I turned my back, untied the towel, and pulled on the nightgown.
When I turned around, Anthony was on a video call.
On the screen, Audrey smiled sweetly. "Anthony, are you asleep? I miss you."
The man who'd looked so cold moments ago now spoke in a voice so gentle it didn't seem like him.
"Not yet. Just finished dealing with a bit of trash. Go to sleep early. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
I stood three yards away, listening to him be tender with another woman.
After he hung up, the gentleness vanished from his face.
He looked at me—undisguised desire and disgust intertwined in his eyes.
He stood, crossed the room in a few strides, and shoved me down onto the sofa.
I squeezed my eyes shut, my body tensed like a bowstring.
The violation I expected never came.
A snort of laughter sounded by my ear.
"Smells poor. Makes me lose my appetite."
He let go and pulled out a wet wipe, carefully wiping his hands.
"Get out to the guest room and sleep on the floor. Don't let me see you."
Clutching my collar, I scrambled into the guest room.
The room was big, but I didn't dare touch the bed.
I curled up on the floor, fingers brushing the spot on my left ring finger.
A faint ring-shaped mark still lingered there.