ment was

ator I used to notice when everything else was still. Just sile

us wa

e elevator attendant gave me a clipped nod and nothing else. Those were signs I'd learne

was gone. So was the photo. The spot where they'd lain was cl

ok a

ld shower, eat something small, a

e were

room. Steady. Calm. The kind o

rned

ng amber-colored. His tie was loosened, sleeves rolled up. And he

aid, as neutrally as I could

hing. "Of course. A meeting. And then

fro

of his drink, his ey

t," I offered. "I was exha

told

Ye

e between u

st... did wh

ud. I should've lied better. I should've said I was in t

as tired

ppropriate," I added quickl

he wrong th

s smile

wn, too gently. "Do you thin

t wha

flinch when I come near you now. Like you think someone else

are of me," I sa

t was

head, backin

bbed my

it was enough to make

said. " You let him t

first aid

ist, slow and del

giving orders. The girl obeying.

ng!" My voice cracked. "

was closer now, breath hot and bitter.

rm back. "I'm

in his fa

oss my cheek so fa

ed through the r

he edge of the kitchen counter. M

id quietly. "I told yo

sted

didn

ped to the side, and I felt something pop

d. "Your precious boss? Think he'll come storming

through the kitchen. I fought him, tri

floor near the dining t

ice," he snarled. "You don't take drin

as his foot conn

covering my head, too stunned to

ove me. "You don't forget who you belong to.

dn't

nothing I

ere, shaking. B

ed. The rage seeped out of him

ff, and wiped his hands like I wa

g happened. "By the time I get back, y

med behind him

dn't

uld

d to the cold tile, the copper

side me crack

ly. Not a

eno