His Slave (Short Story) - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

He left her again, but unbound. He made sure to leave her clothes, more styles than she had ever seen, but also left her collar, he would be pleased if she wore it, but again left it as a choice.
It took her wounds a few days to heal, but it felt easier to walk.
Leyla woke up slowly, her tired eyes adjusting her surroundings. She felt odd and out of place. She threw the rest of the blanket off her body and walked into the bathroom, heading straight to the bathtub and turning the knobs.
After spending longer than ever, cleansing herself, she walked out with a soft towel and wrapped around her body.
She opened the cupboard, her eyes widening at the range of dresses inside them, all in her size. She pulled out a soft pink chiffon, which fell below her knees. she dries herself thoroughly, before carefully pulling the soft material over herself and zipping herself up. She looked in the mirror at her dull skin, which once glowed healthily. She sighed softly, and dried her hair, pinning it into a loose messy bun, letting a few strands of her frame the side of her face.
She looked down at the dressing table to see a velvet box with her name on it. She opened it to see his collar in it, reminding her again that she belonged to him. She wanted to throw it away, burn it, but at the same time she feared her life in his home, she'd rather her master claim, than another man in his home.
She walked out barefoot, not wanting to go through the pain of weaning uncomfortable shoes. She walked down to the dining area, to see him seated and eating. Her stomach grumbled loudly, but she refused to eat, not until she got what she wanted, even if it meant she would lose her life. She turned away, walking to wherever, not wanting to go near him. "Leyla."
She felt her breath get caught in her throat as she slowly turned around looking him in the eyes. His dark blue eye, took in her dress and stopped at her collar, she could see she pleased him, part of her felt joyous, but she reminded herself it was for her safety. She walked up to him, keeping her face hard. "Yes."
"Sit down and eat." He ordered, continuing to eat, cutting the juicy steak. "I will not." she argued, crossing her arms. The other servants were stunned by her public defiance, but continued to do their work. "You will at once. Or I will strip you in front of everyone." he stated calmly. Her eyes widened with fear, he was forcing her again. She pulled out a chair and sat down beside him, crossing her arms again, looking away as another servant filled her plate up. "Start eating. I have a lot to talk about with you."
She looked at him hesitantly, his face was giving away nothing, maybe he was going to give her away to someone else, but that thought terrified her. He gave her another warning look and she picked up her fork, poking her lightly seasoned vegetables and taking a small bite of it. He watched her take her first bite after five days of arguin, relieved that she had listened. He would've never stripped her in front of anyone, but the mere threat was enough.
"I'm pleased to see you wearing my collar." he stated, his blue eyes seemed to sparkle, watching her blush coming to the surface. "I don't trust your men." she responded quietly. "And me?" he asked curiously.
"No. I have chosen the lesser evil." She answered, making him frown. He continued eating and waited for her to eat a sufficient amount of food. Leyla was too curious and nervous to eat too much.
"I have decided to..." she held her breath. "Give you your freedom back." She watched him with wide eyes. "You are free to dress however you want, walk wherever you want, but can not leave the premises. If you want to go to the gardens you must go with me. You will sleep in the same bed as me, but I will not touch you. It's your choice to wear the collar. My only conditions are; you are to have three timely meals, sleep on time, and share your problems with only me. Do you agree?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. Leyla was at loss of words, she thought he was going to get rid of her. "Why?" She whispered. He stayed silent and watched as her eyes glazed over. "I have come to understand you a little more and I'm willing to be more liberal, only for you."
"What do you want in return?" she asked knowing her freedom must come at a price.
"Your happiness." he answered quietly.
"Are you mocking me?" She asked tearfully, this had to be unreal.
"I am not. I only ask of you be to obedient and understand why things are a certain way. It's how things run here, but I'm willing to make an exception for you, only if you abide by the rules I stated earlier.
She watched him for a moment, his eyes were sincere, but he was hesitant to give her freedom. "Okay, I will do my best." she agreed.
"I want to go outside."
He hid his smile at her immediate order. "Finish eating and dress appropriately, it's rather cold outside." he stated getting up and going to their room. Leyla finished her steak and skipped up to her room, ignoring him sitting on the bed, pulling out a long dress and taking it to the bathroom to change. He watched her amused as she stepped out after a couple of seconds, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked at him expectantly. "I'm ready." She said, hopping around to pull her boots off.
