5

Dolly

Am I really doing this?

Am I really undressing in front of my boss?

I want to argue. Every ounce of my body is threatening to rebel against what’s happening, but there’s another part of me that’s excited in a sick, twisted sort of way.

Oscar Shadowvale is about to see me naked for the very first time.

“This isn’t the way I thought this would happen,” I say. I lick my lips.

“Take off the clothes, Dolly.”

“I thought that the first time you saw me naked, it would be a consensual thing.”

“I’m waiting.”

“I figured you’d take me to dinner, maybe.”

He stares at me.

“I thought, you know, that maybe there would be something special between us,” I say, but I feel like I’m going to break.

“There’s nothing special between us.”

“Oh.” I stare at him.

“Dolly.”

“Fine.”

I unbutton the rest of my shirt. The fabric falls open, revealing my red lace bra. I definitely should have chosen a plain bra for today.

He stares at me. An eyebrow lifts.

Is he intrigued?

Does he want more of this?

I hope he does, because I want more, too.

The Shadowvale brothers have always been a mystery to the women of Shadowvale Industries. For years, I’ve wondered what secrets they’re really keeping, and I’ve wondered what those secrets mean for the rest of the community.

“Tell me something, Dolly.” He starts to walk around me. He circles me like a shark, and I close my eyes.

“Anything.”

“When you got up today and chose this outfit, did you know I’d be seeing it?”

“No.”

“Did you want me to?”

“Yes.”

There’s no point in lying.

“Interesting,” he says.

“Why is that interesting?”

“Because I’m going to be seeing so much more than your bra,” he says. “Take off the rest.”

I push the fabric off my shoulders and let the shirt fall to the floor. Next, I start to reach for my pants, but he shakes his head.

“Bra next.”

“What?”

“I want to see those pretty nipples of yours, pet.”

I stare at him.

Oh, no.

No, no, no.

“Um…”

“Now.”

Something in his tone lets me know that he’s serious. He’s not messing around. More importantly, he’s not about to let me get away with trying to be shy.

“Oscar, this isn’t like you.” I still have to try.

“Excuse me?”

“You aren’t like this. You’re a gentleman.”

“Am I?”

“Yes,” I say. “You volunteer, you’re polite, and you always hold the door.”

“And yet being a gentleman didn’t keep you from kidnapping me,” he says.

“I…”

“Now. Bra. Floor.”

I stare.

“I’m getting tired of repeating myself, Dolly. Do it now, or I’ll cut that fucking bra off and shove it in your mouth.”

My jaw drops, but suddenly, I think he’s being serious, and I decide that keeping my underwear in one piece is more important than anything else.

I drop the bra.

Instantly, my nipples harden in the cool air. I look at the large flat-screen television on the living room wall, at the leather couch in the center of the room, at the gas fireplace. I didn’t even know apartments could have a fireplace. I look anywhere but him, and then Oscar grabs my chin. He forces me to look up at him, so I do.

“What?” I whisper.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Shut up, Oscar.”

“No.”

I stare at the man before me, and I wonder why he’s saying these things to me. He certainly doesn’t need to. He’s a wealthy man who can do literally anything he wants to do. So why am I here?

Oh yeah.

I abducted him.

Shit.

This isn’t a date, I silently remind myself. It’s a punishment.

He’s here to hurt me, and I have to let him.

“Take off the rest of your clothes,” he says.

I don’t move, and he kisses me. Oscar’s mouth comes crashing onto mine, and I kiss him back desperately. I’m filled with a greater need than I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I don’t know what to do except give everything I am.

So that’s what I do.

“What are you doing?” I finally pull away.

“Whatever I want.”

“You can’t do whatever you want.”

“I can.”

“No,” I say.

“Pants. Floor. Now.”

I quietly pull my pants and panties down together. I step out of them, kicking them aside. Now I’m totally bare before Oscar Shadowvale, and I feel like my heart is going to explode.