The blade dug a little deeper into Raine’s skin, just enough to sting without breaking through. His heart hammered so hard he could hear it in his ears. The intruder’s grip on his mouth was iron tight, leather glove rough against his lips. Raine’s mind raced "who the hell is this? Robber? Crazy ex of Daniel’s?" but his body stayed frozen, water bottle forgotten on the floor where it had rolled away.

“Move,” the man growled low, shoving him forward.

Raine stumbled into the living room, legs shaky. The stranger kicked the back of his knees and Raine dropped hard onto the cold tile. Pain shot up his legs. Before...