Page 64 of Silver

“Yes, Sir.”

I release her hip, and she slowly turns away from me. She wanders aimlessly around the room for a while, staring at things. She lingers at the pegboard for several minutes, hopefully recalling how it felt to have her bottom caned.

Next, she moves to the corner where the kennel sits. She shifts her gaze from the confining space to the eyehook on the floor. When she ambles past her desk, she strokes her fingers over a fresh notebook she started using today.

She heads for her room and steps inside. Luckily, she doesn’t attempt to shut the door. She knows that would not be permitted. She shuffles toward the window and stares out at the backyard for long minutes.

I don’t think she’s cognizant that she’s almost naked, but it doesn’t matter. The window has a protective screen that allows her to see out, but anyone outside cannot see in. Same with the two windows in this main room.

Eventually, my girl returns to me. “May I kneel beside you, Sir?”

“Of course, precious. Grab a pillow from the bed.”

She hurries over to the bed with more pep in her step than she’s had for several minutes, returning to hand it to me.

I set it on the floor under my desk between my legs. “How about this? I bet you’ll feel comforted in the confined space.”

“Yes, Sir.” I’m impressed with her eagerness as she crawls under my desk, kneels, and sits back against her feet.

When I scoot my chair in, I pat my thigh. “Would you like to lean against my leg, precious?”

Sighing contentedly, she follows my suggestion. For as much as she repeatedly insists she’s not interested in pet play, she’s assuming behaviors that resemble a kitten. I don’t comment.

Giving about half of my attention to the lesson plans I’ve been working on, I keep one hand under the desk, petting her. My heart is overflowing. This is what I long for. I had no idea what sort of woman would be a suitable life partner for me until I met Daphne, but it’s clear as a bell now.

I need her as much as she needs me. I keep telling her ways she can relax and let her mind settle, but I need that reassurance, too. Having her between my legs in such a casual show of submission is satisfying on a level I never dreamed possible.

My girl is here. In my room. She’s showing me the respect I demand of her. I won’t delude myself into believing my work with her is done. It’s just beginning. But this is huge.

I’m ninety percent confident it’s safe to let her attend her classes tomorrow. She has no idea how controlling I will be. For the time being, I will be walking her to every class and waiting outside until she’s done. I confiscated her phone the first night and haven’t given it back. I’ve got a GPS locator on her computer. I’ve dropped a tracking disc in the inner pocket of her backpack. She’ll also be wearing jewelry that I haven’t introduced her to yet. I have every safeguard in place to ensure she will not attempt to run.

Do I have some anxiety about my confidence? Fuck, yes. But I believe Daphne is my perfect match, and I think she’s learning that hour by hour.

As I continue to stroke her head, she purrs and snuggles closer to my crotch. She could be faking her submission. It’s certainly possible. She’s a smart girl. She knows she needs to do everything in her power to convince me she’s trustworthy in order to earn freedoms.

However, there are many freedoms my girl will never have, mostly because I’m a possessive Dominant who’s unwilling to share. She will never be permitted to go out alone. She won’t have girlfriends she meets up with for movies or parties. She won’t even crave those things because all her focus and energy will be on me as her dependence on me deepens.

I envision a day in the future when I might allow her to develop a friendship with Briana, or perhaps even other girls who eventually find themselves living in this big house. Any woman one of my brothers brings home would have to be as submissive as Daphne and Briana.

Dante spoke about having broken our rule when I saw him in the kitchen earlier. I wonder if Talon or Lucien have set their sights on anyone. If not, I suspect they will soon.

Relationships aren’t something any of us envisioned having. We’re awkward men with dark proclivities. We have needs most people would find horrifying.

And yet, I’ve found my match, and Rook believes he has, too. Maybe there’s something to be said for that old saying, there’s someone for everyone.

I smile as I feign interest in whatever is on my screen. I’m not paying attention to anything but my girl. Her hair is like silk under my fingers. The braid is loose, allowing me to capture some locks that have escaped and run them through my fingers.

As I trail my hand to her shoulder, I luxuriate in how smooth her skin is.

When she starts to fidget, I roll my chair back and bend to meet her gaze.

She sets her palms on the floor and tips her head back, eagerly waiting to hear whatever I have to say.

My chest tightens as I take in her wide eyes, her breasts swaying as she rocks forward and back slightly.

I reach out and run a finger from her chin and down her neck. “Would you like me to put your collar on, precious girl?”

“Yes, please, Master.”