“Should hold him for a while.” Blue nodded with a smile.

“Let’s find out, shall we?” Mother’s eyes were bright as she stood, walking over to where Peep knelt, her head bowed so low her golden hair fell in a pool on the floor. The older woman leaned over and began to untie her. Peep didn’t make a peep-she stayed just that way, with her hands behind her back, as if she were still restrained.

“Ah, you are such a good girl,” Mother remarked, stroking Peep’s back with her hand. “A faster learner. Up, pet.”

Mother twined her hand in Peep’s hair and she stood, her hands still tucked behind her back. “You know you aren’t allowed to fraternize,” Mother admonished her, leaning in close enough Peep could smell the mint tea she’d been drinking on her breath.

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Peep whispered, swallowing hard. She felt tears stinging her eyes again. “It was just-”

Mother raised an eyebrow. “Oh, this should be good. What was it just, darling?” Peep looked over at Tom, who was watching them both with darkening eyes.

“Nothing, Mother,” Peep whispered. “It was nothing.” Mother smiled, turning to Tom and bringing Peep along with her, this time grabbing her by the wrist. “You see, Tom, it was nothing. She said so herself.”

“I don’t believe it,” Tom replied, his eyes blazing. Mother eyed them both and then forced the young girl to her knees in front of him.

“You can believe whatever you like, precious,” she told him, petting Peep’s hair.

“But she does my bidding-and so do you. Isn’t that right, pet?”

“Yes, Mother,” Peep whispered, her eyes turned up to them both.

“Who is your mistress?” Mother asked, stroking Peep’s cheek.

“You are, Mother.”

“Who loves you?” she asked, rubbing her fingers over the girl’s soft lips.

“You do, Mother.”

“Who gives you more pleasure than you ever knew possible?” Peep closed her eyes for a moment, her nostrils flaring at the memory. “You do, Mother.”