Trying to stay calm, I gathered the soapy washcloth to my chest and held it there, trying to preserve any sliver of modesty I had left. “Mario…”

“LOOK at me.” His tone had an edge that hadn’t been there before.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Panic rose within me until my hands and feet were numb with it, my heart beating so fast and hard I saw stars in front of my eyes and wished I hadn’t missed that last cardio appointment. Mario gripped my chin hard and forced my face up to his. The water from the shower sprayed the back of my head, smoothing down my wet hair and giving...