Dark Dreams

  ***

  Rani

  I woke up in a panic.

  Where was I?

  I glanced around the candlelit room and immediately relaxed. I was in Phil's living room.

  I looked down and noticed that I was no longer wearing my crud-covered clothes and that I was now in a luxurious robe.

  What is this, cashmere?

  I hugged it closer to my body, loving the way it felt against my skin. Then, when I peeked down the front of the robe, I noticed that I was naked.

  “There is my sleeping beauty,” said Phil, walking into the room.

  I smiled.

  He gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Here, drink this,” he said, handing me a cup of steaming hot cocoa.

  I grabbed the mug and took a sip. The chocolate felt wonderful as it slid down my throat and then warmed my insides. “So,” I said, peering at Phil over my mug. “How exactly did I end up in this robe?”

  Phil cleared his throat and chuckled. “Well, I tried to wake you, but you were out like a light. I hate to say it, but you kind of had a funky odor going on.”

  I could feel myself turning red. “You washed me off?”

  “Babe, I had to… the smell was making my eyes water.” He gave me a smile that almost made me melt right there and then. “So, do you want to tell me what happened?”

  I nodded and nervously began retelling him the horrific events that had transpired. I was so afraid that he would think that I was crazy, or worse… not believe me.