A startled shriek escaped her when her gaze landed on a dark silhouette seated on the couch across from her. Panic surged instantly. She scrambled backward until her spine hit the headboard, chest heaving as she stared at the figure with terror-filled eyes.
But then he stood.
And when he moved toward her sitting gently on the bed beside her the fear loosened its grip.
Relief washed over her in a shaky breath.
"You scared me," she murmured softly, pressing her fingers against her temples. She squeezed her eyes shut, pain flaring again and slowly, unwillingly, memories flooded back.
The moment he had pulled her shirt aside.
The scars.
The way she'd fainted.
The panic attack when she woke.
Her eyes flew open and met his.
She sucked in a shuddering breath, already finding his gaze fixed on her steady, unmoving. His face gave nothing away as he watched her in silence.
She looked away first.
