that kind of honorific.They aren’t always blatant about it, but I’ve heard them use the word Sir on many occasions.

I lean over Victoria again and linger with my lips on her forehead.She smells so good.I want to stay, but I have things to do while she rests.When I pull back, her eyes are closed and her body is already relaxing.It makes me nearly chuckle.

I don’t need a nap, my ass.

Chapter23

Victoria

Two mornings later, I stare at the ceiling, wondering how I got here.Not just here in this mansion, but here in this life.I’ve been here four days.It seems longer.It seems like months or years.

My life is surreal.I don’t recognize it.

My life has always been weird.I’ve never felt like I fit in anywhere.Or I don’t remember a time when I did.Maybe I was a normal kid before my mom died.Maybe I was even sort of normal after my dad remarried.

I’m pretty sure my stepmother was always…odd.I don’t think she liked me much.Or she didn’t want a kid.She tolerated me.She didn’t play with me or hug me or arrange playdates or take me to the park.I was just living.

I didn’t really have friends.She didn’t tell me I couldn’t, but she didn’t encourage it.I never asked for anyone to come over to play or sleep over.It wasn’t a conscious thing, but I was always sort of embarrassed by my stepmom.She wasn’t like the other moms.I didn’t want anyone to meet her.

That made me a weird kid.I didn’t accept invitations to birthday parties or go to after-school activities.I went to classes, worked hard on my grades, and never got into trouble.

College was better, but I was still awkward.Like I was watching the world around me.Out of body.Floating.A witness.

And then I met Blaze.Something clicks with him.I fit in, not just with Blaze, but with his entire family.They treat me like I’m one of them.No one acts like I’m strange.

Dinners are my favorite part of every day.The twelve of us talk over each other, laugh, and share about our lives.I always feel warm and fuzzy after dinner.I suspect I’ll feel even more connected once I can actually walk on my own and move around the house.Interact with everyone.

Yesterday was busy.I slept a lot.My leg was a bit swollen in the morning—according to Blaze—and he made me stay in bed most of the day, propping my calf high and waiting on me hand and foot.

In between, I know he was talking to his private investigator and his lawyer.He hasn’t updated me on anything he’s learned yet.I don’t think he will lie or keep things from me, so I suspect he simply doesn’t know much.

Now it’s morning.I’m done sleeping.I can’t do that for another day.I hope he doesn’t make me.My leg doesn’t hurt at all.It looks much better, too.I know because I pulled the covers back and sat up long enough to make sure.

I’m flat again, though, waiting for Blaze.I think he went for a run.He does that early every morning.Either that or he’s working out downstairs in the weight room his cousins put in.He’ll be back soon.I just need to wait.If I dare to move, he’ll… I don’t know what he’ll do yet.I haven’t defied him much since he put his foot down.

But I need to pee…

The pressure is growing by the minute.

I stare at the door, biting my lip, wondering how much longer I can wait.

When the door finally opens, I blow out a relieved breath and push onto my elbows, wincing.

Blaze rushes across the room.“What’s wrong?Does your leg hurt?”

“No.I need to pee.”

“Ah.Sorry.”He pulls the covers back from my nearly naked body, scoops me up, and hurries into the bathroom.