She looked at Gideon. “May I take off the belt and take a shower, please? Alone. I need some space to think.”
Jesse waited for Gideon’s response. He had no idea what to expect from him. He was allowing Jesse to touch her, but Jess knew his lover had no intention of abandoning the punishment completely. He could answer either way and still be justified.
“Promise you’re just showering.”
“I will. I know what the belt was for. I won’t go against your wishes, Sir.”
Gideon nodded. Emma scooted away from Jesse to stand by the bed, holding still while Gideon retrieved a small key and undid the locks that held the belt in place. He was careful not to let any of the metal pieces scrape over her damaged skin as he helped her step out of it, even going so far as to lean in and brush his mouth along the worst of the welts on her stomach.
Both of them watched Emma disappear into the bathroom.
“I honestly didn’t think she’d get out of the scarves,” Gideon said.