The last time I refused to bathe one of his mistresses, he chained me up in the doghouse downstairs for a full day and night.
Feeling numb, I unfastened the clasp of my evening gown and slipped out of my bra.
Owen stubbed out his cigarette and grabbed my wrist, clearly irritated. “You’re really going to undress here, in front of everyone?”
“Sheryl, have I spoiled you too much?”
“So desperate to cut ties with me? Fine—go ahead. Let’s see how far you get walking out of this hotel!”
Turning my back to him, I ignored the cold wind slicing through me. I pulled the bra from beneath my dress and handed it to Julia.
“The size might not fit perfectly, but make do with it. Someone will bring you new clothes later. Wear them for him tonight.”
“The suite is on the twelfth floor, first room on the right. I’ll wait for you there.”
Then I turned to Owen. “Once I’ve washed her, I’ll leave. You promised to sign—don’t forget.”
Suppressing his fury, Owen let out a mocking laugh. “You really know how to act. Just don’t come crawling back later.”
“That pitiful routine of yours doesn’t work on me anymore.”
Just as he finished, Julia suddenly cried out in pain.
I turned around—blood was streaming down her back. She’d clearly been slashed by something sharp.
I had barely taken two steps when a hand clamped around the back of my neck and yanked me back.
“Sheryl. Apologize to her!”
The next second, a kick landed squarely on my knee.
I dropped to my knees, my forehead hitting the ground hard in front of Julia.
“To think I actually believed you were being kind for once. Turns out it was just another trick." Owen sneered then continued, "What did you do to the lingerie?”
“She’s hurt because of you! Aren’t you going to apologize?”
Blood had already soaked through her evening gown. Julia shivered uncontrollably in the cold wind.
I shifted numbly, positioning my forehead directly in front of hers, then bowed again with force.
“I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t the first time I’d apologized.
I had to apologize for not delivering lingerie fast enough to Owen’s mistresses.
I had to apologize for not handing him a condom in time.
I had to apologize for using the wrong brand of body wash on his lover.
Any shred of dignity I once had had been shattered over these past eight years.
The guests around us laughed louder.
“No wonder Mr. Carter is who he is. He’s tamed the Myers family heiress like a dog.”