7. The Price of Slave

My eyes slowly opened as waking came to me. My whole body ached; even after sleeping, I still felt exhausted, as if I hadn't rested enough. Sunlight streamed through the large window where the curtains had already been drawn. What time is it?

The sound of a spoon clinking against a cup woke me. I peeked out from under the covers. Elijah was sitting on the daybed, dressed in a black kimono, his legs crossed quietly as he sipped his coffee. The aroma wafted over to me.

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Elijah ordered.

I didn't answer, instead burrowing deeper under the covers. I wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing, so how could I get out of bed like this?

I heard his footsteps approaching, and I grew more alert. Suddenly, he yanked off the blanket, and a rush of cold air hit my entire body.

"No!" I yelped, immediately covering my sensitive parts even though it felt pointless. "I'm embarrassed."

"I explored every inch of you. What's there to be embarrassed about?" He snorted.

After everythin