Page 22 of Dark Holiday

CHAPTER 11

Cynthia

Silence permeates the room, sliding into the space Daniel once occupied. It’s dense, nearly tangible. What did I just do? I don’t think deep down I really wanted him to stop, but it was just too much, too overwhelming. Sliding down onto the floor, I rest my forehead onto my upturned palms, willing the tears to stay at bay.

I shouldn’t be devastated. I should be relieved. No more dark touches to turn my head, to confuse me. I fell under Daniel’s trap once before, intimately knowing the silken web he can cast about me until every waking thought is him.

I would have done anything to get him to notice me back then. Now, I know better. As panty-melting as his promises are, they will always lead to heartache. The fact that I let him go this far is way too much. It only shows how little respect I have for myself, and the knowledge is demoralizing.

Forcing myself up, I turn on the water, letting the steam fog the mirrors for a moment before scrubbing. Each stroke is hard, rough, punishing. Angry tears scald my face as I force every bit of ink off my hands. I can’t do much about the outfit, but I can at least get the rest of me spotless.

Whether it takes hours or minutes, I’m not sure. Everything is just a blur as I pick through my thoughts, forcing myself to confront how I feel. Everything is a convoluted mess. Turning from the sink, I dry off as best as possible and blot at the ink spots on my clothes.

The office is silent when I walk in as all eyes swivel to me. Do they somehow know? Daniel doesn’t seem to be the type to talk about personal issues, but the way their eyes follow me is beyond unnerving. I understand why now. He didn’t have to say anything. The spotless outfit sitting in my chair confirms for them anything they think they know.

Scooping it up, I walk over to the office bathroom and peel my current clothes off, inspecting my body for any random spots of ink I might have missed. With trembling hands, I pull up the smart skirt and tuck in the button-down shirt. There is nothing left to do but face them again; at least this time, I’m clean.

Daniel’s blinds are open, revealing his actions to the entire office and me, but there’s nothing of note. He catches my gaze before turning in his chair to continue his conversation, not even granting me the ability to look at him.

I shuffle over to my desk, grateful that I can finally work instead of worrying about what he’s going to do to me next. That thought should bring me joy, but instead, my stomach cramps at the memories we shared just last night. Glancing down, I look at the orderly list left for me in Daniel’s careless scrawl.

Never touch the copier again.

In fact, never step foot in that room if you value your job.

You are to respond to every email.

I will look over each response.

Do not embarrass me. You will look over every email you send to ensure it’s not full of mistakes.

You are to take my calls.

Only transfer it to me if it’s something that involves my immediate attention.

If it doesn’t, take a note.

Be sure to include the following

Name

Number

Case file if applicable

Time of call

When they would like a call back.

Message

If you are missing even one of these items, I will take note.

You will clean my office daily. If I have to keep you on and still delegate your work to others, you will find a way to earn your paycheck.

Clean and tidy my desk.

Dust each week