The metal strikes. It sears the skin. The burning smell of flesh rises on the breezy night air while my scream gets lost in the sounds of earth. I’ve been branded for the second time. Bailey stands and backs away.
As the water laps my ankles, rising to my calves, I remain alone, staked and branded, like an offering to the sea. I have no reason to panic now. I have every assurance that he’ll rescue me. He rescued me before.
I drift for a moment then feel his hand at my face, caressingly loving it. He kisses me.
“It’s a good treatment for bad girls, don’t you think?” he asks with an affectionate smile.
I shake my head yes, crying, salty tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Your choice, Maddie… If I release you now, I’ll lay you out against the rock and beat you till your flesh welts, or
