I lost track of time. My knees throbbed and if I moved, it made it flare up. When that happened, I would groan and he would hold me closer, whispering soothing words. "Hush, petal, you're okay. Master will take care of you. We won't have to do that again."
"Yes, Master." My voice was shaky and I just took deep breaths.
"I didn't like watching you down there, little slave. I meant what I said on the first day. I don't have any desire to cause you pain. But sometimes pain is the best teacher."
"Yes, Master."
"Do you think you can walk yet, petal?"
"I don't know," I said, the thought sending a shiver down my spine.
"Let's give it a try. We can order Chinese for lunch, enough to have leftovers for dinner. And we can watch a movie on the loveseat. You can even pick."
"Yes, Master."
"Good girl, little slave."
"Thank you, Master."
He slid his arm out from under my head and stood up. He held out his hand and I took it. He wrapped his arm behind my shoulders and helped me sit. I swung my legs around slowly, noticing that the knees were a bit bruised and red, with a little swelling, but they didn't look too bad. At least the skin hadn't been cut.
He kept his hands on me as I stood, letting me lean on him. I groaned again. The pain kept me a bit off balance but at least I knew my legs would hold me. He kissed my temple. "Master's got you, petal. Just take your time."
I walked slowly out of the bedroom. He led me to the bathroom. "Let me know when you're done, petal. I don't want you walking far on your own right now. Have to take care of Master's property."
"Yes, Master."
He left and closed the door. Once I was done, I stood up and washed my hands. I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess and my face was puffy. But I didn't really see that. I just saw the collar. I could unbuckle it. I could take it off and leave, James' debts be damned. No one would blame me.
I sighed. I touched the leather and ran my finger along the edge of the hoop. That's where the leashes went. The ones I went along with. I pulled my hair back in my hand and looked at myself again. The woman looking at me wasn't the same one who had signed the contract.
I opened the door. "Master? I'm done."
"Good." He came into the hallway from my room. He held out his arm and I hooked my elbow around his. We walked together into the living room. He set me on the loveseat and pulled out his phone. He sat next to me and tapped through screens.
"Here's the best Chinese food place in the area. Order enough to last through tonight. Anything you like."
"Yes, Master."
I scrolled through and found my usual favorites. I ordered sweet and sour chicken with pork fried rice and lo mein. Then I added egg rolls and some steamed dumplings. It was a lot, but for whatever reason, I was actually hungry.
I gave the phone back and he sent the order. He put the phone on the side table and held out his arm. "Put your head on my lap, Petal. Put your feet up on the end and relax."
"Yes, Master."
I did as he said and he put his hand on my shoulder, stroking my bicep over and over. He picked up the remote and said, "What do you want to watch? Your choice, remember."
"I don't know, Master. It doesn't really matter."
"What about a sci-fi movie? I know you like those."
I did. He was right. I could only assume James had told him. Along with all of my other preferences, like the shampoo. "Okay."