Entering silently, he rested against the doorframe. I was unaware of his return and stood as he left, restrained and sore.
"Interesting fellow, don't you think? Maybe we should invite him over again."
I bit my lip and closed my eyes. To imagine that creep touching me again. Putting me through pain and taunting me. I had been punished, rightfully, but that was more than I could handle.
My Master stepped before me and smiled.
"No. Even though you got the punishment you deserved, I could not bare to see someone touch you like that again."
He caressed my thigh and kissed my lips gently. His eyes traveled to my shoulder and for the first time I saw the cut that Webber had inflicted. It was deep but had stopped bleeding an hour ago. I had lost all track of time when my blindfold was placed over my eyes. It had been five hours since my initial intrusion had brought about such pain.
The shackles around my wrists were released and I dropped my arms to my side, sending a jolt of pain up my arms and back to the bruises on my back from the crop. I began to cry and my Master cupped my face in his loving hands.
"What is wrong?"
I sobbed unable to speak, and hated myself for refusing to answer. This would only put my farther in his disfavor but I could not speak. I cried harder.
"I'm sorry." I finally croaked through tears.
He held me close and smoothed my hair. I had thought him heartless to let another man touch me and hurt me. Now I knew that it had hurt him to see me reduced to such treatment. He loved me, even if he did own me, he loved me more than an object.
He kissed my cheeks and lifted me in his arms. He had never done this either and I did not know what to expect. He carried me to the bathroom and set me down in our large tub. His hands reached around my neck and took off my collar, setting it delicately on the linen cabinet. Master turned the faucets and kept his eyes away from me. I kept my eyes in my lap and lay in the cold tub, as the water slowly filled and washed over my blood stained skin.
I winced with pain as the warm water touched the cut and cleansed it. But in all I knew the water would sooth my muscles and calm my nerves. My Master got undressed unnoticed and slid into the tub infront of me. He pulled me to him and I sat between his legs in the water. He massaged my back gently and kissed my neck. I had missed his tender embrace and thought nothing more could be so sweet to my senses after such cruelty.
"I'll never disobey you Master. I promise you." I breathed softly.
He pulled be back upon him and my back had finally stopped throbbing. My head was clear and almost all my pain had left me. I smiled and lay quietly unsure of how he felt. I was confused and scared he would no longer feel the same for me, after being used by another.
He said nothing as we reclined in the water, and I began to doubt my future with him. He owned me, but he could disown me easily enough.
His hands wrapped under mine and slid to rest on my stomach. His chin rested on my good shoulder and he spoke softly.
"Your apology is accepted slave, and I'm sure you will not interrupt me from now on. When you are up to it, I will test your loyalty for the last time tonight."
He kissed me and nibbled my ear, "I am proud of you Steph. You took your punishment well and pleased your Master greatly."
I smiled and breathed easy knowing he was not going to disown me, but put my skills to use once more. I relaxed and saved my energy. When we were finished our bath I stood and toweled myself off before his eyes, making sure to exenterate my curves and position myself for his delight. He smiled and stood. I toweled him off and massaged his smooth body.
He picked up my collar and placed it around my neck. The feel of it was reassuring.