My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

         I don’t know how I managed to do it, but by the end of the day, I’d completed the whole damn list of his assignments. Maybe being angry at Collins gave me an adrenaline rush, or maybe I just wanted to prove to him that I wasn’t going to break down that easily, and I certainly wasn’t going to be afraid of him.

        But I still replayed that night in my head, remembering his sensual touch on my body, his kisses… And for some reason, I was angry with myself again. And with him. I was so scared at that moment. I’ve never been with a man before. I’ve never been touched like this – except for that terrible case with Mike. And I didn’t even have time to tell him anything about it.

        He’d made a rush at me so suddenly that I’m idiot had instantly melted into a puddle in his tenderness. And he would have just screwed me on that couch if I hadn’t tried to pull away! And even though it was dark there and the other balconies were at a considerable distance from each other… But there were still people there! It was just so wild for me. But every time I thought about it, a tight pleasant knot arose in my lower abdomen. No, this is not right…

       And what would justify his strange behavior later? Maybe he didn’t want to see the fear in my eyes, or maybe he guessed I was a virgin and didn’t want to waste any more time with me. No doubt later, he met that the red-haired young woman who would have been happy to make love to him in any place he liked. Well, let it be…

      The only thing that made me happy right now was that one night was over. He didn’t torment me any further. God, everything that’s going on in my life right now is so wrong. I covered my face with my hands. He just bought me. I’m just his expensive purchase for a few nights. To use and then to kick out.

       I have fallen so low in my own esteem. And I don’t think Collins thinks I’m so goody-goody and high-toned anymore. So apparently, that’s why he decided not to have cash-on-trash, taking it to a hotel, and fuck me right in the restaurant.

       But I don’t care what he thinks of me! He’s not better! To offer girls money for sex. Perhaps, if I look at it like this, we are even worth each other. And the news that I would have to leave the company certainly didn’t upset me. I would never have stayed there myself after that.

       But what about Thursday? The thought of meeting Olivia there made me panic.

    At the end of the working day, I stood in front of Collins’s desk and reported to him about made assignments. I could tell by the frown on his face that he didn’t expect it and wasn’t really happy that I’d compelled the work. But I don’t need him to be happy. So suck on that, Mr. Collins!

        And how could the man who had driven me crazy with his touch and kisses that night and the man who was now staring at me in an attempt to torment were related? They are absolutely two different people.

      “All right,” he nodded when I finished my report, “you can be free for now.”

      “Mr. Collins,” I began hesitantly, “I’d like to ask you for the sick leave for tomorrow. I don’t feel well,” and I coughed a little into my fist for better effect.

       The man fixed his gaze on my face as if scanning me. Then he suddenly stood up, and I flinched. What is he doing?

       Collins quickly closed the distance between us and lifted my head by the chin, looking directly into the eyes I was trying to hide from him. I can’t lie when I look at a person in the face.

       “Tomorrow’s night in my company,” he said suddenly, still holding my gaze, “will count as your second night with me,” I exhaled noisily, and the man continued. “So you can decide whether to see me at the party tomorrow or after your so-called ‘illness’ but already in my bed.”

       He finally let go of my chin and stepped away from me. His nearness confused my thoughts and turned my body to jelly. But I still didn’t know what to say to him. I doubted it…

       I looked up and bumped into his broad back. He was already standing at the big picture window, looking out at the city in the setting sun. And it seemed in this picture, opening to me, everything was so complete.

       I just stood there for a minute. Then I caught myself on thought – he might think I was admiring him – and quickly slipped out the door.

       Apparently, he really didn’t want to sleep with me anymore after that incident at the restaurant... This is the second time he changes the condition. I was supposed to be happy about it. I didn’t need to go to bed with a practically unknown man... but for some reason, I still felt an unpleasant prick in my chest.

       And what to do with the evening?! The answer lay on the surface – to agree and go. This is the only chance for me to avoid a second night and humiliation. I still secretly hoped that the third night would pass me by too. You never know. But the one thing was obvious. The man didn’t want me anymore.

        But I don’t want to lose my friend. I think it would be weird to call her right now and tell her everything. It is too late.

       Tomorrow I need to be as quiet as possible and stay out of her sight. Or maybe change my haircut or dye it? Maybe a wig? Yeah, Mia, and also glasses and a mustache for the full set. Then I will definitely not attract anybody’s attention. I groaned in frustration.