Page 39 of Strings Attached
He walked away, and I frowned as he stood in the elevator. Where was he going? Was this my punishment? To stay sitting here on the cold floor while my back throbbed? He motioned for me to come to him, but just as I tried getting to my feet, he shook his head.
“Crawl to me.”
I gawked at him, unsure what to do. It wasn’t anything bad, but the humiliation of it bubbled inside my chest until I wanted to sob. Yet, the idea of going to him where he stood, waiting for me. I took a tentative step with my hand, then the other, and soon enough, my knees followed. They hurt a bit under the pressure and hardness, but I focused on getting to him. I kneeled in front of him and waited. I wasn’t sure for what, but more than anything, I needed his touch.
He pressed the elevator button, and I stayed still as it lifted us to the main room. When the freight door was opened, he took my hands and helped me to my feet. I opened my mouth to say something?anything?but I couldn’t seem to find the words. Didn’t know what to ask or what I needed.
Jack knows. Trust him.
“Can you walk to the shower?” he asked in a hard voice. It was as though he was still angry, and my heart sank. Had it not been enough? Did he actually forgive me?
I nodded, and he led me to the washroom, standing close.
He turned on the tap, and water sprayed from the showerhead. I stared at it, unsure; I knew I had to wash up, but it looked as though it would hurt. Was this part of the punishment?
He stripped off his clothes, and I stared at him. His cock was soft, but everything else about him was hard. “Face the water, and let it run off your shoulder so it doesn’t touch your back directly.”
I did as he instructed and grimaced as the water cascaded down my back and stung a few places. I pictured my flesh torn and hanging off the bone but quickly pushed it out of my mind. It wouldn’t be that bad, and it wasn’t helping my emotions.
He grabbed the soap, and I relaxed as his hands slowly ran over my sensitive skin. It hurt here and there, but nothing too bad. His spanking had left more bruises than this likely would.
“Are you...still mad at me?” I asked in a shaky voice.
“I’m angry at myself,” he said in a harsh whisper. He took a step closer, and kissed the top of my head. “I wanted to hurt you, but when I did... I just want to protect you right now.”
I turned, staring into his brown eyes. My chest squeezed, and the same words kept repeating in my mind.
I love him.
Oh, no. This wasn’t supposed to have happened.
25
Closer
With two research papers, October became too busy. Jack still came to stay at my place from time to time, but our schedules were opposites, which made it difficult to spend time together. Yet, every time we were together, sparks continued to fly. I was still interviewing him, but instead of opening up more, he seemed more reluctant than ever to answer. I’d thought growing closer would’ve had the opposite effect, and I wasn’t sure why he was pulling back.
I tried pushing my worries aside as I got ready for the Halloween party tonight. It was finally time to let loose and have some fun; I couldn’t wait. A thought crossed my mind, and I lifted my long dress. My face heated at what I was doing, but I reminded myself if he could play games, so could I.
Yeah, because teasing a serial killer can’t possibly do any harm.
I scoffed as I pulled off my panties, then tossed them into my clothes hamper. With those gone and already no bra, the only thing covering me was my vampire dress, and the thought sent excitement burning through me. Playing with fire was fun.
I’d never gone to this nightclub before, but it was easy enough to find; all I had to do was follow the people dressed in costumes. This place didn’t have a line-up outside, and instead, the bouncers were inside for the night. I went in and was immediately assaulted with the loudest music I’d ever heard. The live band definitely explained it, but did the bass have to be at maximum? The speakers were shaking so much, I was sure they’d blow.
I pushed past people and grinned at some of the costumes; one man was dressed as a baby and was having a tantrum on the floor. Interesting choice. Mine wasn’t anything original, though. Just a vampire. With my long, straight black hair, I matched the all-black dress and thigh-high socks. I gave my coat at the designated spot and put my ticket into my small purse, clutching it close to my chest.
Someone in full tactical gear approached, and my heart skipped several beats as I met with the familiar brown eyes peeking through the eyeholes of a full helmet. He leaned close, sliding his hand along my lower back. “Hello, darling girl. Come to suck my blood?”
I giggled, pulling him in a hug. “I don’t know about blood, but sucking on something? Yes.”
A growl vibrated through his chest. “You know, I have access to the employee’s room. Don’t make me drag you in there this early.”
He took my hand, and I squeezed; it was so natural being with him, I’d often forget why we were spending this much time together in the first place. It was only for the interview, after all. Right? My chest squeezed at the thought.
He helped me onto a stool at the bar and then took a seat next to me. “I ordered some nachos,” he said over the music, and I smiled.
“Thanks!”
