Ella stared at the bank of opaque floor-to-ceiling windows that separated the courtyard from the playroom. When Max had left the room he’d changed the polarity, so she couldn’t see out. Where was Max? Was he on the other side of the glass, watching her, observing her? Her heart ached for him. She loved him without question, but he wouldn’t want her after this.
History would repeat itself.
Three times he’d returned to discipline her, and three times she’d refused to say what was eating away at her heart. For the past week she couldn’t shake the thought from her head. Her own husband had tried to kill her, because he couldn’t stand the thought of her being alive when the woman he truly loved was dead. It made her feel worthless, and less than a real woman.
To add to her unhappiness, Max had found out about her little lie. How long could she hold out from telling him the truth?
Secured tightly to the A-frame, her arms ached so much she wanted to cry out with the pain, but she kept her mouth firmly shut. She may disappoint him elsewhere, but when it came to tolerating his discipline, she would refrain from using her safeword. Maybe then she could redeem herself in his eyes. At the moment it felt the only way.
Her heart somersaulted in her chest, when part of the opaque window slowly slid open, and Max entered the playroom. His silver-gray eyes pierced her very soul as he stood a few feet away and studied her. Eventually he spoke.
“Have you anything to say, my pet?”
Ella shook her head, and bit down on her lower lip, before answering, “No, Master.”
“Then there is no alternative.” She watched him pick up the evil-looking device he’d shown her earlier. He held the pear of anguish in front of her, showing her how it worked once more. Four segments opened out like the petals of a flower. It had some deadly-looking spikes on the end, too, that would be very painful if he inserted it in her p*ssy
.
Unwilling to use her safeword, Ella closed her eyes, and breathed deeply, awaiting her fate.
Instead of feeling pain, Max calmly stroked a hand down her cheek. “Red, Ella. I’m ending the scene. I’m using the safeword.” He shook his head. “I would never use this on you. It’s just for show.” He tossed it contemptuously onto the table, and began untying her legs. “I don’t know what’s got into you.” She saw the disappointment on his face and her heart broke. He wouldn’t want her now.
History was repeating itself.
When he released her from the A-frame, the circulation in her legs had been restricted for so long she could barely stand, and she collapsed to the floor. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his jean-clad legs and clung tightly to him, feeling totally devastated.
“Oh, Master, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I know you want to get rid of me, but I can be a better slave if you give me one more chance.” The tears came in earnest. Surely their relationship must be over?
“Ella, baby, why would I want to get rid of you?” Max knelt down, and gently smoothed his hands over her quivering, naked back. “Just tell me everything. I’m sure it can’t be as bad as you’re feeling right now.”
“I so wanted to be a good slave, and to wear your permanent mark,” she sobbed.
“I know, baby.” Max sat on the floor, and pulled her into his arms. He held her close, stroking his hand through her hair as tearful tremors racked her body. She clung to him, knowing her tears dripped onto his masculine chest, and ran in rivulets down his toned stomach.
His tender embrace made her cry even more. “I’m afraid to lose you, Master. I’m afraid to tell you. If I do, you won’t want me anymore. I love you so much.”
He cupped her chin angling her face to his, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Through blurred vision she saw the concern in his eyes. “Do not be afraid, little one. Your Master loves you, too, and there is nothing you can tell him that will make him love you less.”
Ella stared into his wonderful gray eyes, barely believing what she’d heard. “You love me? Even though I lied to you?”
“It hurts me that you do not confide your true thoughts, but I cannot stop loving you, Ella. Trust me, and I promise the unbearable pain you’re feeling will go away.”
Her lower lip quivered with fear. “Master, I’m afraid.”
“Just trust me, and all will be well.”
Surely if Max said he loved her, then she had to tell him? It would be a travesty to continue denying him what he craved the most. “I met Joey. He flew in from Charleston, to speak with me about Kirk’s suicide.”