Page 116 of Risks of Temptation

I knew this going in, but something about Malin's voice has changed. It's as if he believes it.

He will always want to break me.

It's better than this man.

Is it? Or will he be just as bad if he has changed?

The man's voice lowers and becomes harsher. "My patience is wearing thin with both of you. I always get what I want. If it's not tonight, it will be later. At that point, the offer for you to have anything will not exist. I will take her through my authority."

"The consequence of breaking the bylaws is death," Gustave threatens.

The man snorts. "You will give her to me. The time will come. You will not be able to say no to me. I shall have her. And since you deny me now, I will take and destroy every piece of her in front of your eyes. Not later but tonight."

There's more, but I barely hear it. I curl in a ball, unable to breathe, shaking in fear with pain searing through my heart.

Bernadette comes in. "You must shower. Time is running out. If you are late, there will be consequences."

"That man. He's...oh God!"

"It's the President of the United States."

"I can't go."

"You have to, or Malin will die, and they will take you tonight to the whorehouse."

"I... I..."

"Malin will not let him touch you. Gustave will be watching, too." She pulls me off the ground. "Shower, now. When you finish, I will fix your hair."

"Malin...has he…he..."

"Changed?" She raises her eyebrows, but the look in her eyes already tells me my answer.

"He has, hasn't he?"

"As have you."

What have we done? Why did I ever push for this?

Malin said no. I didn't listen to him.

There was no other choice.

Wasn't there?

She guides me into the bathroom and turns on the shower. "Remove it all." She pulls a razor out of her pocket.

I don't have much hair. She makes me shave daily but never without her watching. I asked her why she doesn't leave one day.

"So you don't harm yourself."

I shivered at the thought. But several days later, I understood when I could hardly get myself off the couch.

I finish, dry off, and she fixes my hair in long curls. She applies makeup to my face. My cheeks are contoured and highlighted to perfection but look natural. Mascara, grayish-blue eyeshadows, and eyeliner make my eyes pop. She uses a nude lip pencil to outline my lips. Clear gloss accentuates their fullness.

We go into the bedroom. A white, silk slip dress lies on the bed. Six-inch stilettos with diamond stud heels shine next to it.

She unzips the dress and has me step into it, with no undergarments. She fastens it on me then helps me into the shoes.