FORTY-TWO
I woke myself with my own scream.
Tom had hit me. He'd broken my fingers. And then he'd...
I bit back another scream, trying to slow my breathing and my heart rate. I was on a comfortable bed, not there. I groped for the bedside table, hoping I had a bedside lamp. I couldn't remember any more – it had been so long since I'd slept in my own bed.
My fingers felt the tingle of the touch lamp as the globe lit up... and died.
Swearing, I slid out of bed and tried to find the light switch.
I barely managed to get to the door on my shaky legs, swatting at the switch until it turned on and I could sink to the floor.
I hugged my knees to my chest, feeling very alone.
I wanted Nathan. I wanted to feel his arms around me. I wanted to hear him tell me that I was safe.
I thought abo
