Free Bondage Included by Tori Carson Page B

surprised him by asking him to shave her, but once he’d called her bluff, she’d tried to back out. Being nude was mildly disconcerting to her. When she became flustered she wanted to cover up. It was an easy tell to watch for.
    The blindfold was another matter. Other than to help her sleep, there hadn’t been a reason for her to keep it on. He’d only wanted to see her reaction to being told no. She hadn’t disappointed. Her breathing had quickened and her skin had flushed.
    Everything about her appealed to him and it scared him shitless. He didn’t have a clue how he would let her go at the end of their four months.
    He looked at the clock—it was well past time for her pain meds. Damn it, how had he let that slip? He poured her a glass of ice water and took it in to her. She looked so peaceful and she’d kept the blindfold in place. His heart contracted just looking at her. She’d been through so much, but she was a fighter.
    “I’m not asleep. And don’t get all mad. You said rest, not sleep, so technically, I didn’t disobey you,” she grumbled.
    “I’m feeling some compassion for your father. He must have been at his wit’s end trying to keep you in line. Were you spanked daily?” He pretended to be frustrated, but he loved her bratty side. She’d give him trouble all day, every day, if he’d let her. He would have to work hard to keep the grin from his face while he scolded her.
    “Oh, no. Papa never hit us, no matter how much we tried his patience.” She sounded relaxed and at ease.
    “Spanking isn’t hitting and don’t expect the same patience from me. I suspect you’ll receive many swats during our time together.” And he’d enjoy every damn one of them. He sighed. She probably would too.
    She laughed. “Spanking is too hitting. Look it up in the dictionary.” She shook her head. “It’s the same thing.”
    “Spanking is a form of discipline. It’s one of many I’m quite fond of.” He ran his hand up her good leg and was pleased when she didn’t flinch. “It’s pain pill time, open up.”
    “Nope. I’m done with them.”
    “Bebe, time got away from me. We’re a bit late. You don’t want the pain to get a foothold. Take the pill.” She really was going to try his patience at every turn. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and contemplated how to win this contest of wills.
    “Unlikely since I haven’t had one in days.” She tossed him an ‘I know something you don’t’ smirk.
    “You had one six hours ago and six hours before that and so forth. Quit being stubborn and take the damn pill.” He couldn’t let her risk her health.
    “Nope. As soon as I could stand it, I started spitting them into a tissue and throwing them in the trash. I don’t like drugs. I will take the antibiotic because the doctor put the fear of God into me about an infection, but he said the pain meds were as needed. Well, I don’t need them.”
    That explained why she was so weepy. She was at the borderline of what she could handle. He was proud of her, but worried too. “Okay, we’ll hold off. If you need one, say so. Pain takes a toll on the body and if it becomes too intense, it can slow down the healing.”
    “You could take my mind off it.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
    “How would you suggest I do that?” He had his plans set already, but he wanted her to learn to talk to him about sexual matters without embarrassment.
    “You could kiss me.” She began to squirm.
    He leaned forward and gave her a peck on the cheek.
    Her lips turned down in a bratty little pout. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
    “You asked for a kiss and I gave it. You need to be very specific in your requests. Think about that as I go grab a quick shower. When I come back, I want you to try that again.” He caressed her cheek and she turned into his hand. It was such an endearing gesture, it made him want to give her the world.
    “Yes… What do you want me to call you when you