Page 70 of Silver

I return to my Master, confused.

He surprises me by pulling me into his embrace as if we’re lovers. He even smiles and gently kisses my lips. It’s our first kiss. My head is spinning. My heart races. His lips feel so nice. It’s a soft, gentle kiss. It’s not just our first kiss. It’s my first kiss, too.

When he leans back, his fingers come to the necklace. He speaks to me softly, like a lover. “There’s a tracker in the pendant, precious. It’s not easily removable. Dante welded it onto your neck.” His tone is sweet, as if he’s promised me roses and diamonds. His words are cruel and meant to promise me punishment if I try to escape him.

A violent shudder shakes me. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am anyway. He welded a tracker around my neck? It’s basically a day collar.

He lifts my hand to the pendant and wraps my fingers around it. “If you’re ever feeling stressed or nervous and I’m not with you, you can finger the pendant, knowing that you’re never alone. I’m always nearby, and I will always find you.” It’s a warning and a promise.

It’s enough to make me think twice about ever attempting to thwart this man.

I clear my throat. “Yes, Sir.”

“I won’t allow you to carry a phone. You’ll never have unfettered access to the internet or permission to play games. You won’t need to call anyone during the day. I’ll always know where you are.”

“Yes, Sir.” I’m not surprised, but hearing out loud how tight his rein is unnerves me.

“Is there anyone you need to touch base with, Daphne?”

“Yes. My grandmother will worry if I don’t call her at least once a week.”

He strokes my cheek. “We’ll make sure that happens then. I wouldn’t want her to panic. I’ll check your phone and make sure she hasn’t called.”

“Thank you, Sir.” I’m relieved.

“Let’s get you to class, yeah?”

I nod, grateful he’s at least going to let me attend my classes. My personal life may be upside down, but my education is important to me. It’s obviously important to him, too.

“Head down as we leave the house, precious. I’m not ready to share you with my housemates.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He takes my hand, entwines our fingers, and leads me out the door. After locking it, he guides me toward the front of the house and down the steps.

I’m struggling to breathe normally. For two days, I’ve only left his room to work out. Two of the longest days of my life. I’m excited to step outside, yet scared out of my mind that I might do something to upset him and end up locked in that room for months.

As he told me he would yesterday, he walks with me across campus. Brimstone House—the weird, rundown structure Silver lives in—is adjacent to the university. We don’t need a car to get anywhere, though I see my car is parked in the long driveway.

For a while, he holds my hand, and then he slips his arm around my shoulders and keeps me close, kissing my temple from time to time. To anyone looking at us, we would appear to be lovers who’ve been together so long we’re comfortable with each other.

He speaks softly as we get closer to my building. “Speak to no one unnecessarily, precious. Be polite, but don’t attract attention to yourself. Don’t make friends. Don’t touch anyone, not even accidentally. You’re mine. I won’t share you with others.”

“Yes, Sir,” I whisper. I don’t have any friends. That’s easy. I’ve avoided people since I arrived here. For one thing, I have no interest in sharing the details of my private life. I’ve hated for anyone to find out I’m homeless, living in my car. For another thing, my goals are single-minded—graduate with honors. I don’t have time for giggling and parties.

Things have changed now, but the basics are still the same. At least I don’t have to sever any bourgeoning relationships. They don’t exist. I doubt anyone will notice my wardrobe change. I’m just a wallflower who sits on the edge of the class and focuses on the teacher. That won’t change.

Silver walks me all the way to my first class. He spins me toward him and places a chaste kiss on my lips. “I’ll be here when you get out, precious.”

“Yes, Sir,” I murmur so no one can hear me. As I part from him, I look over my shoulder. It’s odd to be walking away from him.

I’m a few minutes early, so class hasn’t started, and some girls who come in behind me start giggling. “Damn, girl. That man is fine. I didn’t know you had such a hot boyfriend.”

At first, I keep walking, but when I think they might be talking to me, I glance over my shoulder. Sure enough, the two are looking right at me, pretending to swoon.

I offer what I hope is a pleasant, normal smile. “Uh, yeah.” Then I take my seat.

Boyfriend…