The day after the brutal but well-deserved expulsion of Mel, Leo strongly refused to let Mara go to work. He made her call in sick and then confined her to her bed, only coming to check on her every half hour or so.

"I told you I'm fine, but you just won't believe me," Mara pouted as he came in on his third such visit. Even though she was acting like she didn't want it, she secretly wished he could continue with such treatment forever. There was nothing she wanted more in her life than being spoiled and pampered heavily by him.

"I can't say I don't believe you, but...