She couldn't breathe properly. She couldn't think. The sounds were obscene. Wet gagging, slapping skin, low male groans.

Alex stepped forward. His heart clenched every time he looked at how dull and tired her eyes were. He opened his mouth but the words came out as barely a breath.

Then Lena met his gaze. To Lena, Alex's eyes had storms in them she couldn't name. Part desperation, part resignation.

She shook her head once, a tiny jerk that sent a ripple of sweat down her temple. It made Alex ...