Page 10 of In Bellamira's Chains

My jaw fell open. I had never been asked that. They always took what they wanted without a care in the world. A piece of me cracked open. All the heartache and pain I had endured was bad luck and shitty parents who didn’t try to find me a nice match, parents who only saw me as a pawn and threw me away the second I wasn’t useful to them.

But Elera and Mistress Belle… they were proving to be so different, and I didn’t know what to do with that. There was a chance at happiness here, even if it didn’t lead to the love they shared with each other.

I had a chance, and Elera was the first step in that. We had until tonight to make me the perfect pet for our mistress, and I so badly wanted to be good for her, for them.

The tears started, and they refused to stop. They went from quiet tears to sobbing, and Elera ripped the pillow from my arms and dragged me into hers.

“It’s okay, Hazelle. Cry. It’s okay,” she soothed as she ran her hands up and down my back as I nearly sprawled across her body in a heap.

I needed to hear those words. I needed to hear every word she had said and would say. “You’re safe.”

I held on tighter.

“I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

I cried harder.

I didn’t know how long we laid there with me crying on top of Elera, but she didn’t go back on her word. She didn’t go anywhere, and I cried until I couldn’t produce any more tears.

The room fell into silence as I calmed down. All I heard was Elera’s heartbeat against my ear.

“It’s almost ten AM. Would you like to try and eat something? Maybe some toast and juice to start?” I nodded my head against her, enjoying the feel of her skin and the satin that barely covered her.

“Yes, please.” My voice was sloppy and wet, but she didn’t seem to mind. Although, I did feel bad that her chest was now soaked with my tears.

“And maybe some tissues and a shower.” She laughed, and I loved the sound of it.

I pushed myself up and stared down at her, her green eyes holding no judgment or anger. I leaned down and kissed her, but unlike she had done before, I didn’t pull away. I was very unpracticed at kissing. It wasn’t something Oros had done besides a few times in the beginning. There were many things I knew how to do because I was forced to learn or take it without question, but kissing wasn’t one of them.

Her hand worked its way into my tangled hair, deepening the kiss. Her tongue sought entrance, and I let it, tangling it with my own. My pheromones went crazy, filling the room as my arms shook from the effort it took to hold myself up. Elera noticed and flipped us so she was on top with one leg over one of mine and her upper body over me as well.

She kissed me again and worked a trail of kisses down my chin and throat, but when I tried to adjust my head to give her more room, my hair pulled, and I yelped.

Elera shot back and tried to find the source of my pain, then realized what happened.

“I’ll move asking about a haircut up the list.” She grimaced. “Breakfast first though.” She gave me one last peck on my lips before leaving the bed and getting to work ordering us more food.

It went better this time, and I didn’t overdo it, so a shower and getting dressed was easy enough as long as I stayed sitting for most of it.

Elera wore a translucent dark blue T-shirt dress that fell to her upper thighs with a pink lace lingerie set underneath. I couldn’t decide what to wear. There were too many options in her closet, so I let her pick for me today. She chose a yellow silk skirt that would be high-waisted on her but barely stayed on my hips and a black crop top that was slightly too big, but everything was comfortable and soft. I didn’t have on a bra this time but wore a pair of simple black underwear.

Apparently, Elera rarely wore shoes, and if she did, it was due to weather or safety. Around the house, she didn’t wear any. Last night, she had on simple flats so she didn’t hurt herself on any gravel.

I didn’t mind it at all as I rarely wore shoes anyway.

With our clothes on, my hair in a braided ponytail, and breakfast out of the way, it was time for a tour, and I was eager to see the rest of the mansion, and maybe Mistress Belle. I hoped she said yes to cutting my hair and liked the outfit Elera picked out for me.

I so wanted to please her, and a small smile crossed my lips, realizing how much better I felt in

such a short amount of time. A little bit of kindness truly went a long way.

Chapter seven

Elera

The change in Hazelle was already evident, and I couldn’t wait to see who she became after some time here.

We walked around outside, feeling the dirt beneath our feet and grass between our toes as we went. It was a nice calm morning, just cool enough that we weren’t uncomfortable, but the sun was shining, so our little clothing wasn’t an issue either.