Page 74 of Say My Name

“You know why.”

“I’m not going to answer for you.”

Of course he isn’t. Dominic has decided I have to say what I want before he gives it to me, and I resent him for being responsible when all I want is an excuse to blame him.

My throat feels tight. “You stopped touching me.”

He doesn’t answer immediately. Through the glass, I watch his head lower.

“You told me you needed space.”

“I know what I said.”

“Have you changed your mind?”

Maya rises from her desk and carries a folder toward the printer. I turn away from the glass.

“I don’t know.”

“That isn’t true.”

“That’s my answer.”

“Close your door.”

My clit clenches at the low instruction. I look toward Maya. She’s gathering the pages from the printer with her back to me.

“Dominic.”

“Do you want to end the call?”

My hand tightens around the phone. “No.”

“Then close the door. Lock it, and lower the blinds.”

I know exactly how reckless this is. I stand anyway.

Maya looks up as I reach the door. “Everything okay?”

“Yes. I need a few minutes for a private call.”

“I’ll send the approvals when they’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

I close the door and turn the lock. The click makes me grip the handle for a second. Then I lower the blinds over the glass wall, blocking the executive floor from view.

“Done,” I say, my voice tight.

“If you want me to stop at any point, tell me. I will.”

“I know.”

“Sit down.”

I return to my desk. The upholstered chair has supported me through budget reviews, contract negotiations, and more acquisition crises than I can count. I have never felt indecent sitting in it until now.

“Put the phone on speaker.”