Page 70 of Lexi, Property of Rhyder

Staring into space, I sit for a while wondering what his plans are. Part of me wants him just to take me to get it over and done with, but then the other half is scared and doesn’t want to be touched. He had the opportunity to force me, but for some reason, he controlled his urge and pulled away.

But why would he do that?

Not wanting to overthink, I head to the bathroom to take a shower. Once done, I exit in a towel and almost scream when I see Gail standing there.

“Sorry, Red, I wanted to see if you needed help with your hair?” I raise my brow. “Is that somethingelsethat Master asks you to do forhis girls?” I ask, but in an extremely sarcastic tone.

Gail clasps her hands together in front of her and walks over to me. “Maybe he did, but it would also make me happy to do it for you. You have beautiful hair,” she says, lifting a piece of my wet curls.

I shrug. “Whatever! But I need to change first.” I step over to the drawer and grab some underwear and a bra and bring it up to my face, then look at Gail over my shoulder. “Really? All he’s got for me is G-strings?”

She shrugs, and I don’t bother to ask her why because I already know the answer.He prefers it.I quickly change in the bathroom and walk out in a mint green summer dress. I can tell it is warm outside with the room already feeling a little muggy. I take a seat at the dressing table and turn to Gail. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Gail strolls over to me with a smile. Today she’s wearing a white linen dress that falls just below her knees. I really don’t understand what her job is around here, but obviously, she likes it or she wouldn’t be here, or maybe she’s a prisoner like me?

“Shall I put it in a braid for you?”

I look at her in the mirror. “Does Master like his girls wearing braids?”

Her lips tighten, and then she nods. “Well, yes, he does. But you don’t have to.”

I shrug. “Okay, sure, why not.”

She brushes out my wet curls, and for some reason, I actually enjoy her working on my hair. It brings back memories of when my mom would brush my hair as a child—it was a feeling that made me believe I was safe and loved. I shut my eyes, remembering that feeling and wondering if I will ever feel that way again.

“There you go.”

I open my eyes and stare at myself in the mirror noticing that it’s a loose braid. “Thank you. It’s lovely.”

“I’m glad you like it. Now hurry because I have breakfast ready for you, and it’s probably going cold.” I smile. “I’ll be right with you… I’m just going to finish off here.”

Gail turns and leaves letting me know not to be too much longer.

I gaze at myself in the mirror, admiring the dress that Master purchased for me. It has a heart-shaped neckline with thick straps. Buttons line the length of the dress. The waist is brought in tight, and then it falls in an A-line to my knees. I look down at all the makeup that’s laid neatly on top of the dresser and decide on mascara and gloss. I know Master expects me to wear red lipstick, but today I don’t want to. Plus, it won’t match the color of the dress. Happy with myself, I move to the door and check the lock—it’s not locked.

Did Gail forget?

Quietly as I can, I open the door and step out into the hall. Looking left to right, there’s no one in sight.

This could be my chance.

Happy I’ve worn flat sandals, I tiptoe down the stairs, and once at the bottom, I hear the rattling of pots and pans coming from the kitchen.

The front door.

It’s right in front of me.

So, I quickly make a run for it.

Disappointment fills my entire body when I find it locked, so I try with all my strength to pull it open.

“Are you going somewhere?”

I freeze. Goosebumps erupt all over my body with the realization of who that voice belongs to. The sound of heavy steps behind me, and then he’s against my back. Our bodies are flush against each other. Master smells my hair and lingers.

“You will need this if you’re trying to escape.” I look around, there’s a set of keys dangling from his fingers. “Are you trying to leave me already? We haven’t had a chance to get acquainted.”

Master fists my braid and pulls it to the side exposing my neck. His lips touch me there, and with a stern voice, he says, “Don’t ever try to run, Red, because Iwillfind you. Iwill alwaysfind you.”

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