Page 113 of Spark

“What are my rules, Jaden?” he asked calmly, but his face was anything but.

I bit my tongue so hard then.

“No cussing,” I answered on a quiet breath.

Darren took a few steps toward me, his tight grip still on my wrist, and I couldn’t stop myself from retreating from his advance.

“Just because I’m not around does not mean this rule doesn’t apply.”

I felt myself begin to shake inside, fear coursing up my spine as I tried to find my voice to plead for his forgiveness.

“I know. I’m sorry. It slipped,” I said cautiously.

He took another step closer, his dark blue eyes glowering down at me and making me feel small. I could feel my core contract with need as heat and fear filled it up.

“And what do you think I need to do to ensure you no longer ‘slip’?” he asked darkly.

I gulped. I did not want to recommend a punishment for myself. That was way too fucking embarrassing.

“I… I don’t know.”

He sighed, and it almost sounded like disappointment.

“If you can’t seem to control that smart mouth of yours, maybe I should elect not to take you into the city today.”

I looked up at him both confused and surprised.

“You were going to take me into the city today?”

Darren’s expression softened, looking as though he really did want to take me somewhere.

“That depends,” he said. “Do you think you deserve it?”

I sighed in defeat. If that was the question, then the answer was probably no.

I was quiet for a moment before I finally answered him in a small voice.

“Have I not suffered enough for you?” I whispered, my eyes not even brave enough to look him in the face.

Darren stepped in so close; my nose almost touched his chest. I could feel his body heat soaking into me, warming me all over while his scent put my senses into hyper drive. The tip of Darren’s finger slipped under my chin and lifted my gaze to him. He spoke softly.

“It has never been about how much you suffer for me, princess. It’s always been about how much you please me. You seem to have forgotten that.”

My gaze fell away from him for a moment as I recalled his words. I was supposed to please him… like the good little slave I was.

“You’re right,” I admitted quietly. “I have forgotten. I’m sorry.”

Second apology, Jaden. Knock that shit off.

Darren released a satisfied breath. “Well, I’m glad that’s settled because it would please me very much to take you into town so you can see Anchorage for yourself.”

My eyes instantly found his in shock. “Really?”

Darren’s hands lifted to my face and held me still.

“Really. And it would please me even more to see this beautiful face of yours smile for once.”

I wanted to cry suddenly. Why the fuck did I want to cry?

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