"Good... That is as fine a reason as any. We'll make you into the calibre of slave I need, and perhaps then there will be less need to be afraid of me." Not that he planned on lessening how much he indulged his sadism, and honestly it was a long way before he stopped finding anything to punish her over at all. Likely the causes of annoyance would become smaller and smaller things as she improved in hope of perfection, but it seemed unlikely the punishments would shrink to match.<br/><br/>Still, pride was a fine motivator and he thought to add loyalty, if not love, to the reasons for her to obey. Either way it would be enough and, in time, she would make a fine slave.<br/><br/>For the now his voice fell silent and he instead clutched her to his chest to wait for sleep to take her. He enjoyed the comfort and the press of her against his chest, but he had little inclination to sleep so once she started dozing he slipped away; but not before laying a blanket haphazardly - but thoughtfully - across her.<br/><br/>He wandered downstairs where he took some brandy and did a little work, and a little tinkering. He received a letter too and agreed to visit his friends house that evening, bringing Zoey out only if she was awake and less sore. She was not of course (and might not be for days), so instead he stepped out alone and went about his business, returning with high spirits and a full stomach.<br/><br/>He slipped back into bed alongside her with the intent of sleep and, aside from giving himself a few moments to stroke her side and chest fondly in a way that barely stirred the girl, he fell asleep alongside her soon enough and slept clear and deep til morning.<br/><br/>The next morning sunlight strained against the curtains in an effort to flood the room with too-bright light. It failed, though not enough that Quentin didn't crack an eye open when an offending ray caught his eyelid. He awoke after that, and decided Zoey had slept enough. A hand went to her cheek, cupping it fondly but also tapping his fingers to bring her round to consciousness; gentle, but insistent.<br/><br/>"Wake up, girl, come on. You have slept for many hours, it is time to do some work." He kissed her fleetingly, then rolled around onto his back to watch the room and let his body wake a little more slowly. "Go to the kitchen and bring breakfast. Enough for yourself too, if you like. Cover up while you go, though... I don't want those fools salivating over you today, and besides you seem sore enough without them to try anything."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>