“You wanted to see me,” I say meekly, frozen in place.
“Have a seat.”
“I can hear you from here.” I remain glued to the spot.
Scowling, he storms towards me. Too paralyzed by fear, I shrink against the wall instead of running, crossing my arms above my head for protection. Flashbacks of my father’s fists flying at my face transport me to the past. I scream, waiting for the blow.
Dom seizes my jaw in a painful grip.
“What the hell is the matter with you? Shut the fuck up,” he whispers furiously.
“You were going to hit me,” I accuse.
“I wasn’t, you foolish woman, but I will if you don’t obey me.” He thrusts me in front of him. “Move.”
I stumble forward, walking on unsteady feet. I notice two books on the gleaming wood desk, a Bible and my diary. Bile rises in my throat.
Dom’s hard chest brushes against my back.
“You… you’ve been inside my condo,” I say in a hoarse voice.
“I have.” He pushes his hands under my blouse, trailing fingers up my quivering belly and kissing my neck. “Which is it going to be, salvation or damnation? Pick your poison.”
“You read it?” I ask huskily, too drunk on desire to protest.
“You’re a naughty girl, Pepper.”
“My underwear.” My eyes flutter closed. “You stole them.”
“I smell them while stroking my cock.” He licks the single drop of sweat trickling down my temple. “Then I imagine bathing your beautiful chocolate face in my cum.”
“What you did is illegal,” I pant. “I could file a police report.”
“Saying what, exactly?” He shoves his hands beneath my bra. “That I stole your book of filthy secrets? Do you want it to become public knowledge?”
If anyone else read the contents of my diary, I’d be further mortified.
“I can fulfill all of your fantasies, Pepper,” he says, pinching my nipples.
“No.” I whimper.
I must fight temptation.
“Your God is forgiving. He’ll excuse your transgressions.”
“Please… Dom… stop,” I beg, my resistance waning.
“You want my mouth on your clit.” His lips graze my ear as he speaks. “You pretend to be a good Christian girl, but you crave a taste of sin.”
I look heavenward.
Help me.
“The devil is at your door. Will you answer?”
I recite the first Bible scripture that pops into my mind, the verses my father forced me to repeat over and over the evening he found me pleasuring myself.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” I tear from his grasp and make a beeline towards safety.
