Page 64 of Mine

Now he was alone with his mother while I sat here, my gut clenching, not knowing if she would tell. And I can do nothing but wait.

I don’t have to wait for long.

The knots in my stomach drop to my feet, taking all my blood with them as my face drains.

“Son?” Christopher asks, seeing him in the doorway.

“Bedtime.” One word is all he says.

“Aw,” Sam complains, pouting. “The film,” she insists, pointing at the television.

“Charlotte, bedtime.” His voice is calm and collected, but I see his cheek twitch with impatience.

I rush to my feet. “Thank you for today, everyone. Tonight was fun.” I lean down and hug Sam, stopping her protests.

I want Helen to know I’m not mad and understand her loyalty to her son. So, I reach over and embrace her, too. She kisses my cheek, rubbing my back.

“Good night, sweet girl,” she whispers, stroking my cheek as we part.

“What about me?” Kaleb laughs with his arms wide open.

“I fucking dare you.”

Daniel’s words only make him laugh harder.

Michael shakes his head. “One day, he’s going to punch you in the neck, and we’re not going to be shocked, baby brother.”

Their playfulness helps to calm my nerves and steady my breaths as I take Daniel’s outstretched hand, letting him link our fingers as he leads me up the stairs.

I don’t fight him like I won’t fight what’s coming. I deserve it.

By the time we reach our bedroom, my hands are sweaty, and my body shakes.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, Daniel. I didn’t mean it.”

The bedroom door closes behind us, shutting out the rest of the family.

Daniel doesn’t speak at first, stripping out of his clothes in silence. I perch on the edge of the bed, waiting for him to tell me what to do.

I strain my ears, trying to follow him through the room as he shuffles around, disrobing.

“Strip and climb onto the bed.”

I jump to my feet at the order, eager to please.

I need this, just as he does.

My sweater goes quickly. I turn to find him. I need to see his face, show him I can be his good girl. I have to know what he’s thinking.

All thoughts of why I turned flee the minute I see him. Naked and glorious.

The man is phenomenal, and I will never get enough.

Looking at him now, standing here looking at me like I am his whole world, I know in my heart that I will never leave him, not of my own accord.

“I was not unclear.” His words bring me out of my thoughts, and his strict voice makes my body react. A reaction that only grows tenfold when his hand wraps around my throat. “Strip and get on the bed.” He speaks slowly, his words as defined as his abs.

His hand doesn’t release me. Instead, we stand still with our eyes locked as I unbutton my jeans and shove them down as far as I can without bending. With my movement restricted, I’m forced to lift my legs, pulling awkwardly until I can stomp out of my pants and kick them to the side along with my shoes.