Ness
I feel his hands on my abdomen, and I don’t even tense up. I’m used to anyone being allowed to touch me whenever they please. I take a deep breath and bite the inside of my cheek hard. The metallic taste of blood explodes on my tongue, yet I manage to relax as the sharp pain registers. His caresses continue moving over my bare torso—they aren’t tender or gentle, they never are. One of his hands encircles my neck, and I only have time to gasp for air before he starts squeezing hard. I close my eyes and bite down even more fiercely. I don’t move, I don’t even try to resist. Years of experience have taught me that I must never do that.
“Ryzhaya” he whispers in my ear, his breath warming my neck.
They always call me that. Some days I have to concentrate just to remember my name. “Vanes
