My eyes batted open when I heard someone’s throat clear and the bed shifted. I snapped my head up, staring at a dark silhouette sitting at the foot of my bed. He was staring down at me with pursed lips.
“Well, sleepin’ beauty awakes!”
I detected sarcasm in his Southern drawl.
I automatically tugged the covers to my chin. “Who are you?” My voice was parched and throaty.
The skinny man puffed out a cloud of smoke.
I coughed, waving the gray stench from me, wrinkling my nose. “Can’t you find another place to do that?” I gagged. “I’m sure this place has a ton of nooks and crannies to hide that disgusting habit.”
“Why would I do that when I can have a lovely conversation with your delicious self?” The caramel, skinned man’s tone was void of pleasantries.
“Can you at least open a window a
