PrologueMy body shook with silent laughter as he ran his fingers down my back. He flipped me over and stared down at me adoringly.“God, you’re beautiful.” His voice was husky and smelt of cloves. He must have taken up smoking again. I didn’t answer him with words, though my lips said it all.He pulled away a little breathless and asked, “What time…what time are your parents expecting you home?” I smiled. “Not till six. We...

I woke screaming. Every nerve in my body seemed to be on fire. The burning pain was excruciating. My body thrashed and shuddered.“Shh, Maxine, relax. You need to relax your body.” A man’s voice said. “It will make things a lot easier if you relax.”I felt cool hands on my shoulders, pinning me down. I breathed through my nose and tried to relax my muscles. It made the pain a little more bearable but I still moaned and conv...

Chapter OneIt was darker than usual as I walked through the park. I was on my way home from working a double shift at the Pizzeria. The manager liked to go out for long periods of time then wait for the last five minutes of my shift to show up and take credit for things I’d done. I hated that. I hoped she got what karma had in store for her.The night was quiet. There were no birds chirping or squirrels running around look...