As Mila meticulously cleared the table, she avoided meeting the gaze of the man whose eyes bore into her like icy steel.
"What will you do to make it up to me? How will you serve me?" His voice cut through the silence, dripping with expectation.
She frowned, knowing all too well his desires, yet she remained tight-lipped, turning away from him.
"I could handle the books. I studied accounting," she offered tentatively. "I even worked as an accountant for a while."
Alesander chuckled darkly, his amusement tinged with malice. "That's not what I'm interested in," he replied, his tone ominous. "You know what I desire, and it will come to pass regardless of your willingness."
"Why give me a choice then?" she retorted, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Alesander's expression darkened as he stepped closer, his anger palpable. "That's not the tone you use with me, Mila," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the task at hand.
He watched her silently as she washed the dishes, making no move to assist her.
"I used to have maids, but now that I have you, they're unnecessary," he remarked casually.
"What about when I'm gone? You'll need them again," she pointed out.
"Gone?" Alesander scoffed. "You're not leaving, Mila. We're married now."
Her frown deepened. "But I thought once I paid back the bail, I'd be free," she protested.
Alesander laughed, the sound chilling. "No, you belong to me now. You owe me everything for saving your worthless life."
He scrutinized her as she finished the task at hand.
"You know, you're not even attractive. They only flattered you because you were the only woman around," he remarked callously. "You're quite plain, really."
Ignoring his words, Mila continued her work. She may have doubted many things, but her confidence in her appearance remained steadfast.
"You were begging for my attention," she reminded him, her voice trembling with defiance.
Without a word, Alesander unleashed his fury, his belt landing mercilessly on her back. Mila cried out in agony as the blows rained down upon her.
"You insolent whore," he spat, his rage consuming him. "You dare to speak to me with such disrespect in my own house? You'll learn your place, one lash at a time."
-----
Alexander had her sleep on the floor in a dog bed next to his own bed. He handcuffed her and made her sleep sitting up, remarking that she was nothing but a dirty bitch who couldn't sleep in a bed.
Mila was okay with the arrangement. It would make her escape easier, the second he fell asleep she would make her getaway.
Alexander emerged from the bathroom, towel around his waist and drying up his hair with one.
"I haven't taken a shower since we left jail." She reminded him.
"You need to earn the privilege. Just like with everything you need to earn it."
"How do I do that?"
"For starters, you need to be nicer to me now. No more of that way you talk to me. You can't keep acting like you're above me."
She nodded her head. "Okay. Can I please take a shower Alexander."
"You need to earn it." He repeated. "What can you do for me that will make me want to let you."
