Page 1 of After Our Kiss

- Prologue -

Georgia Mary King

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Iwas thirteen years old when I was kidnapped.

It didn't happen the way I'd been warned about—there was no shady van full of candy, no car pulling up alongside me while I tied my shoe. Years later that would be the part that left me with a constant sense of dread.

Life isn't the same once you realize you're never really safe.

Not even in your own bed.

I was lying under the covers when the knock came at my door. Startled, I slammed my laptop shut. The motion sent corn chips scattering all over my sheet and pillow. I didn't want my mother to know I was still awake at three in the morning, because it wasn't like I had areason.I was just browsing the internet.

I couldn't know that time was about to become a precious commodity.

There was no second knock, just the door sliding open on its perfectly oiled hinges. That was how he came for me in the dark—a phantom who heralded no warning, and a man who left no mark...no evidence.

My eyesight was blurry from staring at the blue screen of my laptop. I couldn't see who was in my room. I didn't feel the intuition that I was in danger...that little flame of realfear...until my attacker covered my mouth with something that smelled strongly of hospital hallways.

Then it was too late to do anything.

There was only the cotton-weight of unconsciousness.