“Charles?” I asked shakily.

“I’m sorry,” he huffed. I could feel his heart beating just as fast as mine at my back. His breath was ragged, sawing in and out of his mouth near my ear. His breath was nice. I turned my face and drew my cheek over his mouth, then jerked away against the tree.

No. Not Charles. Never Charles.

The rough bark did little to calm me. I jerked again, trying to get away—he only tightened his hold, the grip becoming painful as he pushed ...