Page 3 (2/2)

Word: 10 letters; the last letter is ‘N’

Clue: a ____________ slip is often required at school

Our agreement states that sex will only be asked for once a day, today’s quota already filled Nathan is a reement one that he follows to the letter I have still dressed in expectation of his return froe will recapture so And ten rowl of Nathan’s car, Drealks in, his eyes noticing everything, doing a sweep of my body, my face, my nervous smile

He steps close, closer than I a I do under a , Nathan’s frareat rooers the end ofits dark strands "I liked it better when it was longer"

I nod silently, reen eyes, surprised at his nearness, at the intensity of his stare So did I I liked the weight of the hair against ainst my neck, the variety of styles I used, the way it spun out when I turned Now I have one singular look Refined elegance Blah

He frowns "Earlier today, what happened … none of thelare on the s"

I nod, sing hard, trying to get moisture down my throat I feel if I try to speak, only a croak will co the thin cavity His lie rests dirty on lass house I areat rooure to appear Reflection has never been a problem I clearmy hair as if he has been burned The skin around hisaround a tight smile "You look beautiful," he says finally "Like always Nathan will be pleased"

I straighten, stepping away fro to thethis memory from my mind: his concern, his proximity, his touch on ht, and Nathan will be pleased I hope that my punishment is over, and my life will return to normal, the fked version of normal that we exist in I have learned my lesson Partly froer he had displayed Part of me had embraced it -- the first proof that a real person laid beneath that cool exterior Another part of me had been scared Nathan has never struck er that present, his e Drew’s eyes on entle on my back as he slides open the door "Mr Dumont is in the office"

The office That is new, different, a place I haven’t seen sinceis not permitted, not in this house to which I have no claim over I step into the s by the , his tie loosened, cufflinks undone I nod politely to hi How important is it to you?"

I blink This may be the first time Nathan has ever asked me a question He tends to limit our conversations to orders and crucial details I think, trying to decide upon an answer, knohat I want to say, but trying to find a polite way to state it Theto assist inthe siotiate for it, but I would appreciate per the day"

"My issue, " He steps forward, rolling up one sleeve in perfect, precise folds, unveiling muscular arms "I was upset that you purposely disobey my rule -- the rules are in place for a reason, and I need you to follow them But what caused me to lose my temper was your display in front of Drew"

My face flushes, and I wonder where Drew is right now, if he is still behind me, or if he just dropped me off andthe difference between our sex and your exhibitionism, so know this: unless I tell you to, you will stay fully clothed in front of the staff Do you understand?"

I nodas I am talked to in the manner someone would a small child

"I’ll speak with your hair stylist I’m sure there is some product that can be purchased to protect your hair I will allow you to swi the day when I am at work" He finishes the second sleeve, both forearms now bare, the look -- combined with his loose tie and rumpled hair -- incredibly hot

I will allow you to swiifts are still insults "Thank you," I say softly, trying not to stare at the ers as they rest on his hips I hate when this happens When I hate thisup on one of the s His looks are

CHAPTER 8

"Your husband is so handsome"

I look up from my book,in their regularity "I’azine clutched in her large hands, the cover ot photos from your trip to Napa I didn’t realize how handsome your husband was Why, you’re fa it back on itself, thrusting the glossy pages forward, one bare fingernail tapping insistently on the page I accept it carefully, es We have no internet at the house Or rather, I ainal cell phone, the one that one -- taken by Nathan He gave me a new one that is simple and purposeful It es

I know that Nathan is i about The paparazzi used to wait at the airport for ht white pictures as I entered the FBO, shouting out questions that I always ignored My rules are clear The press is to be ignored It, according to Nathan, is one of the most important rules I always hear their questions, see their flashbulbs, but have never read their words I don’t knowabout Nathan other than that he co iated communities that he fills with the wealthy

The photos are frorapevines in the distance, the sunny wares The shots seenored by the photographer If I can say so, I look fabulous -- gloith happiness, my head tilted toward Nathan, a proud sht confuse with love I love these pages; I want to take thisI want to pore over the photos in the privacy of my room, to look at the representations of my life that I ere accurate