Page 39 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Time to rinse then put you to bed."

He helps me up to my feet and tests the water of the shower before easing me into it. The hot water stings my back, but I know it needs to be cleaned out. I've neglected myself for so long, and for what? From where I'm sitting, my penance did nothing but harm me. It didn't actually make me feel any better. It didn’t make me feel any more devout or resolute.

"Penny for your thoughts, love."

"How does one repent? Like truly repent?"

He stares at me thoughtfully. With how long he stays silent, I'm pretty sure he's not going to answer me.

"Everyone has their own views. I was taught in a very different way than you were. For me, honor is highest above all. Without that, what’s even the point? Now, some take that to an extreme and cause great harm to themselves when they cause any form of dishonor. I have chosen the path of learning from my mistakes. What good is it to beat yourself up? Mistakes are made, then apologies, then you move on."

He pauses then runs his fingers through my hair. Without even thinking, I find myself nuzzling into his hand.

"As far as what people consider mistakes though," he continues, "that is subjective. Take you, for instance. You feel what we did goes against the teaching of your parents, yes?"

"The Family," I correct him, “but yes. What we did is a slap in the face or worse."

"But did we actually harm anyone? Was any damage done? We are both consenting adults doing something we enjoy. There is no shame in finding joy and pleasure with another.”

He reaches behind to pinch my butt. Giggling, I shift my butt to the side, but that only brings me closer to his massive erection. My breath catches in my throat as it grazes my hip. Memories of him sliding in and out of my mouth come back to the forefront of my mind. He smirks down at me. Is it too much to hope that he's remembering the same thing too?

My question is put to rest as his thumb comes up to graze my lip. "I cannot wait to delve back into your mouth again. However, the next time I enter you, trust me, it will be somewhere much more intimate. Shuddering, moisture already starts gathering at my folds. "But, like I said, not tonight. I also want to be clear, this punishment is for your own good. You could have really harmed yourself, and no one would have been there to save you. I don’t want you to feel that you have to do penance ever again. If you do, tell me, and I will determine your punishment. Fair?"

A feeling of relief flows through me. I don't have to decide any more. "The longer I'm away from The Family, the harder it is for me. I am used to rules and structures. I'm floundering out here by myself."

"Then let me take over. All you have to do is say yes sir. I will handle the rest."

I throw my arms around his waist and snuggle deeper into his arms. "Yes sir."

His growl permeates my body. "It’s not so hard then, is it? Does this mean you will be my perfect, obedient submissive and bow to my every whim?"

I push back from him, grinning wide. "Nope! I'm going to make you work for every bit of it."

Groaning, he places a hand over his heart and looks up. "And here I thought I captured a good girl. Instead, I have found myself a tormentor.” His eyes dance as he looks back down at me. "Good thing I know how to deal with a naughty wench who likes to torment her god. And trust me, I have more than enough ginger to take you down a peg."

His words send shivers through me. I remember the ginger well enough. Strong arms wrap around me as he lifts me from the tub as if I weigh nothing. To him, I must be so miniscule. So insignificant. I look up into his face, trying my hardest to see into him, find out what makes him tick. He doesn't act anything like I expect him too.

As he lifts me back into his arms, I find myself drawn again into his chest. Is this what it's like to feel safe and protected? For once, I feel like I can rest. It's a heady feeling. He towels me down, his strong fingers working the soft towel into every nook and cranny. As his hands drift lower, I clamp my knees together and squeeze tightly.

"Oh really? Is that how this is going to go? Spread them."

I look up into his face, relieved to see his smirk. Good, he's not actually upset with me, and he's not actually compelling me. Shaking my head, I inch back just a touch, waiting to see if he will take my bait. Bingo!

"Little one, I do intend to keep my word and not ravish you tonight; however, I never said I would not give you any discipline. We are in my house now. You have no idea what I have at my disposal."

His grin widens as he shuffles even closer to me, eating the rest of the distance between up. I'm caught between him and the tub. The cool ceramic nudges into the back of my knees, confirming I have nowhere else to go. Sitting down, I slowly raise my eyes back up to him and bite down on my lower lip.

"What if I want to be disciplined?" What the hell am I doing? Am I seriously bating him now? Joy flows through me. Yes. Yes, I am, and it feels so good.

"Do you really want me to discipline you? Or do you want me to finish drying you off and get you into bed. You are still weak and undernourished."

It's sweet that he actually cares about me. Smiling, I spread my knees wide, showing myself off to him. Need flows through me. I want him so badly, and this time, I won't allow myself any regrets. He will decide when and how I am punished. Not me.

Tossing my head back, I arch up bringing my breasts closer to him. His Adam apple bobs as he works his throat. He is so clearly turned on. I love that I'm the one doing it to him. "I think you might need to dry me off. I think I'm still a little wet."

"A little?" His husky voice sends another wave of want through me. Will he really keep his word? Can he resist me that much? Because I feel like I'm going to die without him touching me. I hope this time he actually breaks his promise. He kneels down before me, bringing the towel up one leg then over and down the other, paying close attention to my feet. His fingers feel like heaven as they dig into my arches for a moment. Moaning, I reach out to him, needing to touch him, but he dodges my movements and laughs.

"I have to dry you off to get you into bed. You are not helping, you saucy wench.” The towel skims back up my hips. Finally, he's going to touch me. My anticipations build as he works his fingers over my thigh, closer and closer. At this point, I'm pretty sure one touch, and I'll be gone. His fingers are so close, barely brushing against my lips before he moves up and onto my stomach.