"Then prove to me that you've learned your lesson," Caleb commands, like an austere schoolmaster or priest humiliating his wayward pupil.
"Human love is temporary, can't be trusted," Livvie recites in a meek, flat tone. "You're the only one who's been there for me." She stares at Caleb with a glazed look of submission and unthinking obedience.
"That's a good girl," Caleb says, treating Livvie the same way he treated Gabby in "Tainted Love"--like a small child who has learned to say "please" and "thank you" or a puppy who is becoming housebroken. Livvie and Gabby are Caleb's "good girls" because they are bending to his will, doing whatever he desires, becoming a vamp/whore/seductress, a murderess, or a naive, helpless waif--assuming whatever guise he wishes to fulfill his plans.
"I'm sorry it's taken so much time to get right," she tells him, "but I won't let you down, Caleb, I promise. Just please trust me."
Placated by her apologetic surrender, Caleb yields also, giving in to his need and desire by softly stroking her face, kissing her, feeling her supple body respond to his touch. However, he fights to regain control of his emotions, knowing that his love for her makes him vulnerable. She has the power to destroy him, but he must never let her know this. He must keep her feeling helpless, dependent so that she will never realize his weakness for her. Struggling against his weakness, Caleb focuses on his anger, channeling it as a defense against his debilitating love. Although his touch is seductive, tantalizing, his voice and expression seethe with menace. "Don't ever. . . don't ever do this to me again," he threatens, "or it will end, and there'll be no one to look after you."
"I understand," she replies timidly.
With Livvie's docile submission, Caleb once again finds himself yielding. His expression softens, his voice becomes tender, plaintive. "Can't you see?" he says with a yearning smile as he caresses her face. "I do everything for you. No one will ever love you the way I do." |
