He turns away, giving me the chance to lurch upright. That’s when I realize my bathrobe is wide open and I’m naked underneath. Tugging it tightly around me, I search for the belt that’s swinging somewhere at the back. I can’t find it, so I hold the robe closed and slip in behind the couch to protect myself.

‘You’re going to have to take it back,’ he growls, his eyes popping in their sockets. I have never seen anyone so angry. He looks possessed, like he could sprout horns and a tail at any moment.

My body is shaking, teeth chattering. Blood rushes to my head. I don’t want to anger him any more but I don’t want to be a victim of his bullying either.

‘I can’t take it back,’ I say, in a voice I can barely hear myself.

‘What? What are you saying?’ he snarls through expensive porcelain teeth as he walks behind the sofa. Clenching his fists, he pushes his face up close to mine. ‘What did you say?’

‘I can’t take it back,’ I say, louder this time.

‘You will take it back, because I’m going to deny it, say you made it up, that you have a crush on me.’ His eyes are wild, almost on fire, spit flecking his lips. ‘And who do you think the cop will believe, me or you?’ He looks away, down to the shaking hands holding my bathrobe closed. ‘Me, the successful lawyer with an impeccable reputation?’ Reaching for my hands, he grabs them and pulls the gown open. His eyes travel up and down my naked body. ‘Or you, Rebecca Wall, the little slut?’

I open my mouth to cry for help but the words are stuck somewhere; all that comes out is a squeaky whining noise. I try again but I still can’t talk. I’m dying here, I feel like my soul is being crushed. I want to puke, to run, but I can’t move. Sucking air into my lungs, I know I must keep breathing. No, please, no. I feel the heat of his hands travel down my arms, taking my robe with them. No. No, please don’t. I can hear myself pleading on the inside but for some reason the words won’t come out of my mouth. Please don’t rape me.

I fall back against the wall, as if I’m going to collapse, but it doesn’t stop him. My robe is now crumpled at my feet. Closing my eyes, the noise of his belt opening screeches in my ears. Something inside me dies.

‘Get the fuck off her!’

I’m frozen, unable to open my eyes, unable to move from the wall. But I know it’s Jeff.