Chapter 32
Ruby
Iwake up gasping.
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.
I look deeply unthreatening.
Still sexy, unfortunately, because my face won’t cooperate.
I sigh.
“I’m doomed.”
I grab my bag and head out.
Halfway to the bus stop, my phone vibrates.
Oh no.
Nasty Nine.
I open it.
Oh god.