Anthony’s lips grazed her neck, his hands firm against her waist. Anna bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to sink into the warmth. She wanted this—she really did—but Jake’s threat played on a loop in her head like a broken record.
The warmth suddenly vanished. Anna opened her eyes to find Anthony standing a step away, watching her.
"What's the matter?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"You're not here," Anthony said. He didn't sound angry, just flat and disappointed.
"What do you mean?" She forced a small, awkward laugh.
Anthony didn't answer. He turned away, grabbed his pack of cigarettes, and flicked a lighter. A cloud of gray smoke drifted toward the ceiling as he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Well?" he prompted.
"Well what?"
"Are you going to tell me what’s w
