Free MASTERED: (The Novel) by K.L. Silver Page B

yesterday. Placing the
now blood smeared note aside; she located the keys, started the engine, and
backed out of the driveway.
    Sighing resignedly, it became
quickly apparent that even these panties offered precious little protection
against his onslaught.
    Master…

 
 
    Chapter
23

 
      Pulling
into an open space in the employee parking area of Boutique Ebony&Ivory , Missy turned
off the engine. Drawing several deep breaths, she attempted to quell her
apprehension. She was well over an hour late. Although she had texted the
extent of her inexcusable tardiness, she exceeded even that estimation. She did
not relish facing Teresa's displeasure, however justified.
    She was scrambling from the
Infinity when she remembered to remove James's chain from around her neck. She did
so reluctantly, already feeling naked without it. Nonetheless, she was in
buckets of trouble already.
    It was strict policy that
employees not wear their own jewelry to work. This statute precluded any
awkward requests from admiring customers who might wish to purchase an
identical piece. “Not that any jewelry
she owned would inspire the admiration of the shop's uber-wealthy clientele,” she thought wryly.
    They were, however, encouraged to
display pieces from the shops own exclusive collections. There were cases
brimming with sparkling jewels ranging from brooches and bracelets to cocktail
rings and tiaras. Pieces were signed out at the beginning of a shift and back
in at the conclusion. And, always under the watchful eye of Teresa.
      While undeniably a highlight for the employee,
this brilliant strategy was designed with the clientele – and the bottom line, in
mind. It provided an up-close-and-personal view of some spectacular baubles
that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. It was a win-win marketing ploy which
proved highly profitable.
    Sheepishly, Missy hurried through
the breathtaking double doors of the boutique's entryway. They opened
majestically before her, as though admitting a princess to the king's chambers.
She never failed to be struck by the sheer extravagance of these enormous
cut-glass doors. Perilously, they captivated the attention of anyone driving
down the narrow street. As was their function, of course.
    The left was engraved with a
sensual, cursive 'E', the right with the matching 'I'. Both sparkled as if
anointed with fairy dust. They were meticulously polished thrice daily; usually
by her. Missy kept her head lowered and headed straight for the staff room. She
thanked the powers-that-be that today was Wednesday, one of the quieter days of
the week.
    As she stashed her purse and
sweater, she glanced at the schedule to see who was working. Relief washed over
her when she saw that it was Stephanie and only Stephanie. A quick check in the
mirror and within seconds, Missy was on the floor searching out Teresa. Best to get this over with sooner rather than later . Fortunately, the shop was
devoid of customers.
    Adding to her remorse, she
located Teresa behind the massive front desk. She was up to her knees in a task
that was no doubt intended for Missy. An enormous delivery of summer inventory
arrived that morning. It was priority one to get it separated, counted, hung,
steamed, sized, priced – and out on the floor. The first rule of retail is that
nothing sells sitting in a box.
    “Teresa, I can't tell you how
sorry I am,” she entreated. “There's no excuse for it, and I won't insult your
intelligence by making one. I deserve any disciplinary action you see fit.”

 
 
    Chapter
24

 
    Drowning in a sea of rumpled Vera
Wang frocks, Teresa turned to face her. Frustration and disappointment were
unmistakable on her face. If it was possible, Missy felt worse still. She very
much respected her boss, and over the years they'd developed a warm and caring
relationship.
    Teresa usually treated her more
like a daughter than an employee. She was very concerned with her raising a son
alone. She often chided Missy for not