Bound: The Inland Slave by Kelsey Charisma

demanded.
    “I told you, father, my slave thinks he’s in charge. I told him to draw the curtains and stoke the fire, but he insists that’s a woman’s job.” She glared at Felix for making her lie. It wasn’t even a good lie, but they were by the hearth. “Why don’t you chop wood? Unless that is beneath you.”
    “It is beneath me.” Felix replied. With a quick jerk, he closed the blinds, and then he added another log to the fire before slipping from the room in a tiff.
    “I’m telling you that you need to beat him.” Katja’s father chided her. He was obviously embarrassed that his wealthy prize and show of status was uncooperative. Katja’s head whipped in her father’s direction. Visions of him flaying Felix made her eyes water. The image of the doting father she use to admire seemed dark, and her anger boiled. Suddenly, her father looked like a beast, and his fierce, stern glare terrified her. She wasn’t sure but she thought she was scowling at him in front of a respected man. It wouldn’t bide well if she said anything, and she bit her tongue to keep from arguing with him.
    Her father changed the subject. “Katja, this is Sir Cragged. I’ve invited him to shoot on our hills and I hoped you’d ride with us.”
    “As you wish,” she said with a clinched jaw, and without giving her suitor any recognition.
    “See, Sir Cragged? My daughter is a model of servitude.”

6
     
    That night Annett brushed Katja’s hair, as she sat in front of a vanity mirror. Katja was quiet as she thought about the horrid day. She could see why her father chose Sir Cragged. He was rich, came from a long line of respected businessmen, and promised to spend a small fortune taking care of Katja, but there was much she didn’t like about him. He was pompous, set in his ideas, spoke constantly while he enjoyed the sound of his own voice, and Katja was convinced he’d never love her more than he loved himself.
    Annett didn’t fail to notice her heavy thoughts as she watched Katja through the mirror. “He’s a good match, Katja.”
    “Mm,” Katja hummed with a glance under her bed. She was sure Felix was already waiting for her room to clear before he occupied her bed. She didn’t want to talk about Sir Cragged with him listening. If Felix disliked hearing about men as much as she hated knowing about women in his past, she wouldn’t speak of Sir Cragged.
    “You couldn’t ask for a better match. You’re father chose a man who will take care of you. With time, you will learn to love him. Don’t let your hesitations pass premature judgment on the man, or you will find it harder to care for him.”
    “I’m eighteen. I’m young. I feel I could ask for better. I don’t want to learn to love. I want someone who is equally passionate about me as I am him.”
    Annett stopped brushing her hair, and as if she were her mother, she said, “Now you listen to me. Your romantic thoughts will upset your father. You know he’s lenient on you unless it comes to embarrassing him in front of men he works closely with. You need to abandon any thoughts of discomfort you might have toward Sir Cragged, and decide you like him—right away.”
    “You married for love, Annett. I’m surprised you’d give me this advice when you had love and know its value.”
    “Everyone learns to love, but few easily succumb to their heart. I’m telling you how to be happy, Katja. The wedding is set in stone, and there is no backing out of it.” Annett put the brush down on the vanity, and began to unlace her top until Katja smacked her hands away and went behind the dressing partition.
    Katja jumped, and nearly screamed, when Felix slapped his hand over her mouth before a sound came out. She stared at him with wide eyes, and when she relaxed after being startled, he let go. Felix put a finger to his lips, silently telling her not to speak or give away his presence.
    “What was that?” Annett asked.
    “I…a spider.” Katja lied lamely, and