Page 20 of Never and Always

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I picked up speed to catch up with her.

She turned into the next street. On this one, the stores were closed and there was no foot traffic.

I turned and slowed to a stop.

There was no sign of her.

Frowning, I scanned the quiet street.Where the hell had she gone?

A muffled noise caught my ear.

What the hell?I strode forward. There was something dark on the sidewalk, and the snow was all messed up.

When I got closer, my chest hitched. It was Piper’s handbag.

My head swiveled to the narrow alley between two shops.

There were drag marks in the snow.

Leading into the alley.

Fucking hell.

I broke into a run and sprinted into the alley.

Chapter 7

Piper

One minute, I’d been striding down the sidewalk, barely aware of the snow or cold because I’d been so angry at Chance.

So angry, sad, and disappointed because he’d asked me for money. Again.

I’m in a bind, Pipe. You have a cushy job. Help me out.

A cushy job? A job I worked so hard at. A job I sacrificed a personal life for. A job that ensured our mother and grandmother were taken care of.

God, I shouldn’t have been surprised he’d asked.

Now, Chance was the last thing on my mind.

Someone had grabbed me from behind and dragged me into a dark, dirty alley.

I kicked and fought. The guy was half dragging me, half carrying me. God, this was Windward. I’d lived in the biggest cities in the world and not been attacked once.

Panic was hot and slick inside me. My pulse raced and I jerked again, trying to get free.

I felt his hold slipping on my arm, and I wrenched my body away.

He cursed as I yanked out of his hold.

Adrenaline surged inside me. I tried to run, but took one step and the thin heel of my boot slipped.

No. The damn snow. I landed hard on my hands and knees. My palms stung and wet soaked into my skin. I’d forgotten to put my gloves on.

Then my attacker grabbed a fistful of my coat and dragged me backward. I felt the skin on my knees and palms rip. I cried out.

He hauled me up.

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