PETALS AND THORNS by JENNIFER PARIS Read Free Book Online

the pointed tips of her boots to the menacing black figure in the mirror.
    “Now, Amarantha, you have earned a number of punishments this evening, as I'm sure you're aware.”
    Fat tears welled in the pretty violet eyes of the girl in the mirror and spilled down her cheeks, but the Beast paid no attention.
    “How many transgressions do you think there were?”

    36

    “I did not come down for dinner,” she whispered.
    “That's one.”
    “I locked the door.”
    “Two.”
    “I, um, lied about being ill and then didn't open the door when you told me to.”
    “Three and four.”
    “And I didn't get in the chair right away when you told me to.”
    The Beast chuckled and stroked the upper curve of her breast. “I will allow you that one as you were frightened by my horrible appearance. And I am gratified that you understand the rules so well. Now tell me why you disobeyed.”
    Amarantha swallowed.
    “I was afraid.” She said it so quietly she could barely hear herself.
    “Of me?”
    “Yes. Of this. Of what will happen to me when you push me and I-I break.” Her voice broke with it.
    “I want you to give something to me, Amarantha.”
    “I've given you everything.”
    “No, so far I've demanded and taken. Which I enjoy. I intend to take more. But I will make you an exchange. You have four punishments awaiting you tonight.”
    Amarantha shuddered at that. “I will cut them in half if you will do one thing for me.”
    She eyed him doubtfully. “What is it?”
    “You must agree first.”
    “I don't want to agree unless I know what it is.” Amarantha knew that much about negotiating.
    “Very well. Then we shall move on directly to your four punishments.”
    “Wait!”

    37

    “My patience grows short, my bride.”
    “I will.” Amarantha sighed and dropped her head. “Tell me, and let's get it done.”
    “Your legs are free. On either side of you are armrests. I'd like you to lift your knees and hook them over the armrests.”
    “But then I… You…”
    “Oh yes.” The Beast's voice came out as a purr.
    Amarantha stared in horror at herself in the mirror. She would be splayed open to them both, the glass reflecting her most private tissues in ruthless scrutiny.
    “The offer expires in a moment, Amarantha.”
    She steeled herself. She lifted one knee and raised it up over the arm of the chair. The curve of the armrest held it there, the arc of it perfectly suited to the purpose. Was everything in this house designed to bind and display her?
    The answer seemed to be yes.
    Amarantha took a deep breath. So far her other thigh still shielded what little modesty she had left. She thought the Beast might urge her along, but when she glanced in the mirror, she could see he only waited with catlike stillness.
    Anticipation.
    She focused on her leg. Moving it into place. This side posed more difficulty, and she had to scoot her bottom a bit to adjust. After some wriggling, Amarantha managed to hook her knee around the outward curve of the armrest. The chair held her in place, and she relaxed.
    “Most delightful,” the Beast said on a breath. “You are beyond beautiful, my bride.”
    He moved around the bathing room, collecting candles and setting them on the vanity, all the better to light her most intimate self. Amarantha tried not to look, but the pink and crimson folds of her sex drew her eye, so starkly did they throb against the pristine backdrop of her thighs, stockings, and skirts. The folds and 38

    petals gleamed with the moisture the Beast had taunted her with, like a glossy tropical flower her father had once brought home.
    The Beast stood behind her again, watching her closely.
    “Soon we shall eat, as you will need your strength tonight. But I wish to show you something first. Oh, and to be clear, you must leave your legs open like this until I give you permission to close them.”
    Amarantha didn't tell him that her legs were too spread for her to move at all unless he untied her.
    The Beast