Page 18

NIKOLAI

N ikolai watches Taraji sleep, her chest rising and falling with each breath. He brushes a curl from her face, careful not to wake her. The pink bunny pajamas he dressed her in last night make her look innocent, vulnerable and everything he wants to possess and protect.

"You have no idea how long I've watched you like this," he whispers.

His mind drifts to the first time he broke into her apartment, three years ago. He had followed her home, waited until she fell asleep, and picked her locks with ease. He spent hours just watching her, memorizing every detail of her face, the sounds she made in her sleep.

"I've touched your hair while you slept," he continues, his voice barely audible. "I've laid beside you when you were too exhausted to notice. I've protected you from threats you never knew existed."

Nikolai's hand traces the outline of her body over the blanket. The possessiveness that consumes him feels like a physical ache. He remembers the collection of men who tried to hurt her, disrespect her, or simply looked at her too long. None of them breathe anymore.

"They're all gone now," he murmurs. "Every man who ever hurt you."

He knows he needs to control this darkness around her. She isn't ready to see all of him yet. The part that kills without remorse, that enjoys the power of taking a life. The part that's collected souvenirs from each person who threatened what's his.

Taraji stirs, her eyes fluttering open. Instantly, Nikolai's expression softens, the predatory look replaced by tender affection.

"Good morning, baby girl," he says, his voice gentle now.

Taraji stretches, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. "Morning, Daddy."

The word sends a jolt of pleasure through him. She's accepting her role naturally now, just as he always knew she would.

"I made breakfast," he says. "Stay right here. Daddy will bring it to you."

He returns with a tray of food of cut fruit, pancakes shaped like hearts, and a glass of orange juice with a pink straw. He sets it on her lap and sits beside her.

"Open wide," he instructs, holding a piece of strawberry to her lips.

Taraji hesitates, then opens her mouth. Nikolai feeds her bite by bite, praising her when she finishes each piece.

"Such a good girl for Daddy," he says, wiping a drop of syrup from her lip.

"Can I ask you something?" Taraji says between bites.

"Anything, baby."

"You mentioned a playroom before. What... what is that exactly?"

Nikolai smiles, setting down the fork. "It's a special room where Daddy helps his little girl explore all kinds of feelings. It has toys for grown-ups and tools that can make you feel amazing."

"Is it... will it hurt?" Her voice is small, uncertain .

"Only if you want it to," he answers honestly. "Nothing happens there without your consent. But sometimes a little pain brings the sweetest pleasure. Would you like to see it?"

Taraji nods, curiosity overriding her nervousness.

"First, we need to talk about your rules," Nikolai says, his tone becoming more serious. "Every little girl needs rules to follow."

"Rules?" Taraji sets down her juice.

"Yes, baby. Rules keep you safe and help you know what Daddy expects." He takes her hand. "Rule number one: you will always tell Daddy the truth, no matter what. Rule number two: your body belongs to Daddy now, you don't touch yourself without permission."

Taraji's eyes widen. "But what if I—"

"If you need release, you ask me," he interrupts. "Rule number three: you will address me as 'Daddy' in private at all times. Rule number four: you will eat three meals a day and take care of yourself."

He brushes his thumb across her cheek. "Rule number five: you will never, ever try to leave me. Do you understand, baby girl? You're mine now. Completely mine."

The possessiveness in his voice makes Taraji shiver. "What happens if I break a rule?"

"Then Daddy punishes you," he says simply. "Punishment can be many things such as spanking, denial, corner time. But make no mistake, baby girl, discipline will be swift and thorough."

He leans in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But be good, and Daddy will give you more pleasure than you've ever known."

Taraji swallows hard. "I understand... Daddy."

"Good girl." He kisses her forehead. "Now, do you want to see the playroom?"

She nods, and Nikolai helps her out of bed. He leads her down the hallway to a door with a biometric lock. His fingerprint grants them access, and the door swings open to reveal a large room painted deep burgundy.

Taraji gasps at the sight. The walls are lined with implements.

Floggers, crops, canes, and restraints of every description.

A large four-poster bed dominates one wall, while a St. Andrew's cross stands in the corner.

A spanking bench, a suspension rig, and various other furniture pieces are arranged throughout the space.

"This is where you'll learn to surrender completely," Nikolai explains, watching her reaction carefully. "This is where I'll break you down and build you back up, stronger and more beautiful than before."

He guides her to a glass cabinet filled with toys of various sizes and shapes. "These are for your pleasure, baby girl. We'll work our way through them as you're ready."

Taraji touches the glass, fascinated and terrified all at once. "Have you... brought other women here?"

Nikolai turns her to face him, his expression deadly serious. "No one has ever entered this room but me. I built it for you, Taraji. Only you."

"But how did you know I'd—"

"I've known what you are since the first day I saw you," he interrupts. "A little girl hiding in a woman's body, desperate for someone to see her, to take care of her."

He pulls her against him, one hand gripping her hair firmly. "I've waited five years to claim you. Five years of watching, planning, preparing. And now you're finally mine."

His lips crash down on hers, demanding and possessive. When he pulls away, Taraji is breathless.

"Remember my warning, baby girl," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "You're mine now. There's no going back. If you try to leave me..." He doesn't finish the sentence, but the dark promise in his eyes speaks volumes.

"I won't," she whispers, and she means it. Despite the fear tingling along her spine, she feels something else, a sense of belonging, of finally being seen for who she truly is .

"Good," Nikolai says, kissing her again, more gently this time. "Because I would tear apart anyone who tried to take you from me. That's a promise, baby girl."

As he leads her back to the bedroom, Nikolai feels the darkness inside him settle. She's his now, truly his. And he'll do whatever it takes to keep her, protect her, love her and possess her completely.

No matter who has to die to make that happen.