Blake had never woken up in a more comfortable bed, the sheets were cool and she slid easily as she shifted. Her eyes opened to a deep pile of dark purple pillows and blankets and she tilted her head in confusion. Opening her mouth to yawn Blake stretched upward but cried out at the stiff pain in her back. The moment of morning contentedness was broken as the memories of last night came back. Never in her life had she experienced so much pain but this after day throbbing surprised her. Her eyes moved over the furniture and coloring realizing that she was still in Mr. Nemilos's room and apparently alone. She reached out with a trembling hand and felt the warmth near her. He had been laying there until recently.
Sore and humiliated, trying to keep the tears back, Blake pulled herself up and felt a deep ache in between her legs, she froze. She ran her hand down and felt herself, her lips were swollen and she ached. She wondered if she was still a virgin. Was the pain from the way he touched her or had something more happened after she slept. She slipped from the bed and discovered a note on a nightstand. The crisp white paper was folder over and her name was written across the front. Blake snatched at it and frowned as she realized that a note from Mr. Nemilos was quickly becoming a reason for anxiety.
Dear girl,
I trust you slept well last night. You looked so peaceful I couldn't bring myself to send you to your own room. Then, when I crawled in the bed next to you, the way you clung to me was most endearing. I know you must be sore this morning but we have a lot to do, so while I am allowing you to sleep in please make sure you follow my directions closely.
Once you are up take a shower, the water is going to hurt your back but in the long run you'll feel better for it. I have laid clothing out for you in the bathroom, wear what I have put out and nothing more. Once you are dressed come downstairs and meet me for breakfast and then we'll go out.
Yours truly,
Master
Blake growled low in her throat, the way she had clung to him? It was impossible to know for sure but she never clung to anyone. She was positive her was being cruel and making up stories. She read the note again and debated what to do, she could resist him but under the law she was there until she was 21. She was going to have to do her best to make herself appealing for him or two years would be a very long time. For the sake of building a relationship she decided to jump in the shower.
On the other side of the door Mr. Nemilos listened as the shower turned on waiting another moment and opening the door. The room stood empty and the bathroom door was shut against the sound of the shower. He put down the tray he had made, breakfast for two, and grabbed the salve for her back. He put it on the nightstand beside the bed and then looked into the bathroom. As he stepped up to the door he heard her let out a small screen of surprised pain and smiled.
Blake couldn't bite back the scream of pain as the shower hit her back. What had that monster done to her last night? In her wildest dreams and most fearsome nightmares, she had dreamt many scenarios for her first lover. None of them, not her worst fears, had ever resulted in her hanging from a ceiling being beat. She cried softly to herself, sure she was scarred forever. No man would ever be able to look at her back without seeing the proof of last night. As the hot water ran over her Blake carefully sank to the shower floor.
It was a long time later when she brushed the tears out of her eyes and struggled to stand up. Then he was there, Mr. Nemilos reached into the shower and offered her his arm. Not wanting to fight, feeling weak and defeated, Blake took his arm. He reached into the shower and shut off the water. Mr. Nemilos held up a large towel and she gratefully stepped into it. It was huge, and fluffy and Blake found herself surrounded by its warmth. Leading her by the arm, Mr. Nemilos brought her back into the bedroom.
Carefully he patted her dry and then walked her closer to the bed. Blake tensed up, trying to stop walking, but Mr. Nemilos was too strong and did not hesitate. He pressed her against the bed and she almost fell back into it. To her shock Mr. Nemilos caught her around the belly and turned her over, taking the towel away and laying her on her stomach. Still silently, they hadn't exchanged a word, he began to rub the salve into her skin. Blake tensed each time his strong hands rubbed into a welt or sore spot, but after a few minutes she had to admit it was wonderful. The salve seemed to be softening her skin, releasing the tight feeling. The strength in his hands seemed to be stealing the ache away. Several times she smacked down the feeling of thankfulness and remaindered herself that he was the reason for her pain. He did not deserve her thanks.
"Alright, time to get up girl." Mr. Nemilos pulled away and she sighed softly, Blake was utterly confused. As she sat up Mr. Nemilos put his hand on her shoulder. "When your Master does something for you, you should always thank him girl." Blake recognized the warning for what it was.
"Yes Master, thank you Master." Blake answered dutifully. She really was thankful for the gentle administrations, even if she was confused by his change in attitude. Mr. Nemilos allowed her to sit up in the bed and then reached for the breakfast tray. Blake looked at the English muffin, milk, and a small bowl of cut up fruit. Mr. Nemilos tucked the tray over her legs and motioned for her to eat.
"Thank you Master." She said and then lowered her head in prayer. Mr. Nemilos watched her, taking a bite of his own English muffin. The cuts on her back were shallow and the bruises would heal quickly, he prided himself on the ability to bring pain without damage. Yesterday he had taken the girl, inexperienced as she was, far enough down the road to give her a very healthy respect of his abilities. The pain had already made her much more docile.
"I have seen your files, I know you aren't stupid." Mr. Nemilos spoke as Blake took a bite of her fruit. She looked up at him quickly, eyes wary and did not reply. "I don't take on stupid girls. I have a lot of expectations for my girls and people who know me, know what to expect. When you run around claiming to be mine, yet break my rules in front of my friends." He shrugged, "it leads a very bad impression on my training."