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“Yes,” I whispered. I was telling him the truth. I desperately wanted him to want me with him at all times, just like I wanted him. “I really would, Master.”
“Good girl,” he muttered absent-mindedly, his fingers stroking my knee as he stared across the sea. “Soon, I will tell you more. Help you understand me, and this place better.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I would love to know anything you can tell me.”
He gave me a gentle smile, stroking a flyaway strand of hair from my face.
“My beautiful girl,” he muttered, and I blushed at the tone of his voice.
He stroked me as if I were a porcelain doll, his motions gentle, his caress oh so sweet. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“Harlow,” he muttered, and I looked into his eyes sharply. He never called me that. “Do you know what tonight is?”
“No,” I said softly, and he gave me a kind smile as he continued to stroke my skin.
“Tonight,” he went on, purposefully stretching the words to make me even more anxious. “Well, tonight is the night you get punished for running away.”
“I…” I started, but he pressed a finger against my lips.
“No arguing, no buts,” he said. “I’ve let you get away with too much, my little rose. If you want to earn your name back, you’re going to have to work for it. Meet me out here tonight at midnight. Are you able to do that?”
“Yes,” I whispered as softly as I could manage.
My eyes were filled with fear as I looked at him.
“Anything,” I went on. “Anything for you.”
Chapter 22
Rose
A dress had arrived for me, but there were no heels this time.
I opened the smaller cardboard box first, finding a pair of gorgeous gold sandals that laced up my calves. I got ready with shaky fingers, applying makeup the way I’d been taught to. I had no idea what lay in store for me, but I wanted to see what Thorn had prepared. I know I would walk away broken in one way or another, but it didn’t mean I didn’t want to dress up for him. I wanted to look prettier than I’d ever been, in fact.
I didn’t let myself look at the bigger box until I was ready. I’d curled my hair and let it fall freely down my shoulders and back, just the way Thorn liked it. My makeup was done with the mascara I kept aside, knowing it ran black every time I cried. I knew Thorn liked that, too. I painted my lips and cheeks pink and finally opened the larger cardboard box, gasping when I saw the dress inside.
It was simple, like one I’d worn before. I knew Thorn liked shimmering fabrics and metallics on me, but this dress was simple and beautiful in its graceful cut. It was long, with a long slit all the way up my thigh, made of a gorgeous white silk and draping perfectly over my body, giving the illusion of bigger breasts and round hips that I still didn’t really have. I realized as I slipped it on it had been days since I’d danced, and I hoped Thorn wouldn’t take my lessons with Marchante away from me now that I was back.
Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I left my room and found the hallway lit up with electric tealight candles. They led me all the way outside onto the cliffs, and I was surprised to find no one else around. If this had happened just a week ago, I would have been tempted to use the opportunity to get away. But that night, all I wanted to do was follow the tealights towards my destination and see what Thorn had prepared for me.
I stepped outside into the cool evening air, the white silk feeling luxurious against my skin. I’d scrubbed and shaved in the shower, and my skin glistened with the healthy dose of lotion I’d applied to it. I thought I looked more beautiful than ever before, and I hoped Thorn would notice too. I wasn’t afraid yet, though I felt my own nerves in the pit of my stomach, reminding me that things would only get harder for me that night.
I followed the tealights, the grass outside just a little too long, brushing against my ankles as I made my way through the path he’d made for me. The way there felt more like a romantic stroll than a punishment, but I knew better than to be fooled by Thorn again.
The night was balmy and beautiful, the stars twinkling in the indigo sky.
I rounded the corner and saw him standing next to a table laid out for two. He was wearing one of his suits, looking impeccable as always, and my heart surged at the sight of him. I desperately wanted to be closer to him, to hold his hand and have him tell me how much he cared for me. My heart hammered in my chest as I made my way towards him, and he pulled out a chair for me.
