Page 36 of Under His Control

Until today, Kevin is the one other guy who’s seen me naked when he peeped on me many years ago. It’s pretty sad and messed up that the only men who’ve seen me nude aren’t supposed to.

Jacob takes a step toward me. I immediately back away, finally meeting his gaze. My stomach quivers and my heart beats faster.

He isn’t looking at me like he’s noticing all the parts my mother would insist I need to fix. He’s looking at me with blatant hunger.

I snatch up my clothes and press them to my front. Maybe Jacob doesn’t just want to humiliate me. Maybe he wants to do something worse.

What if his punishment is twisted justice: actually commit the crime I falsely accused him of?

One quick stride and he’s right in front of me, looming over me. I back up.

“Don’t—don’t do it! You’re not that kind of man.”

He matches my step. “Don’t do what? What kind of man do you think I am?”

“A good one who wouldn’t hurt me.”

“No, I’m a rapist. It’s what you said.”

“And I admitted I lied! Several times last night too!”

“Even after the truth came out, there were still people who believed I assaulted your mother. They thought I used my influence to get away with it. Sometimes I doubted my version of that night too. I would think, ‘I had a few drinks. What if Alyssa had been telling the truth?’”

“She wasn’t. It was a setup.”

“Then why do you assume I want to hurt you?”

“I’m not assuming. I’m concerned because you’re looking at me weird.”

A faint smile tugs one corner of his mouth.

“Weird, how?”

“Like you want to—to… fuck me.” My voice wavers on the last two words, fresh heat rising to my cheeks. Then I square my shoulders and strengthen my voice. “But you can’t. It’s messed up. I was your stepdaughter.”

“A long time ago. Now you’re a beautiful woman standing naked in front of me. Of course I’m going to look at you like I want to fuck you. That’s just biology. It doesn’t mean anything.”

Amusement shines in his eyes as I gape at him and clutch my clothes tighter.

“That’s the same damn excuse you used last night!”

“Penelope, put down your clothes so we can finish your intake process. I have to head to work soon.”

I glare at him, potent unwillingness coursing through my body. After a few seconds, I set my clothes back on the table.

Jacob comes closer and I resist the urge to retreat. It would irritate him, and pissing him off while I’m in a vulnerable state is the last thing I want to do.

“Raise your arms out to your sides.”

He smiles when I obey. It’s the first genuine one he’s given me since I’ve been here. I’m caught off-guard how much it increases his handsomeness.

“Good girl. Quick and without complaint.”

Starved of praise for most of my life, that pathetic, hungry part of me likes that I pleased him. I scowl, resenting that feeling. There’s nothing to be happy or proud about in this situation.

“What now?”

“A search for hidden contraband.”