He kissed her. “Yes, I do. So I want you downstairs at seven o’clock in that sexy black dress I saw you sneak into the truck this morning, you got me?”

“I’ll see what I can do. Can I ride into town with you in the morning? I need to get my car and a few other things at Tony’s house. I’ve got a hot date to get ready for.”

“Oh, I like the sound of that.” He pulled her closer to him by hooking a strong leg around her as his finger traced its way up her spine.

When she realized he was aroused again, she let out a wail. “You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m an old lady. I can’t keep up with you.”

He rolled on top of her. “Sure you can.”

Clare couldn’t breathe as she ran through the empty house. Her heels made a frenetic staccato on the hardwood floors. From one room to the next, the monster followed her. His eyes, once friendly, were now evil. He was going to hurt her if she let him catch her. She ran but couldn’t find the door.

He chased her into a corner. The face that had seemed handsome was now twisted with ugly rage. Her clothes were torn and hanging from her. He lashed out at her, knocking her to the ground where he was heavy on top of her. She gasped for air.

“No,” she moaned. “No. Please.”

Someone called to her.

The monster shoved his way inside her. She screamed.

“Clare! Wake up!”

She came to, awash with sweat and tears, knowing right away that she’d had the same dream she’d had for months after the rape—the dream that led her to remember everything after she awakened from the coma.

Aidan held her as she sobbed. “I’m here, honey. I’m right here. You’re safe.”

That face—Sam Turner’s face—had haunted her for months after he attacked her. His threats against her girls had tormented her days while the nightmare plagued her nights. Jack never knew about the nightmare because she was so terrified that she never made a sound, even in her sleep.

“Want to tell me about it?” Aidan asked. He stroked her hair and held her close to him.

She shook her head. Her heart hammered, and she struggled to take a deep breath. “I need to get some water,” she was finally able to say.

He stopped her when she would have gotten up. “I’ll get it. Will you be all right for a minute?”

She nodded. After he left the room, Clare lay back against the pillows, willing the trembling to stop. She was so tired of being afraid. With a few deep breaths, she managed to slow her heart to a steadier beat.

Aidan came back with the water.