Page 14 of Red Waters

The young man’s pleas from earlier echoed through my mind. I shakily said, “No. I don’t want that.” Yury rose from the chair as if preparing to leave. “Wait!” I scrambled off the bed. “How will I get to see him then?”

He opened the door and placed the chair in the hallway. “You will earn it.”

“But—”

He held up a hand while closing the door again. “Conversations are not protocol between slaves and masters. If you wish to continue them, they must be kept private.”

This was excellent news, all considered. Yury was giving me special treatment. I pointed up. “What about being monitored?”

He pulled a remote from his pocket. “At my discretion.”

“Oh… May I ask how I will see Link?”

“I’ve already answered that question. You will earn it, as you will everything I give you. Now, take off your clothes.”

Blood drained from my face as I whispered, “So soon? I—I… I’m scared.”

His eyes drifted shut. “Music to my ears.”

“Hey!”

His eyes flew open.

Trembling, I stood my ground. “You promised a warm shower before we—” My hands nervously gestured between him and me.

He smirked. “I thought my word meant nothing to you?”

I swallowed while adjusting my stance. “Well… here is your chance to prove me wrong.”

He nibbled on the inside of his lips while contemplating again.

I couldn’t take the moment of silence while he decided whether or not to have a second of decency or to shatter me wide open. This wasn’t only about saving Link. I had to try to save me, too. “Please prove me wrong… Master.”

His mouth fell open.