“Sit!” he admonished, pointing at the spot next to where he was sitting.

His gruff voice startled her, and she jumped slightly. Isis hesitantly did as she was told. That was her way — following the rules. It was like her drug. She would never admit to him, but it was strangely arousing. Her head was spinning and didn’t know how to get out of this or if she even wanted to. She wanted far away from Gage, her handsome tormentor. Or did she?

Memories of bullies as a child flashed through her mind, mixed amongst a grim past filled with broken relationships. It all seemed too familiar. Confusion roared...