Page 5 of Thorns Laced In Blood

It took two trips to bring everything into the dining room. I sat in my chair while Jane sat on her pillow with her legs crossed over in an open pose. I quickly added the mixed vegetables and chicken onto my fork before I raised it.

“Open those sweet lips for me,” I said to her.

Her head turned towards me, but her lips were parted, and I smiled at her. I couldn't take my eyes off her lips as I slid the fork out of her. Her eyes closed as she chewed her food. I mashed up the next forkful for her but noticed she had turned towards me.

“Do you like my cooking, sugar?” I asked as I brought the fork towards her lips.

She didn't look at me or reply but simply opened her mouth for me to feed her. When she raised her eyes towards me, her pale blue eyes had a sad yet soulful look that took my breath away.

“You are beautiful, and I know your lips will be the sweetest I've ever encountered,” I whispered as I pulled the fork out of her mouth.

Her pupils dilated, and the black seeped over the ice blue of her iris. I wondered if it was anxiety or arousal.

“I bet your pussy will taste as sweet as honey,” I said as I rubbed the pad of my thumb over her lips.

She stared into my eyes as if she couldn't look away, and I was just as captivated. This wasn't anxiety. It was something—more. I placed my fingers on her wrist and felt her pulse jump.

This was definitely more.

???

I sat her on the toilet and ran her bath with some of the lavender oil I’d bought. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her move.

“No, you don't do anything until you begin to look after yourself. I will be cleaning you,” I said as I stood up from my seat on the edge of the bath.

Her hand paused on the toilet paper but dropped it and sat there waiting for me. I stood in front of her and reached to her side to activate the jet of water. I felt her jump beneath me, and I let out a chuckle before I rubbed my hand over her head and ruffled her hair.

“It’s only water,” I said before I stood up to get the toilet paper to wipe her front to back.

I never expected to enjoy caring for my awkward little slave so much. She remained seated while I pulled her shoes and socks off. I watched for her reaction when I removed her jeans and panties, but she kept her head down. I was glad that most of her legs were free from blemishes, but I knew the worst was to come.

“I will need to take your clothes off for the bath,” I said as I reached for her hoody.

She didn't move or react, so I pulled her T-shirt and hoody off before I reached behind her to unclip her bra. I tried not to look at the mangled collection of scars, but when I saw the smaller ones which were dotted across her back, I frowned. The small dots were like no other scarring I’d come across. She shivered, and that snapped me out of my thoughts.

“The bath will be nice and warm for you, sugar,” I said, rubbing my hands up and down her back as gently as I could. “Can you stand up for me, or do you want me to carry you again?”

A burst of pride and pleasure shot through me when she didn't move. I lifted her, ensuring a secure grip around her before I walked towards the bath. I held her above the water for a moment.

“I’m going to lower you in, but tell me if you want it hotter or colder,” I said before slowly placing her in the water.

Some people liked a scalding hot bath, while others liked a cool bath. I’d tried to keep the temperature in the middle. The floral scent of lavender surrounded us, and Jane’s eyes closed as she rested her back against the bathtub. I reached out for the washcloth and some body wash. Her eyes were still closed as I began to rub the cloth over her arms.

I washed every inch of her body, tracking each burn, cut, and whip mark on her skin. This was the result of outright torture. No matter how much the medical report covered the details, reading it differed from seeing the reality. The state of her body, with her ribs protruding from her skin to her skinny arms, sickened me.

I know she didn't eat enough in the facility they kept her in, but that wouldn't happen under my roof. She was not going to whither away and die. I would make damn sure of it. She fought to stay alive and would not throw it all away now.

After I washed her and topped the bath up with some warm water, I let her relax in the fragrant water. I stayed in the bathroom for her safety but messaged Grayson.

Me:Find who did this to her. Let me know if you need any help.

Grayson:I’ve got everyone I know on it. How is she doing?

Me:She is coping far better than I anticipated, but it’s too early to tell if she will implode at some point when I pushfor more. These things happen during the recovery period. It’s going to take time.

He didn’t respond, so I glanced at Jane, who lay with her eyes closed. It wouldn't surprise me if she’d fallen asleep. A vast amount of change from her secure mental facility filled with criminals. Her first Doctor should be hung for treating her like a criminal and not a victim.

I quietly sighed as Grayson’s response came through.

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