Chapter One
A Little Kidnap
Like most urban women, Paige possessed her share of street smarts; don’t reveal to strangers that you live alone, don’t take untried shortcuts through unfamiliar territory and stay away from lonely parking lots. This last one briefly crossed Paige’s mind as she locked the side door and waved goodbye to everyone else in their cars. But there wasn’t anything to worry about here, she’d crossed this parking lot alone dozens of times. Her insignificant, retail job wasn’t worth a second thought. And so, by extension, neither was the fifty feet to her car. Besides, it was well lit and directly under a bright lamp.
She never made it.
Another brightness glared at her. Bathed in sheer white, Paige’s eyes instinctively shut. An engine started and came right for her. Her defense training class kicked in, and she stuck her keys between her fingers. Whoever was coming for her was going to get cut. But such a strategy works only with a head on attack.
Large, gloved hands clamped on Paige from behind. She whirled and managed one ineffective slash at the air. Then the strong hands spun her back toward the lights. One hand on her wrist kept the keys away from anything solid, the other hand clamped over her mouth.
A dark, windowless van screeched to a halt next to her and the side door slid open. Her captor let go of her wrist and picked her up by the waist.
An ever-widening portal of darkness threatened to consume Paige. She grunted against the hand and fought for all she was worth. Goddammit! She was not going to be just another crime statistic!
Paige spread her legs and managed to plant them wide on either side of the van door. Whoever was inside probably got a good look under her calf length skirt but Paige didn’t care. Escape now. Dignity later.
“Shit.” This from the person holding her. A man. He tried to force Paige inside but her strong, runner’s legs stopped him. So he simply turned them both around and dragged her inside. Paige swung downward with the keys and struck thick, leather pants. The man fell backwards but didn’t let go. Paige may have won a small battle but probably lost the wa
