Thunder echoed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, followed by a torrential downpour.

Melissa glanced out the window, and upon turning back, she resembled a bewildered rabbit. Marcus relieved her of the canvas bag.

Guiding her to the guest room's bathroom, he instructed, “Clean yourself up here.”

Although the door was shut, Melissa hesitated to make a move.

Stained with blood, Melissa couldn't fathom if Marcus would be bothered by it.