Catching Teardrops (MAC Security 5)

I frown, not used to him having control over himself.

“My office.”

I cringe, wanting to shake my head and plead with him not to make me go in there, but it doesn’t matter because he spins around, stomping through the house and up the stairs.

I squeeze my eyes shut briefly, willing the memories to stay at bay as I drop the towel on the floor, not bothering to pick it up as I take a shaky step forward.

“Now!”

My limbs move automatically, obeying his command, knowing if I don’t comply quickly it’ll only be that much worse.

Climbing the stairs feels like it takes all of my energy, my muscles fatigued but readying themselves for what is undoubtedly to come. My mind is screaming at me to run away, to open the door and escape his confines, but I don’t. Instead, I walk over to his office, stopping in the doorway.

I’m allowing this to happen, but I’m afraid if I move my chess piece too soon, it’ll be checkmate for him. I’ve got to wait—wait until he has no sway over me and I can leave without being pulled back again.

He waits until I’m inside and the door is closed before he leans back in his big, leather chair behind his desk causing it to creek with his weight.

“I had a visitor in church today.”

“You… you did?”

What is he doing?

His gaze flicks between my eyes, searching for something. Whatever he sees there must satisfy him because he pulls his lips up into a smile. Only it’s not a normal smile; it’s the kind that says, “I’ve got you right where I want you.”

“Such a good young man Jonah is. Always honest, and coming to me when he needs guidance.”

My eyes widen, my hands starting to shake, knowing this isn’t going to go well for me at all. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t gotten my chores done o

n time, he’d already planned to punish me.

I daren’t look away from him as he pushes up out of his chair and walks toward the bookcase next to the window.

“Who was he, Liliana?”

“Wh—” I swallow as he picks up the cane he keeps attached to the wall. “Who was who?”

He turns his head slightly, his brow raised. “Don’t sass me, Liliana. You know who I’m talking about.”

I grip my hands together, pulling at them. “I—”

“Do you know how this looks for me?” He turns to face me before stepping toward me; his hand gripped around the handle of the cane. “For you to be seen with a man… a man, Liliana.”

“It wasn’t—”

“Are you fucking him?” he spits out, his gaze running from my head to my toes and back again. “You are, aren’t you?” He laughs, not giving me time to answer before he commands. “Spin around.”

“Please,” I beg. “Please just listen—”

He jerks forward and grips my arm before yanking me toward him. “I don’t have to listen to the filthy lies that come out of your mouth!”

He lets go, pushing me. My hand reaches out to catch myself, gripping the edge of his desk as my chin and lip smack off the hardwood. Blood leaks down my chin and I run my tongue along my lip, wincing at the sting of the cut. I try to stand up, not wanting to be in a vulnerable position, but I’m not quick enough. His hand lands on the base of my back, pushing down with so much force I’m almost sure he’ll break a bone if he doesn’t let go.

“Another lesson I have to teach,” he comments, worming his hand beneath the waistband of my leggings, pulling them down and exposing my ass.

I squirm, trying my hardest to get away from him but it’s no use. The cane swooshes through the air before slapping against my skin, a cry of pain escaping my throat at the force.

“Please, stop!”