41. Chapter 41

Chapter 41

-Jared-

We set off before the sun had barely graced the horizon. With Alison beside me in the car and our belongings safely packed away, a newfound sense of freedom enveloped me. Despite the lingering issue we had yet to resolve, the prospect of being alone together, free to roam and explore, filled me with exhilaration. Astrid's lingering presence had left its mark on me, her unsettling aura casting a shadow over our lives. But as the building receded from view, replaced by the dim, misty road ahead, a wave of relief washed over me, prompting me to reach out and clasp Alison's hand.

She turned to me, her fingers intertwining with mine, and we simply held each other. A gentle smile graced her lips, igniting a warmth within me. I knew that, in time, the weight of her trauma would catch up with her.

Her nightmares often rivaled my own, leaving her trembling in my arms for hours on end. Yet, despite the darkness that threatened to consume her, Alison's unwavering resilience shone through, her determination to keep fighting never leaving her. And so, as we journeyed forward, I found solace in the knowledge that we were heading toward a future where peace and serenity awaited us both.

Since it was still early, Alison dozed off in the car, but even in her slumber, she maintained her grasp on my hand. It took quite some time before we arrived at the old house, a new aura enveloping it now that Vince no longer resided there.

As I parked the car, a slight jolt stirred Alison awake, and she stretched her body, her gaze wandering as she realized we had arrived. She took her time surveying the surroundings, likely reminiscing about the first time I brought her here under less pleasant circumstances.

"Shall we?" I inquired, met with a faint smile from her as she turned toward me.

We both exited the car, each carrying a bag as we made our way inside. After unlocking the front door, I held it open for her as we stepped into the spacious entrance hall. She paused, taking in the grandeur of it all before turning to me.

"So, which room is ours?" she asked. "Or are we staying in your old one?"

"No, I've chosen a different one," I replied.

"Not Vince's," she stated, prompting a chuckle from me.

"No, but it's one of the master bedrooms."

I offered my hand, which she gladly accepted.

"Why was your old room so small?" she inquired.

"So I wouldn't be scared that something was hiding in the corners. It gave me a sense of safety, knowing I could see everything around me," I explained, feeling Alison's hand squeeze mine as I guided her up the stairs, all the way to the top floor where I then led her down a new hallway.

The pictures still adorned the walls, some on this side of the house, and she began to slow down, taking in the sights. I tried to gently pull her along, but she resisted.

"You never smile in pictures," she observed.

"Why should I smile?" I countered.

"Because it's a memory, a happy one."

"I never cared for pictures. I did it because Vince enjoyed them."

"I never pegged him as sentimental," she murmured.

"You never do, but he has that side to him. Now, come on."

"No, but look at you," she insisted, pointing to one of the pictures of me. I was simply standing on the porch outside, gazing at the scenery. I was still in my early twenties, adjusting to a whole new life.

"What about it?" I asked.

"You look so peaceful in this one, maybe because you're almost smiling," she remarked.

"Sweet Alison, you can look at them later," I urged.

"Are there no childhood pictures?" she pressed on, disregarding my request.

"I moved in with Vince when I was 18. Where would he get childhood pictures?"

"You were your father's next of kin. You must have heard of his death, maybe even been notified. Did you not go back?" she questioned, turning to me. "Maybe get something from there."

"No, I made sure every inch of that place disappeared from the face of the earth, along with everything inside it," I informed her. "Besides, that demon didn't want any pictures of me to immortalize the abuse."

"How about your mom?"

"What about my mom?" I sighed.

"Didn't she take any?" she inquired.

"I… don't know," I admitted.

"Did you really never try to seek her out?" she persisted, and I groaned.

"Why all these questions?" I asked.

"Because I can ask them," she stated with a smirk, and I realized she must have had countless inquiries about this place during her stay.

"I thought we already discussed my mom. She left, I don't care about her. End of story."

"I just wondered—"

"No," I interrupted.

"I mean, she cared, didn't she?"

"She left. Do you really think she gave a fuck?" I questioned.

"Sometimes such matters are complicated."

"Alison, why are we talking about this?"

"Because I'm curious about you and younger Jared. I never got to ask him any questions either," she pointed out, and I could understand her curiosity, but I really didn't dwell on the past.

"You don't want to know where she ended up?" she asked.

"Probably with a better husband and a million kids. Who knows? I don't care," I stated firmly. "She left, and I won't forgive her for that."

