Black Iris

Deadly Charade.

Warning:
Chapter Includes gaslighting and emotional abuse.

Iris

His hands were gentle in a way that they hadn't been for a long time. Trailing my sides. Lingering on my hips.

He gently kissed my jawline and breathed against my ear.

"You're doing so good, my pet."

I felt my body react to those words, but tried to remain focused, trying to gently push him away. "Stop. We need to talk."

It was late, and I hadn't expected our meeting to go this way. But he just chuckled and grabbed my hands, pinning them behind my back before kissing my neck.

"I'm sick of talking. I want to hear you moan, my Iris."

I once again tried to pull away, turning my body out of his reach.

"Enough, Blake. I'm serious."

His face went dark. Without a moment of hesitation, he wrenched me back around and slapped me across the face. I cried out, my hands flying up to clutch my cheek. Blinding pain irradiated from where his hand met my skin and I couldn't help but let out a sob.

"You're not in charge here, Iris," He growled. "I'll play with you if I want to play with you. Understood?"

"Yes master," I whimpered, still clutching my cheek.

He looked surprised when I used the title, as if my submission was an unexpected pleasure. His face softened and his fingers brushed the hand on my cheek. He gently drew my fingers from my face and placed his own on the stinging skin. His eyes met mine, and my breath caught in my throat. Too overcome by emotions, I forced myself to look away.

"I'm sorry, my pet. I shouldn't have snapped at you. It's just been a really hard day, and I was really hoping to relax."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Of course, sir."

He drew a strand of my dark hair between his fingers, then gently lifted my chin so I was looking at him again.

"Good girl. You're far more obedient now, aren't you, Iris? Now that you've realised the truth."

No, I wanted to scream.

"Yes, sir," I said instead.

Maybe. Lately, the truth felt grey. It was not so long ago that I had promised myself I would take Blake down. That he would never hurt another woman the way he hurt me. The way he ruined Ophelia.

I still wanted to keep that promise.

Yet here I was, wrapped around his finger. His obedient little toy.

It's for Jackson, I told myself. He has your son. You're trying to protect Jackson.

But then, how did that justify what he was making me do?

Manipulating Ophelia. Building our case. Making her look mad. Insane. A liar.

I clenched my eyes shut as the thoughts took over, and Blake hummed, squeezing my arm. I felt him step back.

"Alright, Iris. I can see that you're upset, and I can't get off to a wet sponge. What's on your mind?"

I opened my eyes and bit my lip. "Sorry sir." I said quickly.