Luckily, my stepdad still held me in his iron grip, keeping me on my feet while I caught my breath. Then, he reached around me and turned off the shower before removing the gag from my mouth. I gasped, grateful to finally be able to breathe again, and slumped against the wall once more, completely exhausted. My stepdad kissed me softly on the back of the neck, and I shivered.
I couldn’t believe what had just happened, but I thought it best not to question it. Something inside of me told me that it was inevitable. My stepdad gently pulled out, but kept hold of me while I gathered my strength. It was strange that I had punched him for daring to call me weak, and yet now I was unable to stand unaided.
“You did well today, Sharleen” my stepdad said softly, catching me by surprise. I turned
