Page 110 of Truth

“I thought...”

She didn’t release me. “You thought what?”

“I thought he... I thought...”

“I think she thought Logan was going to hurt you,” Stephan said from behind me.

“Oh.” Lily stepped back and held both my hands. “No. Logan would never hurt me.”

She looked okay. The corset was gone, and she was now wearing a T-shirt and skirt.

“But he... he hit you...”

Stephan reached up to cup my face with his hand, forcing me to focus on him. “Is that what upset you so much?”

Stephan didn’t release me, so I couldn’t turn to face Lily. “Y-yes.”

“I’m sorry, Brianna. If I had known... it’s not something I think about anymore. I like it, and so does he, so...”

Moisture pooled in my eyes. “But... why?”

“Why do I like it?”

I nodded, my focus never leaving Stephan even though Lily was the one talking.

“I’m his. I like it when he spanks me. It’s something I get off on.”

I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t. “Can... can we go home?”

Both Stephan and Lily immediately sobered at my question.

“Don’t you want to eat something?” Lily asked, sounding disappointed.

Stephan searched my face. “Thank you, Lily, but I think we’ll eat at home. I appreciate the effort, though.”

Without pause, Stephan ushered me back into the living room. Logan was sitting on the couch and stood as we entered. I halted my movements upon seeing him, and stepped closer to Stephan.

Logan stopped and looked at Stephan before nodding. I watched Lily walk to stand at his side, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She raised her hand and waved, a sad look on her face. I hated knowing that I’d put it there.

I couldn’t stop fidgeting on the drive home. Disappointment, confusion, anger, and a variety of different emotions ebbed and flowed through me. It was as if my mind couldn’t decide which feeling was the correct one.

Stephan didn’t say anything until we were back inside his condo. “Do you want to go freshen up while I make us something to eat?”

I nodded and absentmindedly went to my room. Looking around, I realized how little time I’d spent in there lately. It didn’t even feel like mine anymore. Then again, I wouldn’t trade the nights I’d spent in Stephan’s bed for anything.

As quickly as I could, I washed my face and hands, and then brushed out my hair. It didn’t help how I was feeling inside at all, but it did make me look better on the outside. At the very least, I could try to look my best for Stephan.

Walking back out into the main room, I saw he had made us each a salad.

“I wasn’t sure how hungry you’d be, but you need to eat something.”

“Thank you.” I took my seat at the island, the same one I’d used since I’d been living with him.

I ate the salad he made, but I couldn’t really taste it. When I was finished, I stood and took my plate to the sink like I always did. It was automatic.

“Come here, Brianna.”

When I was close enough, Stephan reached for me and had me stand between his spread legs. “Talk to me, sweetheart. Please.”

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