Chapter 23

Maxine's POV

He finished his meal and stood up, gesturing for me to follow him to his bedroom. I limped behind him, each step was a reminder of my physical and emotional pain. Inside the room, he turned to me with a predatory look.

"Don't disappoint me, Maxine, it could get a little messy," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

I screamed in my head, “Oh! Wow! The nerve to even give a condition. How convenient.” I know if he continues this way, I might one day lose my cool and talk back to him.

I forced a nod, trying to block out the fear and hopelessness that threatened to overwhelm me. "I won't, Master."

The night dragged on, each moment more painful than the last. By the time he was done with me, I was a shell of my former self, my body bruised and my spirit crushed. As I lay there, tears streaming down my face, I wondered how much more I could take.

I had no choice but to endure, my hope of things getting better was gradually