Callie:
I woke up gasping, heart in my throat, sweat soaking my tank top.
The dream still clung to me like smoke—Sterling’s hands on my arms, his breath in my ear, the panic, the locked door.
Only this time, I’d been trying to scream, but no sound came out. My legs wouldn’t move. And he was smiling.
I sat up fast, dragging in sharp breaths, my hands trembling as I wiped my face.
Safe.
I was safe.
I looked around the room—sunlight soft through the curtains, the old floral wallpaper peeling in places, a cozy clutter of books, folded laundry, and a dresser with chipped paint. It smelled like laundry and desert air. Viv’s hoodie was tossed over the chair.
Safe.
I stood slowly, walked to the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face. Stared at myself in the mirror.
Still me, even if I
