The Soldier's Hostage

Chapter Four

"Would you like something?"

I snarled. He was still going to play this game? Fine. If begging was what he wanted. I wasn't as good as Jake, and certainly not for another man, but I could definitely give it my best. I went limp in his grasp. "Please Master. Please take me. Do whatever you want with me, just give me what I need. Please Master. I'm begging you." I ground my hips back against him.

Arthur choked in surprise for a moment, but his grip didn't falter. He didn't move any closer to me either. "No, Tucker. If you need something I want you to ask for it. Just ask for whatever you want. Not beg."

I swallowed hard, my fingers clenching into fists. My chest pressed against the wall as I breathed hard. I was in to much distress to bother trying to find the ulterior motive and I couldn't move enough to prostrate myself. "I want you to bite me."

His fingers loosened from around my wrist but I left it where it was as he pressed in closer so he could reach. His arm slipped between my chest and the wall, giving me enough room to tip my head forward. I felt his other hand warm on my neck as my hair was brushed out of the way. I pressed my forehead against the wall and closed my eyes, taking in a breath of anticipation.

Then his fangs slid into my neck. I gasped as the pheromones hit my system, settling me down and warming me. I relaxed as my body went numb and my mind finally stopped spinning. I grit my teeth when he released my neck and pulled away. He brought my injured finger to his mouth and sucked at the blood, healing the cut without a trace.

I might have just stayed there against the wall as the heat of his body left my back. I just needed a moment. Instead, I got strong hands on my shoulders, pulling me away and gently turning me.

I stumbled along as he urged me towards my seat at the table and pressed me into it. I watched him blearily as he sat down across from me to continue working on the bills. He acted like nothing had happened. I breathed in deeply, trying to gain equilibrium again. "I'm sorry."

Arthur glanced up at me, then stopped working as he faced me fully. "If you need or want something in the future, all you have to do is ask." He stared at me for a moment, until I nodded, then he went back to his pen and figures.

When I was feeling more like myself, I finished getting dinner together and cleaned up the lettuce scattered across the floor. Arthur quietly thanked me for dinner as I set a plate in front of him. I got the feeling it wasn't just for my cooking.

All the next day I mulled over what he had said. Ask, not beg. Anything I wanted. I wondered if he really meant that, because with my new role as cook and the coffee maker Arthur had purchased with my cookbooks, our daily trips to the coffee shop and dwindled down to none at all. I was going insane all cooped up within three rooms. At least Sophia had a mansion to wander around and stretch my legs.

My head jerked up when I heard the doorknob jiggle and I quickly got to my feet. I met Arthur at the door as he came in. He stopped and went tense at the sight of me, then slowly relaxed and cocked his head in question. I bit my lip nervously. Now that it was actually time to ask, I was terrified he would berate me for even considering such a request. But he had said...

I licked my lips and launched into it. "Glad you're back. I'd like to go out." I hesitated, then decided courtesy couldn't hurt. "Please."

Arthur slowly lifted one corner of his mouth and I could see the satisfaction in his eyes. He stepped aside, opening up the way to the hall beyond.

I quickly stepped through and already felt better. I glanced back in surprise when Arthur shut the door behind us and nodded towards the elevator. "Where are we going?" He started to lead me that way, keeping an eye on me.

I eagerly followed him, not about to lose my nerve and pass up this opportunity. "I don't know. I just needed to stretch my legs before I went crazy."

Arthur snorted as he pressed the button to call the elevator. "You did that yesterday."

I ducked my head. "Sorry."

He shook his head and ushered me on when the doors opened. "I don't blame you. Chemical imbalance makes us do some pretty out of character things." We settled on the ground floor and he led me out the doors and onto the street.

I had to stop for a moment. There was just so much going on. And I was standing right in the middle of it. Arthur slowly got me moving again and led me to a park. It wasn't very big. But I breathed easier as he started leading me around it's edge.

We went all the way around and I thought Arthur would lead me back up to the apartment. Instead we veered off down a street and headed down a hill. I could see a river. Arthur led me closer to it when he caught me staring.

We stopped where there was a good view and I just took it in for a bit. It was pretty. Peaceful. I felt more relaxed than I had since my last bite.

"Tucker!"

I whirled around in surprise and got an armful of Jake. I hugged him tight as I glanced over his shoulder to find Emilio coming up with a smile. Emilio greeted Arthur but I lost what they said as Jake pulled away and drew my attention.

"Are you two out for a bit too? It's amazing to actually get out of the house isn't it? How are you doing?"

I smiled and ruffled his hair. "Slow down will ya? I'm fine. We just got out cause I was going stir crazy."

Emilio smiled between me and Arthur. "We were just about to go get some dinner. Want to join?"

Arthur glanced at me, silently questioning if I wanted to. I cocked my head and shrugged. I was open to the idea. He turned back to Emilio and started to nod when he noticed the amusement on Emilio's face. "What?"

Emilio shook his head, trying and failing not to smile. "Nothing. Just thinking Katty paired us all up perfectly. How does it feel to have someone who speaks your non-verbal language?"

Arthur just gave a look of exasperation and waved Emilio off. "Lead the way. Where are we eating?"