Page 119 of Injustice and Absolution

Drew looks at Josie before smiling proudly. It was always one of my favorite expressions of his. Now it strangles me, threatening to steal my life away.

“You’re so smart when you try, Delilah. I got an audio recording from the first time we made love. Do you remember that night? In your room... You tried so hard to be quiet, despite my best efforts to let everyone in that house know exactly who you belonged to.”

Of course, I remember that night. God, I wish I could forget it now. And I cringe further when I see Ethan rearrange himself. It’s worse, being reminded of that night with him and Josie here.

“That was my experiment. It’s what this whole production was based off of. ‘The Destruction of Delilah.’ From innocent girl to high-priced harlot. I uploaded it, giving everyone their first taste of you for free. You wouldn’t believe the number of requests I got for video footage after that. People wanted more of you, of your innocence.”

Knowing that our first time together, and how special it was to me at one time, has been perverted in such a manner, steals away another part of my soul. If I had the means, I would end my life here and now without so much as a second thought.

“Since the time you moved in with me, I’ve been recording your every move. At home... In the bedroom... The bathroom... The main level... Here at the club, I’ve recorded you as you completed mundane tasks such as waiting tables as well as each of your performances.”

It has to be shock that’s keeping me still and silent at this point. Disbelief. I’m waiting for Drew to end this and tell me it was all a joke.

A mindfuck.

My father got off on doing that to me too.

“Giving your viewers the chance to observe as I molded you. As I unraveled you bit by bit, breaking you down for them. So by the time they get their hands on you, you’ll be pliable and subservient and ready to feed their every craving.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people enjoy simply watching you do everyday tasks. Brushing your teeth, folding laundry, going to the bathroom... But a great deal more of them enjoy the good stuff. Your bestselling video is, by far, the night we had after that fucker had his hands on you outside the club.”

Royce.

“The manic anticipation written on your face as you apologized to me, begging me for my forgiveness like a good little girl who knew she’d fucked up. And the brutal punishment that followed. There are some fucked people out there, you know that? There were so many comments on that video from people begging me for a snuff film next.”

Finally, I snap. That’s all I can take before I can’t hear anymore. Covering my ears, I hum to myself, refusing to listen to him any longer.

I just want this to end.

“Delilah, just this morning you told me I always know exactly what you need. And right now, you need to listen.” Drew orders, pulling my hands away from my ears. “I don’t trust that you fully comprehend what’s ahead of you. I need to make sure you’re prepared, because if you fuck up again... If you try to say no... Disobey me... Try to run... Anything stupid like that, it could be a matter of life-and-death. For you, not for me.”

My body gives out, and I slump onto my side on the sofa. I curl into the fetal position, needing comfort and knowing the only person I’ll get any from is me. I can’t hear anymore. I can’t handle saying goodbye to the life I’ve gained, even if it was a lie.

I’d rather give in to the fabrication and be blissfully unaware than have to face the bitter truth.

“Please cut the theatrics so we can get through this, Delilah. You have to be on stage in thirty minutes.”

Don’t forget who you are.

My conscience manages to break through my anguish. I need to take this one step at a time. Listen to Drew. Make him think I’m submitting. Get through tonight. And starting tomorrow, fight like hell to find a way out of this.

Finally sitting up, my tearful gaze meets his.

“Thank you,” he nods. “Now, there will be a strict set of ground rules to this new arrangement we have.”

I continue staring at him, unable to respond, awaiting my new fate.

“There willneverbe a time when you leave either mine or Ethan’s side. You will go from home to work and back. I have eyes and ears all over this club, Delilah. Not just Ethan’s and Josie’s. People who I pay very well to watch over anything … andanyonewho needs it.”

Who else could he have working for him in this capacity? I’ll need to pay closer attention, and from this moment on, I can’t trust anyone.

“You’ll be moved to full-time dancer, effective immediately. Any requests I get from patrons for additional services will be fulfilled before your shift ends.”

He doesn’t wait for me to request an explanation before he elaborates.

“You’ll be performing for them privately. Anything they desire. Requests such as fully nude strip shows and lap dances will occur here after business hours. For requests of a different nature, we will meet the client off property at the location of their choosing.”

It won’t come to that, Delilah. You’ll find a way out before then. Don’t let him see you falter again.

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