Page 24 of Dominated

I halted, placing my hand exactly where his palm had been, like the feel of his print would give me everything I was searching for.

What did you do to me, Bale?

Why are you doing this?

Where are you?

I pulled my hand back and hurried into the hallway, where the first room I came upon was his office. There was a wall of books, a couch along the side, and a large desk in the back. I was positive whatever was in the drawers on either side of his desk would tell me something.

At least, if someone happened to break into one of my homes, that would be true for me.

But as I was rushing over to Bale’s desk, something on the wall made me stop.

It was a frame with two degrees inside.

Both from the University of Florida.

The one on top was a bachelor’s degree in marketing. The one on the bottom was a master’s degree in business administration.

My stomach churned as I read the name written on them.

Jacob Walls.

My Jacob.

The Jacob who came to my private room every Friday evening.

The Jacob who hadn’t shown up or even texted to let me know he wasn’t coming, and Bale had taken his place.

As I crossed my arms over my stomach, hoping the pressure would alleviate the tornado happening inside, I remembered …

“You know Jacob?” I cleared my throat. “And how do you know he won’t be here tonight?”

He nodded slowly. “Of course I know him.” He paused. “I came in his place to take you into your private room and to show you just how talented I am.”

A chill ran through my entire body.

There was only one reason why Jacob’s name would be written on those degrees.

My hands lifted to my head, pulling my hair, the truth that stared back at me as caustic as if acid were burning my skin.

No.

It can’t be …

Fuck no.

I continued to move toward the desk and opened the top drawer.

Pens. Pencils. Some paper clips.

And then I came across an appointment card from a Miami dermatologist. The date had long since expired, but the name jotted down on it was what caused every part of me to start trembling.

Jacob Walls.

I tried to suck in some air, but it was stuck in my throat.

First the degrees.

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