My ears popped and blood dripped from my nose, but bit by bit I fought my way back until the pain receded. I took a full, slow breath. Rolling onto my back, I blinked up at the clouds through bleary eyes, my thumb and forefinger pressed against my nostrils to staunch the bleeding.

Motion flickered in the corner of my vision, and I turned my head to find Rafael squatting nearby, watching me, one hand over his mouth.

"At least this'll make for a juicy entry in my Jezebel ...