Chapter 18

Startled, Merdi stared at him as if he were a stranger. She recoiled like a cornered animal, scooting away to the very edge of the couch. Clifton watched her retreat, a low sigh escaping his lips. “Come here, Merdi.” She remained frozen. “I take it you want to spend the entire night like this?” That suggestion alone was enough to make the color drain from Merdi’s face. She managed to force the words out. “…You’re too close. I already feel sick.”