Page 23 of Monsters In Her Head

Georgia cocked her head to the side.Trigger? What trigger?

Ira inclined his head, his hair falling over his bad eye.Exactly. Something triggered the past. Made it feel like it was happening all over again and you keep trying to tell yourself it’s fine, you're safe it’s not happening anymore but...

It’s like I’m drowning and I can’t pull in a breath and I just keep sinking down further and further. Georgia finished, letting out a shuddering breath. She blinked rapidly, sucking in that air as if it would stave away the pain. It wouldn’t have known but Ira waited anyway.

The air drew quiet and tight until it seemed as if she had forgotten about his question all together. Then she said quietly out loud, her voice rarely used in his presence raspy and low, “I cut her.”

Ira’s brow rose. This wasn’t what he’d expected. He didn’t ask any questions, just let the princess move at her own pace.

We were training and my mind wouldn’t stop thinking about how much I wanted to kill Callahan. How I wanted him to bleed and suffer how he made me,her hand shoved at her chest, the anguish on her face caused a feeling Ira he’d never felt before.

He wanted to comfort her. To remove that darkness that blotted out the sky and make her the fiery creature who yelled and screamed at him.

And I didn’t see her coming. Luckily she stopped me. Luckily.She breathed a laugh that held so much bitterness in it Ira could taste it.I’m not so sure. She still ended up hurt and bleeding just like I had been.

Ira was starting to piece the picture together. He knew Beautine had been training the princess every day. Helping her gain confidence and strength.

Beautine might not have suffered the way they had but she knew something about feeling weak and she had asked permission from Ryu to train the princess. He could see the difference in her even after only a few weeks of training.

Georgia's muscles were more defined, her figure which had been tempting enough before had slimmed and toned making her a delectable treat to the eyes.

Ira could see how hurting her friend could cause her such anguish. How it might thrust her back into those days where she had bled for someone else.

This isn’t the same.Ira reminded her.It was an accident.

Georgia's eyes burned with fury as she turned on him.Don’t you think I know that? I’ve been telling myself that over and over until it’s all I can think about and still the memories won’t go away. It's like I’m there on his table all over again.

Ira stepped forward at the tears trailing down her face, his hand lifted. One glare at him, had Ira dropping that hand. Instead, he hardened his features by placing his hands on his hips.On your knees.

Georgia stared at him. Her brows bunched together and her lips pursed to the side in such an adorable way that Ira had a hard time holding his stance.

You feel out of control.Ira explained.I’m going to give it back.

How does telling me to kneel give me control?That fire burned in her eyes once more, no longer filled with shame.

If you want to stop, say no more and we stop. I won’t do anything you don’t want to do.

Georgia stayed at Ira for a long moment of uncertainty fighting across her face.I’m still not sure how this will help.

It will.Ira reassured her.You are the one in control. I am simply an implement of your control.

Georgia stared at him for a long moment and he almost thought she’d tell him to fuck off and storm away until she said quietly, “Okay.”

Okay, master.Ira corrected her, boring down on her.

Licking her lips, Georgia nodded and then realized I wanted her to say it.Okay, master.

That one word sent a whoosh of arousal through Ira. He shoved it down, reminding himself this was about her. Not him.Good. Then on your knees, human.

Georgia sank down to the grass before him, her hands on her knees and her eyes on him waiting for what he’d ask her to do next.

Ira stepped forward, his clawed hand grabbing her jaw just tight enough to pinch.You’ve been a bad human, haven’t you princess?He stroked his other hand over her smooth cheek before cupping the back of her neck, his hand firm not hurting as he tilted her head back.

Georgia didn’t answer so Ira gave her braided hair a tug. She gasped and breathed out. “Yes.”

Ira tugged her braid again.Yes, what?

She winced but didn’t tell him to stop. A spicy scent just barely susceptible filled his nose.

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