“Now, cariño,” Rudy said softly, his voice a husky whisper. “Lift that chin, amor. I want to see that pretty face of yours.”

Bent over the bathroom vanity as you were, tears brimming in your eyes, you had never looked prettier to him. He let out a low moan, fingernails scraping against your scalp as he grabbed your head, lifting your face to the mirror.

He smiled, his other hand gripping your hip. “There we are,” he praised.