At the first splash of cold water across his face, Reece sat bolt upright, his hands wildly dashing away invisible attackers as he struggled to escape.
“Reece,” she said, pressing him back down with her strong hands locked around his shoulder, “Reece, it"s all right – it"s over.”
Blinking, he looked up into Manuela"s face and it was as if the whole world had been replaced by the loveliness of her features. In a rush of relief and gratitude at being alive, he flung his arms around her and pulled her close. She held him and they kissed, the fire of their passion pushing every other emotion, fear and thought far, far away.
After a long time, she gently pressed him down on the bed and examined his throat, dabbing the raised welts, using a damp cloth that she dipped into the bucket standing
