"Mmm..."
The instant my mouth was covered, my eyes widened in terror. I tried to scream for help, but the hand clamped tight, stifling any sound.
My hair stood on end, and a surge of panic triggered a desperate struggle.
I clawed at the hand, but it wouldn't budge.
In the darkness, I couldn't see the attacker's face, only smelled a pungent, foul odor.
Recalling the self-defense techniques Thomas had taught me, I brought my knee up hard, aiming for the groin.
"Ah, damn it! Damn you, woman!"
A man's voice. I'd heard it in the dining hall. As his grip loosened, I scrambled off the bed and bolted for the door.
A sharp pain shot through my scalp as my hair was yanked back. I lost my balance and crashed to the floor with a thud.
"Ugh... It hurts..."
My back slammed against the hard flo
