Page 91 of Stripped

"I need you to open up to me, Primrose. I need to know what he did before we go see Alex. I need to hear it first."

"I'm trying to be open. I swear to you I'm trying," she said. "I'm not sure how."

"I know, baby. But I need you to trust me to get you there."

She knew what he was asking, knew what he expected her to let him do, but the thought of giving up control scared her. She bent over, burying her face in her hands. "I don't want to."

He rubbed her shoulder. "You're the strongest person I know, Primrose. I promise I won't hurt you. I just need to get you to a spot where you can be vulnerable with me. It's between the two of us. No one else."

She nodded. Her stomach was in knots. The thought of sharing what Sokolov did, what she let him do, was revolting. Wraith would leave when he found out. "I don't want to do it here."

He sat her up and kissed the side of her head. "No. Let's go back to the room.

They walked in silence. The sun was now shining brightly, making the situation seem worse. At least in the dark, she could hide her shame.

Wraith opened the door, letting them in. "Go and change. There's a robe in the bathroom."

She took her clothes off, slipping on his robe, the silk fabric cool on her flushed skin. Her pulse raced. A part of her wanted this, to have him bring her to a spot where he alone held her heart in his hand. It was the aftermath that scared her. Would he leave that same heart bruised and shattered in the end? She opened the door. He was sitting on the edge of the couch and motioned with his finger for her to come. An all-knowing ache began to form in her stomach.

"Come here, baby." He patted his lap.

She hesitated.

"Don't shut down on me now. I need you to trust me," he said. "Your walls are up. I need you to get to a place where you can be vulnerable with me." He stood up. "Come here."

She went to him and he brought her to his chest, holding her. "It's going to be okay."

"I'm scared," she said.

"I know you are." He sat back down. "I won't force you, though."

She nodded. He removed the belt on the robe, sliding it off her shoulders. She was stripped, her whole being about to be exposed. He ran his hand down her cheek and nodded back at her. She took a deep breath and lay down across his lap. His arm came down on her back, anchoring her in place. His other hand gently began to rub her back. "I don't want you to be scared." His tone was soft. "I need to know that you trust me, Primrose. This is about trust."

She did trust him, more than she had ever trusted anyone in her life, and it scared her because it had happened so fast. She knew she had hurt him yesterday. "I do trust you," she finally said.

"I'll begin." His hand came down on her bare bottom, the sting instant, and she tensed waiting for the next one. Ten more followed as the burn in her cheeks spread. He knew what he was doing. He paused, rubbing her tender skin. "You're not alone anymore, Primrose. You don't have to do it alone anymore." His words caused a tear to fall as she braced herself. His hand came down again, causing her to gasp as she tried to catch her breath. Another ten were delivered efficiently. She was beginning to waver.

He paused. "I know you're in there, baby. Come back to me. He doesn't have a hold on you." He carried out the last set quickly. She grabbed his thigh to prevent herself from crying out. Her bottom was on fire and she could no longer hold back her tears. "Stop!" she shouted.

Wraith picked her up and settled her on his lap, his arms coming around her. "Shh, I've got you."

She wasn't crying because of the pain. He had done exactly what he said he was going to do and tore down her walls, leaving her to feel exposed and defenseless. She grabbed his shirt, leaning against his chest.

"I've got you, baby. You're safe in my arms," he said. "I'm not going anywhere."

Her tears began to subside as she listened to his heart, the sound of the beat a gentle reassurance that this man loved her and would protect her. "I need you to tell me what Sokolov did to you, Primrose. I know it will be hard."

She nodded.

"Feel my arms around you. I'm here with you. I'll hold you the entire time."

She told him everything. What Sokolov said, how he touched her and kissed her, how she didn't fight back. How he got in her mind then turned on her, betraying her. She knew her words would hurt Wraith. The images she was putting in his mind would become his own nightmares, but through it all, he never let go. When she finished, he kissed her on top of her head. "That's my girl. I won't let him take that from us. You are my girl."

She thought the phrase would upset her, that it would bring back the vile memories of Sokolov and how he stole that from her, but they didn't. She was Wraith's girl. She belonged to him and that was all that mattered.

"Aye. We'd best get you dressed. Alex will be expecting us."

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