Page 27 of Caged By the Lich

Over the next few days, I keep a close eye on Astrid's progress. She throws herself into the task with a determination that surprises even me. I catch glimpses of her conferring with Vex, her hands moving animatedly as she speaks. She's not just counting weapons; she's analyzing our defenses, identifying weaknesses, proposing improvements.

One evening, as I'm reviewing reports in my study, there's a knock at the door. "Enter," I call out, not looking up from my work.

Astrid walks in, her arms full of parchments. "I've finished the audit," she announces, dropping the stack on my desk with a satisfying thud.

I raise an eyebrow, picking up the topmost sheet. Her handwriting is neat and precise, her observations astute. "Already? I'm impressed."

She stands a little straighter at the compliment, a hint of pride in her posture. "I also took the liberty of drafting some suggestions for optimizing our inventory and distribution."

I flip through the pages, my interest piqued. Her ideas are sound, showing a strategic mind I hadn't fully appreciated before. "This is... good work, Astrid," I admit, looking up at her.

For a moment, I see a flash of genuine pleasure in her eyes before she schools her expression back to neutrality. It's... intriguing.

"Thank you," she says simply.

I nod, making a decision. "I want you to oversee the implementation of these changes. Work with Vex to make it happen."

Astrid's eyes widen slightly, clearly surprised by the level of authority I'm granting her. "Are you sure that's wise?" she asks, her tone cautious.

I lean forward, fixing her with an intense gaze. "Are you questioning my judgment?"

She meets my eyes unflinchingly. "No. I'm questioning your sanity. I'm still your prisoner, remember?"

I can't help but chuckle at her boldness. "Consider it a test, then. Prove to me that my trust isn't misplaced."

I watch Astrid's face, waiting for her reaction. Instead of the gratitude I expect, her brow furrows, suspicion clouding her eyes.

"Why are you treating me like this?" she demands, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of anger. "What's your game, V?"

Her question ignites something inside me, a familiar surge of irritation. I rise from my chair, my movements fluid and predatory. In three long strides, I'm across the room, invading her personal space.

Astrid backs up instinctively, but I match her step for step until her back hits the wall. I plant my hands on either side of her head, caging her in. Her breath hitches, but she doesn't cower. Damn her.

"You want to know why?" I growl, my face inches from hers. "Maybe I'm tired of your constant resistance. Maybe I think you'd be more useful working than rotting away in your room and annoying me." I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Or maybe you'd prefer I treat you like the prisoner you claim to be?"

Her eyes widen at that, pupils dilating. I catch the slight quickening of her pulse, the almost imperceptible parting of herlips. Realization hits me like a lightning bolt, and I slide one hand down to her knee, trailing it up the exposed skin there.

"Is that what you want, little rebel?" I taunt, a cruel smirk playing on my lips. "A punishment?" I lean closer and breathe into her ear. "For me to be rough with you? Harsh?"

Her legs part for me, my hand curling behind her thigh as she lifts it ever so slightly. I pull back to see her face flush and her eyes blown wide. Oh, fuck. This isn't good at all. And yet, I can't stop myself.

I lean so close our lips almost touch. "All you have to do is step out of line." It's a dare. I want to break the little brat. And I think she wants it, too.

But we both want to fight. To be forced. For the building tension to explode until I've had enough.

"Then you'll see how brutal I can be," I whisper against her lips.

Astrid's breath catches in her throat, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly. She doesn't answer, but her reaction tells me everything I need to know. The little brat actually likes the idea. No wonder she's never truly feared me.

I slip that hand a little higher, her skirt rising up out of my way, and my fingers brush the heat of her thigh. It would be so easy to slide inward, to plunge my fingers into where I want.

Instead, I step back abruptly, putting distance between us. Gods, this woman has gotten into my head.

"Go tell Vex about your new assignment," I order, my voice cold and dismissive.

She hesitates for a moment, confusion and desire warring in her eyes. Then she nods curtly and hurries out of the room.

As the door closes behind her, I find myself staring at it, my mind racing. Because I just got my hand all the way up her thigh…

---