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Twenty-Four

Maddie

It’s the third day of Aidan’s absence when a special delivery arrives for me at the house by courier.

It’s a beautifully wrapped package with black wrapping paper that has soft black embossed velvet designs.

There’s an elegant shimmery gold ribbon and bow to complete the look and a small sealed cream-colored envelope attached to the top.

I sign for it and take it up to my room to open it in peace.

Did Aidan send me something? It’s really the only explanation, unless someone sent me a wedding gift.

My side of the wedding guest list focused on gifts off my registry while Aidan’s gave money.

Maybe someone couldn’t make it but wanted to get a gift to me anyway? I can’t think of who that would be. I take the gift up to my room and lock the door. No one at this house has tried to enter my private space without knocking, but still, it feels more secure.

I open the envelope.

Don’t open the box yet. At 8 pm exactly, I want you to be in my room with the package. You can open it then and follow the directions in the enclosed envelope. Don’t be late. Bring your phone. Break any of these rules at your peril. I’ll be watching.

Yours,

- A

I reread the note at least three times and then look at the clock on the wall.

It’s only two pm. I run my fingertips over the black velvet as the butterflies flip around in my belly.

I put his note in my pocket and take the box down the hall to his room and put it on his bed.

Then I spend about fifteen minutes pacing and staring at the box as though it might open and reveal itself to me without me technically breaking any of Aidan’s rules.

I glance at the cart with the hard liquor and wonder if I should take up day drinking.

A knock at the door startles me.

“Yes?”

Cora pops her head in. “Claude made some cold pasta and fruit salad for lunch if you’re ready to eat.”

I had a late breakfast this morning so Claude is right on time.

“Thank you, Cora.” That sounds amazing and is just what I need to take my mind off this.

After lunch I take the copy of Pride and Prejudice Aidan loaned me and go sit in the Jane Austen garden to read. I’m still so confused by the severed head on the Medusa statue that looks so much like Aidan.

“Mrs. Stryker?” Claude says, pulling me out of the book.

I look up, realizing hours have passed. The sun is low in the sky, though it’s still light enough to read. I’m sitting in a free-standing round cushioned swing with a canopy over the top for shade.

“I thought you might enjoy having your burger and fries outside,” he says, placing a tray with the food and a glass of lemon water on it. I move the book out of the way. It’s too important to Aidan to allow it to get damaged.

“Marry me, Claude.”

His face goes pink, and he chuckles. “I think Mr. Stryker might have something to say about that.”

I thank him and he leaves me with my dinner. After I eat, I use the moist towelette Claude brought with my meal, then I finish the chapter I was on.

Three chapters later I nearly jump out of my skin. I got so into the book that I somehow forgot about the mystery package sitting on Aidan’s bed—and his instructions.

I take the book and rush back to the house, practically flying up the stairs, and grab my phone out of my room. I make it to Aidan’s room at seven fifty-nine. A moment later I receive a text.

You like to live on the edge, don’t you?

I don’t reply to the text. Instead I look around the room trying to detect where the cameras are. When did he put them in? Were they always here? Did he put them in just before the wedding, planning to lure me here for… what? Obviously something voyeuristic.

I take the note out of my pocket and re-read it, then I open the package, careful not to rip the wrapping paper.

Inside the box are two additional black boxes, one quite small, like it could contain some type of jewelry, and the second a bit larger. A red envelope sits on top of the boxes. I open it.

Open the smallest box. You’ll know what to do with it. Then I want you to take your time and slowly strip for me. Then get in the bed and wait for my permission to open the second box. When you do, you’ll know what to do with that, too.

Yours,

- A

I somehow know what’s in the small box before I open it. When I do, my suspicions are confirmed. It’s Love Potion #9 . Immediately I flash back to the dressing room. I felt so out of control… needy, animal, wild.

I pick up the phone and type out a text.

Aidan… I can’t. It scares me.

I’ve never felt anything like that before.

I’ve been turned on before, but that feeling…

it was so intense. I felt possessed, like if I didn’t have him inside my body right that second I would combust. If he’d actually done it—taken my virginity right there in that dressing room—I never would have forgiven him.

I don’t know if I can willingly subject myself to that mindless feeling again.

You can, and you will. You’re going to be a good girl for me.

I take a slow, steadying breath. What’s in it? It’s too much. It can’t be safe .

I pace the room while the three dots flash. Finally his reply comes.

It’s safe. I promise you. I would never give you anything that would hurt you. Put the cream on and then go wash your hands before you start.

I want to argue with him, but I’m afraid if I do, he’ll call, and I need some distance for this.

I take another deep breath and put the phone down on the edge of the bed.

I unscrew the lid and apply the cold cream between my legs, already getting turned on by even the thought of this.

Then I go to the bathroom and wash my hands, wondering if he has hidden cameras installed in here, too.

When I return to the bedroom I check to make sure I remembered to lock the door, then I go back to stand near the bed.

I text Aidan. Where are the cameras?

A moment later he texts back. It doesn’t matter. I like you just where you are, don’t try to seek me out… just take your clothes off.

He wants the full voyeur effect. Not me aware of him, not me staring at the camera or trying to seduce him.

I unbutton my pale pink silk blouse, slowly slide it off, and drape it over the chair near the fireplace.

I changed into this after lunch before I went to the garden to read.

I bite my lip, glance around the room and play with the string of pearls around my neck.

Then I run my hands over my body, cupping my covered breasts.

I skim down over the light gray pencil skirt I’m wearing.

Seams run down the back of my stockings, ending in gray heels.

The phone buzzes with a text. You dressed for me, didn’t you?

I only hesitate for a moment. Yes.

Good Girl.

It’s one of the outfits he bought me when we went shopping before he left.

I slowly unzip the skirt, slide it down over my hips, and step out of it when it falls to the floor. I take in a sharp breath. I’m starting to feel the effects of the cream.

Keep going. He encourages.

I remove my shoes and unhook my garter belt, sliding first one stocking down, then the other.

By the time I’ve unhooked and removed my bra, it’s no longer a performance when I stroke my breasts for him.

I slide my panties down, make one slow turn for him, then get into the bed.

The cream is getting more intense. I reach for the second box, forgetting the instructions.

A buzz from the phone interrupts me. Stop. I’ll tell you when you can open it. And don’t touch yourself either. Wait.

I writhe on the bed, struggling not to touch myself, waiting for his next instruction as the cream reaches its full peak strength.

Please, Aidan. Please.

Not yet.

He keeps me in this limbo for several more minutes before the phone finally buzzes again.

Open the box and use what’s inside to get yourself off. It’s already been charged.

I open the second box and take out the vibrator. I spread my legs for his view and press the toy against my needy, desperate clit. I buck against it, relieved when it eases the intense arousal from the cream. I’m trying to hard to keep quiet so the guards don’t hear me.

Another text message. Scream for me.

I can’t. Nino and Marco will hear.

The room is sound-proofed. I want to hear you.

So he can hear me. I wasn’t sure if he only had a camera feed.

I obey his order and don’t hold back my moans and screams as I take myself over the edge for Aidan’s greedy voyeuristic consumption.

When I’m finished I’m about to roll over when another text comes through.

No. You’re not finished until I say you’re finished.

He makes me come three more times until he finally relents to my verbal begging for mercy. Then one final text comes through.

Have a good night, Maddie.

I drag myself out of the bed on shaky legs and go take a shower in his bathroom, then I get dressed and go back to my room, avoiding the gaze of my guards. I change into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt then go downstairs to watch a movie.