Page 58 of Twisted Little Thing

I sigh with indignation, casting Yuka a quick look before I lower my voice and ask, "Do you really think I am the one who deserves a punishment right now?"

As I expected, Yuka cocks her eyebrows. I will have a lot of explaining to do to her after this phone call.

And I regret asking her to sit with me while I talk to him. I thought she would give me the strength and courage I needed to confront him. Instead, her presence causes me to feel bad about myself – and about who I am when I am with Evan.

"It's not a punishment," he says. "On the contrary. I want you to realize something about yourself. This assignment might help with that. If anything, it will prove to you that you are more than just a waitress. Don't you think?"

I narrow my eyes and remain silent. It still feels like a punishment. Like a lesson that has been given to a defiant school girl.

"Do you remember the assignment?" he asks.

"Yes, I do."

"Say it," he commands. "What did I tell you to do?"

I hesitate for a moment. Yuka is still listening, but she has grabbed her own cell phone and appears to be at least somewhat distracted.

"To think about why I write and what I want to achieve through writing," I say.

Yuka looks up from her phone, cocking her eyebrows again and tilting her head to the side.

"And?" He presses.

"And to come up with a story," I add. "Or an idea. A short scene."

"Good girl," he praises. "These should be easy for you."

"If you say so," I mumble.

"Yes, I am confident, Nicky," he says, pushing my buttons like a pro. "I will see you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye."

I hang up, ready to face Yuka. She is still holding her phone in her hand, but her eyes are locked on mine, a baffled expression lacing her face as she beckons for me to explain myself.

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