She stayed still as she swam to full consciousness. Old habits that had kept her alive. She remembered the day before. The lab. Vincenz. The portal station where they’d pulled at her, drugged her. Anger washed through her as she slowly opened her eyes. Where was this place? A hospital? No. She sat up, fighting the nausea. The needle in her hand attached to the drip brought consternation. Were they still drugging her? She pulled it out, biting back the whimper her body wanted to give up. “You’re awake.” Vincenz came in slowly, carefully. He tipped his chin toward the IV. “You should have left it in. You’re dehydrated. I just gave you a new bag about two hours ago.” Remaining silent, she watched him through wary eyes. “There’s no need to be afraid. This is my home and a headquarters of sorts for my … group. It’s well defended. No one can get to you here.” She studied him. He was beautiful. The kind of man people would look at because how could they not? But he’d helped them drug her.
