"I'm just glad to have you back." Mistress's words reverberated in my mind.
That makes one of us, I guess. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about coming back.
I am currently at a crossroads.
Mistress has been treating me well lately. She seems sincere in wanting to change, but for how long? Her past transgressions scare me, and they are not something that I will soon forget.
Can I even forgive her? She raped, tortured, and abused me! Those are not things that one can just gloss over and pretend they never happened.
I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, but for what? I mean, it should make my living here better. If I want something, I guess that I must give in a part of me.
Maybe I should just stop thinking in absolutes, after all, people can change. After Mistress's confession of her past, perhaps all she needs is someone to love her. I do not know if I will ever be able to get to that level, and I am not sure if I ever want to, but at least, as a first step, I can be more open towards her advances for affection, I suppose.
This whole situation is just fucked up!
Love does not have to end up in sex or vice versa. I know she is going to want to, but I believe that what she requires right now is a loyal friend, the purest form of love. A relationship is not built on sex, there must be trust, understanding, patience, a give and take from both parties.
I am taking a step forward. I will give her a part of me. Please, don't make me regret my decision!
My shoulders sagged as the tension dissipated, and I relaxed into her embrace. "Me too," I replied. I had to force the words out. There is a bittersweet feeling lingering in me. This is my first step towards giving in.
It's fine. I can live with my decision.
Mistress pulled away from the hug and placed a warm and devout kiss on the top of my head. Her hands moved to my shoulders to place an arm's length between us.
"You must be starving. I'll have Nivia bring your breakfast while I untie you." Mistress turned her head to give the go-ahead signal to Nivia. Now that I had my glasses on, I could see Nivia clearly as she promptly stood and left. Mistress turned to face me again. "While she goes to get your breakfast, do you want to go ahead and shower now or after your meal?"
"Will I be given the chance to shower alone?" The thought of water on my face still haunted me, but it never hurts to ask.
"I'm sorry, Keira, but I'm going to be blunt with you. You can just forget about ever taking a private shower again. Too much has happened, and I can't leave you unsupervised," Mistress answered.
"Yeah... I kind of figured," I replied, downcast as I sighed. "It's okay. In that case, I'll shower now and get it over with."
Mistress looked stunned by my reply, but did not say anything, instead she proceeded to free my limbs.
"Be careful when getting up from bed. Try to do it slowly," she advised while standing next to me. Her arms were outstretched and ready to catch me at a moment's notice.
I threw the sheets to the side and swung my legs over the edge. I followed her counsel and stood up, slowly remembering what happened last time when I was with Cleary in this same situation. Even though I was a little shaky, I did not fall as I found my footing and made my way to the bathroom.
Mistress just stood there, leaning against the wall, watching me as I started to undress. Her eyes caressed me with lusting, invisible fingers as she suggestively licked her lips. There was no reason to tell her off at this point. I cleared my throat and her eyes stopped raking over my body until they locked mine. I squinted my eyes at her, furrowed my brows, and slowly shook my head in disapproval as I turned around and made sure to have my back always facing her as I finished stripping.
My fingers fumbled with the medical tape that held the ugly ass underpad make-shift diaper, until I got tired and emphatically ripped it down my legs.
I bunched up the underpad and threw it in the trash can.
At this point, I don't even care if she's there. Actually, let me retract that statement, I did feel safe, for the most part, with her there. Her presence did give me a sense of security, knowing that I would not have to go through the ordeal that Kristia made me endure. Having Mistress there meant that she would be on the lookout for any signs of me relieving such an awful torment and helping me get through it. I hope she knows or can at least sense what her actions in that situation have meant to me.
Knowing Mistress was going to help reign my anxiety if it got out of hand, gave me the comfort to actually enjoy my shower for once and stay in there for however long I wanted. I let the warm water flow down my body and wash away all my worries.
Sometime during my shower, without my knowing, Mistress quickly left and came back holding the neatly folded training clothes I had become accustomed to wearing.
After finishing a much-needed invigorating wash, Mistress made sure to tend to my post-surgical wounds before I fully dressed.
Once I had my clothes on, she turned me around and softly grabbed my chin and lifted it. "I have some things I have to take care of, so I'm leaving you in Nivia's care. She's our resident expert when it comes to hand-to-hand combat and submissions, so she will be training you a couple of hours a day. Don't worry, she is going to take it easy on you until your wounds heal. Oh, and if you're worried about Mia, Cleary, or Kristia, don't. They're not going to try anything if Nivia's around." I looked at Mistress skeptically, wondering why she made it seem as if nobody messes with Nivia. Mistress must have read my mind because she added, "Put your thoughts at ease, little one, Nivia is loyal to a fault. She follows orders to the letter and has the utmost respect for the chain of command. Whenever she gets assigned a task, she doesn't second guess it, she just does it regardless of the consequences."
I suppose that makes me feel a bit better. Although, it's scary to think that Nivia is such a devout soldier in that regard.
Mistress suddenly leaned in closer, moving her hand slowly from my chin to my cheek, brushing her fingers along the way, and making me gulp at the lack of distance. I hope she does not notice how suffused with color my cheeks have become. They are burning! "Now, make sure to learn and push yourself as much as you can in these next three days because your first fight is on Sunday." She did not even let me process the information as she invaded my personal space to sweetly kiss my cheek before swiftly turning on her heel and taking off, leaving my brain short-circuiting on the spot.
Correct me if I am wrong, but this woman loves physical contact, something I am not too keen on. I don't know, I just feel awkward next to someone who is so touchy-feely and openly affectionate. I may feel uncomfortable, but that is because I have always been this way, yet I cannot deny how that simple act made my heart flutter and my knees waver.
This is so new to me. It makes me nervous, but it felt...good.
I want more.
Damn. I barely recognize myself anymore. What happened to me hating her a couple of days ago?
I was snapped out of my thoughts when Nivia entered the bathroom and cleared her throat before saying that my breakfast was going to get cold. My hand was inadvertently covering the place where Mistress had kissed my cheek, and I did not notice what I was doing until I moved from where I was standing.
Nivia did not comment on anything, she just waited patiently until I had exited the bathroom and sat down to eat.
Today's breakfast consisted of white rice topped with three over easy eggs and sliced golden kiwis. I swear that this place serves the best meals. I cannot wait to dig in!
There was such a stark difference when Dahlia was not around for my meals. I liked having someone to talk to. Pvt Winters would do the same, but she was not around as often since it was not her job to babysit me.
Honestly, I don't even know what to start talking about with Nivia. She's the one I have interacted with the least, and from the first moment we met she's never been one to talk much either.
