Page 46 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Shh, shh love. Yes. She did okay. That is what the house account is for. Granted, when we set it up, I did not have tacos in mind. More like business expenses, equipment, that sort of thing. However," he tips my chin up to meet his gaze. "If we are being technical, her business today was to keep you happy and entertained. Based on how much you have been smiling, I can surmise that she did a very good job."

I nod rapidly. "Did you know this was my first time ever playing video games?"

He slides in next to me on the couch and gathers me into his arms. "I so do want to hear all about that; however, we are not done discussing your eating habits today."

I slump down in his arms. Great, I am going to get into trouble today. I was trying so hard not to.

Chuckling, he straightens me back out. "None of this. You cannot hide from me. Besides, I’m not actually upset. I just need some information, so I can recalculate my ground rules. Now, be honest. Who ate most of the cake."

Looking down at the platter, my stomach flops a bit. I didn't eat a huge amount, but the thought of putting anything else sweet into my stomach turned me a little. "I had three slices, I think. Marion had the rest. I mostly ate the chips and tacos."

Adrian leans back and stares down in surprise. "Are you telling me that she ate most of that cake? Honestly?"

"Please don't be mad at her. I didn't even realize it was gone until I went to get another small sliver. Please, please don't tell her...daddy? I guess? I'll take the punishment. Please."

His gaze becomes stern again. "Listen here. Do you not recall a conversation where I stated that I will be the one determining when you are to be punished and for what cause? I will never allow you to atone for someone else. If you must atone, it will be for your own naughtiness. Not that of another. And yes. I will tell Maxwell. Not to get her into trouble, you understand, but he needs to know that she might get a tummy ache later tonight. Now, if you will excuse me."

I watch Adrian's retreating back and guilt gnaws at my stomach. She is my only other friend here, besides Barbara. But then, she was only a means to getting into the club. I've been such a horrible friend to both of them. Deep in my thoughts, I begin to clean up the mess in front of me.

"Let me help you.” His deep timbre startles me out of my thoughts.

"No. Please. Let me do it."

Frowning, he crosses his arms and pins me with a glare. I squirm under his scrutiny but continue to clean up. "Very well. Throw all of this away and meet me back at this couch."

Ugh. Should I take my time? Will that draw things out? I can tell he's not pleased with me, but I don't exactly know why. I guess it’s better to actually hurry up and get this over with. Punishments with Father were always worse if he had to wait, to make you. Better to atone quickly than to wait and pile it on. Oh, wait! I completely forgot my contacts in all of the excitement. Oh God. I need those in ASAP!

"I do also need to use the restroom. If I may."

He laughs and shakes his head. "You do not need to ask me for permission to do that. Just hurry up and get back here."

After a few minutes, the living room is back to where it was before the impromptu snack fest, and my contacts are in. I am safe for now. Glancing over, I see Adrian standing there shirtless, wearing only a pair of flowing pants and a sword strapped at his side. My mouth waters as I take him in. His abs ripple with every breath he takes. He points to the floor in a spot right in front of him.

"Wariza.”

Good. Maybe he doesn't notice the contacts. I'll have to be much better about putting them in before sunset next time.

It takes me a moment to walk over to him and sink down in position. I can't believe I almost forgot how to do it. Was it really that long ago that he taught me? Adrian circles me, and I can feel his inspecting eyes roaming my body. It fills me with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Standing back in front of me, he nudges my knees further apart with his foot.

"I can see and feel you judge yourself. I am the only one allowed to do that. You are going to sit here and repeat this until I tell you to stop."

"But I— "

He stoops down until his face is a breath away from mine. "Is that the correct response?"

"No, sir." I whisper. "Yes, sir.” Softly, I begin chanting the words he's given me. Maybe, somehow, they'll actually sink in. I'm trying to actually concentrate on the words, really take them to heart, but Adrian is all around me, moving furniture, shifting things around, and making a racket. I am so curious to see what he's planning that I falter in my words.

He simply turns to me and raises an eyebrow. Chastised, I continue. My throat is starting to feel dry and parched, but I still continue on.

Adrian turns and walks out of the living room. "Do not stop. Be assured that I have excellent hearing, and the acoustics of this place are better than you think."

Even after he disappears, I keep chanting. With each repetition, I find myself becoming even lighter and more free. Perhaps this is actually working? Within minutes, he returns with a glass of water.

"Enough. Drink this, and we will continue our conversation."

I grab the glass out of his hand and begin to gulp it down.

"Slowly," he admonishes softly while stroking my hair.