Chapter 18

• Present
• Valerie's eyes suddenly snapped open, and she found Dominic lying on top of her, fast asleep. Their naked bodies were entwined, but the warmth of his skin brought no comfort. Instead, she felt a searing pain in her hand and saw that her shoulder was bleeding. The agony was unbearable, like nothing she had ever experienced before.
• With great effort, Valerie summoned the strength to gently push Dominic onto his side without waking him. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to free herself from his grasp.