While I was eating, I would shoot occasional studious glances her way. Her unchanging expression left me wondering what she was thinking and feeling about this entire situation. At least she seems to have a neutral attitude towards me, after all, Mistress did say that Nivia just does as commanded.
Also, she never intentionally hurt me. I do not blame her for the concussion, even if she was the one who tackled me. She was worried after the fact and took it easy on me.
Once I was done with my food, Nivia gave me a pair of white socks so that I could put on the sneakers that Mistress had gifted me. Nivia had me follow her to the training floor. Not once did she touch me or threaten me in any way. She just courteously spoke to me like any other person, there was no hint of malice or evil in her tone. I made sure to walk close to her, keeping up with her pace.
There were a couple of groups currently training. The distinctive crimson and silver-white blonde manes belonging to Dahlia and Pvt Winters stood out as they were practicing. As always, Dahlia was confidently and authoritatively leading the session, while Pvt Winters was eagerly and skillfully standing out among her peers. They were the only two people I recognized. Thankfully, the Mephistophelian Trinity was not present among them.
We walked towards the far right corner of the training floor, where a couple of black synthetic leather dummies were lying around.
Nivia did not waste a second starting the lesson. She was relentless in making sure that the first thing that I learned was knowing how to fall correctly. We started on the floor so that we could build up to falling from a stand later. According to her, the proper technique required me to start crouched down with both of my hands on the floor. Afterwards, I would put one of my elbows on the ground, tuck my head in so that my chin would be touching my chest, then put down the shoulder from the same arm which had the elbow bent, and roll over my shoulder until my back was completely on the ground. The motion would be stopped by one leg being bent to the side and the other one bent upwards with my open palms hitting the ground.
Huh, I never would have guessed that falling would be something I would ever need to learn.
Nivia said that falling correctly was going to save me from major injuries and would help me recover faster so that I could get on my feet in the shortest amount of time to be able to counterattack or defend myself. Even though my back is still a little tender to the touch, it's not something that I could not handle at this point, since I spent quite a long time being one with the floor. I was following Nivia's instructions and learning how to fall and roll on alternating shoulders. I'm not going to lie, but it was actually pretty fun to feel like a kid again. I did stop at one time because I felt like I was getting dizzy from being a human soccer ball.
Once Nivia was satisfied with my falling technique, she taught me how to grab my opponent and throw them off balance. That was another easy technique, but a rather difficult execution. Why? Well, because I still have not come across anybody on this base that is my same height or shorter. I swear these people come from the land of the giants, or there is a cutoff height for recruiting because the shortest, or should I say, "least tall," person I have seen up till now is that damned Bitch Cleary, and I know that sorry excuse for a human does not cross the 6-foot mark.
So far, we have been training for a couple of hours. I could tell a long time has passed, not only by my growing soreness, but also the trainees that were practicing before we got here have switched out with a new group.
After Nivia taught me how to choke an opponent from behind, she decided it would be best to test my newly acquired skills in a one-to-one sparring match. Her rules were simple: if I got even close to throwing her off balance or choking her from behind, then we would stop and have lunch, if I didn't, we would go to lunch anyway, but not before I had to run two miles. Yeah, just take a wild guess as to what happened.
Thank goodness, she decided to go easy on me. Apart from the fact that she is tall and well-built, she had me obviously beat in arm length. Most of the time, she would just stand there waiting for me to make the first move. Whenever I got close, she would just effortlessly throw me off balance and expect me to incorporate the falling technique. My stomach was rumbling angrily, and that just made me more desperate to try and win. That was a joke, I would never be able to defeat her. After all, Mistress said that Nivia is the best of the best in what she was teaching, so how could a lowly peasant like me ever hope to defeat such a Master?
Even that one time when I tried to play dirty and do something completely unexpected, she just threw me over her shoulder and onto the floor in much the same way that Mistress had done the first day that we met. This throw was rather painful. I landed with a loud thud that almost knocked the wind out of me, but certainly hurt my healing wounds. After Nivia put me in my place, she ended the match and made me run two miles.
Fuck running. That was the last thing I wanted to do after such a lengthy training session, and to think that this was only the first day. I tried to weasel my way out of running, but this woman, bless her, has the patience of a saint. Not once did she get mad when I miserably tried to talk her out of making me run. Stoic as ever, she just stood there intently looking at me and not uttering a single word except saying that the longer I take to run my two miles, the later I would get to eat.
Fine!
Two miles later, Nivia was looking as pleased as ever, with an underlying glint of pride.
"That's a job well done, Keira," Nivia congratulated me as she patted my shoulder and offered her hand to help me stand. "Come on, you deserve a well-earned, hearty lunch for your hard work," she beamed at me as she handed me a lemon-lime sports drink.
I thanked her as I took her hand to stand and guzzled down the yellow-green liquid. Before leaving for lunch, I made a quick stop in the bathroom to relieve myself and wash the sweat off my hands, arms, and face. I hated feeling sticky and gross, so for once, I was looking forward to a shower, even if it was supervised.
"We'll rest for an hour, then continue with the afternoon session," Nivia stated as we made our way to the elevator. Oh god, I am going to pass out tonight!
We were lucky that there were only three people in the cafeteria by the time we arrived. Two of them had lab coats on and were talking amongst themselves, and the only other soul present, I recognized him as Phil. When I noticed who the shiny bald head belonged to, my anger immediately surfaced. He shot me a haughty smirk as he swigged back his water and hailed Nivia. I had not noticed how tense I had become until Nivia grabbed my bicep and stood in front of me, blocking my view from Phil.
"Stop growling and change that attitude fast!" Nivia hissed under her breath as her eyes quickly flitted over in the direction of the scientists. She squeezed my arm tighter when I did not comply right away. "Do not draw any unwanted attention to yourself! Right now, is not the time or place to make a scene."
Nivia's change in attitude brought forth questions that I mentally listed to ask her later. I quickly composed myself and tried to take a step back, but she did not let me.
Her eyes moved from the scientists over to me before resuming to speak in a hushed voice, "go get yourself some lunch and choose whichever table you want. I will join you shortly." She gave my arm a sharp jolt in her direction, "and for heaven's sake, try to lay low!" Her authoritative gaze and warning tone left no room for debate.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, bewildered as she let me go and turned towards Phil.
What was that all about?
Maybe it's best to ignore it for now. I made my way over to the serving counter and just gawked at all the food that was remaining.
My mouth watered as soon as all the savory smells invaded my nostrils. There was rice, noodles, beef, chicken, fish, potatoes, all kinds of vegetables, soup, cheesecake, carrot cake, chocolate cake, fruits, a whole smorgasbord of food!
