8 - Blaine.

I clench my jaw, shaking my head in an effort to clear the haze from my mind. This is no different from any other punishment I dole out, even if it is Azira Sidorov. A means to discipline and teach, not a way for me to get my rocks off or feed some sick fantasy.

I reach for the handle of my whip and pull it down from the wall, shutting my eyes and drawing a deep breath. Flexing my fingers, I get used to the familiar and calming feel of the leather bound handle in my hand. It brings me the calm I need as the sadistic thoughts had taken control.

I open my eyes. "Brace your hands against the wall and don't move them. Otherwise, I'll have to bind you."

She steps forward, placing her hands in front of her.

And then I bring the whip down in a heavy arc across the center of Azira's back.

She cries out at the pain and impact, her legs trembling beneath her as she claws at the wall. It's not a scream, but there's pain in the sound. Anticipation coils through me as I wonder if I'm right about A