The Devil's Good Intentions by Kari Miller

and down her arm in a calming gesture.
    “ Katherine, I am not here to steal your freedom or eradicate your independence. I do not look to break down your character or mould you into a meek creature. I need you to remain as you are.”
    “ But…” She tried to pipe in.
    “ No Katherine. Right now I just want you to listen and then I will grant you the same respect. It is my turn right now.”
    She nodded and lowered her head, trying to hide her face from him.
    He gently placed his finger under her chin and tipped her head up so she faced him. It was odd speaking to her while she was blind folded. He would have preferred to see her eyes so he could read her emotions and reactions, but knew that the blind fold was what was keeping her together.
    “ I will be the first to admit that I am a hard man to live with. I am set in my ways, I expect obedience from everyone who resides under my care, I take what I want with no remorse and I have a temper that rivals the Devil’s.”
    She nodded but still remained quiet.
    “ I receive obedience because those who know me respect me. I do not abuse of my power, I place everybody’s safety before mine, I provide fair wages and safe working environments, I am a good landlord and show compassion and understanding when it is needed and I am one of the most honest people you will ever meet. Nobody under my care has ever been mistreated by me or by anyone else. I cannot properly take care of my own if they are dishonest with me and do not follow my rules.”
    “ But…” She tried again.
    “ Kat” He warned her with a low growl to emphasize.
    She closed her mouth and blushed.
    “ If I tell you to heed my wishes and you feel strongly against them, by all means, feel free to object and explain to me as to why you feel I should relent. But Katherine, you will do so in a respectful manner and not lash out at me if I choose not to agree with you. You need to trust that I will keep you safe and if I cannot trust that you will follow my orders then I will not be able to properly care for you and you will suffer unnecessary consequences, be it from myself or from someone else. I need to know that you will follow through with what I am saying; if you continually defy me I will place your safety above your feelings and take necessary actions. If you feel to challenge me then do so when we are alone. I will not disrespect you in front of others nor will you disrespect me. Is that clear?”
    He could see her scowling behind her blindfold but gave him a reluctant nod.
    “ I have a temper Kat and sometimes I have to fight to keep it leashed. Do not provoke it. Do not slap me, throw things at me or deliberately hurt me in any manner because I cannot guarantee that you will walk away unscathed. I lose myself in my temper and cannot always control my actions. I have always believed in like for like and will not even question my response if pushed past the point of no return. Yell at me if you must but do not make it a habit. If you feel to physically lash out on me, I encourage you to curse me instead. I do not want to encourage you to be disrespectful, however I know how hard it is to tame your temper when you are in the passion of the moment and would prefer to be labelled a buffoon rather than feel the sting of your slap, and then the regret of me having to peel you off the floor as a result. Not an abuse of power but a guarantee of your safety. Is that clear?”
    She nodded her head again. He kissed her on the lips this time ever so softly and then continued.
    “ I like to banter and tease just as I enjoy when you banter and tease along with me. I like when you share pieces of yourself with me and am eager to share your intelligence. I admire your survivor skills and your self-worth. I think you are beyond beautiful, which by the way will not help me with my growing jealousy issues which I have never experienced in my life, so bear with me in the meantime. I think you are sexy, erotic,