Possession in the Morning Light

**AURORA**

I woke with a start, disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings. Soft morning light filtered through heavy curtains I didn't recognize. The sheets beneath me were silky, expensive—definitely not mine.

Pain radiated through my body as memories flooded back. Kian. His hands. His mouth. The blindfold. The restraints. The way I'd surrendered completely.

I shifted and winced. Every muscle protested. Between my legs felt tender, used. My wrists bore faint red marks from the restraints.

The space beside me was empty, the sheets cold. I was alone in his bed.

Panic surged as I grabbed my phone from the nightstand. Nine missed calls from Liam. Three texts.

*Where are you? I'm being discharged at 9.*

*Aurora, are you coming?*

*I called an Uber. Thanks for nothing.*

"Shit!" I checked the time. 10:17 AM. I'd completely forgotten my promise to pick Liam up from the hospital.

I quickly texted back:

*I'm so sorry. Something came up. Are you home safe?*