Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 62056 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62056 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Leah is dead, I tell myself, and it's Temptation who's taking over from this point on.
I repeat the words one more time before finally venturing to speak.
"I'm sorry, Doctor, and um, yes, it's me, Temptation."
It sounds so weird to make such a claim, but at the same time it also makes me feel all ridiculously giddy inside.
"Hello, Temptation."
My fingers tighten involuntarily around my phone. That name sounded so painfully stupid earlier, but when it's Dr. Somebody who calls me this, it suddenly feels so dreamily...improper.
"Was I correct in assuming this is your first time?"
"Yes, Doctor."
"I see."
My cheeks are on fire now. I will never ever think of the words 'yes, doctor' in the same way again, and I'll probably also think twice about saying them after this.
"Well, Temptation..."
My heart skips a beat, and I realize in surprise that this is the longest time I haven't spared Io a single thought.
Could this truly be the distraction I've been looking for all this time?
"I'm certain you're feeling rather apprehensive at the moment, but I'd like to assure you you're in very good hands."
"O-Oh?"
Why do I have this crazy, out-of-the-blue urge to know how big his hands are?
"You have nothing to worry about."
Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it.
"Doctor?"
"Yes, Temptation?"
"May I know how big your hands are?"
Oh God, I actually said it.
"Of course." Dr. Somebody doesn't miss a beat in responding, and I love how utterly professional he still sounds even when such words in real life would've passed for sexual harassment.
"And to answer your question..."
A small but distinct pause follows, and I hold my breath unthinkingly.
"My hands are appropriate for someone my size."
The last word sounds unbelievably wicked for some reason, and I start fanning my face.
"But if I may ask—-"
"Of course, Doctor." I'm surprised (and slightly ashamed) at how easily the words are now rolling down my tongue.
"Is there any particular reason you're concerned about the size of my hands?"
"Oh, um, none at all. I was just curious."
"I hope you're being honest with me."
A shiver tickles down my spine at the sudden firmness of his tone.
"It's my responsibility as your doctor to make you feel...better."
If that's innuendo I'm hearing, I...want more of it.
"But I won't be able to do that if you're not completely honest with me."
Oh...my.
The gentleness in his voice is gone, and in its place is a dangerously soft tone that only makes my heart hammer away even as I hear myself actually whisper—-
"You're scaring me, Doctor."
"Good."
Dr. Somebody purrs the word into my ear, and the sound utterly destroys me.
Oh God.
How is he able to make that word sound both like a promise and a warning all at the same time?
"I take my work very seriously," Dr. Somebody continues in a voice that threatens and seduces, concurrently. "I don't like it when my patient is dishonest...or disobedient."
I know when I'm being baited, but since this fantasy is all about me playing dumb and worrying about nothing—-
"What happens if you catch me lying or disobeying you?"
"What do you think?"
Uh oh.
The laziness of his tone throws my mind straight into the gutter, and all I can think of is my mysterious Dr. Somebody kissing his way down my body, lazily.
Who knew someone as innocent as Temptation could be so wantonly imaginative as well?
"Would you care to take a guess?"
There's that hint of innuendo again, and it's making me feel lightheaded.
You were right after all, SFI.
These first-time phone calls are everything. The more Dr. Somebody and I talk, the less I remember who I was before all this. It's like I've been reborn, and now that I see myself as this sweet, innocent girl—-
"I really don't know, Doctor. But whatever it is, I'm sure it's to make me feel better."
It also means that from here on, everything Dr. Somebody says or does will be perfectly fine in my eyes.
"I wonder if you truly mean that."
"Oh, but I do, Doctor!"
"And if I tell you that any dishonesty or disobedience on your part merits punishment?"
Knew it.
"What say you then?"
And I am so, so down for it.
"It will be as you wish, Doctor."
"Ah."
Will it make me seem obsessed...if I say I love the sound of his 'ah'?
"Your obedience pleases me, Temptation, but...I wonder. Have you also been honest with me all this time?"
I don't say a word, and Dr. Somebody clucks his tongue.
"So you lied to me, after all."
"Yes, Doctor."
The words feel even more sinful this time, with my voice all soft and tremulous.
"I did lie to you," I admit in a small voice, "and I'm sorry that I did."
"I accept your apology," he acknowledges, "but you must understand that I can't in all good conscience leave it at that."
Remember that you're dumb, Leah.
You're dumb! Dumb! Dumb!
And so I hear myself say—-
"I understand."
"Just as good deeds must be rewarded, bad deeds cannot go unpunished."