Page 15 of Stripping Little Seraphina
I swallowed hard, the words sticking to my ribs. Was that what I wanted from Mistress V? Not perfection, but humility. Not punishment for punishment’s sake, but care.
“Remember this,” Master E said softly. “When respect exists, trust can grow. Without it, nothing lasts.”
By the time class ended, I was raw and restless. Master E had a way of making me get in my head and question everything I’d ever been taught. That my needs were normal and nothing to be afraid of. He’d explained that opposites existed to charge and connect to its counterpart. So that meant there was someone designed to hold and make space for everything I am. I’m not too much. I’m worthy and enough. And more than that, it’s okay to be myself. I packed my notebook with trembling hands, Master E’s words replaying like an echo inside me.
When I reached my suite, I dropped my bag by the door and paced. The walls felt too close, the clock too loud. Every creak inthe hallway made my breath hitch. Today was heavy and I didn’t know if I was ready to take on Mistress V. I felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode.
Mistress V was coming.
And this time, I couldn’t hide behind sarcasm or slam the door in her face. Tonight, she would look me in the eye, and I’d have to decide if I believed her. Trusted whatever she had to say.
I curled onto the couch, hugging my knees, and stared at the door. Waiting.
Chapter Six
Vasiah
I knocked once on Seraphina’s door and waited. No stomping this time. No slammed wood. Just the quiet shuffle of feet before she opened it, her expression guarded but sparking with attitude.
“You came,” she said, arms crossed.
I arched my brow. “You doubted me?”
“You’ve been busy before,” she shot back. Sass in her voice. Sharp enough to nick if I let it. But I’d expected as much from her.
I stepped inside, closing the door firmly behind me. “Careful,” I murmured. “You’re walking a fine line.”
She huffed, flopping onto the couch like she owned it. “Maybe I like lines.”
I fought back a smile. Oh, she was testing me. Poking to see if I’d crumble. “Maybe,” I said slowly, “but lines come with consequences.”
Her chin lifted. “You mean punishments.”
“Yes.” I sat across from her, steady, grounded. “But only when they’re earned. Do you want to talk, or do you want to pout?”
Her glare faltered, but she sank deeper into the couch cushions, muttering, “Fine. Talk.”
We did. Piece by piece, I laid out what needed to change—my commitment, her honesty, the effort it would take on both sides. She admitted she wanted me to stay with her until my room was ready at the end of the week. Not near, which would’ve been back with Ezra.With.
“I’ll bunk here,” I said finally. “If you’re serious about trying. But you need to know, Sera, that staying with me means accountability. No more door slamming. No more bratty texts. No more hiding behind sarcasm when you’re hurting. My expectations will be different.”
Her lips twitched. “Bratty texts? Really?”
I leaned forward, letting my voice drop an octave. “Really.”
That shut her up—for a second. Then she smirked. “What if I like being bratty?”
Ah. There it was. The invitation. The push. Temptation flared between us and I decided to lean into it and not away. Sure, I’d noticed her bright-ass personality from the driveway when she’d dropped off Emerson. She sparkled like the biggest warning sign that she’d shit rainbows, sing happy tunes, and laugh infectious positive vibes all over the place. It irritated the fuck out of me, but I loved it.
Seraphina was quick witted, beautiful, and passionate about everything she did. From Emerson, to her job at the library, and now this. I'd seen her with the children at the library she worked at. She enjoyed story time just as much as they did. She also was in charge of family night with arts and crafts. That had been my very first glance into who she truly was.
Emerson had spotted her and asked his Mother—Audrey if he could stay. When she couldn't, he called me to see if I could swing by to get him on my way home. At first, I thought it was an elaborate scheme to see a girl, but when I arrived early, I spottedhim building a cardboard airplane. She’d been patient with him and he received instruction well from her.
When I signed him up for driving school and she was one of the instructors, I immediately chose her. Big brown eyes, curves, sassy, and legs that seemed to go on forever. I’d known she was submissive. I’d never thought our paths would cross here though. It was time to trust fate and to see what it was trying to show me.
“Then,” I said smoothly, “you’ll learn what happens to brats who cross the line.”
Her breath caught, but she didn’t move. She was waiting. Then…
