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I whisper into the empty room:

“…I’m in so much trouble.”

But the truth?

I don’t want out of it.

Not even a little.

CHAPTER 32

Ruby

Iwake upgasping.

Not like I’m scared.

Like I’m remembering.

Oh god.

My face floods with heat.

I press both hands over my eyes and whisper the most pathetic sentence in the English language:

“What did I DO?”

No answer.

Just more memories.

His hands. His mouth. His voice. The way he said I was beautiful. The way he held me when I came apart in his arms. The way he said,“You’re mine.”The way I said,“I know.”

I bury my face in my pillow.

“No no no no no..."

My entire body is sore in the best way. My legs feel like I ran a marathon and then danced on a table. My throat is scratchy from moaning.

And my alarm goes off.

I jolt.

10AM.

His office.

Round two.

The thought sends a pulse through me that I refuse to acknowledge.

I get out of bed and nearly collapse.

Standing? Illegal. Cruel. A personal attack.

I shower way too long. Moisturize like my life depends on it. Stare into the mirror like I’m about to testify in court.

I put on my most boring outfit. My most modest shirt. My most neutral lipstick.