Page 54 of Wicked Games

Her screams mixed with my growls as the ginger juice now tortured us both.

CHAPTER 20

ELIZABETH

Two months later

I winced as Parker pulled on the corset strings, making it tighter than usual. The stiff fabric brushed painfully against my still bruised nipples.

Richard had been particularly aggressive this morning during my daily punishment. No, I corrected myself internally.

I mustn’t call them punishments.

They are my daily instructions.

It was his duty as my guardian to instruct me on the proper behavior of a lady of my station so that I may please him. It was my own heated mind and harlot nature that must be kept in check by his kind and attentive ministrations. After my morning enema, I am strapped into the siege d’amour chair, which is now prominently displayed in my bedchamber, to receive instruction on mastering my temper and learning my place.

If I am a good girl, I will only receive the strap on my nipples for a few strokes before Richard licks my pussy and fills me with his cock.

If I have been a bad girl, by remembering things I shouldn’t, or using bad words, or scolding the servants, then I am whipped between my legs till I cry before he forces me to beg him to penetrate my bottom hole to make it end.

If I’ve been a very bad girl, he uses my mouth like a pussy till I remember my place.

The worst was when he threatened to bring me to that awful asylum for more treatment. I never knew what I did to deserve it, but I did know I’d do anything to avoid going back there.

Looking down, I saw two bright red crescent moons against the pale skin on the upper curve of my right breast. His bite mark. “I think we should choose a high-necked, lace collar dress for this evening, Parker.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I hope His Grace will be pleased. I have finished The Young Wife, or Duties of Woman in the Marriage Relation by Mr. William Andrus Alcott. Did you know he is a distant relation of that sensational author Louisa May Alcott?”

“I didn’t, my lady.”

After raising my arms so she could lower the dress we chose over my head, I recited what I had learned while she administered to the row of countless buttons that went down the back.

“It was a marvelous book. He speaks of how a woman should be devoid of intense nerves and strive to always speak in calm, reserved tones but only when spoken to and one should never, ever offer an opinion lest your husband think you are trying to make him uneasy with your show of intellect.”

Parker stopped to give me a strange look.

“What is it?” I spun around, alarmed. “Please tell me there isn’t a tear or stain. I mustn’t be late for dinner. Richard has invited guests.”

“No. No, it’s fine, my lady,” said Parker, although her brow was still furrowed. As she straightened my shoulders and once more had me be still and face the mirror, she looked at my reflection from behind. “Lady Elizabeth… are you happy?”

I laughed. “What a silly question, Parker.”

“Are you?”

Thinking for a moment, I remembered my instruction. “For a woman to seek happiness for herself is selfish and unworthy of her sex. Her happiness should lie in her obedience and subjugation. By showing appreciation and respect for her station and gratitude toward her generous and thoughtful protector and guardian, happiness is achieved.”

Spinning me around, Parker gave my shoulders a shake. “I had no choice!” she whispered feverishly. “He knows things about my past. It would harm my family if it got out.”

“Parker, are you quite well?” I asked, concerned. “Perhaps His Grace should have Mrs. Higgs administer a cold-water therapy? While I confess I don’t like it, I know they are done to cool the heat of my hysterical mind and are only done for my own good.”

“Dammit, Lizzie! Stop talking like that!” she yelled. “Please, listen to me!”

“Parker.” Richard had entered the room. Parker immediately let go of my shoulders and lowered her head. “I believe Cook was requesting some extra assistance in the kitchens since we have a guest this evening,” he said in his usual dark, controlled tone that always made me shiver. “I will see to the rest of Lady Elizabeth’s toilette.”

With a curtsy, Parker started to leave the room. Richard grabbed her by the upper arm and said something too low for me to hear. Parker paled but nodded faintly before leaving.

---