18
WHAT YOU ASK FOR
IVY
I t’s been a week. A week of being kept in a different room. A different cell. It’s not the same, but it’s grating. I know it. Henry knows it.
I'm not sure I had a choice in this. I don't know how that makes me feel. I married the man and he was always going to make this marriage work. In the way he wanted. It still seems strange. Unusual. Not unnatural. Not wrong. Just not quite perfect.
Henry feeds me every meal, no matter what it is. We've moved on to messier foods. Sometimes he uses a fork. Sometimes he doesn't. It's part of the game’s excitement and I'm finding it as enjoyable as he is.
“I need to leave this room, Henry. Please.”
He frowns and I'm unsure if it's because I've used his name or if it's the request. “I can't stay here anymore. I need to stare at something that isn't these four walls. Please. I need to breathe.”
He tenses and I draw a breath, noticing his fingers as they grip the sideboard behind him.
“It isn't safe yet, pet.”
“When will it be safe?” I ask, losing my temper. A pulse of anger flashes through him as I rant. “It's been a month. A whole fucking month. And the only other place I've spent any time in is the goddamn dungeons.”
His anger turns to sadness. “As soon as you’re ready, lea.”
“Then tell me what the fuck I need to do. Tell me, Henry, and I'll fucking do it. I'm going insane and I'll do anything. Any-fucking-thing.”
Henry hisses and there's a wildness in his eyes. He's wanted this and now it's here he's no longer sure.
“I need you to obey me, Ivy. Unequivocally. I need to know you'll kneel for me whenever I ask, wherever I ask. Do whatever I tell you to, even call me Master, if that's what I ask.”
“Why?”
He stiffens, taking my question as a sign I'm not ready. “Because that's what's expected here. That's how I keep you safe, lea. You're mine, so you obey. You're mine, and anyone or anything that thinks about harming you comes through me.”
I don't know what the hell this place is or what the hell's going on, but it's not what I was expecting. It's even darker, even stranger. I've barely been outside this room and even I could tell something weird was going on. There are too many secrets, too many strange noises and hushed whispers. Henry's too secretive and although all rich men have power, he is unusually forceful. The kindso overwhelming and insurmountable it doesn't even need to bother making itself known .
I dip my head.
He steps forward.
I lower my head.
He moves closer.
We're standing toe to toe and I'm unsure how close we are. I'm shaking, he's stiff. I'm spiraling, he's holding. I'm anxious, he's controlled. I'm sure, he's certain.
“Kneel, lea.”
I nod my head and slowly, awkwardly, painfully drop to my knees.
He places his hand on my head and pats me. My anxiety settles and I sink my weight down, settling into position. Henry bends down, moves my knee out and nudges my hands until they're resting on my thighs.
“Relax, lea. This is how I like you to sit. Try to remember this position. I'll adjust you until your body commits it to memory.” He stands and lifts my chin. “Now thank me.”
My eyes narrow, questioning why.
“For spending my time teaching you. For giving you my attention. For helping you become the perfect pet for your perfect Master.”
Whoa, that turns me on.
“This is how this works, lea. You take pleasure from pleasing me, and I take pleasure from pleasing you. This is how we express that, how we show our affection and devotion.”
His fingers stroke my hair and I practically purr. Scratch that, I am purring. While kneeling. In front of the man I can't trust who's the only person I've ever depended on, and the only person I ever want to.
“Lea?”
“Master? ”
“Thank me.”
Dear god, my clit's on fire.
“Thank you, Master.”
He pats my head and I pout. He grins as his face relaxes and the tension eases away. It suits him. His grin widens and my pout deepens as he ignores the fuck out of my feigned annoyance.
“Absolutely adorable. What am I going to do with you?”
I grin. “Play with me, Master.”
His mouth falls before he catches himself and he shakes his head, laughing as he realizes he's been outmaneuvered. Or at least, he's going to let me think that's what I've done, unwilling to end the fun I'm having. We're having.
“Stand.” He watches as I obey. “Twirl.” I spin and check I'm doing this right.
“Stop, lea. Before you get dizzy.”
I stumble into him as the world keeps spinning. Henry grabs my arm and holds me until I steady while I wonder when I started dancing to his tune. The change is seismic, but now the ground beneath me has shifted and I wonder why I fought him so hard.
“Behave.”
I nod and clap my hands, and he pulls me against him.
“So fucking adorable,” he says as he kisses me and I throw my weight onto him. He pulls me off him and leads me to the door. “You go where I say or stay behind me. Am I clear?”
I nod.
“Words, lea.”
“Yes, Master.”
His fingers tighten as he pulls me behind him, and I'm not the only one who's excited. Henry wants me to be ready for this and we’re facing the uncertainty of what happens outside my room. But the corridor isn't terrifying and the stairs are the same as they've always been. It’s still a perfect mix of old and new, making you relax but holding your attention.
