Free Slave by Sherri Hayes Page B

to me than Ian ever was, and I would make him happy as much as I was able.
    Briefly I wondered what he would have in store for me later; surely today would have a price. But that didn’t matter. I didn’t think there was much he could do to me that Ian hadn’t already done. Just the way he touched me made me think he’d be much gentler than my former Master was. All I had to do was endure it.
    I kept my head down as I ate, but I knew he was watching me; he watched me all the time. The old Brianna wanted to ask him why, but I’d learned that lesson the hard way a long time ago, so I remained silent. When we were both done, he took our trays and threw our trash away.
    Next, we walked to see the giraffes. There was a raised platform, and we watched as a line of kids held out food to feed the long-necked giants. It was a sight to see, and I felt myself start to relax again. I would enjoy this. He was not Ian, and come what may, I would deal with it. I’d survived before. I’d survive again.
    As the giraffes got their fill and ambled away, so did we. There were ducks by the pond, and a house filled with exotic birds. It had been so long since I’d visited a zoo, I’d forgotten how much there was to see and just how enjoyable it could be.
    I could tell we were almost done and heading back toward the zoo entrance when I saw a small fenced-in area holding barnyard animals. It was silly, I know, but he’d indulged me so far, so I walked closer.
    There were cows, geese, sheep, and goats all roaming together in the small pen. Children were mingled in alongside their parents with food cupped in their hands. I watched as a little girl who looked to be about five desperately attempted to hold onto her stash as a goat tried to find a way through her defenses. She jumped back and squealed when his nose touched her hand.
    Suddenly, I heard the weirdest sound. It took me a moment to recognize what it was, but finally I did. It was me. Laughing. I laughed.
    It had only lasted a few seconds, maybe not even that, but I laughed. When was the last time I had laughed? I didn’t know. I couldn’t remember the last time.
    The little girl giggled again, regaining my attention. Her mom stood behind her watching, so proud of her little girl for her small accomplishment. I remembered that. I’d been that little girl.
    Then I felt my Master’s hand on me, and I jumped, startled out of my reverie. My automatic response was to apologize, and I’d almost slipped, allowing the beginnings to cross my lips. He didn’t seem to be concentrating on my words, though, as I once again felt his fingertips brush the tears I hadn’t known I’d shed away from my cheeks.
    “Are you ready to go, Brianna?”
    I nodded, and we left.
    As he drove us out of the parking lot, I started looking out the window again at the passing scenery. My eyes were on the buildings and trees, but my mind was on what had happened today and my concern for what would happen tonight.
    An electronic ringing filled the car. He reached for his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “Hello?”
    For about a minute he was quiet, listening to whoever was on the other line. After a moment, I felt his eyes on me, and I couldn’t help but stiffen a little.
    “Okay,” he said. “I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes if you can have everything ready.” There was another short pause, and then he closed the phone.
    Calmly he placed it back into his jeans pocket and returned his hand to the steering wheel. I was curious as to the conversation, but I knew better than to ask. It wasn’t my place. Obviously we were going somewhere.
    Ten minutes passed before he spoke. “I need to stop at my office for a few minutes. I won’t be long, but I was wondering if you’d like to see Lily while I take care of this?”
    Another question. He was giving me an option. Did I want to see Lily again? Yes. “Yes, Master.” Nothing else was said for the remaining drive.
    He parked his car near a set