Francesca was unwell, rendering intimacy out of the question.

She returned to bed for some much-needed rest.

From the bathroom, the sound of running water drifted to her ears—Julian was showering. The rhythmic cascade of water had an oddly soothing effect, and Francesca soon found herself slipping into slumber.

In her dreams, Julian continued to haunt her, relentless and consuming.

When she woke again, it was past 1 a.m.

The ...