For several minutes, the two of us were silent. I threw my legs over the side of the couch, then stood up. Rose stood facing the door away from her. Against the quiet white of the walls and furniture, she was like a silhouette, strong and silent.
I tentatively approached behind her.
"Mistress?" I said softly.
Her head dropped and she took a slow, deep breath. Her shoulders rose and fell, then she turned to me. Her hands reached for mine and she undid the handcuffs. She let them fall to the floor, then stumbled backwards into a nearby leather overstuff chair. She rubbed her hand over her face and took another deep breath.
"Is he...gone for good?" I asked.
She nodded. She pressed a hand to her temple and her eyes to the floor. I could see emotions crossing across her eyes like ripples o
