The next morning, Meena's heart hammered against her ribs as she walked out of her room. Fear had made her compromise at the last moment. She wore a flimsy black lace bra and panty set, the sheer fabric doing little to hide her hardened nipples or the dark triangle of her pubic hair. The cool morning air caressed her exposed skin, sending shivers of dread and anticipation down her spine. She found him in the living room, sitting in his armchair, reading the newspaper, as if it was any other day.