The sudden pull into the tiny room made Clara’s head spin with wild panic. The smell of dust and old wood filled the small space, but under that came a rich, familiar scent of clean laundry and sweet citrus. The body pressing her back against the wooden wall was broad, warm, and rock hard. The hand over her mouth was warm and soft against her trembling lips.

"Quiet, little mouse," a smooth voice whispered right into her ear.

Clara let out a deep breath of relief through her nose. It was Silas.

His heavy arm stayed wrapped tight around her waist, keeping her small body lifted slightly off the cold...