Alison looked at me with sympathy, which I didn't appreciate, so I drew her closer, wrapping my arm around her.

"I don't care about it, Alison," I reiterated. "Because I have something far better to look forward to for the first time in my life. So, I really don't give a damn about the past."

My words brought a smile to her face, a cute blush tinting her cheeks as she realized I was referring to her.

"All right, I'll leave it be," she conceded, and I nodded before guiding her to the end of the hallway and opening the door.

I ushered her into an enormous room, reminiscent of something from medieval times. A grand four-poster bed with drapes cascading down its sides occupied one end, while a fireplace stood nearby, and a spacious balcony wrapped around a large portion of the room.

Despite its classical charm, the room also boasted modern amenities, including a large seating area, TV, a bathroom, and a closet. A small desk provided a workspace, and long rows of bookshelves offered entertainment. Alison let out a soft gasp, her eyes filled with excitement as she surveyed the room. I gently nudged her forward to explore, and she lowered the bag I had taken from her home to pack her belongings, immersing herself in the space.

As the sun slowly rose, casting a serene glow over the room, I knew it added to its allure. Alison moved from the bedroom to the bathroom, gasping in delight before exploring the closet.

"Have you seen this?" she inquired excitedly, as if she hadn't heard that I had already chosen the room.

"I have indeed," I chuckled, placing my bag down beside hers.

Most of our belongings had already found their place in the room, and as I entered the closet, Alison was busy sorting through her clothes, neatly arranged in their respective spaces before moving on to the drawers. She still wore that smaller purple collar, but when she glanced back at me, I noticed her biting her lip with anticipation.

"Key," she stated.

"Sorry?" I responded, momentarily puzzled.

She approached me, extending her hand. "The key. I know you have it on you," she said.

Though I was unsure of her intentions, I decided not to protest, sensing she had a plan in mind. It was clear she wanted to engage in some play, an opportunity we missed out on yesterday due to the lengthy process of transferring our belongings.

Without a word, I handed her the key, and she unlocked her collar before returning to the drawer filled with them. We would relocate them once I had chosen a new "pleasure chamber". Alison rummaged inside, retrieving the thin black collar with the tiny bell and fastened it around her neck. She looked incredibly endearing, the subtlety of the collar adding to its charm. It resembled a regular choker, except this one couldn't be removed freely, adding a touch of allure to her appearance.

I leaned against the doorframe, observing her as she turned to face me. She wore a simple pair of jeans and a slightly oversized shirt, giving her a casual appearance. That wouldn't do , I thought, considering instructing her to change into something more suitable before we began our activities. However, before I could say anything, she approached me, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me with gratitude.

"I love it," she declared. "But am I free to make alterations to the place?"

I chuckled. Of course, the designer was going to come out.

"Anything you want. From now on, you only need to ask, and if it's within my power, I will grant it to you."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she kissed me again, and I reached down to squeeze her ass. But then she seized my wrist and pulled back with a mischievous smile.

"Close your eyes," she whispered.

"What?" I asked, taken aback.

She chuckled softly. "Close your eyes."

I hesitated, unsure about allowing myself to be vulnerable, but I had given her my word. If it was within my power, I would grant her what she desired. So, I closed my eyes, listening to her soft giggle. Anticipation swirled within me as I expected to feel or hear something, but there was nothing except a faint whoosh of air, indicating that something had happened.

I waited for her to instruct me to look, hoping to find her standing before me, perhaps naked. However, as time stretched on, I began to grow anxious. Slowly, I opened my eyes, only to discover that Alison wasn't in front of me. I scanned the closet, then the bedroom, but all I heard was the sound of her footsteps fading away.

I grinned mischievously. So she wanted to be chased already? Very well , I thought, before I swiftly removed my shirt and jacket. I dashed after her, sprinting down the hallway and catching a glimpse of her long hair as she fled. Alison heard my footsteps, glancing over her shoulder as she descended the stairs. She gasped, realizing how close I was already, and she hastened her pace, picking up speed.

My blood surged in my ears, excitement coursing through me as I pursued her. She rounded the stairs at the bottom, disappearing further into the house, but I remained hot on her heels. As we entered the next hallway, I almost caught her before she let out a scream and darted down a turn I hadn't anticipated. I growled in frustration as I narrowly avoided colliding with the wall, but it only added to the thrill as I continued my pursuit.

