It took me a full hour to calm my racing heart and convince myself that the dream had no bearing on reality or my actual feelings. Still, fear clung to me like a second skin. I was terrified to even shut my eyes again that night.

How could I possibly face Fosco now, knowing what I’d dreamt? His voice in the dream had matched his real one. So had his scent. But they’d affected me in ways I never thought possible. Not in a million years.

I gave up and took a long, cold shower almost an ...