Page 71 of Payback
"I have plenty of time. It hasn't even been a week yet."
"Time passes quickly," I countered.
"Do you ache for my touch, little slut?" he taunted.
"No!"
"Hmm, then I fail to see why I should fuck you."
"Oh, you are..." I was about to compliment his mind games when I realized how inappropriate it would be. I couldn't let Jared know that I was genuinely impressed by his tactics. He had evolved significantly from his younger self who struggled to even utter a simple "no". He was now firmly in control, manipulating my thoughts, and it was infuriating me to no end.
"I am what?" he asked.
"Annoying."
"I believe you meant 'handsome’."
"No, you make me want to retch," I retorted.
"I don't think that's the way to address your Master," he reminded me.
"Well, my Master refuses to even touch me," I countered, witnessing a smile creep onto his face. "No, that's not what I meant!"
"Sounded like it."
"I just don't relish flinching every time you move around."
"It makes you flinch?" he asked, pretending to be innocent.
"You know it does."
His response was nothing more than that infuriating smirk of his.
"It's been two days of constant flinching. It's wreaking havoc on my mental state."
"Alison, you signed a contract that declares you're mine for a month to use as I please. I don't believe any of my actions so far have been beneficial for your mental state."
"But at least I understand the expectations from the other side of you. At least I grasp the desires of the Master. I'm unsure of what this side desires," I explained, gesturing to his entire being with a sweep of my hand.
"I want nothing. Besides you tidying my house and preparing my meals."
"I don't believe that!" I shouted, sounding crazy. "You're scheming something!"
"I'm merely having a glass of water. I'm parched."
"You're far too cunning. I'm certain you're up to something. You want to keep me on edge, and I'm in the dark about your motives."
"Perhaps I find satisfaction in seeing you like this. Every day I attended school, I was on edge as well, never knowing what you had in store for me. How does it feel, Alison? Do you enjoy it?"
I groaned, gripping my hair and exhaling deeply. He knew the answers to his queries. None of it was enjoyable. I felt unable to take a step without checking over my shoulder. Jared was slowly gaining control over my thoughts as well. Spending all these days with him here was detrimental to me. I couldn't tolerate being around Jared 24/7 like we were now. When we were at school, from seven in the morning until three in the afternoon, he was mine to toy with. However, even then, he wasn't constantly available. We had classes to attend, and I was also part of the cheerleading team, which meant practices. While I was busy, he would hide in the shadows. Yet now, Jared had me under his watch every minute, and it was taking a toll on me. Was I truly not stronger? Or had I lost my touch?
"I don't believe I need to answer those questions," I mumbled, allowing my hands to slide down and rest on my neck, where I could feel the leather collar.
"You're correct. You don't. I can see it in your expression, and I only have to come a little closer," he remarked, putting down his glass before approaching me once again.
I clutched the counter behind me, pressing myself against it. Jared extended his hands to rest beside mine, boxing me in. Yet, he refrained from touching me. Nonetheless, his proximity, combined with my heightened anxiety, made it feel as though he was touching me everywhere. The tension was thick, charged with electricity and my own intense fear, causing my breath to emerge in short gasps. Air refused to fill my lungs, and it felt as if I were being suffocated.
"Please, can we just get it over with?" I whispered, glancing at the floor, unable to endure this game any longer. I'd rather be subjected to degrading acts than remain in suspense about the impending events.
