It was then he noticed a pronounced crease between her brows, temples slick with perspiration. Her soft sleep whispers suggested a troubled dream.

Suddenly, it seemed as though her nightmare took a terrifying turn. Her breaths quickened, became shallow. Sabrina's hands tightened their grip on the sheet as her body went rigid with tremors. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead as she murmured in her sleep.

Tyrone bent closer, catching her faint voice. "No, no. No. I didn't..."

A tear seeped from the corner of her closed eye, tracing a path down her cheek, soaking the pillow, accentuating her plea.

A pang of pain pierced Tyrone's heart, his Adam's apple bobbing in response. He raised his hand, gently patting her back, wiping her sweat-coated forehead. His voice was a soft whisper. "Sleep. I'm here. I'LL protect you. No one who's caused you pain will get away."