Seraphina's Point Of View
The walk from the executive floor back to my office felt like navigating a minefield while wearing invisible clothes. Every time a coworker nodded at me or a subordinate offered a "Good job today, Director," a jolt of pure, unadulterated electricity shot down my spine.
I was certain... absolutely certain, they could see the marks Draven had left on my waist, or hear the phantom echo of my own screams still bouncing around my skull.
My cheeks burned with a heat that had nothing to do with exertion and everything to do with shame mixed with something far more dangerous.
The moment I crossed the threshold of my sanctuary, I slammed the door shut and leaned my entire weight against the wood. The click of the lock felt like the only thing keeping my soul from flying out of my body. My legs trembled beneath me, muscles still weak from being bent over that damned table.
