I twist my head back and forth, squeezing my eyes shut as he holds me there. “Do you know who I am?” he asks. My breathing shakes, and I don’t want to open my eyes. Then, something touches my cheek, and I jerk. “Stay still or he’ll bite.” I pant, instantly stilling every muscle. “Please,” I whisper, begging. But I don’t move. The touch comes back, and it’s smooth, like water. Oh, God. Please. “Look at me,” he says.

