Page 151 of Endgame

---

With that, I leave him crumpled on the floor. I stand up straight, smoothing my clothes.

“This”—he coughs violently at my back—“isn’t over, Alder.”

“I’m counting on it,” I say to the night air.

I’ll be seeing him soon.

Just a few more weeks.

Tick tock. Tick tock.

27

AURORA

Punishments can take on many forms.

Corporal. Emotional. Sexual.

The first two types, I suffered under my parents’ hands. Most days, it would be simply because I was alive.

Everett’s punishments are different.

Since he claimed me as his, he’s been isolating me. Put a butt plug in me. A collar around my neck.

He’s fucked my pussy and my throat over and over.

There have been plenty of moments when he’s also been cold, detached.

The man thrives on my tears.

He knows what’s best for me.

And me, I’ve learned to expect him. I cherish this intense, unhinged man.

I look forward to his punishments.

Specifically, the one he promised me before he left. It sounded like a punishment I would love. A punishment that would ground me after this long, harrowing day.

Not because of the sinister tone laced in his voice when he said it.

It was what came before that.

I care about you.

I missed you.

I can’t stop wanting you.

I was wrong.

Though…he said those things a while ago, before he left. He hasn’t been back since.

I know he’ll be back, physically and emotionally. He won’t ignore me again like he did over the past week.

Thewhenis what’s eating at me.

I pace the floor of our bedroom, arms hugging my waist.

---