THE NEXT DAY ___
Alina’s eyes fluttered open to the soft light streaming through the curtains. For a moment, she couldn’t tell where she was. The faint scent of cedar, the cold air of the air-conditioner, the dark-painted walls, everything felt strangely familiar. Then it hit her.
This is Liam’s house.
Her heartbeat quickened as she pushed herself up, head pounding. Memories of last night flooded in, running through the darkness, the men… the pain. Her throat tightened. She could still feel the rough grip on her arm, the coldness of the night. But how did she end up here?
Then she remembered her father’s call; her grandma was gone. Tears welled up instantly. She needed to go home. She needed to be with her family.
Ignoring the ache in her body, Alina began searching for her phone. But