There was also a handsome man with dreadlocks up in a ponytail standing behind the counter. His bronze skin reminded me of the tropical summers at the gorgeous beaches back home. The summers were indeed hot, but never as sweltering or as muggy as the ones in Virginia. No, my summers always had a fresh breeze that dried up the sweat. If there ever was a rare day of the temperature reaching the low hundreds, I could choose between cooling off in salty water with an ice-cold Medalla in hand or taking a refreshing dip in the cool river waters inland. Besides, they were about 30 minutes apart, depending on which part of the Island I was.
The man cleared his throat, waiting for me to order. He was smiling expectantly. Damn, I did not expect to be caught daydreaming like that. I miss my little emerald rock, its friendly people, the food, and the culture. I miss Puerto Rico. I miss home, my little piece of heaven.
"What will it be, chica?" He had such a beautiful warm smile, even his eyes seemed to join.
"Huh?" Chica? Wait, what? That's Spanish!
"What would you like to eat?"
"Can I have a little bit of everything?"
"Eah, somebody's hungry! Right away, chica, no problem!" I know that accent. Could it be?
As he was serving me the food, I noticed the tattoos covering his left forearm. I knew it! He had the coquí, sun, and turtle Taíno petroglyphs in black and white forming part of his half sleeve.
"¡No puede ser! ¿Boricua?" I practically shouted in excitement. There's just something to be said about Puerto Ricans always getting thrilled to find another Boricua outside our Island. I certainly wasn't the exception! [["It can't be! Boricua?"] --- [Note: Boricua is a native of Puerto Rico or a person of Puerto Rican descent.]]
He stopped mid-serve and looked up with gleaming eyes. "¡Sí! ¿Qué haces aquí? Are you a new recruit? No te he visto por aquí antes." [["Yes! What are you doing here? Are you a new recruit? I haven't seen you here before."] --- [Note: it is common in dialogue among Puerto Ricans, especially those living in the metropolitan area, to freely mix both Spanish and English, or 'Spanglish' as it's colloquially referred to.]]
"Uh... not exactly. Eh, ¿cómo lo pongo? Estoy con la doctora." ["Uh... not exactly. Um, how do I put it? I'm with the doctor."]
"¿En serio? ¿Cuál de todas?". ["Really? Which one?"]
"Umm," I hesitated if I should tell him or not. I don't know if his attitude would change after knowing I was practically Mistress's possession.
"Ah, ya veo. You're Mistress's, right?" ["Ah, I see. You're Mistress's, right?]
I sighed heavily. "Yeah. ¿Cómo lo supiste?" ["Yeah. How did you know?"]
"Caí en cuenta cuando me fijé en tu brazo. Me acordé de que un compañero me dijo que Mistress had a new toy which she had branded. No sabía que se refería a una persona. I've seen that symbol before, sé que es el de Garnett. I'm sorry you got caught up in this." [I figured when I saw your arm. I remembered what a colleague told me about Mistress having a new toy which she had branded. I didn't know he was referring to a person. I've seen that symbol before, I know it's Garnett's. I'm sorry you got caught up in this."]
"Wait, ¿cómo es que no sabías?" ["Wait, how is it that you didn't know?"]
"Soy nuevo. Apenas llevo una semana. I'm still learning the ropes." ["I'm new. I've barely been here a week. I'm still learning the ropes."]
"Oh, okay. That probably explains why you're so nice."
"¿Por qué dices eso? La gente aquí no me parece tan mal. Claro, hay alguno que otro amargao' pero nada que no se vea en cualquier trabajo." ["Why do you say that? The people here don't seem to be that bad. Of course, there are one or two grumps out there, but nothing that you don't see in any other workplace."]
"Right. Bueno, no creo que pueda hablar de eso ahora, pero if this," I pointed to my forearm, "is any indication, it will give you a small clue of what they do here to people." [Right. Well, I don't think I can talk about that now, but if this is any indication, it will give you a small clue of what they do here to people."]
"Okay, te entiendo. In any case, hablamos en otro momento. ¿Cómo te llamas, by the way? Yo soy Tristan Fernández." [Okay, I understand. In any case, we'll talk later. What's your name, by the way? I'm Tristan Fernández."]
"Keira. Keira Sinclair."
"Ese apellido no es puertorriqueño." ["That surname is not Puerto Rican."]
"Yeah, daddy was American, pero nací y me crié en Puerto Rico toda mi vida hasta que vine pa' acá a la universidad." ["Yeah, daddy was American, but I was born and raised in Puerto Rico my whole life until I came for University."] By this point, Tristan had already served me all the food I could possibly eat, so we were just chatting.
A sudden hand on my shoulder made me jump. "I thought you'd be halfway through with your meal. What's taken so long?"
Tristan stood at attention with his back straight as a pencil. I looked at Nivia. "Sorry ma'am. I'll be on my way."
"Go. I'm trusting you. Behave," Nivia raised her brows as she nodded. I gave her a curt bow and a small smile to Tristan and left.
I looked around the cafeteria's sitting area, and the same three people were still there, so I decided to sit in the corner furthest from Phil. My back was to the wall, and from this vantage point I could also have a clear view of the entrance.
Nivia must've caught on to my choice of seating because she decided to sit right next to me so that she could also keep an eye on whatever I was looking at. As expected, she did not start a conversation with me while we were eating. I guess it's up to me then.
"Hey, uh, Nivia?"
"Excuse me? That's not the proper way to address others."
I see Mistress wasn't kidding when she said that Nivia is all about rules and regulations. "Ma'am?"
"Yes?"
"Wait, how am I supposed to address you then if there are more of you in the room?"
"Good point. I guess you can address me as Lieutenant Sullivan."
"Alright, Lieutenant Nivia Sullivan," I saluted her out of formality.
"Just Lieutenant Sullivan is fine," she chuckled.
"Okay, ma'am. Can I ask about what you meant when you said not to draw unwanted attention to myself?"
"Exactly what I said. Now shut it and finish your lunch. We still have more training to do."
"But why--"
"This conversation is over."
"But--"
"Over," she enunciated.
I sighed and slumped back in my seat. Nivia's not going to budge.
We ate the rest of our lunch without another word. Afterwards, we went back to the training floor to reinforce what I had been taught in the morning and to learn how to punch and dodge.
After running two more miles yet again, I was ready to collapse. Mistress was sitting on the bleachers by the time I finished my last lap. She dismissed Nivia for the rest of the day, then took me back to her room.
