crosses his features for a second, then his eyes light up briefly in recognition. “Ah, you mean a saltire?”
I nod my head, but then remembering his orders, I quickly slip out a, “Yes, sir.”
He lifts an eyebrow, giving me an almost-worried look. “It’s what they call a St. Andrews Cross, Julianna. Some people use it for erotic bedroom play.”
Simply wonderful, I think to myself with sarcasm. “And the other ‘some people’?” I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but there it is; I’m too curious for my own good. I just can’t stop while I’m ahead. I’m sure he wishes I wasn’t so inquisitive, because I can see the thought cross over his features as he tries to answer me diplomatically. “The others...well, let’s just say they get a little more creative in nature.”
I close my eyes tightly, mumbling to myself, “Oh, geez.”
His index finger lightly taps me on the end of my nose, and at the same time, he grins and playfully says, “Suggest you be a good girl then.” I know he’s trying to ease my nerves, but I don’t find it amusing and I frown. I just want to go home, I want to be back in Adam’s arms.
Travis looks at me apologetically and lets out a long sigh. “Look, you’ve had a long day. Get some sleep.” He gently caresses the soft skin behind my ear. “I have your alarm already set for 7 am. Fresh clothes and breakfast will be by the end of your bed before you wake up in the morning. I’ll come retrieve you at 8 am sharp.” He raises an eyebrow to let me know he’s serious. “Please be showered, fed, dressed, and ready.”
I whisper, “Yes, sir,” and drag my eyes away from his handsome face. I get the feeling Travis can be nice and turn on the charm at the drop of a hat when he wants to. He exudes an unpredictability that changes with the flick of a switch. I surmise he can be quite deadly indeed, a stealthy, calculated killer. The thought makes me think I might fear Travis more than I do Nick. At least with Nick, I know what I’m getting by his borderline psychosis of hot-headedness. Knowing anyone or anything can push Nick’s buttons leaves him easily predictable. Definitely not the case with Travis—pushing his buttons can unknowingly lead to activating a ticking time bomb. One would never know when it’d go off.
Travis leans over and kisses my forehead, whispering to me, “Thank you, Julianna. Sleep well.”
Before I can respond, Travis is off the bed and leaving me for the door. When it clicks shut, the lights go out, and those damn dimmer lights turn on behind the red curtains, taunting me. I let out a huge breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I suddenly feel all alone, missing Travis’ comforting presence. I slink my weary body down into the comfort of the covers and sink my head into the soft pillow. I lay there for a long moment trying not to allow myself to think about Adam, Jake, and my dad. My life has spun out of control, and I wait desperately for the sleep medicine to take hold before tears start escaping.
I tear my thoughts away from honing in on my emotional distress and foolishly begin the denial process, starting with entertaining my mind with make-believe fantasies of escape. Then, I think of the man who was able to wrap me in his illusion of safety with his caring concern—fake or not—while existing in this hostile environment. I close my eyes, willing myself to fall asleep.
I’ve never experienced an adrenaline-rushing, heart-palpitating reaction over the mere sight of a man before. That thought alone has me concerned for my own sanity. I’d felt as if I was being helplessly pulled into a rip tide, its current sweeping me toward a man who is one of my captors. I’ve only had one man in my life romantically, and I can honestly say I never felt that heavy pull when I was with Adam. I’m confused; it was only last night I was in dire straits over Adam, and now my thoughts are in a fist fight, warring over the fact I
I nod my head, but then remembering his orders, I quickly slip out a, “Yes, sir.”
He lifts an eyebrow, giving me an almost-worried look. “It’s what they call a St. Andrews Cross, Julianna. Some people use it for erotic bedroom play.”
Simply wonderful, I think to myself with sarcasm. “And the other ‘some people’?” I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but there it is; I’m too curious for my own good. I just can’t stop while I’m ahead. I’m sure he wishes I wasn’t so inquisitive, because I can see the thought cross over his features as he tries to answer me diplomatically. “The others...well, let’s just say they get a little more creative in nature.”
I close my eyes tightly, mumbling to myself, “Oh, geez.”
His index finger lightly taps me on the end of my nose, and at the same time, he grins and playfully says, “Suggest you be a good girl then.” I know he’s trying to ease my nerves, but I don’t find it amusing and I frown. I just want to go home, I want to be back in Adam’s arms.
Travis looks at me apologetically and lets out a long sigh. “Look, you’ve had a long day. Get some sleep.” He gently caresses the soft skin behind my ear. “I have your alarm already set for 7 am. Fresh clothes and breakfast will be by the end of your bed before you wake up in the morning. I’ll come retrieve you at 8 am sharp.” He raises an eyebrow to let me know he’s serious. “Please be showered, fed, dressed, and ready.”
I whisper, “Yes, sir,” and drag my eyes away from his handsome face. I get the feeling Travis can be nice and turn on the charm at the drop of a hat when he wants to. He exudes an unpredictability that changes with the flick of a switch. I surmise he can be quite deadly indeed, a stealthy, calculated killer. The thought makes me think I might fear Travis more than I do Nick. At least with Nick, I know what I’m getting by his borderline psychosis of hot-headedness. Knowing anyone or anything can push Nick’s buttons leaves him easily predictable. Definitely not the case with Travis—pushing his buttons can unknowingly lead to activating a ticking time bomb. One would never know when it’d go off.
Travis leans over and kisses my forehead, whispering to me, “Thank you, Julianna. Sleep well.”
Before I can respond, Travis is off the bed and leaving me for the door. When it clicks shut, the lights go out, and those damn dimmer lights turn on behind the red curtains, taunting me. I let out a huge breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I suddenly feel all alone, missing Travis’ comforting presence. I slink my weary body down into the comfort of the covers and sink my head into the soft pillow. I lay there for a long moment trying not to allow myself to think about Adam, Jake, and my dad. My life has spun out of control, and I wait desperately for the sleep medicine to take hold before tears start escaping.
I tear my thoughts away from honing in on my emotional distress and foolishly begin the denial process, starting with entertaining my mind with make-believe fantasies of escape. Then, I think of the man who was able to wrap me in his illusion of safety with his caring concern—fake or not—while existing in this hostile environment. I close my eyes, willing myself to fall asleep.
I’ve never experienced an adrenaline-rushing, heart-palpitating reaction over the mere sight of a man before. That thought alone has me concerned for my own sanity. I’d felt as if I was being helplessly pulled into a rip tide, its current sweeping me toward a man who is one of my captors. I’ve only had one man in my life romantically, and I can honestly say I never felt that heavy pull when I was with Adam. I’m confused; it was only last night I was in dire straits over Adam, and now my thoughts are in a fist fight, warring over the fact I
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