"Putting on the oil," I say, gesturing to the bottle of safflower oil on the end table. I keep my tone flat, deliberately boring.
"Catarina, you can go and continue your work," Vega says, his eyes boring into mine. "I will help her."
"Yes, Boss," Catarina squeaks, before rushing out of the lounge like she's in a terrifying hurry.
I stare at the empty doorway. ...
"Lie down so I can help you," Vega says, his expression perfectly serious.
I want to tell him no need, but if I avoid him, won't he be able to tell that something is wrong, that he is the thing that is wrong? I don't want him to know the effect he has on me, so I plaster on a casual expression. "Okay."
I take off my robe and pull up my camisole slightly, revealing the deep purple bruise on my lower back. I lie down and try to relax, but damn, it's so hard to be still.
I wait patiently, but Vega doesn't do anything.
"Are you doing it or not?" I ask in a muffled voice, my face buried in the cushions.
