It had been a week of bliss for me-having Sam all to myself, locked safely away in my room where no one could take her from me. For Sam, though, I could tell it was different. The fear in her eyes, the quiet desperation in her every movement-it only made her more beautiful, more precious. But even I had to admit, she couldn't stay hidden away forever.
My parents had been asking about me recently, wondering why I wasn't coming down for meals or family events. I'd avoided them as long as I could, but it was time to share my happiness. Time to introduce them to the girl who had become my world.
This morning, I decided it was finally the day. Sam didn't seem thrilled about it-not that she had a choice. After all, I was doing this for her. She just didn't realize it yet.
I picked out the perfect sundress for her-a soft yellow that brought out the freckles on her cheeks. It was modest but flattering, a picture of innocence. I brushed her hair until it gleamed, braiding a small section to pin back. Her face was bare of makeup, just the way I liked it. She looked stunning. Mine.
Dressing myself in a matching sundress, I stood back and admired us in the mirror. We looked perfect together. My hands trembled with excitement as I unfastened the chain from her ankle. I held her hand tightly, savoring the warmth of her skin as I led her out of my bedroom for the first time in a week. She followed obediently, her head down, but I could feel the tension radiating off her. Poor thing didn't know how much fun we were about to have.
"Sam," I said softly as we descended the grand staircase. "I'm introducing you to my parents. Be good, okay? They'll love you. They're just like me."
I glanced back to see her flinch at those words. Her reaction made me smile.
We reached the dining room, where my parents, Leroy and Janice Jones, were already seated. Daddy looked up first, his sharp, commanding gaze softening instantly when he saw Sam. He stood, smoothing down his suit jacket. Mom stayed seated, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes flitting nervously between me and Sam. She was always the quieter one, more delicate. A lot like Sam, actually.
"Mom, Dad," I announced proudly, "this is Sam. She's mine."
Daddy stepped forward, his smile broad and warm as he extended a hand to Sam. "So you're the one Scarlett's been keeping to herself," he said, his voice rich with amusement. "Such a lovely young lady." He took her hand in his, pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles.
Before I could stop myself, a low growl escaped my throat. I yanked Sam back into my arms, wrapping her protectively against my chest. "She's mine, Daddy," I hissed, glaring at him. To drive the point home, I kissed Sam's cheek, then her forehead, holding her close.
Daddy chuckled, his deep laugh rumbling through the room. "Calm down, sweetheart. I was just being polite." He turned back to Mom, pulling her onto his lap with practiced ease. She let out a soft gasp but didn't protest, her hands resting delicately on his chest.
Mom looked at me, her wide eyes darting briefly to Sam. "She's lovely, Scarlett," she said quietly, though her voice trembled slightly.
I gave her a sweet smile. "Thanks, Mom. She is, isn't she?"
Dinner was a lavish affair, as always. The long mahogany table was laden with silver platters of food, the kind of meal that screamed wealth and power. Daddy kept Mom on his lap the entire time, feeding her bites of food with a fond smile.
"Open up, darling," he murmured, holding a forkful of steak to her lips. Mom obeyed, her cheeks flushing as she chewed delicately. I could see Sam watching them, her eyes wide with something between fascination and horror.
Leaning closer to Sam, I picked up a forkful of mashed potatoes. "Your turn, Sammi," I cooed. "Here comes the airplane!"
Her face burned with embarrassment, but she opened her mouth, letting me feed her. The way she squirmed made my heart race. She was so obedient, so perfect.
After dinner, Daddy suggested a family game night. Monopoly was the game of choice, and of course, I insisted Sam sit on my lap. Mom was already perched on Daddy's, looking as fragile and doll-like as ever.
The game was lively, though it was clear from the start that I was going to win. Daddy dominated the conversation, regaling us with stories about his younger days.
"Did I ever tell you about how I met your mother?" he said, his tone casual yet proud. "She was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. But she had these... friends." His smile darkened slightly. "They didn't approve of me. Thought I was too controlling."
Sam stiffened in my lap, her fingers clutching the hem of her sundress. I stroked her arm soothingly, but her eyes were glued to Daddy, her fear palpable.
"So I dealt with them," Daddy continued, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "One by one, they disappeared. And Janice-well, she didn't have much of a choice after that, did she?"
Mom's smile was tight, her hands gripping Daddy's shirt. She didn't say a word.
Sam was trembling now, and I pressed a kiss to her temple, holding her closer. "It's okay, Sammi," I whispered. "Daddy's just passionate about love. Like me."
By the end of the game, I was the clear winner. Daddy chuckled as he handed me the victory token. "Well done, Scarlett. What's your prize?"
Without hesitation, I turned to Sam, cupping her face in my hands. "This," I said, planting kisses all over her cheeks. She squirmed, her face burning, but I didn't stop until I was satisfied.
Later that night, I carried her back upstairs, her small frame cradled in my arms. She didn't fight me, though I could feel the tension in her body. I dressed her in matching pajamas-pink silk sets that were soft and luxurious. Then, as always, I fastened the chain around her ankle, ensuring she couldn't leave.
"Goodnight, Sammi," I whispered, tucking her under the covers and wrapping my arms around her. "You're part of the family now. Forever."
Her silence was answer enough.
