7 Chapter 7

I shivered just a little and sucked a breath, not from cold, but from feeling so exposed. I tried my best to relax, because deep down I sensed that Anise has a gentle soul and would never hurt me.

“You’re a beautiful girl, Julie. Did you know that?”

I expelled the breath that I’d been holding and turned my gaze to the floor. Anise took her hand off of me just long enough to raise my chin. I couldn’t help but wonder if she learned that maneuver from Miss Baxter.

“Shy, too.” Anise gently lifted my flesh in her hands, caressing me. “Would you feel less self-conscious if you were faced the other way?”

“Yes, please,” I managed to whisper.

Anise spun me around and pressed herself against my back as she laid her hands on me again. I’m not sure which way was more unnerving. I didn’t have to look her in the eye anymore, but it seemed like her hands were a lot more inclined to wander in this new arrangement.