VALERIE
Flashback
A heavy whip raised and slashed against my back, tearing a blood-curdling scream out of my throat. It was not the first time, and at the back of my mind, I knew that it would not be the last either. Before I could even gather myself, the second lash fell against my legs, making me lose balance and fall on the floor.
“Bloody b***h!” The man roared. “How dare you sit on the bed?”
I quickly took the opportunity to scramble back on all fours and far away, although not far enough that his whip could not reach. When the third lash crashed against my skin, it pained and burned so brightly it felt like my skin was on fire. The warm wetness of the skimpy cloth I was made to wear made me aware that I was bleeding.
“I am sorry, I am sorry!” I cried, even with the knowledge tha
