I don’t think I’ve ever screamed so loud. It’s, not to be glib, shocking. And yes, there’s a certain degree of pain, too, but as my core constricts, ignites, and pulses, I can’t deny there’s something else, too.

I don’t know how long he keeps the tool in place. Seconds, minutes. It might be an eternity. But at long last, he places it back on its base, turning that neon mask to me.

“Now, Claire. I asked you a question.”

He did? It seems like a million years ago.

“I…” My mouth is dry, my tongue strange. “What was it again? Please,” I add quickly.

“So very polite. You’re easy to train, aren’t you? Good little submissive bitch.”

I’m offended in at least three different ways, but I know better than to say anything.

“I asked whether you’ve used any of these before,” he repeats.

The question rings a bell, but it seemed to have been asked so long ago. Another day. Anything before the sudden jab of electricity was in another life.

I shake my head and also say, “No.”

Just in case the gesture isn’t enough. I don’t want to earn another punishment just because I didn’t say it out loud.

As soon as that thought crosses my mind, I blush because, he’s right. He’s training me—and very efficiently. I’m behaving like a good little bitch. Fuck, if that doesn’t enrage me. I want to rebel against the very idea. But not if it means he’s going to make me pay for it.

“Not even this?” he asks, picking up a small device.

I shake my head, flushing. I don’t even know for sure what it does. I took it for a vibrator.

“Oh, Claire. Did you think the devil was going to take you if you made yourself feel good?”

He makes me sound like a church girl. “No,” I snap. “But I lived with my grandmother.”

The very thought of doing anything sexual next door to her is ludicrous.

“Is that why you came here, pretty girl? Did you want the space to be as naughty as you’d like?”

I shake my head. My reason for choosing Rothford had nothing to do with sex, in any way, shape, or form. They just gave me the best scholarship.

But it’s true I was looking forward to having a little bit of freedom.

“Don’t worry, little ghost. I’m going to help you catch up.”

He moves the device between my legs, just like he did with the thin device, and I tense in advance. But there’s no pain, no sharpness. This toy gently blows against my sensitive flesh. My mouth falls open, my insides pulling, but for a very different reason.

“Like that, huh?”

“Yes!” I reply, no longer willing to ignore any question.