Page 71 of Silver

That is exactly what people will think. I’m not sure how I feel about the label. He’s more like a kidnapper and an owner. But boyfriend certainly makes it easier to explain his hovering presence outside the room.

The hour goes by quickly, and sure enough, when I step into the hallway, I find Silver waiting for me. He’s casually leaning against the wall, looking at his phone, but he glances up and grins when he sees me.

He takes my hand and pulls me in close. “How was class, precious?”

“Good.” He’s making this insanity seem normal. It’s hard to remind myself it’s anything but.

My “boyfriend” walks me to my next class and performs the same ritual of kissing me in front of everyone. “See you in a bit.”

A few people glance at me as I take my seat. I don’t pay attention to anyone. It’s better this way. Yes, I’ve suddenly shown up with a boyfriend and in a dress. If my situation with Silver is long-term, this will be my new normal.

I find myself fingering the pendant frequently. It’s heavy. I’m not used to wearing a necklace. Also, I kind of hate admitting it comforts me in an odd way. It’s a constant reminder that I’m owned. I’m not here of my own free will. Unless and until I do something to extricate myself from my situation, I’m allowing myself to be enslaved.

I stare at the teacher, pondering my options. I could walk to the front and discreetly admit my problem. I could ask him to call the police and have someone rescue me. But what if it backfires? What if the teacher doesn’t believe me or causes a scene? What if I don’t manage to escape and instead end up back in Silver’s room, chained to the floor or worse?

I can’t risk it, and I promised myself I wouldn’t. Not today. Not yet. I’m irrationally intrigued by the man who has taken me hostage and is controlling me even now. I’ve had an odd taste of what he’s offering, and I want more. I’m salivating for things most humans would consider deviant. He’s cruel and dark. He can be very mean. He has and will beat me. And yet, these thoughts make me clench my knees together.

Somehow, I manage to pay attention in class, taking notes on my new laptop the entire time. Even if I’m not listening intently, at least I can go over my notes later. I can also rewatch the lecture if I need to.

Silver is waiting for me again. I wonder if he left and came back both times, or if he stayed outside the room.

He holds me like a boyfriend again as we return to his house. My heart races at the thought of going back into that room where I’m not free to leave. I should scream for help, get the attention of someone around me. There are so many people on campus right now.

But I don’t. I stay pressed against his side, even leaning into his embrace as we stroll home. Home? He doesn’t drop the pretense when we step inside, nor does he all the way into his room. He turns me toward him when we’re finally alone and cups my face. He kisses me. “I’m so proud of you, precious girl.”

I find myself smiling. I’ve pleased him. His praise makes me warm.

He sets his forehead against mine. “I have to go back to campus. I have office hours and a class to teach. You know what to do while I’m gone.”

“Yes, Sir.” My stomach dips. I hate the idea of him leaving me. I’ve grown used to having him around all the time. I clutch the belt loops on his jeans and hold on tight.

“Be a good girl. I’ll check your homework when I get home.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He kisses me again, lingering, and then slips out of the room, locking it behind him.

For long moments, I stand and watch the door. I’m sure he already has his phone out, the app that lets him watch me open, but I can’t move. I’m paralyzed with indecision and fear. Loneliness creeps into me.

Finally, I snap out of it and spin to head toward the closet. I quickly remove my boots, my socks, and finally my dress, which I hang up before stripping out of the sports bra and putting it in the drawer where Silver removed it from this morning.

My breasts are happy to be out of the confines of the restrictive Lycra. They were smashed together all morning. They feel relieved as I put one of the white tank tops on and head for the fridge.

I find a sandwich and a bottle of water, take them to the table, and sit down to eat. It’s quiet in here. I should be relieved not to have my Master breathing down my neck, barking orders. Without him, I don’t have to worry about being reprimanded or punished—at least until he gets home.

After I eat, I clean up my spot, making sure every crumb is swept off the table. I head for my desk next and pull out my homework. It’s weird not having to worry about working at the diner or wondering where my next meal might come from. That part is nice.

But what about the price I’m paying for this newfound comfort? It’s a steep cost. Is it worth it?

I guess I’ll find out because I’m committed to my new life. For now. It may be fucked up, but there are more pluses than minuses. Maybe not everyone would agree with my assessment, but it’s undeniable that I’m a masochist. I didn’t know it before, but I am. And I get off on being Silver’s slave.

If I were to escape, I might be able to run away and never see him again, but I’d always be wondering what might have happened if I’d stayed. And he’s right. I’ll never find anyone who can give me what he’s offering. He probably is my perfect match. We’re both fucked up in equal measures.

So, it’s settled. I’m going to let this play out. Put all my energy into being the best slutty slave girl in the world. If it turns out I can’t hack it, eventually I’ll have more freedom, which will make it easier to escape.

No matter what, living in Brimstone House, under lock and key with a sadistic Master, is better than taking my chances staying in my car and risking being assaulted and killed by the madman who terrorized me two weeks ago. At least I don’t have to worry about him anymore. He will never get to me. Not with Silver keeping me as his prisoner.

Twenty-Five