Page 17 of Controlling Natasha

A month ago, I was a zombie, working my ass off to get through school, working too many hours, barely scraping by, and never eating enough.I was always tired and hungry.Now, I’m a new person.

Most of the time, it’s unnerving.Mr.Hoffman tries to be subtle about things, but he never stops buying me clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.He has brought up the subject of getting me a car several times, but I’ve refused.That’s going way too far.

“Are those…” Simone leans in closer, squinting exaggeratedly at my dress.“They are.Those are tiny little hearts.When are you going to start listening to me?”She leans back, giggling, and then glances around.“Where’s your driver?Is he lurking around here somewhere?”

I roll my eyes, groan, and drop my forehead against the table like the true drama queen I’ve suddenly become.When I lift my face, I tell her, “We have three hours.He’s not coming until four.”

The beauty of today is that our last class, which we have together, got canceled.I didn’t tell Mr.Hoffman that.I simply let him and Albert believe I needed to be picked up at four as usual.

Simone pushes to standing.“I have a feeling this is going to be an intense conversation.We’re going to need coffee.I’ll go place our order.”

I pull out a ten and hand it to her, not meeting her gaze.

She’s still staring at me, grinning.“You’re not allowed to have coffee, are you?”

I purse my lips and say nothing, which causes her to laugh again.

“I knew it.Well, girlfriend, we’re living on the edge today.I’m getting you a mocha latte.It’s both chocolateandcoffee.You’ll be bouncing off the walls when you get home.Mr.Hoffman’s palm will be twitching.If you want to go all out, you could also be late.”

She pretends to swoon, setting the back of her hand over her forehead.“I’d give anything to be in your shoes.”Cue the dramatic sigh.And then she’s gone, weaving through everyone toward the counter.

The coffee shop isn’t too crowded for this time of day.I’m eager to ask her dozens of questions.Ever since Simone saw Albert picking me up one day, she’s been hounding me for information.She has it in her head that Mr.Hoffman is into something called age play, and her insinuation has caused me to do a lot of research on the topic.Now, my head is spinning, and I need to know more.

I check my fancy new phone for messages and find one from Mr.Hoffman.Of course.

Just checking in, Little one.Albert is still supposed to pick you up at four?

A part of me feels extremely…naughty for lying to him.I never lie to him.Hell, I’ve never lied toanyone.I’m not really lying today, either.I’ve just failed to mention that my last class was canceled.Omission isn’t the same as lying.

But it feels like I’ve done somethingverynaughty.Like a five-year-old sneaking a cookie from the jar.

His text isn’t odd.He sends a similar text every day.He likes to keep tabs on me.He’s Mr.Controlling in every way.

Yes, Sir.Four o’clock.Thank you.

As soon as I hit send, my breath hitches.Oh.My.God.I’m shaking as Simone slides back into the booth.

“What’s wrong?You’ve gone white.”

I hold the phone out for her to see.“Look.”I slap my forehead.“I didn’t double-check before I hit send.The S is capitalized on Sir.It freaking autocorrected.”

Simone winces, but she’s giggling again.“It will be fine.”

“Fine?”My voice rises.“He’s going to read something into it.”

She pushes one of the cups of coffee toward me.“Here.Try the mocha latte.It’s delicious.You’ll love it.”

She’s changing the subject.I’m still staring at the text as I sip.It is good, but now I feel even naughtier.And since when do I use such a childish term, even in my head?

I’m watching for three little dots, indicating he’s responding.When I see them, I hold my breath.

See you when you get home.Hope your class is riveting and educational.

At least he didn’t mention theSir.Thank goodness.And his odd humor isn’t weird.He says strange things like that often.My stomach does a little flip when I respond with a smiling emoji.I’m such a liar.

“So,” Simone begins, “tell me everything.What’s been going on?I’m living vicariously through you.”She’s practically bouncing in her seat.

Simone is in a goth phase.She often wears all black, including heavy black eyeliner and even black lipstick.Her hair is jet black.She dyes it that color, and she likes to wear it in high pigtails.She has on black boots, black leggings, and a short black dress today.

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