The texter had been checking on me these past few days, and strangely, I found myself actually wanting to share with him. This stranger, this man I'd never met, had become my only confidant.
 
 [How was today?] His most frequent question.
 
 Before, I'd always say fine. But today, for some reason, I suddenly wanted to tell him the truth.
 
 [Exhausted,] I answered honestly.
 
 [Tell me.]
 
 [That fat guy who stared at me when I danced? Turns out he's the club owner. I want to quit so badly, but I can't. I need this job.]
 
 [Did he hurt you?] The reply came fast, and I could actually feel the dangerous chill in his tone.
 
 [Not yet.]
 
 [If he dares come near you, tell me.]
 
 [What would u do?] I asked, a strange sense of safety washing over me.
 
 [I'd make him regret ever looking at you.]
 
 Those words made me shiver—not from fear, but from some indescribable thrill. Someone willing to stand up for me. Someone willing to protect me. The feeling was so foreign.
 
 [Why do u even care?]
 
 [Because you deserve to be cared for. You're stronger than you think, stellina.]
 
 Tears blurred my vision. For the first time, someone saw through my fragility.
 
 He didn't wait for me to reply and sent another message. [Imagine me there with you. Could that make you forget your troubles?]
 
 His words burned like liquor, sending waves of heat through my core. I typed back: [How would u make me forget?]
 
 [Imagine yourself in my arms, skin against mine, belonging only to me.] His reply was bold and direct.
 
 My heart slammed against my ribs—he'd never been this explicit before. My face burned like it might catch fire as I read on.
 
 And another one came. [Your nightgown slipping off your shoulder, me kissing your collarbone, slowly.]
 
 I held my breath. His words were fire, awakening desires I'd never known. I typed: [What else?]
 
 [I want to see you,] he replied quickly. [Send me a photo, let me see my stellina.]
 
 I froze, my heart threatening to explode. A photo? Too risky. But his words held some kind of magic that made refusal impossible. I opened the camera, hesitated, then took a blurry side profile shot in my oversized nightgown, showing just my collarbone and a strand of chestnut hair.
 
 I hit send.
 
 [Not clear enough,] he responded quickly. [Unbutton it. Smile.]
 
 I bit my lip, thoroughly annoyed. [ur pushing it.]
 
 But my fingers trembled, honestly unbuttoning the top button of my nightgown.
 
 Face burning, I deliberated a moment, then undid two more buttons, tugging the fabric down to reveal the curve of one breast.
 
 After sending it, I immediately regretted it, my heart pounding like a war drum.
 
 [Perfect.] He was clearly pleased. [Now imagine me kissing you, moving down, my fingers sliding behind your ear. Would you tremble?]