I was more than prepared for a nice, hot shower and dinner. At this point, there was no reason to even fight Mistress on whether we were going to shower separately. Mistress got in the shower with me, and I didn't argue. I was still too shy to face her way, so I just kept my eyes fixed to the corner of the shower. I would, however, steal furtive glances intermittently. She definitely has a body to be admired. When she cleaned my back, I tried not to move my head, making sure that my hair would shield me from her eyes. Her touch and closeness were making my center throb hard.
After I was more than satisfied with my shower, that's when I decided to step out and dry off. Mistress had already gotten out and was dressed. She sat on top of the toilet lid, waiting for me to hop out of the shower. I mean, she did say that she would not leave me out of her sight.
Our dinner was filled with friendly conversation about things we liked as children and TV shows we watched. It should be noted that during our meal, she was touching my arm quite excessively. I let her. It felt nice, like I was needed. Her knee was also making contact with mine. She's gradually getting closer, and I'm not pushing her away.
Mistress stood and took my hand. "Let's watch another movie," she urged, signaling to the TV.
"Hmm, I bet you just want me to get close to you again," I smiled, not totally opposed to that idea.
"Is that so wrong?" she leaned in and stroked my cheek.
Wow. Okay. Straightforward and to the point.
"No comment!" I turned my head away from her with my eyes shut tightly. "Let's, uh, let's just go watch the movie! Come on!"
She laughed while being pulled by me towards the living room area. After selecting what we were going to watch, she handed me a blanket before sitting on the other side of the couch.
I didn't even pay attention to the movie she put on. I didn't care.
It's been a long day.
I just wanted to lie down. I'm exhausted.
The couch's armrest should not be used as a pillow because it was proving to be too high and was giving my neck kinks. I know I was going to regret it later if I did not change positions now. Even though I was in the fetal position this whole time because Mistress loves the cold, I just wanted to stretch my legs to alleviate the growing soreness in them. I looked over at Mistress, and she looked to be quite comfortable in her current position. Her legs were propped up on the coffee table, and she was just casually leaning back with one arm on the armrest and the other on top of the couch's backrest, watching the movie. I wanted to be as comfortable as she looked but lying down. There is one way to do both of those things, plus I'd be warm too.
Whatever, it is what it is. My comfort is worth more than my pride right now.
I grabbed the blanket and switched sides, scooting closer to Mistress until my head was resting on the side of her mid-abdomen. My stomach fluttered, and my chest was tingling. I did not dare look at her. I did not want to see her reaction, it would've been too embarrassing for me, and I know it would have made me self-conscious enough to revert to my original position. Mistress, on the other hand, jumped slightly when I laid on her, but then relaxed. I could hear her heart pounding rapidly. Same Mistress, same.
Thankfully, she did not say anything.
After a few minutes, Mistress's arm, which was on the backrest, came down to rhythmically stroke my side. I did not push her away this time, either. I was slowly starting to enjoy those physical signs of affection. She was surprisingly warm and gentle. I could hear the constant and steady beating of her now calm heart, quietly lulling me into sleep. Her touch was intimate and continually closer to my face. It did not hold any underlying treacherous intent other than being delicate and welcoming. When her hand made its way to lovingly brush my hair, my eyelids called it quits and succumbed to gravity's pull to joyously engulf me in a comfortingly sweet and tender darkness.
---
... Mistress was laying naked before me. I was on top of her. Panting. Aroused. The fingers of my right hand were pumping in and out of her deliciously engorged wet entrance, while the fingers of my left hand were candidly stimulating mine.
We were both on an imminent spiral to joyful bliss.
One pump, two pumps, three! That's it! Lift off!
I woke up hot and bothered. That dream. That fucking dream!
It was dark, and I was trying to get my vitals under control. I reached under my pants to confirm my body's reaction, but the slightest touch over my genitals sent me reeling.
Fuck! I can't get her out of my head!
The nightstand lamp turned on. "Mmm, looks like you were having a good dream," Mistress drawled seductively.
"No! Wh-what are you talking about?" I stammered, alarmed, and flustered.
"It was arousing listening to your moans," she purred huskily as she scooted forward, extending her hand to sensually caress my arm. Her touch alone sent electrifying pulses rushing through my skin.
I moved away from her. "I-I don't know what you're referring to," I harrumphed as I crossed my arms and turned away, hoping, and praying, she would not see my fire engine red cheeks in the dim lights. My entire body felt hot and way too sensitive.
"Oh, I think you do, little one. I don't know, you tell me. You were the one having quite a tantalizing wet dream." I could just picture her self-satisfied smirk as I felt her eyes drill holes into the back of my skull.
My eyes rolled and landed on my pillow. An idea popped into my mind, so I gripped the pillow and chucked it at her face. It hit her square on. She just burst out laughing at my obvious embarrassment, but did not let up with her mischievous banter. "You know, hearing you moan my name out loud was nothing short of erotic."
I swear that I don't know what came over me next.
When she said the last word, I turned around and, faster than I had ever reacted, just jumped at her and pushed her down. My legs were on either side of her body.
I was straddling Mistress!
I held her wrists captive in my hands, pinned down to the bed on each side of her face. Mistress's eyes were wide in amused surprise. I lowered my head towards hers. My eyes darted defiantly from one to another of hers, keeping intense contact. I boasted, a smug leer on my lips. My chest puffed as a sense of superiority overcame me. An arrogant laugh permeated the air, "so what if I did? It's not as if I actually want to do it!" I replied arrogantly. My voice went up a few octaves at my obvious pretext.
Mistress just waited until I had spewed everything I wanted to say. The grin on her face kept growing with every one of my actions.
With a swift and powerful movement, she toppled me over and quickly reversed our positions, making me gasp audibly at the sudden turn of events. "Little one, I hate liars. You may lie to yourself, but you're not fooling me. Your dreams revealed your desires, and your actions just now proved it. Don't you think I've noticed how you react to my touch, or how easily you blush when I lean in? Don't lie. I know you want me as much as I want you." She was well aware of the effect she was having on me.
There was a tingling sensation radiating from every part of my body that was touching hers. It engulfed my senses and fluttered in my stomach. She was close. Too close.
My breathing was stilted. Shuddering. Fractured.
My heartbeat pounded out of control. It demanded to be unfettered, thundering at the raging agony. Blood throbbed in my veins with a scarlet web of desire. The ache between my thighs grew more and more insistent. A wet heat flared between my legs.
She smiled her sultry come-on smile. "Kiss me, Keira."
I sucked in my breath.
Am I really going to do this?
There's no turning back after this.
Screw it!
Screw all my convictions! I just want the pleasure of feeling good for once! I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, so I'm going to seize the moment here and now. Consequences be damned!
