Page 13 of Stripping Little Seraphina
When Vasiah finally glanced at her watch, she sighed. “It’s your bedtime.”
My head snapped up. “My—what?”
She chuckled, shaking her head like I was adorable. “You need rest, Sera. Tonight, you’re going to take a nice bubble bath, get into your comfiest pajamas, and snuggle up in bed with that stuff that I saw you with. Once you’re done, text me. Then I’ll saygoodnight properly. From here on out, make sure to be in bed by 9:30. ”
I bit my lip, warmth flooding my chest. “Okay…”
“Good girl.” She said it so naturally, like it belonged to me. Then she stood, held out her arms. “Hug?”
I hesitated for half a second before I slid into her embrace. Her hold was firm but not crushing, safe and warm in a way that nearly undid me. I held on to her and said a prayer. Tonight had been wonderful, and I wanted more of that. Please let her follow through. When she let go, she touched my shoulder once more before leaving with her empty picnic basket. She’d already cleaned up everything else.
The suite felt quiet without her, but instead of the gnawing loneliness I’d grown used to, there was something else—settledness. Hope.
I sat at my desk, pulled up my email, and typed quickly to Master E.
I’ve decided I want to stay.
Then I followed her instructions—bubble bath, soft pajamas, cocooning myself beneath my blankets with my stuffy. The water had soothed me, but it was the ritual she’d set for me that quieted my mind.
When I finally texted her
All done
her reply came almost instantly.
Mistress V
Good girl. Sleep well, Sera.
Tears prickled my eyes, but this time they weren’t born of isolation. They were relief, comfort, something deeper. I clutched the phone against my chest, whispering the words again to myself before drifting into the deepest, most peaceful sleep.
Chapter Five
Seraphina
I woke up warm, enveloped in my blanket, the faint glow of morning streaming through the curtains. For a second, I didn’t move—just let myself bask in the quiet realization that I’d actually slept. Not the restless tossing and turning I was used to. Not the hollow ache of crying myself into exhaustion. I’dslept.
And it was because of her. Because Mistress V had told me I was a good girl and took care of me last night. She’d given me exactly what I’d needed.
I was still smiling faintly when a knock came at my door. I opened the door after checking to see who it was. I scrambled to make myself presentable just as I twisted the knob.
The door eased open, and Mistress V stepped in carrying a tray. Toast, scrambled eggs, fruit. A glass of water and orange juice sat neatly at the edge. She motioned for me to follow her to the bedroom so I did. Sitting on the bed.
“Breakfast,” she said simply, setting it down on the desk. “Real food. Not cookies. Not ice cream.” Her lips twitched at the corners.
I sat up straighter. “You didn’t have to?—”
“Yes, I did.” Her tone brooked no argument. “You’re here to learn, which means your body and mind need fuel. And water.” She pressed the glass into my hand, watching until I took a long sip.
Heat rose in my cheeks. “Yes, ma’am.”
Satisfied, she glanced at my suitcase, then tugged it open without asking. I squeaked in protest, but she just started sorting.
“This one,” she said, pulling out a soft lilac blouse and dark jean shorts. “Simple. Comfortable. You’ll feel confident in it.”
I wanted to argue that I could pick my own clothes—but when she laid them neatly on the bed, something fluttered in my chest. Like I mattered enough for her to take the time. Plus it was a nice combination and reflected my mood.
She leaned in the doorway as I ate, her arms folded, gaze sharp but not unkind. When I finished, she gave a firm nod of approval. “Better. Now—go to class. Hydrate, focus, and don’t hide in the back. Learn something today. I’ll see you later.”
