Panic surged through me as I turned and bolted toward the door, my heart pounding like a war drum. I had to escape this nightmare, had to get away from him, but before I could reach the threshold, the guards caught me. Strong hands grabbed my arms, wrenching me back, forcing me into a stumbling retreat.
"No!" I cried, struggling against their iron grip, but it was futile. They pushed me forward with a harsh shove, and I landed directly against the man's back, the cold, hard body of his contrasting sharply with the warmth of my skin.
His hands wrapped around my waist possessively, tightening like a snake coiling around its prey. My skin crawled as he leaned in closer, his breath hot and repugnant against my neck. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring, as if savoring my fear. "You smell so sweet, Mery. Like the finest flower in a graveyard," he murmured, his voice dripping with depravity.
