Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             No, no, no...this can’t be happening.

                             Was he waiting for me the entire time?

                             I blink a few times, trying to make out a face. The darkness allows me to only decipher a contour of my kidnapper’s imposing physique. I can’t possibly mistake that height and those broad shoulders.

                             My limited vision darts between him and the stairs.

                             I spring to the sole possible exit.

                             My feet touch the first step when I’m yanked back by a strong tug on my hair. Burning pain explodes in my scalp as my back hits something warm and solid. An unrestrained scream pierces the silence and echoes down the hallway. My scream.

                             Tears spring to my eyes, but I refuse to either look at him or admit defeat. I stomp on his foot, hoping he will release my hair.

                             He doesn’t. His grip pulls harshly until I’m forced to tilt my head back to ease the pressure.

                             His features are still shrouded in darkness. My fingers fly to his hand, and I claw at it. No reaction. As if a mosquito bit him.

                             One hand gripping my hair, his other yanks and secures both of my wrists behind my back.

                             “Stop.” He speaks in the only composed voice he seems to own. “I may not seem like it, but I’m actually pissed off right now. You don’t want to aggravate your situation, Mae.”

                             My lips tremble. Not only at the unbearable pain at the roots of my hair and the building pressure on my wrists, but also at the fact that I failed my escape and possibly signed my death certificate.

                             He lifts and throws me over his shoulder. My head dangles on his back. The act so effortless as if he’s carrying an empty bag.

                             I squeal and thrash in his grasp. My legs kick at his chest, my hands hit his back and shoulders. Anywhere I can reach. If I’ll die, may as well do it while I fight.

                             His grasp on my thighs tightens, so hard, I’m momentarily paralysed.

                             “I can drag you by the hair if you find the idea tempting.”

                             My limbs freeze.

                             I’m such a coward. Seconds ago, I was going to die fighting. But the simple thought of the biting pain turns me into an obedient fool.

                             With the position I’m carried in, my head’s veins almost pop at the amount of blood rushing into them. I have to clutch the sides of his shirt to stop my head from hitting his back at every move. I’m acutely aware of my breasts pressing against the warmth of his back muscles. I curse myself for not resenting it.

                             A mixture of musk and cedar scent creeps into my nose as my kidnapper’s steady strides lead us through the dark grey corridors. Oddly enough, they don’t turn into ghosts of the dark. But again, they never do when I have company.

                             “So what happens to me now?” I’m proud that my voice comes out normal.

                             The hushed sound of his shoes fills the silence. It tightens my stomach and raises my pulse even more than words.