He stood up, holding his arm out to her, she hesitantly wrapped her arm around his muscled forearm. He led her back down through the kitchen, unlocking the door, he could feel her excitement as her hand tightened around his slightly.
She walked out with him, her wide eyes taking in the huge trees and different flower beds lined up. She looked up at him, slowly letting go of him and was watching her carefully before stepping away. He didn't stop her and walked over to the bench and sat down, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Leyla kneeled down beside the flowers, leaning down to smell them, moaning softly. "You can pick them if you like." He said, he loved his flowers and never allowed anyone to pick them. "No, it would ruin them." She frowned. She got up and walked over to the water fountain, sitting down on the edge dipping her hand into the freezing water.
She was unaware of the beast approaching her from behind, nudging her. She held on to the edge quickly and turned around, gasping.
He watched her closely, other servants were scared of his wolf. Surprisingly, she held her hand out, letting him sniff her hand. "Aren't you a handsome... boy?" She looked at Michael questiongly and he nodded, smiling slightly. He watched pleased as her cheeks warmed up again as she petted his wolf.
"Do you want to play?" She asked getting up and walking past the fountain looking for a stick. She waved it in the air and laughed as he jumped excitedly, waving his tail side to side. "Catch!" She demanded throwing with all her strength and watched him running away after it wildly.
He sighed finally she was laughing and happy, even just for a little bit. He closed his eyes and leaned back.
Leyla held the stick in her hand and pretended to throw it, hiding it behind her back. The wolf looked around wildly, before looking at her. She giggled almost looking like he was squinting at her knowingly. He jumped on her, his paws landing on her chest, pushing her to the ground. She released a scream of shock.
He growled at her playfully licking her face. I'm sorry." She laughed, trying to push him away.
"Down boy." He demanded loudly, scolding him. The wolf immediately jumped off, lowering his head and pushing his ears down.
Leyla sat up, getting off the muddy ground and dusting her dress. "We were just playing." She muttered looking down.
"How many times have I told you to be careful when you are playing, Hunter." He scolded walking up to both of them. Hunter whined softly. "Say sorry." Hunter immediately sat up holding his paw out in front of her.
"Aww, you're such a good boy, Hunter." Shecooed at him,holding paw in one hand and petting him with the other. He wagged his tail happily, understanding what Leyla had said to him.
"Come on, Hunter. It's time for you to go home." he ordered softly. The wolf ran away, leaving them alone. He caught her watching him, making her blush as he took a step towards her. Leyla took a step away from him, turning away. It had only been a day, but she was already feeling a little more drawn to him. He took another step forwards, making her take another one. She squealed as she tripped over a branch. Michael stepped forwards quickly, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her upright.
She gasped as heavy rain began pouring over them, drenching them immediately. She looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath. "I've missed this." She whispered, closing her eyes and letting the cold droplets land on her face.
He was unable to take his eyes off her face, she looked so relaxed, so beautiful. She was a breath of fresh air in his lids and at that point he decided he would do anything to keep her happy.
He pressed his lips to her wet mouth, keeping still, waiting for her to react. She took a shaky breath, wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him down.
He coaxed her mouth open, letting his tongue tangle with hers. She moaned softly, only encouraging him to continue. He pulled away for a moment, letting her breathe, biting his lip.
He bent down, placing his arm under her knee, picking her up and taking her back inside. She opened her mouth to protest, but his next words shut her mouth. "We'll come back tomorrow. I'll show you other places." He promised, keeping his voice gentle.
She kept his eyes on his face, as he clenched his jaw tightly, looking down at her. He opened the door to his room. She noted the desire in his eyes and wondered if he would stay true to his earlier words.
"Change." He demanded lowly, moving away from her and taking out his own clothes and walking into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Leyla was unable to keep the smile off her face knowing that she was affecting him. She took some clothes out for herself, planning the sweetest revenge, she was going to tease him.
As soon as he walked out his eyes were drawn to Leyla, dressed in silk shorts and matching tank top. Perhaps he shouldn't have promised her that he wouldn't touch her. His mood deteriorated even more. She expected him to pull her close as he would usually, regardless of whether she wanted to. He laid down on the other side of the bed quietly.