Leah's POV
"Oh, in that case, I must have remembered it incorrectly," I lowered my head and stared at him in his eyes. "Memory is a very interesting thing. Do you have the feeling that when you meet someone for the first time, you feel like you've known this person for your entire life?"
"I'm just a humble tailor, Miss Lewyn. I know nothing about memory and life," Gaspard replied, gently stroking the hem up above my knees and pinning it on the belt beneath my waistline. I suddenly felt a wave of warmth spreading from my loins all over my body. It was like my whole body was ignited.
"Sorry for questioning you, Gaspard. It's just you've shown up at a really particular time in my life. I have to make sure," I panted slightly and said.
"I totally understand, Miss Lewyn. Someone is trying to kill you." Gaspard said and suddenly pulled the strings at the back of my corset, making me gasp for more air.
"I'm sorry, Miss Lewyn. Did I pull it too hard? Do you feel tight?" Gaspard whispered to my ear behind my back. His warm breath flickered the tip of my ear.
"No... I'm fine..." I whispered.
Gaspard pulled the string a bit more tightly. I moaned quietly, feeling embarrassed by my reaction.
"You know, the history of the corset has a long and complex history that spans centuries and continents." Gaspard tied the strings behind my back and said in a gentle voice. "In ancient times, women in Rome wore a tight-fitting garment called 'strophium' to support their breasts and flatten their stomachs."
As he was speaking, his hands were flickering through my breast and belly.
I was trying to flinch, but he held me upright in front of the mirror.
"Don't move, Miss Lewyn. These needles are really sharp. They might hurt you." Gaspard whispered behind my ear, tilting up my chin.
I didn't know what happened to me. I was so turned on. I saw the glass of water from the corner of my eye, then I realized that it was Gaspard who poured that glass of water for me.
He must have drugged me! I thought to myself. But my whole body was stiff. I couldn't even lift my arms.
Gaspard continued working on my clothes and said in a soft voice, "During the Middle Ages, women wore corsets to conceal the natural shape of their body, which in fact made them more tempting to men. The hourglass figure of their waistline and the fact that their breasts were pushed up high like that. No man would resist its temptation."
Gaspard's hand slowly ran down my chest, all the way down my abdomen.
I opened my mouth and tried to scream, but nothing came out.
"During the 18th century, corsets are designed to improve women's posture and provide back support. They became more structured and restrictive. Men have an innate desire to discipline their women. And corsets exist to satisfy them. Women who wore them couldn't bend down easily during the day in public. But at night, when they go back to their husbands' bed chambers and are released from the restraint of corsets, they are able to easily bend down on their knees." Gaspard said and drastically pushed me down on my knees.
The corset was so tight that I couldn't even breathe. I couldn't believe that I was being played like a toy by this man.
"No, not yet. This isn't right." Gaspard mumbled as he lifted me up and placed me upright again.
He stood behind me, with his strong arms wrapped around my slender waist, pulling me close to him.
I could feel the warmth of his body against my back, and I had to lean into him to keep balance, with my head falling back against his chest.
As I looked up into the mirror in front of us, I saw his piercing blue eyes staring back at me.
I watched as he leaned down, with his lips brushing against the nape of my neck.
I felt a shiver run down her spine as his hands traveled up my sides. His fingertips traced the curves of my body.
I was so aroused that I closed my eyes as he kissed me, with his lips finding hers in a passionate embrace.
His tongue darted out, teasing my lips apart, and I eagerly tried to turn away, but I couldn't. So I had no choice but to taste him in a fiery kiss that left me breathless.
The reflection in the mirror showed me being grabbed by Gaspard. His chiseled jawline and sculpted physique made my heart race.
"Miss Lewyn, I've always wanted to do this ever since I was a little boy. When your father walked you into my uncle's shop," Gaspard said and kissed me with an intensity that left her dizzy. His hands gripped my hips as he pulled me closer still.
I was drowning in his passion and desire.
"Gaspard..." I managed to whisper.
"What? Miss Lewyn? Did I hurt you? Tell me that you don't want this. Then, I'll stop," Gaspard said while kissing all the way down my neck.
"Ah, you smell so sweet. I've always wanted to kiss you like this." Gaspard said.
"Stop... Stop it..." I gasped in more air and said.
Gaspard suddenly stopped. He lifted his head and stared at me in the mirror with anger and hatred in his eyes.
"What happened, Miss Lewyn? You don't like the service I provide you with?" He abruptly picked up a pair of scissors on the table and pressed it against my neck.
"I've told you, Miss Lewyn. I'm just a humble tailor. Someone like me would never have a chance with someone like you. You were like the Moon Goddess herself to me. I would pray to you every night before I went to sleep. I even purchased a ring for you." Gaspard took a pause and said. "But then, five years ago, you stopped coming to my uncle's store. It took me a great effort to find out that you got married to another man, who treated you like shit. What have you done with your life, Leah? You'd rather become another man's bitch instead of being my wife?!"
He pressed the pair of scissors into my flesh, dragging a long scar on my neck.
The smell of blood immediately permeated the room.