But those words don’t work anymore. Not after my night with Roe, when I see how much my body is connected to my being. I can’t move. I’m overwhelmed. This is not how this is supposed to go. He’s evil. I’m Miss Mayday, I’m supposed to bring him down. It’s all I’ve been working for. It’s everything that matters.
No. That’s not true. Roe matters. His work. His family and hometown. They matter. I know the decision has already been made.
“F-Fine. I’ll work for you. Leave Roe alone. Keep his career intact and flourishing. Leave the factory and that town alone. I’ll work for you.” I swallow down the bile. There’s no other choice. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Whatever?”
“I won’t… I’m never going to touch you.”
“You think that, don’t you.” His lip curls and he steps closer.
He’s delusional. This isn’t happening.
“Maggie, you’re beautiful and young and I’ll have whatever I want from you. As long as you’re a good girl I won’t hurt Roe. But you’ll do whatever I ask. Don’t ever forget that.” As he speaks, his hand moves to my neck. He slides his fingers around it, completely engulfing me. His thumb traces my chin and slides into my mouth.
He applies enough force that I gag. My whole body shakes beyond my control. Four years. For nothing. No, not for nothing. I’m back here in this same place. I can’t stop. Why am I not doing anything? Why do I always freeze when I should fight? What’s wrong with me?
“Good girl.” He pulls his thumb out and moves it around my lips, wetting them. “I like Roe. I don’t want to get him involved in all this. I’m glad you’re seeing the light.”
For Roe. Roe has suffered too much. It isn’t fair. His whole town won’t suffer for my own mistakes. I focus on Roe to stop the terror that threatens to consume me.
I grasp at straws. I have to say something. I need to feel like I can do something.
“You need to stop harassing women.”
He slaps me across the face before I even see it coming. “Don’t ever tell me what to do.”
I’m so shocked I gasp and feel like I can’t catch my breath.
“It’s not harassment. They want it. Most women beg for it. They know their place.”
I cradle my burning cheek. I’m stunned speechless.
“I’m already helping Roe. And I’m running out of patience. Take it, or leave and ruin more lives.”
“You promise Roe will be safe.”
“I really am a good guy. People tell me all the time. But you’ve pushed my buttons.” He walks a small circle around me. “I need to know that you mean it. I need to know you’re serious about this because you’re giving me a lot of lip.”
“I’m serious,” I say with hatred burning in my eyes.
“Not good enough. Beg me, Miss Mayday.”
My face throbs. I may be in shock. I can only make one choice at a time.
“P-Please. Please let me work for you.”
“Get on your knees.” His mouth is curled with sadistic pleasure. I think he gets off on this more than any sexual act.
I refuse to cry. I refuse. But as I drop to my knees warmth streaks my cheek. I’m in front of him. Like so many others. I look up at him, holding his gaze, acting like I’ve never acted before. I’ll do what needs to be done. I’ll protect Roe.
“I want to work with you. Please.”
His hand goes to the back of my head. My stomach churns. I can’t… if he thinks… not after last night with Roe. I can’t.
His free hand takes the forgotten gun from me and puts my keys in its place. The gun was only a futile symbol. He was right; I never had any power here. I was played before I walked in that door.
The hand still resting on my hair moves to my cheek to cup it. He pats it and it stings the already sore spot.
