Allyson's POV
I stared at my reflection, forcing steel into my spine where vulnerability had taken root.
"Pull yourself together," I murmured to the woman looking back at me.
Taking a shaky breath, I reached for my toothbrush and scrubbed aggressively, determined to erase every lingering taste of him from my mouth.
The shower water ran ice cold as I stepped beneath the spray, letting it cascade over my heated skin.
I worked the soap into a harsh lather, scrubbing with punishing intensity until every trace of his scent had been washed away.
My eyes squeezed shut as the water pounded down on me, my palms flat against the chilled tiles.
But the tenderness between my legs served as an unwelcome reminder.
The burn across my backside where his hand had marked me repeatedly.
When I finally emerged, my skin was raw but clean. Despite the lingering soreness, I felt somewhat like myself again.
At least, that's what I told myself.