A picture catches my eye and I stop, leaving Henry walking off. I stare at the landscape, noticing the savage battle being fought in its calm setting. Blood spills into the ground, but the sky above is still and the sun shines bright, as if there's hope. Maybe the artist wanted us to believe there's always hope and that the sun always rises, even after the darkest night.
“Focus, lea,” Henry says, backtracking. He’s mildly irritated I haven’t followed his instructions. “Try not to let a strange painting by a strange Dutch man distract you.”
Fuck me, that’s a masterpiece by a master painter.
Henry's got a collection of them and he's got damn good taste.
I turn as I look at all the other pictures in the grand hall and everyone looks to be by a master. And there's a picture that looks suspiciously like a da Vinci sitting inconspicuously among all the others.
Henry doesn’t give me time to find out, leading me through small corridors into the working parts of the castle. I follow him into a kitchen and he stops, tipping his head towards a bowl of fruit conveniently left out on the side.
“Grab an apple if you’re hungry.”
I nod and my hands grab the apple nearest to me. It crunches as I bite into it, and I swear it’s the best damn thing I’ve ever tasted.
Henry groans and I’m confused.
“I said grab an apple, lea. Not eat it.”
My mouth forms a small circle and hushed sniggers sound from behind. The kitchen leads to a large breakfast room and several men stare, anticipating something.
Henry scowls and positions himself between me and the strangers who stare at me like I’m a meal. His body language is aggressive and he considers these people a threat, even though he lets them live here. He turns to me and I drop my shoulders as I hand him the apple.
“Sorry.”
“Sorry, what?”
You could hear a goddamn pin drop and I stare at the tiles.
“Sorry, Master. I misunderstood.”
“Good girl.” He steps forward and brushes my face. “You can eat it now, pet.”
I take the apple and eat it, ignoring the fuck out of everyone who isn’t Henry. We’re putting on some sort of performance, and I don’t understand the rules of the game we’re playing. We’re being scrutinized and I don’t know why. They look like they’re about to pounce and my heart races, suddenly unsure of itself.
Henry growls and all eyes turn to him.
“Behind me.”
He doesn't need to ask twice. I slip behind him and he growls again. It doesn't unnerve me. Far from it. It's made me feel safer. Protected.
“MINE.”
Whatever's going on is a mystery but it’s clear Henry’s claimed me. The strangers bow their heads and flick their eyes toward me, staring at me like I’m something they want but can’t have.
“AM. I. FUCKING. CLEAR?”
Henry wasn’t shitting when he said anyone who wants me is going to have to come through him, positioning himself between me and every other male.
Fuck, it’s hot.
I never wanted to be a damsel in distress, but if it’s even a little bit like this, then I’m game. I’m willing. I’ll fawn and play the role for a second of what I’m experiencing now.
“Behave, lea.”
I lower my head and my gaze lands on his ass. It doesn’t help. I sigh, trying to think of anything other than Henry and his perfectly formed ass, failing miserably and making my predicament worse.
“They won’t touch you. Ever. Follow me.”
I race after him, jogging to keep up with his ridiculously long stride. He holds the door open and I don’t miss the vicious glare he sends the men before I step into the sunlight. It’s been too long since I’ve been outside and my eyes water, needing time to adjust to the brightness of the day.
“What was that about?” I ask after the door closes.
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you acclimatize to being outside.”
“I wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t…” I shut my mouth before it lands me in trouble.
Henry’s eyebrow arches as he stares down at me, half-pleased, half-irritated. “All of it was your choice, lea. You could have ended it anytime you wanted. But you were wild and stubborn, and you needed taming. For your own fucking good.”
I cross my arms and pout.
“Are you ready to play?”
My eyes narrow and Henry laughs.
“Your exact words were play with me, Master.” His smile turns into a wicked grin, and there’s not a trace of innocence in his expression. “Be careful what you ask for.”
I freeze. “For what?”
“To run, lea. I’ll be reasonably kind if I catch you.”
I squeal and he shakes his head again.
“Run.”
I stare at him, too shocked to move.
“Run, lea. I’m going to count to ten.”
Whoa, fuck. I’m off. My feet fly over the ground, but I’m not as quick as usual. I’m deconditioned and my fitness level’s taken a massive hit. I’m panting and working hard, and Henry tackles me to the floor almost as soon as the game begins. He cushions the landing and I pout as he celebrates his victory.
His mouth moves to my neck and I groan, unable to escape from him. I don’t want to and when he starts kissing my chest, I’m certain I want this to continue.
“Good girl,” he says, pulling my top up and running his hands over my stomach. “If I catch you again, this comes off.”
He pulls me to his feet, grins, and tells me to run. I take off again, racing toward the woods and only just making it before I crash onto the ground.
“It’s coming off, lea.”
I whimper and my clit throbs.
