Her life might not have been much, but it was hers. It was a crappy apartment but she could pay for it on her own. She was frugal and careful with her money, and had some savings. She’d been proud of her ability to save so much… until Leo had taken her. If he knew what was in her bank account, and the fact that she thought it was a lot of money, he might never stop laughing at her.

But maybe, if he wanted… she could use her own money to repay him for what she ate… for a while, at least until it ran out. Maybe if she made an effort, he wouldn’t resent her or grow angry. She couldn’t imagine him being okay with this setup indefinitely.

5

It was a full three days before Leo saw Faith again. He’d been careful to avoid her as he was sure she’d been careful to avoid him. But it was inevitable they’d run into each other eventually. As it happened, they both went to the kitchen one afternoon at the same time for a late lunch.

She jumped when she saw him, and he had to bite back a curse. He found himself angry with her. He’d uprooted his routine to stay out of her way. He was letting her live. He wasn’t molesting her. He was taking care of her needs and keeping her comfortable. He wasn’t doing anything wrong. Except keeping her locked away against her will.

He’d seen her naked. Once. And touched her breast. Once. And spanked her. Once. None of that should be cause for this much anxiety or jumpiness, no matter who his family was. He glanced down, noticing his erection and knew she must have noticed it, too.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he said. But the gruff way he said it didn’t sound believable to his own ears. For the past three nights he’d fantasized about her, jerking off to the thought of her bound and helpless. Of whipping her. Of making her cry and beg and call him Master while crumpled at his feet. Even her fear turned him on in the fantasies.

He wanted to take her. She should be grateful and happy to serve him. He’d saved her life. If not for Angelo’s odd early Christmas present and Leo’s willingness to take her home with him, she’d be at the bottom of the harbor right now. And they both knew it.

She turned and scurried off back to her end of the house. She must be hungry so he made them both a sandwich. He ate his in the kitchen, then went to her room. He didn’t have to, but he knocked.

“W-who is it?” She knew very well who it was.

Your lord and master. The man who owns you. The man you owe your life and your body to.

“It’s Leo. I brought you something to eat.” He didn’t wait for her to invite him in or open the door. It was his fucking house.