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These sessions build me up from the inside out. Over time, Master’s praise has replaced the intrusive thoughts that have plagued my brain for years.
Where my thoughts used to be bombarded with: “you’re nothing, so act like you’re nothing,” and “you’re a burden,” I now hear: “you’ve earned every bit of this progress,” “you’re everything,” and “you belong here.”
Of everything he has given me, a clear mind is one I am most grateful for.
I stand at attention as Master walks around me. He brushes his hands over his healing masterpiece, then comes back around to my belly. My stomach twists and flutters under his scrutiny. Master kisses my neck, and I may not touch, may not move. Master’s hand slides down my waist, over my thigh. My breath hitches as his hand moves along the inside of my leg, slowly rising to the throbbing between my legs.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Volno,” At ease, Cain commands in a whisper. Then he walks to the foot of the bed and lifts the skirt. “Get inside.” I move in silence and crawl back into my cage, the door closing behind me.
And I’m back in the dark.
The door lock clicks and the knob turns.
“What do you want?” Cain’s voice is clipped, annoyed.
“I came to talk… I haven’t seen you in a while.” I purse my lips, forcing my breathing to stay steady.
Morgan.
“Why would we see each other?”
“I moved back, and it was nice to hang out with you again.” She sounds pouty.
“You fucking followed me into a gathering of my friends. And you call that hanging out?”
“Just give me a chance. Can I come in?”
“No.”
“Ugh, fine… Cain, I moved here to be with you.”
“Fuck, Snowdrop!” Cain scolds our cat.
“Oh, he’s precious.” She swoons over Snowdrop.
“Don’t touch him,” Cain commands, and I smile from ear to ear.
“I never took you as a cat person.”
“How would you know?”
Cain loves animals, and they love him. He’s cuddled with Snowdrop as much as I have today.
“Ookayy… Anyway, I moved all the way here. I know you don’t see it, but I’m the best option for you.”
“I’m going to marry Violet.”
“Well, she’s already taken. Besides, if she wasn’t already married to my brother, isn’t she missing? I’m right here.”
I’m always here.
“I will find her. And when I do, she’s mine. Now get out. You have no business showing up at my personal apartment, let alone the manor, uninvited.
“But—”
“Out,” Cain says. The door clicked shut and locked.
