was a dress the color of spilled wine. It was silk, cut low in the front and even lower in the back. I

d and dressed for a part I didn't want to play. My hands trembled as I tried to zip it up. The reflection in

on the counter.

ownstairs. Do

oved from one place to another. I took a deep, shuddering breath, grabbed the matching cl

led with the most powerful people in the tech industry. The air buzzed with quiet conversations a

y in the revealing dress, a flicker of something possessive in his gaze. He didn't say I looke

ophantic smiles. He introduced me simply as "Chloe," my last name erased, my identity reduced to his companion for the eveni

me. For a moment, I was anonymous. I was just about to order a glass of water when a man sidl

elling of expensive whiskey. "I'm David. And y

leazy venture capitalist known for his inappr

omeone," I said politel

rl like you shouldn't be all alone." He reached out and put his hand on my bare

h me," I said, my

h becoming more insistent. "Mark has excellent taste. He always

is man's lips made me feel sick. I trie

face uncomfortably close to mine. "Mark sent me over. Said yo

desperately, my eyes searching the crowd for Mark. I saw him across the room, watching us. He was talking to some

r me. He wasn't just doing nothing. He ha

away from me!" I said, my voice louder than I

ed my arm, his fingers digging into my ski

is expression a mask of cool indiffere

r changing completely. "No problem at all,

s a little sensitive. You have to be gentle with her."

e, shaking, my arms wrapped around myself. I looked at Mark, my

he asked, his voice

ld you?" I whispered, my voice break

ded a reminder of your place, Chloe. You needed to understand that

ull roar. I felt like I was drowning. "Please, Mark," I begged, my dignity

ing. No more defiance. You belong to me until I say this is over. And in return," he paused, letting th

and pathetic, but still my father. I thought of the prison cell t

ut, the single wo

e. He took my arm again, his grip like a manac

glittering, predatory crowd,