A scream built in her chest, but before it could escape, he was across the room. His hand clamped over her mouth immediately. He turned her around in a swift movement. Her instinct was to fight, to bite, to claw. She tried to wrench her head away to kick out, but his other arm locked around her waist, pulling her towards his solid chest.
"Easy tiger," a voice whispered near her ear. It was calm, almost amused. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Her body stiffened, more from shock than from obedience. Her heart pounded so hard she felt dizzy. The hand left her mouth. He snapped his fingers, and the torch on the wall flared to life, brightening the room.
Suddenly, the pressure was gone. The arms and the body she was leaning on were gone. She staggered forward, whirling around. The room was empty. She was alone. Her breathing was loud and ragged. She scanned every corner, but there was nothing.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice shaking. "What do you want from me?"
