Page 16 of Whiteout

"It seems to me that you could benefit from a firm hand to guide you. To show you your place."

"You'll do as I say, when I say. You'll learn to obey my every command, and in return, I'll give you more pleasure than you ever thought possible. Tell me you understand."

She whimpers, her body relaxing against mine. "Yes, Kris. I understand."

"Good. Now, finish making our lunch."

She moves to pick up her sweater that had been tossed on the floor.

"No Cherry, I want to watch you make my lunch just like that. Naked, with my come dripping down your thighs."

Chapter 8

Ivy

I'm finally alone in my room in Kris's cabin. I need some time to myself to process everything that's happened today. This morning feels like a lifetime ago when I woke up in Kris's bed with the worst hangover of my life. I know I should be focusing on my podcast, but I can't stop thinking about Kris and the way he makes me feel.

I step out of my clothes and reach for my favorite cherry scented lotion. I begin to rub the creamy lotion onto my legs, and that's when I see them. Pink, circular marks dotting my inner thighs, souvenirs from Kris and his damned wooden spoon. I know I shouldn't like him marking me, and I didn't- I fucking loved it. A thrill races through me as I trace the raised edges of the marks with my finger. The memory of his hands on my body, his breath on my skin, and I want more of it. More of him.

I continue working the lotion into my skin, my fingersgently gliding over my curves. I picture Kris's dark hair falling across his face as he looks up at me from between my legs. His mouth turned up into that seductive smile that he wears so well. My breasts feel full and sensitive as I caress them, teasing my nipples between my fingers.

I think back to earlier as my hands move up my neck. My core clenches and I feel the same rush as I did when Kris's hand tightened around my neck.

I close my eyes, remembering how his dark eyes watched me. I can almost feel the weight of his body on mine, his fingers digging into my skin, leaving his mark on my body.Claiming me.

A part of me wants to resist him, to maintain control. Another part, a deeper, hidden part, yearns to let go. To submit. I know Kris is a complex man, with a dark side, and I find myself drawn to that untamed, unpredictable side of him. I ache for his touch again, his dominance, the way he made me feel. No one has ever made me feel the way he has. The feelings of fear and desire mixing together inside of me all at once. It's like a drug, and now I crave it.

My hands pause, mid-caress, when I hear a noise coming from the closet inside of my room. It startles me, and my hands slowly fall away from my body. I stand there frozen in place, listening for any movement.

"Hello?" My voice sounds small in the quiet room.

No answer. Just silence. It's probably nothing, just the wind outside. But something about it sets my nerves on edge.

I quickly wrap my robe around myself, cinching it tightly at the waist. I take a hesitant step toward the closet. My heart pounds in my chest as I reach for the doorknob. Slowly, I turn it and swing the door open.

The closet is empty except for a few coats and a pair of boots sitting on the floor.

I feel foolish for overreacting, but I swear I can feel someone watching me. I feel the urge to go to Kris, needing reassurance or maybe just the comfort of his company. I make my way to his room and knock softly on the heavy wooden door.

"It's open," his deep voice calls out, inviting me in. I step inside, feeling a little awkward. I find him in bed, a book in his hands.

Kris looks up from his book, "What's wrong Cherry?" He sets it aside, his eyes roaming over every inch of me, and I realize I must look like a mess.

I feel ridiculous now that I'm standing in front of him in his room. I'm like the child that needs someone to check for monsters under their bed at night. I might as well askfor a damn flashlight while I'm at it.

"I'm sorry, it was probably nothing. I just thought I heard something in my room, coming from the closet. I checked, and there was nothing. I just can't shake this feeling like I'm being watched. I'll let you get back to your book. I shouldn't have bothered you."

But Kris doesn't make me feel like I'm being dramatic or overreacting. Instead, he gets out of bed, takes my hand, and leads me back through the hallway to my room.

"I'll take a look."

Back in my room, he checks every corner, the closet again, and even inspects the window, ensuring it's locked tight and the curtains are drawn closed.

"Everything looks fine. But if it makes you feel better, you can stay in my room."

I chew my lip. "I feel so stupid. I'm sorry I dragged you out of bed for this."

"Hey… don't do that. The last thing I want is for you to feel uneasy while you're staying here with me." His words are kind, and the temptation to stay close to him is so strong.

---