Vanessa felt her panic set in. She was in that nightmare again, although she did not want to be.
Her mind knew it was not the same night and the same thing that happened was not happening. But her body refused to listen.
Stay calm, Nessa. Do not panic. There are others here. You are safe.
Stay calm.
Stay calm.
Stay – useless advice, her mind chanted back.
There was no way she could control her response to the moment.
Some man had grabbed her in the dark – in Nick’s house – a house she had come to view as her sanctuary – her safe haven. This could not be happening.
His steel grip dragged her back into his chest. He was holding her close. Remarkably close.
She could smell his aftershave. Wilderness...country… Old Spice.
He was invading her sacred bubble – the protective wrap she ha