I blew out the air trapped in my lungs and claimed her sinfully soft cherry lips.
My kiss set off a sharp, wild need in her. It was beyond arousing. She took control, cradling my head in her hands. The blistering kiss was possessive, greedy for more. It set fire to my soul.
I clawed at her back, scraping my nails down her warm, pale flesh. She groaned with ardent passion as her back curved. Her probing tongue pushed past my lips, filling my mouth. The taste of desire was evident. I felt the tiny prick of her teeth as I sampled her mouth for the first time. Our tongues slicked together. Warring.
She invaded my mouth with a wet heat, exploring all the little crevices. Her kisses were cruel, devouring any hidden will to resist. She made hungry sounds in the back of her throat, making me press my lips more firmly into hers. It was brazened, holding nothing back. We slurped at each other's mouths.
Her knee was unapologetically grinding on my center, sending me into frenzied shivers. The little hairs on my arms rose. My back arched in response to her touch. I grew embarrassingly drenched at her touch, knowing it had penetrated past the layers of clothes separating us.
She broke the kiss and bit my lower lip, giving it a hungry nibble before leaning back, humming in satisfaction. A raging beast of need was in her eyes. They turned dark with desire.
She twisted her hands into my shirt, whipping it off. My breasts laid bare before her, growing cold in the breeze.
I couldn't wait to tear off her gown. My hands grabbed at her clothes, but she stopped me. Even though I am the one who finally said yes to the act, she's the one taking control.
She must always take control of everything.
I don't mind this time. I want to experience all the pleasure. This is for me, and no one else.
She placed my hands on her thighs while her hands traveled up to her chest. The next moment, her gown slithered to the ground, revealing the naked glory of her flesh.
Shaped just like an hourglass, she was voluptuous beyond belief, a beautiful goddess of desire. Aphrodite had nothing on Mistress. There was just a fierceness about the way she was built, a terrible attraction, boldly unashamed. Her muscles were a solid wall against me. Impassive. Unyielding. We were skin to skin. I was melting against her body heat that seeped into me.
The raven tattoo on her ribs was ready to take flight at any moment. I traced its delicate lines, feeling her satin soft, flawless, and sensual skin.
Her tongue swiped across her lips, moistening them. She bent down, her pendulous breasts oscillating in tandem. She moved her mouth to my slender throat, kissing hard, then soft, then hard again. There were prickles on the back of my neck. Her teeth nibbled at my skin. She found my pulse and sucked on it, hard, pleased by my arousal. Where her lips touched, my body came alive.
"Your smell, hmhm, it's so intoxicatingly addictive!" Her voice was low and husky.
"Fu-- ngh!" I bit my lower lip.
She teased her nipples across my chest, making mine rise, diamond-hard and full of yearning. Her hands closed over my breasts, trapping them. She squeezed and caressed my boobs, gently at first, then rougher. She caught each nipple between her thumbs and forefinger, teasing the taut buds. Rolling and pinching. Her mouth moved down my throat and closed over my right mound, her fingers worked the other. She took the tip between tongue and teeth, sucking it deep in her mouth.
She ravished my body with kiss after kiss, each one sent licks of electricity through my veins. I let her run rampant and free. She made her way across an expanse of bare skin. Meanwhile, her hands gripped at anything they could hold. Nothing was out of reach for her needy fingers, building a tactile map of my topography, that is, until they reached a cottony impasse. Without holding back any further, she tore the remaining clothes off my body. No more barriers stood in the way of our lusts.
My clit cried out for her, throbbing for her touch. She heard its call and slid her hand between my legs. Exploring.
"Oh wow! Look at how juicy you've gotten!" She brought her glistening fingers up to her mouth, "and it's so sweet, too. Inviting."
Fuck! How can someone look so sexy doing that?
My face heated. I concealed myself with both hands.
"Why are you hiding?"
"It--It's embarrassing," I replied just above a whisper.
She took both of my wrists and pinned them above my head with one hand while beaming playfully. Then, she leaned down until we were nose to nose. With her free hand, she cupped my cheek.
"Come on now, you look gorgeous."
Her lips were petal soft, brushing my mouth until she recaptured my lips, kissing, sucking, and nibbling. She kissed me slowly, with an intensity that was dreamlike and erotic.
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I promise I'll be gentle with you."
I let out a low, throaty moan.
"Don't hold anything back. Fill the room with your melody," her voice was heavy with sexual heat.
The hand that was on my cheek slid down my bare skin, sending shivers racing through me. One finger tested my entrance until it slipped inside me. She pressed harder into me, deeper. She pushed a second finger into me. Then, she curved her fingers to stroke me deep and slow. I writhed against her hand, lost to pleasure.
"Hah," I breathed out.
"I love it when your walls tighten around me," she whispered in my ear. "I want to drink your nectar right from the source. Please, let me taste you."
She said 'please!' That excited me even more.
I nodded. Her eyes sparkled.
She freed my wrists from her hold and eagerly traveled south.
I spread my legs wide to receive her. Her hair tickled my hips and thighs as she settled her face right at my center. Her tongue circled my drenched bud. Tantalizing. Teasing.
"Hff, Mistress!" My voice was strained.
"Oh, Keira, I love it when you call my name. Come on, say it again."
My eyes flickered shut when she sheathed her tongue in me. My thighs clamped around her head.
"Fu-uck! Mistress, I ca-an't take it anymore!"
Her tongue lashed inside me, working me open, driving me wild. Questing. Conquering. Stroking. Licking. Petting. I wove my fingers into her silky raven-black hair, bunching my fists. My hips bucked forward, lifting off the bed.
"Just hold on a little longer, darling."
Her thumbs parted the wet folds of my labia as her tongue found my trigger and fired off short little licks and sucks, sending me spinning into pleasure's arms.
"I can't! I- I'm gonna cum!" I was teetering on the brink; close, so desperately close.
"Go ahead, sweetheart," she gave me permission as the last bold swipe of her tongue sent me into ecstasy.
Her gifted mouth brought me to climax, shattering all my senses. Every nerve ending quivered. My head tilted back. An explosion of pleasure overwhelmed me. My legs clenched, and my body convulsed as I thrashed against her. Moaning. Screaming. I was lost in my orgasm. Cataclysmic waves erupted from every inch of my body, robbing me of all reason.
I fell back, panting.
"Come on, breathe slowly. You got this, sweetheart."
My breaths were steadying. I was coming down from my high.
"That's it, good girl. What do you say to a second round?"
I nodded, ready for more.
She placed her finger under my chin and tilted my head up. "How about we spice things up a little this time? Don't worry, I won't try anything too drastic. Nothing beyond what you'll be able to handle, at least. What do you say?"
