Chapter 17. Shadows and Dough

Myla’s chest rose and fell in shallow bursts, her mind caught in that foggy space between sleep and waking. She couldn't move. She lay on her side, feeling something heavy moving toward her in the dark, pressing against the edge of her bed. Her body wouldn’t move. Panic fluttered in her throat as invisible hands seemed to pin her down.

A warm breath ghosted over her cheek, and she felt fingers brush lightly over her hair slowly, almost tenderly. She tried to scream, tried to thrash, but her limbs remained heavy as stone. The figure leaned closer, closer, until she swore she could feel lips hovering just above hers....

She shot upright with a gasp. Her eyes darted wildly around the room as her heart pounded against her ribs.

Morning light streamed through the curtains, casting soft gold across the sheets. Hayden lay beside her, turned slightly on his side, his breathing evenly in sleep.

She let out a shaky breath, pressing her palm over her thudding chest.