Page 71 of Bride By Initiation

Relief fills me. "Great. Give me something else to do."

Her eyes turn to slits. "You don't get to choose your initiation."

"Why not?"

Haughtiness fills her expression. "Oh dear, naive woman. Until you are at the table, there is no power. No control. If you wish to have it, you must be brave and take your seat. The table is not for the faint of heart, is it, Mila?"

Mila looks at the ground and shakes her head.

"How many chances do you get?" Sylvia asks her.

Mila doesn't look up, quietly answering, "One."

The disappointment in her tone makes me feel sorry for her.

"There will be no more disrespect toward your initiation or marriage. Do I make myself clear, Zara?" Sylvia says coldly.

The hairs on my neck rise.

She glares at me.

I lift my head higher and square my shoulders, trying not to let her intimidate me.

She smiles, her voice softening. "The time to make a choice is now. Decide to step into the world of knowledge and everything you've ever wanted, or don't. But you have two minutes to decide. Stay or leave." She points to the door.

Everything seems to stand still. It's excruciating, and I tell myself to leave, but I can't seem to get my feet to move.

Sylvia's cocky expression returns. "Good." She leans forward and whispers in my ear, "I suggest you stop fighting things and enjoy every moment tonight will offer. There are a few times in our lives where everything is all about us."

My blood runs cold. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

"Renzo and Mila are now in charge. You will allow them to do their job and not fight them. If you fight, the Omni will revoke your initiation. Do you understand?"

Let them revoke it. I need to leave,I tell myself, but once again, I can't seem to move.

"I'll take that as a yes. Now, strip," she orders.

My head jerks backward. "Strip? As in, take off my clothes?"

"Yes. Strip," she repeats, and points at the massage table.

"Can you leave the room?" I question.

A sarcastic laugh fills the air, as well as a giggle. My head whips toward Renzo and Mila. She has her hand over her mouth.

Sylvia suggests, "You might as well get used to others seeing your body. Now, get on the table."

I glance at it, telling myself,It's just a massage.

I slowly undress, feeling self-conscious, even though I don't normally feel that way when I'm naked. Though I'm not usually naked in front of strangers.

"Lie face down," Sylvia directs when I drop my panties.

I obey, realizing there are no covers, but the heated pad on the table and red lights provide an instant warm feeling.

Sylvia leans down and pets my hair, cooing, "Enjoy your pampering. If you don't allow yourself to, you'll regret it. I'll see you when you're a married woman."

My fear blossoms again. Someone touches me, and I jump.

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