Page 48 of Thorns Laced In Blood

“Daisy,” I said, repeating her name with a smile.

There would be no more nameless girls dying in that horrid grey basement.

I hooked my arms around Master’s neck and pulled him down for a kiss. His gift and cake were perfect, and I wanted to show him how much his efforts meant to me. I caught sight of his hand, reaching behind us to toss Bear off the bed.

The magnificent, jealous, crazy man.

Who was I kidding?

I loved that he was jealous of a stuffed animal.

???

The rest of my presents were jewellery. I inspected the beautiful princess-cut diamond engagement ring under the sun’s rays, watching it sparkle. There was a gold heart pendant with a tiny key encased in glass inside. The pendant's chain was short and rested above all my scars. The man was certifiably insane, but he chose everything with so much care that he put me to shame.

He thought I couldn't see him in the windows following me around with binoculars. Cameras, sensors and barbed wire surrounded the house. I wasn't going anywhere—even if I wanted to. His crazy antics were endearing.

I breathed the warm air into my lungs, relishing the sounds of the bees buzzing, the gentle breeze rushing through the leaves and the chirping of various birds. I hoped to always appreciate the smaller things in life because they made me grateful for everything and everyone that I was blessed with. I sat under the giant oak tree, waiting for him to come out and join me.

The man with a thorn in his name yet never caused me pain.

I smiled.

The only pain he gave me was the one that heightened my pleasure. I leaned back on the rough bark and closed my eyes, thinking of Saul.

My soon-to-be husband, lover, protector and the Master of my fragile heart.

Epilogue

Maeve

Three Years Later

I came out of the bedroom, about to rush to the bed where I left my dress, to see Bear in full bondage gear swinging from the ceiling. I gasped when he twirled around, and I saw his front. His paws were strapped, and little chains hung over his belly. He had a red ball gag over his mouth and a blindfold over his button eyes.

Oh, my God.

He had a tiny whip taped to his paw.

Arms came out of nowhere and began to untie my robe.

“Seriously, Saul? Assaulting a helpless Bear,” I said, trying to stifle the giggle.

“We both know he had it coming,” he said, yanking my robe off.

“We’re going to be late,” I said when his hands cupped my breasts, and he shuffled me towards the bed.

“This won't take long,” he said as I glanced at him over my shoulder. He had his tux on but no jacket.

“It’s your sister’s wedding,” I practically shrieked at him when he unzipped his trousers.

“And? I want you sitting in that church with my cum running out of your asshole,” he said like the deviant he was.

“We need to go back to therapy,” I grumbled, but I liked his plan.

We needed something, considering Saul still had the devil locked away. He had seven more years of suffering left. I didn't get involved because Saul was obsessed with needing to avenge every year of my suffering. His vengeance was more than enough for me.

He still checked in on Daisy but from a distance. The updates always brought tears to my eyes. She was alive and well and studying at university. It made me think of the others and their short lives. The vision of the girl’s lifeless eyes never left me. Daisy was alive because of Saul and his men.

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