GENESIS
As we walked into the house, he still didn't say a word to me. The silence gnawed at me, keeping me on edge. I didn't know what to expect—was this the moment he would finally lash out?
Just then, Daisy leapt off the couch the moment she saw us.
"Lily!" she shouted with pure excitement.
I smiled, barely in time before she flung herself at me. I staggered back from the impact, but large hands caught my shoulders, steadying me before I could fall.
"Daisy, you need to be careful," Kieran said, his voice firm. Then his hands dropped away—and with them, his warmth.
Daisy's lips wobbled. "I'm sorry." She turned to me quickly, brightening. "Lily, I heard you weren't feeling well. You didn't come to dance class today. We all missed you!"
I bent down, kneeling to her height, and smiled. I touched my chest with two fingers, then gave her a thumbs-up—something Liam had taught me.
She tilted her head, watching carefully. "That means… you're okay?"
I nodded, then pointed at her and formed a tiny heart with my fingers.
Her face lit up like sunshine. "Yay! I'm so glad!"
She hugged me tightly again, and I hugged her back, blinking fast to hold back tears. Her warmth, her innocent concern—it reminded me why I had to keep going. Even when everything else felt too heavy.
Behind us, Kieran moved. I turned just in time to catch him walking away, already heading upstairs.
He still hadn't looked at me.
Daisy pulled back, her eyes sparkling. "Do you want some of my ice cream? Wait—can you have ice cream when you're sick? Grandma doesn't let me, but you're a grown-up, so maybe you can!"
I didn't answer. My gaze followed Kieran up the stairs until he was gone from sight.
Only then did I let out a breath and turned back to Daisy with a smile I had to force.
****
I stepped into the bedroom. The door clicked shut behind me. I could hear the shower running—he was in the bathroom.
Good. That gave me time. Time to think, to figure out how to apologize and soften whatever punishment might be waiting.
My stomach flipped as memories of the last punishment surfaced—he'd smacked my butt, then taken me hard. But this time… this time felt different. He seemed angrier.
No. Don't think about that now.
I told myself and began undressing. Carefully, I folded each piece of clothing and placed them on the bed. But as I turned, a wave of dizziness hit me. I wobbled, quickly grabbing the edge of the bed to steady myself.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them again, the room had stopped spinning.
I turned, walked to the foot of the bed, and sank to my knees, lowering my gaze. It was my way of showing I was sorry.
I had done this before—many times. In front of Monica. In front of her guests. Her children. They made me kneel, made me prove I was beneath them. Jimmy would strip me, whip me, laugh as I cried...
No, Genesis. This is different.
This isn't that life anymore. This is your place now. You're his. And even if it hurts, even if you hate this, you're doing it to make things right. To keep things from getting worse.
The bathroom door opened.
Steam rolled into the room like a heavy fog. My heart pounded as the sound of his steps drew closer—measured, slow, firm.
Suddenly, strong arms yanked me upward. His hand wrapped around my waist, pressing me flush against his wet chest.
I looked up at him, startled.
"Don't ever do that again," he said, his voice low and firm, his eyes burning into mine.
I nodded quickly, fear and confusion swirling inside me.
He ran a hand through his wet hair, droplets dripping from his lashes down his jaw to his chest.
"I don't think you understand," he said, still calm but stern. "I don't want you kneeling unless I tell you to. And right now, you're not in any condition to kneel."
I blinked, my eyes flying up to meet his. What...?
"I'm not saying I'm not upset," he continued, guiding me gently down to sit on the bed. He crouched, leveling his gaze with mine. "But I'm not upset with you. You didn't do anything wrong."
I stared at him, confused.
But… I broke one of his rules.
As if reading my mind, he added softly, "I know I told you not to smile at any man. But it's okay, princess. You can smile. As long as there's nothing behind it."
He brushed a damp strand of hair from my face, his touch surprisingly tender.
"I saw the way that dancer looked at you," he said. "That was on him—not you."
I stared at him, still unsure how to process his words. His voice was calm now, but his eyes still held that fire—something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface.
"I've been too harsh," he muttered, almost to himself, his jaw tightening. "Seeing you kneel and flinch, seeing you afraid of me… I don't like that."
I bit down hard on my lip, my fingers twisting nervously together. I didn't know what to make of this. So, no punishment this time?
I should feel relief, but instead, a strange, uneasy emotion churned inside me.
"Don't get me wrong, angel," he said, his voice softer now, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll still punish you for breaking my rule—but that rule ends today. Besides, you're not feeling well. You need to rest."
I looked up just as he leaned in, pressing a brief, gentle kiss to my lips before pulling away. His fingers brushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear with tender care.
"Now get some rest. I have something to take care of." He stood, his hand briefly squeezing my thigh, then turned. The towel slipped from his waist, and I. watched him disappear into the walk-in closet.
But despite his words, a k
not tightened in my chest. I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Punishment or not.