‘I know, I’m sorry to arrive unannounced. Nice pyjamas!’ he said, taking note of my reaction. He chuckled, ignoring my mouth hanging open, and stepped past me into the hallway. Vampires had to be invited in, didn’t they?

I clutched at the neck of my top to check I’d buttoned all the way to the collar. I felt exposed.

‘I won’t stay long. Quick cup of tea?’

I nodded, still unable to speak. What the hell was he doing here? He must have followed me home from the gym. The claret petals fluttered in my trembling hand and I began to feel faint. I remained rooted to the spot by the front door, worried I’d fall if I moved.

Ian laughed, mistaking my distress for surprise, and took the flowers from me. Striding down the hallway, looking right and then left until he found the kitchen. Seconds passed, and I was yet to follow him. I lingered, gazing out into the stairwell down to the street, feeling the chill from the air outside wafting in. I considered running into the street and the muscles in my thighs twitched in anticipation, but the bubbling kettle brought me back to my senses, propelling me to move. I closed the front door and hurried to my bedroom, unhooking my dressing gown from behind the door and tying it tightly.

‘Sorry, you caught me off guard. Obviously,’ I said, forcing a smile and gesturing to my dressing gown.

He waved away my embarrassment and continued to hunt around the kitchen cupboards for mugs.

Autopilot kicked in and I took the flowers over to the sink to unwrap the cellophane. ‘Thank you for the roses, they’re beautiful.’

‘You’re welcome. I couldn’t resist, so dark, like blood.’

I shivered at his choice of words. An avalanche of dread crashing down upon me. I was trapped, alone with him. Ben wouldn’t be home until the morning. Did Ian already know that? Had he been watching the flat?

‘I’m sorry I wasn’t at the gym today. I had to work late, but I wanted to see you.’

‘How did you know where I live?’ I asked, keeping my tone light. It was easier to maintain composure with my back to him; fear would be obvious in my eyes. I heard water being poured and then the fridge opening. I took the scissors out of the drawer and snipped the stems. Taking my time. If he was going to attack me, he would have done it by now. His DNA would be all over the kitchen and the flowers. Despite that, I held the scissors tightly in my hand.

Play it cool; he’s paid you a surprise visit, nothing more. Remember, you don’t know he’s a rapist.