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Chapter Eleven

Teddy

“Good girl,” he says, his hand moving from the top of my head down to my chin, heedless of the mess still covering my mouth. My mouth curves into a smile at his words, a flush of warmth washing over me. I lean forward, lightly pressing my head against his thigh and enjoying the soft pets.

A part of me is shouting, objecting to allowing this to happen. That stubborn girl who's still inside, wanting to burn anything and anyone who thinks they can control me to the ground. This was all supposed to be a game. Say sorry, make him mine again. Somehow, I think I just became his. And what’s stranger is even with that realization, I feel utterly satisfied and happy.

When Branson was telling me what to do, I didn’t have to think. My body moved as though on autopilot, easily sinking into his commands as a kind of euphoria overtook me.

Jane tried to teach me that being in control was the end all, be all. But I’m starting to realize she was wrong about many things. Sure, having power over someone is special, feels incredible, but this is something else. There’s something to giving up your power. Something worth exploring.

I lift my face to look at him and my breath catches in my throat at the look on his face. The small smile, one like I’ve never seen before. I want to make him smile, I realize.

Putting a hand down, he helps me stand so we’re both facing each other, me wearing only panties and socks, him completely naked. My eyes trail over the scars and burns marring his flesh, and I’m surprised to not feel guilt when I look at them.

He looks fucking amazing.

“What now?” I finally ask, not sure where to go from here. We spent years as friends, longer as enemies, and now, here we are. The corner of his mouth turns up a fraction more.

“Now, we go to bed.”