I shook my head, "I want you to tell me why you were in there with him alone. And what happened between you and my father? He only told me that you two talked and that you were going to act better for the sake of the family. Tell me, Jess." I leave her for thirty minutes, and she nearly gets herself killed. She really gave me a scare. Jared's lucky my dad was there. Otherwise, I would have beat him as bad as he beat her. No one lays a hand on her unless I say so.

Jessica starred down at the black silk sheets. "Your dad told me about how powerful you all are. He told me if I don't behave and make you look good then..." She shook her head, "I went to Jared to humble myself and say sorry for my actions. H-he told me if I learned my place he would accept my apology, so that's what I did." Does she really think I didn't catch her completely changing the subject mid-sentence? "Did he threaten to send you back to the boarding house, Jess?" That would be just like him, taking away my happiness the second it's back in my hands.

"No, sir."

"Then what is it? What are you trying to hide from me?" I was starting to get agitated. Jessica flinched again, her body beginning to shake. Ugh. She's so scared. Leave your temper out of this Tanner. She just got the shit beat out of her by your best friend.

I moved closer and reached up to stroke her hair, but she jumped off of the bed, "I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to! Please don't hit me! I'll be good! I'll do whatever you want!" I sped in front of her. Jared had gotten the better of her mind again already. She wasn't thinking straight anymore.

"No, no, no. I wasn't going to hurt you. Jess, come on hun. Relax. It's okay. It's me." I picked her up and set her on my lap, resting her head on my chest. Good going dumb ass.

"He will kill me...if I fail," Jessica said faintly. So silent that I barely heard it.

"I wouldn't let that happen," I whispered back. As we were laying there the scent of Jessica's blood hit my nose and my fangs extended. I hadn't had blood in weeks. God, she smelt good. It didn't help that she's so vulnerable right now. It would be so easy to manipulate her.

Before I realized what I was doing, I had flipped Jessica over and was now on top of her. I straddled her, holding her arms above her head. Her chest heaved up and down and her heartbeat accelerated. No, damn it. I need to stop. She's had enough harassment for one day. Drink from her tomorrow. "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that," I murmured and climbed off her.

She laid still, too scared to move, "d-did I do something wrong, sir?"

Her question didn't register. She smelt too delicious.I bet she wouldn't even scream, and I haven't seen her topless in ages. I could rip off that dress, pin her down, and drain her. She would just take whatever I did to her. Mmm. I let out a low growl, "Take off that dress and lay back down. Now." Jessica stood up and unzipped the dress, letting it hit the floor as she sobbed quietly. No. Fuck. I can't do this. I was making her cry. I glanced back at her, her sun-kissed skin quivering as she laid there, anticipating my touch... Maybe just one touch. I pounced back on top of her, attaching the chains from the headboard to either of her wrists.