I pondered her offer for a moment, wary of what she had in mind and how far she wanted to take things.
Fuck it! I've been throwing caution to the wind all night long, what's one more round going to do? I was still too horny. I can't stop now, otherwise I won't be able to sleep!
"Yes. Let's do it," I answered her firmly and decidedly.
Her eyes lit up further. She reached over to the drawers on the nightstand and took out a blindfold, fuzzy cuffs, and a phallic-like object attached to a base with straps.
I think I spoke too soon.
My eyes bulged and I scooted back a bit.
"Uhh... I dunno. I've never done anything like this before." At least not willingly.
"Well, if we go by that logic, then you've never really done anything at all. Trust me on this. I'll make it worth your while. I'll start slow, but if it's proving to be too much for you, then just say so, and I will stop. Are you okay with that arrangement?"
"Um... okay. I think I can do that." I was torn between the past and wanting to experience new sensations, but my libido was deciding for me today.
She tied my hands behind my back with the fuzzy handcuffs, then blindfolded me. I heard her shift and slide the strap on herself. She eased me down onto the bed and placed herself on top of my hips.
Our lips met in a wet, hot slide. She pushed my knees up, wedging herself between my thighs. Her lips were petal soft, underlying the fiery passion that drenched her demanding kisses.
A husky, erotic groan came from deep within her, "your lips are the sweetest thing I've tasted. I don't ever want to stop sucking on them." Her minty fresh breath just made me want to keep savoring her delectable mouth.
She captured my lips, kissing, sucking, and nibbling. With the toy grinding on my center, she teased my folds, coating herself in my wetness. The anticipation of knowing she was going to soon insert herself inside me was thrilling. That sense was heightened even further, since I was blindfolded and could not tell what she was planning to do next.
"Mhm"
"You like that, don't you?"
"Ngh, yes!"
She stroked and petted me. Her fingers moved over my short, prickly hairs.
"I'm going in now, okay?"
"O-okay."
She briefly paused at my pearly gates, then thrust inside my virgin opening, pushing it wide. I gasped at the invading thickness that suddenly filled me. I winced and whimpered, quickly telling Mistress to wait a moment and not go any deeper. She respected my plea and stood by until my walls stopped spasming.
"I think it's okay to keep going now."
"Are you sure? You're really tight."
"Yes, I think so."
"If it's hurting too much, tell me, and I'll stop. We can try this another time, whenever you feel ready. There's no rush, sweetheart."
"It's okay. You can keep going."
"Alright. Just remember to try and relax as much as you can."
She pushed another inch in, then paused and pushed again when I didn't say anything. There was surprisingly little pain past the initial shock. Soon, pleasure returned, and I sighed in relief. The friction and stretching of the toy against my walls made me shiver.
Mistress eased herself out of me, then slid back in slowly.
I moaned sharply at the feeling of the toy's ridges tunneling its way in.
"Is it hurting? Are you okay?"
"I'm okay, Mistress. Please keep going."
"God, you don't know how much it turns me on when you say my name!"
She pulled out almost all the way, then plunged deep. This was no wagging tongue or finger; this was her inside me now.
Fuck! I had to push down the sudden and powerful sensation that built up and throbbed below my waist.
The headboard rattled. She stroked in and out, taking me for a ride unlike any other. Body to body, mouth to mouth, we moved.
"Oh god!"
"Bear it. Take control!"
I moved under her, moaning as she filled me.
"It's too much!"
"Not yet!" She silenced my protests with a kiss.
My passage quaked and trembled at her entry. The girth of the toy stretched me, its length spearing me. Each hard thrust sent me reeling. I was trapped between torment and ecstasy, keeping me prisoner to desire. Lights flashed behind my closed eyelids. With each thrust, the headboard slammed the wall.
"Mhm!" The tingling in my lips was making them numb. I was teetering on a dangerous precipice. My stomach contracted even further.
Arching my hips, I met her thrust for thrust. Heart beating, bodies melding, we moved as one.
"Hold it!"
"Mistress, please! It's, ngh, too much! I, oh god, I can't!" It was impossible to keep holding everything back.
"Just a little longer!" She groaned and pulled out a little, then drove back in.
My inner walls rippled against her. She slammed into me, rough, and gasping. Delicious friction penetrated every nerve. The bed trembled beneath us.
I needed to release or risk going insane. My whimpers were strained and desperate. She swallowed my helpless cries with her kiss.
My passion-moistened depths clenched and rippled around her. Her fingers rubbed me as she thrust in and out. She worked my clit as she pounded into me, subjugating me.
"Do it. Cum for me."
The building shivers consumed me. My teeth clenched and my toes curled. The tension inside me exploded. Pleasure rocketed through me. My orgasm hit full force. I gave into the moment with total surrender. With my heart pounding and body quivering, I saw stars and felt fire. My body was gripped by a pleasure that I had never known. I screamed in overdue sweet release.
Pulses. Waves. Sparks. I was basking in euphoric delight.
"I told you, you'd like that, sweetheart, but... we're not done yet."
Not. Done. Yet?
"Come here, darling. Let me untie you for this," Mistress sat me up and took off the fuzzy handcuffs. I removed the blindfold and noticed how her skin glowed with a faint sheen.
She was still proudly sporting the erect purple toy. With experienced hands, she removed the strap on, revealing the dripping extract that now coated her thighs.
"You have to clean up the mess you left me with."
"Oh, okay," I got up and shifted my position to stand from the bed. "Let me go get a towel, then."
She pushed my chest down and laughed. "You're not serious, are you, sweetheart?"
"Umm... yes?"
"Oh my god! You're so naïve!" She was holding her sides in hysterics. "No, sweetheart. You're going to use your mouth. You can't always be the one receiving, you know. It's your turn to give now."
"I, uh, I don't even know where to start."
"Oh, darling, you're so cute," she stroked my head. "That's okay. Don't think about it too much. Just do whatever you think is appropriate. You can start by sticking your tongue out flat."
I felt silly at the thought but did it anyway.
She moved up the bed and positioned herself on top of my face with her fists around the headboard for support.
It's terrifying and exciting at the same time. I'm burying the sense of self-consciousness that threatens to overcome me. I- I'm going to do this!
She lowered herself onto my tongue. Her smell... It was reminiscent of sage and sandalwood. I grabbed her thighs as soon as she started grinding her center on my tongue. She tasted slightly salty, like the drop of ocean water that channels down the philtrum when surfacing, but way more viscous and jelly-like.
Her tempo increased. She applied a greater downward force on my face. The bed groaned, but not nearly so loud as she.
