becomes unbearable. This is the most time I’ve spent with him without having his cock shoved down my throat. I need to take advantage, especially so long as we’re both operating on some pretense of civility.
“Jeremy?” I venture. I make sure to add the proper amount of hesitation to my voice. “May I ask you a question?”
He picks up his wineglass and swirls it in his hand. “Do you remember our rules?” he asks.
“Yes. My question—well, it’s not even a question, really, more like… a clarification. It has to do with your—with my—rules. I’m only asking so I don’t risk breaking them later.”
Stonehart leans forward, intrigued. “You’re taking initiative,” he says. “You’re owning your situation. I respect that.” He nods. “Go on.”
I clear my throat. “You mentioned, before… um, consequences of misbehavior. ”
“Yes,” he says. “I did.”
“I was wondering…” I clear my throat again. “What those would be?”
Stonehart smiles grandly. “Why, Lilly. I didn’t think a smart girl like you would have any trouble figuring that out.” He pauses to lean back and crosses one leg over the other. “The answer’s simple:
“If you misbehave, I will leave you in the dark.”
All the blood drains from my brain. No. No, I will not go back there!
My grip on my own wineglass slackens. It slips through my fingers and falls to the floor, splintering into tiny, sharp shards. The red liquid spreads like a growing pool of blood.
Stonehart frowns. “I’ve upset you,” he says softly. “Lilly, I assure you, that was not my intention.”
“It’s my fault,” I stammer, shaking my head. There is no act this time. This reaction is wholly my own. “I just… I just need…”
“Yes?” Stonehart asks, leaning forward. “Lilly. Tell me what you need.”
“I need… I need… air !”
I gasp and push up from the table. I stumble as a wave of light-headedness hits me.
Stonehart is by my side in a flash. His hands gently grip my shoulders and he lowers me to my chair.
“Breathe,” he tells me. “Lower your head.” I see him looking up at me, and realize he’s kneeling down to be on my level. I see both compassion and concern on his face.
Damn him for being such a good actor! Nobody in their right mind would ever think those emotions are faked. But I know better.
Stonehart holds my hand between both of his. I should be repulsed by having him so close, but somehow, beyond all reason, that simple grip on my hand gives me strength.
“Do you need some water?” he asks. Holy hell! He even manages to make his voice sound sincere. “You said you need air. Would you like to go outside?”
I nod dumbly. Stonehart stands, looping one arm around my waist, and helps me up. I have to lean on him for support as he leads me forward.
We walk to the door. I’m breathing quickly, taking sharp, little gasps as I force my feet to move. It feels like I’m close to a panic attack.
Stonehart stops in front of the glass door and brings his wrist to the sensor. I hear the beep of the scanner—and remember the still-active collar around my neck.
I push away from Stonehart and stare, wide-eyed, as cool, sweet night air rushes in from the gaping door.
“The range,” I half-gasp. “Did you change it?”
Stonehart looks at me with pity. “My sweet Lilly,” he says. “The moment I change the range, you will be the first to know.”
My eyes dart to the door. My hands are balled into fists at my side. My heart is racing. “You were going to lead me outside,” I say, trying to make sense of it. “ Past the perimeter you set?”
Stonehart spreads his arms. I catch a filthy, malicious glimmer in his eye. “You said that’s where you wanted to go.”
White hot rage erupts in me like an inferno. “You BASTARD!” I scream. “You knew what would happen if I stepped over the threshold!”
“Lilly, Lilly,” he chastises. “There’s no need to raise your voice. Of course I