Page 74 of Petite Fleur

Before I get the chance to respond, he continues, “This is your home now, and I will provide for you. When I decide that you can be trusted, we will be a normal couple, and you can live out your normal life, but until then, you’re done with school.”

I curl my legs up to my chest and hug onto them; I feel hopeless and lost. I don’t even know what to say. “Finals are this week.” I mumble.

I can’t afford to start this year over, and I can’t afford to miss finals.

He has no idea what he’s about to take from me.

If he ever thinks I could be happy here, ruining my life isn’t the way to do it.

Leon stands up and heads into the closet, but I can’t focus on that, not until he joins me at my side again and I feel something cold and metal click into place around my neck.

My hands reach up, and I feel a thick metal collar snug around my neck. It feels like something a dog would wear.

Will he drag me around like a dog?Will I be forced to walk on my hands and knees and wear a leash?

“This stays on until you can be trusted. Don’t worry; nobody will see you like this.” He insists.

I feel too stuck to move.

I’m in a fancy version of a collar, one that I assume will alert him if I try to run.

I’m a prisoner…

Leon puts his hand on my back, but I don’t register the touch as anything comforting; no, it feels possessive and cold.

“Don’t worry, ma fleur, it won’t be so bad. You’ll like living here, I promise.” He says warmly.

I highly doubt that.

I look up at him, trying my best to fight back tears. I don’t think showing weakness is my key to getting out of here, so I’ll save my pity party for whenever I’m alone. “Why does my arm hurt?” I ask quietly.

Again, this man smiles warmly at me and runs his hand along my spine.

“I’ve cut your birth control out. You know, you really shouldn’t be putting foreign things in your body.” He mentions.

I’m too stunned to react in any way other than to stare at him like he’s a crazy person.

My eyes track him as he gets up and walks out of the room without another word, but this time he leaves the door open.

I know it’s a long shot, but I have to try, right?

Chapter 28

Leon Aldon

I know I want to stay with Maeve, but I need to give her time to process everything that I’ve told her.

I can’t just spring it on her that her life is forever changed and not expect her to react.

I’m positive she’ll grow to love this new life, but I know it won’t be instant.

I head into the kitchen to make her something to eat; she’ll be sick soon if she doesn’t eat anything since I’ve drugged her.

She was already dealing with a hangover when I had to do that, so I can’t imagine she’s feeling well at all.

I hear Maeve tip-toe down the hallway while I cook, but I ignore it. I don’t mind if she explores our home; I welcome it.

I intentionally don’t acknowledge her while she takes a slow lap around the house, avoiding the kitchen as if it’s radioactive.

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