It was challenging, breathing, and pleasing her at the same time. Maybe, I just need to practice.
I wanted to touch her, put my fingers in her. Survey her chasm. I moved my right hand from her thigh back to her backside, then down into her slit.
As my tongue swiped over her clit, my fingers found her opening. I dipped in and out of her, gently at first. Her walls compressed my fingers, and the grooves inside her canal guided me on a spelunking trip into her wondrous cave. Her breath was jerky and strained, rousing my inner demons. I hammered into her with vehement fervor. Her moans grew louder.
After a short while, her hand closed over mine, pushing me out of her. Restraining me.
"You're doing well, sweetheart, but be gentler. Don't just jackhammer me," she asseverated. "Here, follow my rhythm. That's it, forceful yet considerate. Just like that - oooh! Keep at it! Use your tongue too, suck on it! Hmhm!"
I maintained my cadence and intensity.
"Go deeper!"
I plunged my fingers into her, swirling them inside, curling them into a come-hither motion.
"Ah! Don't stop! Dear, take me there!"
My tongue found her throbbing nub and licked desperately, lapping at her candied well of pleasure. My fingers were growing tired but were not going to give up until she had her fill.
"Yeah, god, yes!" Her core tightened and imprisoned my fingers in its bewitching spell. Her body tensed and shook with exuberant elation as her screams saturated the warm midnight air.
She fell back on the bed. We lay quietly panting in the aftermath. My body felt deliciously sore. Exhausted, I settled into her embrace. Her half-lidded eyes slid closed as she breathed my name. I laid on her chest with my head tucked under her chin, letting my body relax into hers, a sigh of contentment on my lips. Her arm over my shoulder, her hand stroking my cheek. We dozed, wrapped together in the blissful afterglow.
---
"Wakey, wakey, Keira!" An annoyingly shrill and perky voice disturbed my slumber.
Mistress was obviously not here.
It was becoming much too commonplace to wake up to an empty bed. Mistress must have mastered the art of stealth because she never wakes me up when she readies herself for another day.
I'm just going to ignore the voice, maybe she'll go away.
Five full seconds passed when I felt a heavy weight land on my stomach, making the entire king-sized bed shake and launching me into an upright sitting position in fright. With eyes wide and a racing heart, I noticed the familiar blur of crimson hair belonging to Dahlia. Mad at such a startling way to wake someone up, I scowled at her while trying to reach for my glasses, which she had taken.
"Looking for theeese?" Dahlia asked in a singsongy tone while twirling my glasses by a leg.
I snatched them from her hand and shoved her off me, still glowering at her annoyingly perky attitude this morning. I have not properly awoken, brushed my teeth, or eaten breakfast to be dealing with such peppiness so early in the morning.
When I put on my glasses, Dahlia had rolled down to my legs and was laying on her side with her head propped on her elbow and donning an irritatingly spirited smile.
"Jeez! What's up with you today?" I groaned as I rubbed the corner of my eye with one hand and threw my pillow at her with the other.
She playfully flinched as the pillow connected with her forearm, letting out an amused chuckle. "Oh, I dunno. You tell me!" She was still using her singsongy voice. "You're the one lacking certain," she cleared her throat, "garments," she leered as her eyes traveled to my chest.
"Fuck!" I pulled up the covers as quickly as possible. Dahlia cracked up as she hit the side of her hip. "I forgot!"
"Mhm. Looks like it was an eventful night," she had a smug grin. "I can smell it on you."
"Jesus Christ! What are you, a hound dog?"
"Whoa! Look who woke up all religious," she mocked jovially.
"I'm not. It's just a saying, stupid."
"Right, right. Aaanywaaay, how was it? I know Mistress won't stop grinning. Her smile reaches from ear to ear, plus she's got that after sex glow, if you know what I mean," she elbowed me teasingly. She looked like a giddy schoolgirl waiting to hear the latest gossip.
"Oh, piss off! Like I'd ever say!"
"Hmm, that good? I see. I see." She had her thumb and forefinger in an L-shape under her chin, looking up and giving me a pondering look as she nodded in approval.
"Screw you!" I nudged her forehead backwards. She let herself fall back, laughing her ass off.
After a good couple of minutes of Dahlia trying to contain her laughter and massaging her cheeks, she finally calmed down enough for me to get a word in. "How did I not notice when Mistress left?"
"Well, miss Sinclair, despite your nightmares, you're quite the heavy sleeper, you know. Anyway, here, get dressed and get ready, then let's get breakfast. You have another long day of training ahead, and we're already late as it is."
I like training. As long as I'm busy with that, I don't have to worry about anyone else. The only thing that I hate is why I have to do it.
I saw Tristan again at breakfast, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him since it was the morning rush. Dahlia and I sat at a table by the corner. The place was busy and there weren't many seats to choose from, so I got stuck with the seat that faced the wall.
The man sitting next to me had finished his breakfast and just as he left, somebody was already claiming his seat.
"Hello there, sweetie!" I jumped at the sound of the sinister voice.
Fuck! No! Not her!
As Kristia was sitting next to us, she coiled her arm around my neck. I stiffened and stopped breathing. My shoulders skyrocketed. The hold I had on the fork became vice-like. My other hand clung to the tray. Dahlia took notice of my sudden change in demeanor, but other than the suspicious look on her face, her body had not reacted.
"I've missed you! What, are you not going to say good morning?"
By this point, my chin was already touching my chest. I was too afraid to say or do anything for fear that Kristia might do something about it later.
Kristia was pinching the skin on my collarbone without Dahlia noticing. I was trying to bear the pain without making it obvious to Dahlia, since she couldn't see my face in my current position. Kristia got closer.
"Good morning," I said in a low and strained voice.
"Try again, sweetie," Kristia taunted.
"Good morning, ma'am."
"Much better! Dahlia, what are you doing keeping this cutie all to yourself? You should share her with the rest of us, you know. She looks to be more than recovered already. I'm sure that some of us can take part in her training. We can give her a couple of tips and tricks. What do you say?"
My head shot up to meet Dahlia's gaze. I was pleading with my eyes for her not to feed me to the wolves.
"No can do, Kristia. She's on a strict training regimen, plus Mistress said not to let her out of my sight. I guess you're going to have to try some other time. Sorry," Dahlia waved off Kristia as if what Kristia were saying was ludicrous and not worth Dahlia's time.
"Fine, fine. I can take a hint. I'll see you around then. Guess I'll play with you some other time, sweetie." Kristia took her tray and left to go sit at another table.
As soon as she left, I let out a sharp exhale as my shoulders relaxed.
