Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it in her ears. She tried to stay quiet, tucked in the corner so he wouldn’t see her. Molly knew he would hear her breathing, it was so out of control. She knew that he would find her—again. She could sense him getting closer. A wave of fear rippled across her skin in a rush of heat. The scream she had tried desperately to contain erupted from her. It always made him madder when she screamed. “No. Please. Please, I’ll be good.” Light flooded the small space. She squeezed her eyes shut and shielded her face from the blow. She jumped with the hand on her shoulder. “Molly…honey…it’s okay…calm down. I’m right here, kiddo.” She drew in a ragged breath with the familiar voice. She was sweaty and panting, but finally coming out of the nightmare. Her hair stuck to her neck and face, her t-shirt drenched. When he wrapped her in his arms, she realized where she was and she began to cry. She was safe. “Oh, Brody.” Sagging against his strong chest, she silently thanked him for being there and cursed herself at the same time.