The clever little thing slipped into another room, leading me on a chase. However, what I didn't expect was her sudden disappearance the moment I entered. She was getting good at this, I mused to myself as I carefully scanned the room, closing the door behind me and locking it to prevent her escape. Then I began to move forward slowly, taking in every detail, trying to discern where she might have hidden herself.

I checked the windows, finding them all securely shut. Yet, there were long drapes hanging in front of them, so I proceeded to inspect them, ensuring she hadn't concealed herself there. Although I didn't find her, I heard a faint sliding sound emanating from the floor. Peering beneath a large couch, I caught sight of something. A grin spread across my face. I knew Alison wouldn't emerge until she felt confident that I was sufficiently far away.

She was currently crouched behind the back of the couch, waiting for an opportunity to make a break for the door. However, she wouldn't even come close to reaching it. Unseen by her, I silently advanced toward her, barefoot, ensuring my footsteps were almost inaudible.

However, a floorboard creaked beneath me, and she peeked over the back of the couch before letting out a squeal and making a dash for the door. I pursued her, and she had just managed to fling open the door when I caught her, pulling her back. She kicked and wriggled, attempting to free herself and adding to the excitement, even employing some of the tricks I had taught her.

Yet, my desire was too consuming. I craved her writhing, sweaty body beneath me as I took what I wanted. With my free hand, I swiftly tore down her jeans while she continued to squirm and struggle. Next, I ripped open her shirt, exposing her body fully to me. Pushing her down to the ground, I pressed a hand firmly on her shoulders, keeping her in place as I lowered my own pants. Our shared panting only heightened the intensity, and now that Alison belonged to me, she enticed me further by wriggling her ass, urging me on.

I thrust deeply, eliciting a cry from her as I filled her with every inch, setting a maddening rhythm solely focused on my pleasure. I used her to satisfy the desires surging through my body. She whimpered, her fingers clawing at the floor for purchase as I took her without restraint. She tried to keep pace with me, but I held her down, keeping her exactly where I wanted her.

"Oh, shit!" she cried out, the sound of our bodies slapping together echoing in the room, the little bell on her neck clinking against the floor. I smiled at the vulnerable sight before me as pleasure continued to build. Alison was teetering on the edge, but I denied her release. Her hand moved downward, seeking stimulation, but I caught it, asserting my control. She didn't get to touch herself unless I allowed it.

Leaning over her, I pressed my body against hers before sinking my teeth into her shoulder. She whimpered loudly, the sensation both painful and pleasurable, completely subdued by my actions yet still aroused by my touch. The room was filled with animalistic sounds—our panting, whimpering, and grunting—intensifying the experience.

I had no intention of holding back. I wanted to leave my mark on her, both physically and emotionally. My hips lost their rhythm as I moaned against her skin, still biting down firmly. I felt her trembling beneath me until I finally collapsed, allowing her to bear my weight.

As the orgasm continued to ripple through me, I released my bite and glanced down to see the blue mark I had left. I licked over the sting, eliciting a whimper of pain from her. It would remain for at least a few days, I surmised, and I nuzzled the spot, relishing the sight of it.

"Don't tease me if you aren't prepared to take it," I taunted in her ear.

"I-I didn't get to come," she panted.

"No, you didn't," I agreed.

She groaned, aware that I was going to prolong her climax, holding complete control over it. Rolling her head in frustration, she turned to give me an annoyed look.

"When?" she whimpered weakly, obviously on the brink.

"When I say so," I replied darkly, before capturing her lips in a rough, demanding kiss, causing her to lose her breath once more before I pulled away. Adjusting my pants, I looked down at the disheveled sight before me. Her shirt was torn, her pants askew, trapping her legs. I delivered a firm smack to her ass, eliciting a gasp as a red handprint began to form.

"What was that for?" she asked, rubbing the place.

"Because I can," I teased, seizing her hand before licking her ass cheek. A sweet sound escaped her lips, but I swiftly sank my teeth into her flesh once more, leaving another blue mark behind.

"Ouch!" she cried out, attempting to pull away, but I held her firmly by the hips until I was satisfied with my work. When I released her, she glared at me.

"That hurt!" she hissed.

"I know. You said I was too lenient," I reminded her, noticing the realization dawning in her eyes with a hint of apprehension. "That stops now."

She sighed, seemingly regretting her own words, but she had grown accustomed to being coddled, to gentleness in bed. If she wanted it rough, then rough she would get, and I intended to savor every moment of it.