"What was that about, Keira?"
"It's nothing. I don't know," I replied without making eye contact.
"Tell me the truth. That reaction was not nothing."
"She scares me, okay? I'm terrified of her, more than anyone else here. I just am."
"Mhm, okay, sure. I'll be here whenever you want to talk about it. Now finish your breakfast, we've gotta go." I know she knows that there is more to what I'm saying, but thankfully, she did not press any further.
"Yes, ma'am," I answered in a defeated tone. The butterflies in my stomach were not settling, and it was hard to eat the rest of my meal without feeling queasy.
After breakfast, I was glad to be back on the training floor doing something that would get me out of my thoughts. About two hours had passed when Dahlia's communicator beeped. Her face turned sullen. She stopped the training abruptly and said that we had to head to Mistress's office immediately. When I tried to ask her what had made her change her attitude, she just told me to stay quiet and try to be as obedient as possible.
This does not bode well.
We reached Mistress's office in tense silence. Once we entered her office, the air felt cold and heavy. Everything was eerily quiet. Was it always this big before?
Mistress was sitting at her large desk with her arms crossed. Her eyes were red and glistening, as if she had been crying and were now holding back tears.
"Kneel," Mistress commanded coldly.
"Mistr--"
"I SAID KNEEL!" She roared as she stood up to her full and imposing height, slamming her hands flat on the desk. I flinched at her sudden outburst.
I don't understand what is going on. Didn't Dahlia say that Mistress was feeling elated? Everything was fine yesterday. We had sex! I fell asleep in her arms. She was happy.
Mistress's gaze burned with such intensity that the icy tendrils emanating from her robbed me of action, freezing me in place. A cold chill ran down my spine, making me shiver. I swallowed the hard lump that had formed in my throat as I looked at her with bulging eyes, unable to move.
Mistress stood erect; her fists clearly clenched with fury as she stalked forward. My knees wobbled, unsure of what course of action to take next. A pervasive fear knotted inside me with every step of her ferocious approach.
My heart hammered in my chest. She was glaring at me, tearing into my soul. I was not trying to defy her in any way, but my body was paralyzed. I was hopelessly trying to make my knees bend. My breath hitched as she stopped just an arm's length away.
Her feet were planted wide, fists flexing her arm muscles. Her chin was pointed upwards as a scowl deformed her face. I could feel the blaze radiating off her seething body. There was a pulsing, engorged vein cutting vertically across her forehead.
She briefly tore her fiery glare from me to nonverbally communicate a command to Dahlia. Dahlia's right hand vacillated next to me with something attached to her waist. Mistress's stare intensified at her. Without a second thought, Dahlia grasped at her hip and took out a telescoping baton. With a nod of Mistress's head, Dahlia struck the back of my knees with such force that they gave way, making me land with a painful thud in front of Mistress's towering figure.
Mistress grimaced in distaste as she entered my personal space. It felt like a fist was being shoved down my throat.
"I--"
She did not even let me get a single word out. The knuckles from her right hand connected with the bottom of my right eye socket as she backhanded me with raging contempt. A split second of darkness interspersed with popping white flashes obscured my vision. I landed chin first, my glasses a few feet in front.
"GET UP!" Her voice was ice, cold and sharp as a scalpel.
My body shrunk in on itself. My eyes were blinking fast, trying to keep tears from surfacing. There wasn't enough saliva to keep my mouth wet.
What have I done wrong?!
I did not even have time to inspect the damage to my face. However, the mordant pulsing beneath my eye was a clear indicator that the heavy ruby ring that she was wearing on her middle finger had opened a ragged gash. I was far too afraid to anger Mistress any further. With both forearms shakily planted on the ground, I saw scarlet drops dripping below me as I was able to slowly rise back up to a kneeling position without retrieving my glasses. My quaking hands were up in a placating gesture as I contracted before her. My chin trembled. A cold bead of sweat ran down the side of my face.
She looked away, sick at the sight of me, turning to her right side to face Dahlia.
I had to do something. I was owed an explanation to her reaction at the very least.
I tentatively opened my mouth to speak, but my dry throat prevented any words from erupting. "Mi-Mistress?" I managed to croak out after much effort.
Mistress turned my way, eyes blazing, she slapped my face, sending me sprawling to the ground. "Nobody gave you permission to talk!"
My tongue found a cut on the inside of my lip.
"Get up and shut up!" Mistress snapped. Her angry voice stabbed the air.
I spit out the blood pooling in my mouth.
"Mistress, don't you think an explanation is in order?" Dahlia interposed.
Mistress inhaled sharply, held her breath for a few seconds, then exhaled in short, uneven puffs. To my relief, she stepped back from me.
"I don't believe I asked for your opinion, Captain," Mistress scoffed.
Before Mistress could unload any more of her rage on me, I was up on my knees. It was hard maintaining my posture with the room starting to spin. Dahlia quietly handed me my glasses.
Mistress walked back to her desk, where she had an open laptop. She turned the computer to face us. A video was paused, waiting to be watched. It looked like surveillance tape footage.
"Subject 0153, would you care to explain to the Captain right here why you ever thought it was a good idea to lie to me?"
It took me a second to realize that Mistress was referring to me as 'Subject 0153.'
Lie to her? I haven't lied to her! And what is up with terming me 'Subject'?
"Mistress? I... I don't understand what you mean," my voice was cracking. I looked at Dahlia with a completely bewildered look.
"Don't look at the Captain, look at me! She is not going to save you. If you want to feign innocence, then maybe this will jog your memory." Mistress's arms and ankles were crossed as she leaned back against the desk. Her jaw was visibly clenched as her hand reached for the space bar.
I did not understand what it was that I was supposed to be seeing from this distance.
The video that was playing was sped up. Mia is seen entering a room with a covered food tray. Sometime later, Nurse Cleary enters. After a while, Cleary exits. A couple of guards walk down the hall. A few hours later, Dahlia shows up with another tray, hesitates at the door, then enters. Mia leaves shortly after Dahlia enters. More guards are seen patrolling the hall. Hours pass and Mistress enters, stays for a couple of minutes, then leaves. A handful of people I don't recognize enter the room, then they wheel out a person on the bed. I recognize myself asleep on the bed. Dahlia is bringing up the rear. After that, Mistress pauses the video.
"Subject 0153," I flinched at the name, "what seems to be missing from this video?"
Still trying to process what was being shown, I realized this is the surveillance footage from the day Kristia and Cleary waterboarded me, but why is there no evidence of Kristia? That's when everything clicked. This is the reason that Mistress is mad at me, but I don't understand, somebody must have altered the footage!