Chapter 253: Melody, Grant

Tuesday. Unknown.

MELODY'S TOES HURT.

That was her first coherent thought as her mind rose from the groggy sleep of the dead. She remained exactly where she was, as if even her subconscious was aware that there was a predator nearby.

The handcuff secured to her left wrist bit into her skin and her fingers were numb, no doubt from the way she'd been laying.

She strained to listen harder. There was no sound of traffic or horns. She couldn't even hear someone walking around, the whish of fabric or the soft sounds of someone breathing.

If she didn't know better, she'd think she was alone.

What did she smell?

The air was musty and she recalled a vague memory from last night that included a sneezing fit.

"I know you're awake," a man said slowly.

He was so close his voice seemed to rumble across her skin.

Melody sucked in a breath and her eyes popped open.

Ethan sat next to the bed, his clasped hands resting on the edge of the mattress. He was watching her.

"Jesus."