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Chapter Three

Branson

I’m almost done cleaning up dinner when I hear Teddy leave, heading down the stairs. I look over to see her dressed all in black and my heart beats faster. I will always tell her she is beautiful whatever she wears, and it’s true, but there is something about seeing her clothed in black.

Over the past months I’ve come to understand her so much more, accept her. I get it now, why she was so bitter at me for so long. Teddy has a darkness to her that can’t be tamed, and I never accepted that. Now when I see her in her element, I revel in the beauty of her passion.

I think back to the times she wanted to play, to touch me, before and how I told her I’d never want her. I regret those words more than anything now. I want nothing more than her.

Her eyes meet mine, and she sneers before leaving out the front door. I feel a stab of sadness at the thought of her absence. I wish I could ask her to take me with her. She must know by now I’d never run, never try to leave her, but I know she’d just say no.

Sighing, I continue my chores.

As I clean, I let her question about Jane run through my head and try to think harder about how she’s changed since I was young. It’s strange for me to think that I’ve been here, with Jane, for over fifteen years now. I wonder how much better my life would have been if I had just properly submitted earlier. It feels incredible to not have to think, to worry about things. Just listen, follow the rules, and do as I’m told.

I push the niggling thought of my own weakness aside and let images of Teddy churn through my mind.