136 — “Don’t give up this time.”

I take a deep breath, leaving the room first, fixing my skirt and hair, even though I’ve already done it at least three times. The sound of my heels echoing down the corridor seems louder and uncomfortable, especially as I press my legs together, afraid that Julian’s pleasure will run down my thighs.

I push open the restroom door, my heart beating quickly from the adrenaline, but when I finally enter the room, with the door closing behind me, my feet freeze on the floor.

Sarah is washing her hands, her head down, so serene and composed that I feel out of place. I fix my hair again, afraid that something will give away what I’ve just done.

She finally looks at me, but I can’t read her thoughts through her expression. Her intense silence disturbs me, perhaps because the sound of falling water reminds me that there’s something inside me that can also flow.

I breathe deeply, walking slowly across the room, escaping Sarah’s gaze tha