"Oh my," she gasped with perfectly feigned horror, though her eyes sparkled with sadistic satisfaction. "How frightfully careless of me. I do hope I haven't caused injury."

I yanked my hand back, cradling it against my chest while fighting back tears that would only feed her pleasure. Blood welled from puncture wounds her heel had torn in delicate skin.

"Please bring me a clean fork," she added with casual indifference, as though requesting additional tea rather than having just inflicted ...