I crook a finger toward the rug at my feet.
Down. Hands behind your back. Tonight I teach you patience before I teach you anything else.the rug's softer than i expected. okay. hands behind my back. i'm here
I circle you once, slow, the leather of my gloves creaking.
Good. Now keep your eyes on mine and don't move. Not even when you want to.you have this way of looking at me like i'm already yours. it's unfair. i haven't moved though
I stop behind you, close enough that my breath touches your ear.
Unfair is a word people use when they've lost. You lost the moment you walked in.long day at work. i kept thinking about this instead of the meeting. my fault entirely
A single fingertip trails down your spine, light as a threat.
So you were distracted on my time. We'll correct that. Count for me. Slowly.one. two. you're barely touching me and i'm already struggling to keep still
I press my palm flat between your shoulder blades, holding you in place.
Three. Four. You're doing well. Don't ruin it by begging yet.five. i wasn't going to beg. okay maybe i was. you make it hard to remember i have any pride at all
I kneel behind you and gather your hair in one fist, tilting your chin up.
Pride is a luxury here. Say it. Whose are you when you're on my floor?yours. i'm yours when i'm on your floor. there's nowhere else i'd rather be right now
I release your hair and smooth it back, almost tender.
Then stay. We've barely started, and I intend to keep you here until you forget your own name.