Henry wrestles my top off as I writhe underneath him and my core heats, excited by this game. He’s going to win it and I’m going to end up naked, and the anticipation of what happens afterward has me on edge. I’ve not played these kinds of games, but I’m enjoying them, and Henry’s enjoying them too.
His mouth moves over my breasts and he plays with a nipple through the lace bra. He’s good, damn good, sending jolt after jolt of pleasure to my clit. I moan and my back arches, allowing Henry to slide his hands behind me and unhook my underwear.
“Please.”
He laughs, wickedly. “You wanted me to play with you, lea.” His hands stroke my stomach and his fingers dip under my trousers. “I’m going to play with you.” Henry pulls the lace of my underwear enough to make his point clear. “These come off next.”
Holy fuck.
I squeal and my clit throbs so damn hard it’s impossible to stay still. I wrap my thighs around his and lift my hips, trying to find release—or relief—from the agony of its heat.
“Not yet, lea,” Henry says, dragging a nail down my center. “You need to earn it first. Run, Ivy.”
I scramble over the ground, heading deeper into the woods. My muscles hurt as I push harder, determined to show Henry I’m not an easy quarry. As much as I want him to catch me, I need him to know I’m not weak—and I’m damn sure he won’t play if he thinks I’ve made it too easy.
I weave through the tree and look behind me, searching for the man who should be chasing me. There’s nothing there and I stop, confused and alone. Henry collides with my side and I hurtle to the ground, screaming as he catches me unawares.
“Never look behind, Ivy. Never stop running.”
Henry’s pupils dilate as he stares down at me, dropping his head to plant kisses all over me. They tickle and I plead with him to stop, laughing as he carries on and sends my arousal soaring.
Fucking hell, I’m falling for the man.
I don’t want this to stop, especially not when his hands yank my sweats off. Heat erupts through my core as he rips my lingerie to shreds and I’m left naked underneath him, utterly exposed.
“Spread your legs, lea.”
I blush and freeze.
“Spread them, Ivy. Don’t make me punish you.”
I shudder with excitement. I don’t know when I lost my mind, but it’s clear I’ve gone insane. My clit’s on fire and I’m uncomfortably wet, already desperate for Henry to make this feel good.
He waits. He’s making me do this. Henry’s making fucking sure I know exactly who’s in charge and how much I want him—and he’s making damn sure I know I did this. Freely.
My legs move and he hums. I move them wider and his eyebrow arches. I exhale and open my legs as wide as I can and Henry tips his head forward, smiling ever so fucking slightly.
“Good girl.”
I maintain the little dignity I have left and suppress my squeal as my insides flip from his praise. He knows I like it. I know I like it. We both know he knows and he’ll be using more of it.
“Understand this is mine,” he says, running his fingers over me. “All of it, lea. All of you.”
I roll my hips and moan, enjoying the pleasure washing over me. I want more of this and my body’s screaming it’ll give him anything he wants to get it. Any-fucking-thing. Because this feels far too good to stop and I’m always going to ask for more.
“Such a needy pet,” he sighs, feigning annoyance as he grins wickedly. “Master will have to take care of you.”
Henry’s head dives between my legs and my pleasure surges as his tongue plays with my clit. He’s lapping and flicking it, circling it and building my arousal, bringing me closer to orgasm with every passing second.
His fingers slip inside me and my chest tightens. I’m snatching breaths, frantically grabbing air to keep my heart going. My body’s burning up as the heat of my arousal rises and my climax threatens to break.
“Good girl,” Henry breathes against my clit and I tremble, on the verge of climax. “I’m going to make you come, lea. For me. Only me.”
I arch my back and his fingers curl forward, finding that perfect spot I can never reach. Henry flicks his tongue over my clit and I explode, shattering as my orgasm spreads through me, hitting me with contraction after contraction of agony and ecstasy.
I pant as Henry sits back, stroking his cock as he watches me recover. I’m hazy and focusing on breathing, trying to cool myself. His breathing turns ragged and his moans deepen, and my vision sharpens in time to see his head drop as he comes. His mouth falls open and his come sprays over my clit, dripping down me as he watches, transfixed as it trickles between my legs.
“You’re so fucking hot, lea.”
I whimper and he laughs.
“Soon you’ll be ready to take Master’s cock,” he says in a voice so dark and dangerous it rouses me from my daze. “And then I’m going to use my pet’s perfect little pussy until she knows exactly who owns her.”
That shouldn’t be hot. It really shouldn’t.
But it is and Henry knows I like it. “Again.”
Henry hauls me to my feet and turns me around, tapping my ass for good measure .
“Run, little lion.”
I sigh and manage to stagger a few steps before he catches me. He laughs and I playfully beat his chest. Henry grabs my wrists and turns me around, dropping his head so that his mouth brushes against my ear.
“We’re going to do this all afternoon, lea. And when I’ve completely exhausted you, I’ll carry you back to your room, wash you, feed you and put you to bed.”