The silence stretched. Ruaan could hear the faint, steady sound of Harolin's breathing just on the other side of the wire coils. He pressed his hand hard against his mouth to even stop himself from breathing. He didn't want to get caught. He had no idea what Harolin would do to him if that happened. His own heart was a frantic drum against his ribs. He squeezed his eyes shut, praying the darkness of the corner would swallow him whole just so Harolin wouldn't see him.
Then, a hand closed around his ankle.
"Got you!"
Ruaan yelped, a sharp, startled sound that echoed in the cramped space. He was dragged out from his hiding spot in one smooth, powerful pull. His back scraped against the concrete floor, the rough material of his shirt riding up. He kicked out blindly, his heel connecting with something solid—Harolin's thigh—but it was like kicking a wall.
