Tease Me Once

by W. Winters

She doesn’t cry from the pain. It’s because she can’t escape. She saw something she shouldn’t have, and the terror has never been more evident than it is tonight.

Like everything else in this room, it’s for her. It’s all for her.

I love her like this. No. My heart beats once, heavy and exacting. I love her. I won’t let them take her from me.

“I would kill for you. I would kill anyone for you.”

“Very,” Jase repeats with a glint of a smile. As if it’s comical to murder someone in a manner that’s worthy of making the six o’clock news.

“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” The quote is meant to strengthen the bonds of soldiers on the battlefield. Those you spill blood with are closer to you than anyone else.

No more Braelynn who’s so afraid she can’t even sleep at night.

White is worn if a staff member is interested in playing, but has limits.

Red informs the patrons the woman is available for whatever the men would like.

Time slows as the memories come back to me. Braelynn.

Declan stares me in the eye. “Red means you’d like to be fucked.”

Declan smirks at me, setting the die down. “I imagine Scarlet didn’t tell you that.”

“From now on, I’d like you to wear black. Don’t ever wear red again.” Declan narrows his eyes. “But you can keep the lipstick. If anyone asks for you tonight, inform them that the boss has requested you. Is that understood?”

Unknown: This is Mr. Cross’s associate. If you come in, you’ll be working exclusively for Mr. Cross from now on. I realize this is an occupational change that is unexpected. If you’d rather resign, please let me know.

Scarlet: I’m just going to say it. I heard he is freaky like BDSM freaky. AND I KNOW - you are curious. I KNOW YOU ARE!

“Like hell you’re leaving before I redden your disrespectful ass,” I grit out, my teeth clenched as I bend down to grab her. My entire being trembles with the need to punish her for speaking to me like that, then she doubles down, her words striking me with a force I couldn’t predict. “You’re a psychopath.”

“Hey Nate, stay for a moment.” Jase looks between us and gestures a goodbye before leaving. When the door’s closed, I ask Nate, “What happened to Braelynn’s ex-husband?” “I’m not sure, Boss … What happened to him?” “I believe he got intoxicated and tripped on the train tracks.” “That sounds tragic,” he comments. And the dark look we share speaks volumes. “It is.” I murmur, “Such a senseless way to die.” “And when did that happen?” He gives me an expectant look. “I would have liked tonight, but let’s stick with his habits. He often goes out Thursday evenings.” “Understood.” With his response, I exit out of the photo, and rid myself of the problem once and for all. “Is that all, Boss?” “Yes. Thank you, Nate.”

“If we’re going to do this, my little pet, you’re going to have to get very comfortable with a number of very uncomfortable things. I’m not changing and you knew who I was. I know you did. So let that sink in. If you’re mine, then what I am is yours. There’s no compromise there.

She kisses me. Finding my lips, devouring them, and loving me how she should.

“Declan.” His name, a plea from me, is barely audible. I can’t breathe enough to put my voice behind it. “I’m scared.” “My little pet,” he says, and his voice is brutal. I thought I knew fear before but ice spills through my veins. “You should be fucking terrified.”