Page 84 of Ensnared

He’squiet now, butIcan’t tell if that’s because he’s not one who needs to fill silences, or if it’s because he’s waiting.Maybeit’s part of his psychologist training, to let others speak first.

“Doyou play often?”Iask as he moves another pawn, taking it toD4.

Ifrown, studying the move.Icould take that pawn, but it would open up the board for him.Ithink.Bitingmy lip,Itry to play out the next few possible moves in my head.

“Dominicis the only one with the patience for it.Weplay occasionally,” he replies.

Ihave to suppress a flinch at the name, remembering my wild flight from him yesterday.

“Oh, that’s interesting,”Isay absently.

Lookingback at the board,Ihesitate.Thereare so many options.I’mafraid of mis-stepping.

“Interesting?”There’sa curious cant toJasper’shead; it makes his silky black hair fall forward slightly.

“Ijust... didn’t think the two of you got along very well.”

“Oh?”Jasperrests his chin on his fingers.Settledback in his chair, he’s relaxed and watchful. “Andwhy do you think that?”

Myfingers hesitate over the pieces asIeye him.Thisfeels like a trap.

Flustered,Imove my bishop toG4. “Youwere arguing.WhenIsaw you together—Oh,Idon’t know.Justa feeling,Isuppose.I’msorry.Ididn’t mean to offend you.”

“Eden, would you do me a favor?”

Hisdark eyes snare me, fathomless and shadowed.Inod, swallowing.

“Pleasestop apologizing,” he tells me gently.

Irelease a breath.I’veonly technically apologized to him twice today, butIknow he’s asking more than that.

“Youintimidate me,”Iconfess quietly.

Jasper’schin dips. “I’maware.”

“Ofcourse you are.”

Heactually smiles at that, and small and neat as it is, it changes his whole face.Istare at him, lips parting, my eyes tracing over the tragic delicacy of his cheekbones, the wayI’vebeen doing each night beforeIslip into a sweet, feverish sleep.

“Iwould be lying ifIsaidIdon’t enjoy a sub being nervous around me.Youbeing afraid, however, does not appeal in the slightest.”

Thinkingthat over,Inod slowly.Ican appreciate the distinction.

Jasperadds, “Therehas been some talk of punishment thatIfear has misled you.Tobe clear,Idon’t intend on causing you any harm, or crossing any lines you aren’t comfortable with me crossing.Youcan always refuse,Eden.Always.Andwith no consequence to your position in this house.”

Hisneed to make me understand is tangible, and although my fears and frustrations and desires go far deeper than that,I’mcomforted by his reassurance.He’sgiving me an out, despite the group’s earlier agreement, and it’s a huge weight off my shoulders.

Nowhipping necessary today.

Itilt my head. “Domsaid—”

“Ah,” he breaks in gently. “Dommay lead the men,Eden, but this is my home.Ifhe has a concern about my guests, he can discuss it with me.”

Whenhe sees his words have sunk in, he picks up his pawn atD4.Someof the tension around his mouth and shoulders has eased.

“Occasionallythere will be consequences for your actions, however,”Jaspertells me with a dangerous glint in his eye.Heindicates the board with his head. “Suchas for that move.Thatone was a mistake.”

Withprecise motions, he takes my pawn atE5.I’mnow left unprotected and retaliation in that spot would be futile.Iscowl, and he chuckles softly.

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