stomach. It's dark, and I can't see a thing.

remember the kiss and then . . . Jake! Oh dear God, what happened to Jake? What happened to me? I'm so terrifie

s of cotton sheets against my skin. I touch myself and confirm that I'm right: I'm

No wetness, no soreness, no indication that I'

going on. Are they planning to kill me? Rape me? Rape me and then kill me? If it's ransom they're after, then I'

I just lie there in the dark, every horrifying story I've seen on the news running through my mind. I think of J

start to get angry. Why did they do this? Who are they, anyway? I assume it's 'they' instead of 'he' becau

tle. I still can't see anything in the dark, but I can feel.

ere are pillows and a blanket, and the sheets are soft and pleasant to the touch. Like

me. My bare feet touch the floor. It's smooth and cold to the touch, like hardw

. A soft light comes on. Even though it

a dark angel. His hair curls a little around his face, softening the hard perfection of his fea

of anything. "Hello, Nora," he says softly, entering the room. I cast a

o I just watch him stalk toward me like a hungry tiger approaches its prey. I

g in the blanket. He lifts his hand, and I tense, preparing to defend myself. B

in. He seems to understand my hesitation. "Don't worry, my pet. It's just water. I want you awake and con

g the blanket tightly with one hand, I give

y fingers brush agains

have to unscrew the cap-which means I have to let go of the blanket. He

feet away and simply watching me. I press my arms tightly again

. The cool liquid feels amazing on my parched lips and tongue. I drink until

can talk again, so I ask him, "Why?" To my huge surprise, my voice sounds almost n

gentle on my skin, his touch almost tender. It's such a stark c

h him," Julian says, and I can hear t

ched you, laid h

trying to figure out what he's talki

"Is he-" I don't know if I can even s

burning into mine. "He's in the h

hits me. "What do you mean, for now?" Julian shrugs. "His health and wellbeing

ear. I'm so cold I feel like his touch is burning my skin. "Y

draw in a brea

is smile is the most beautiful and frightening

you want