I ran down the cobbled street, all the contents in my bag making an ungodly racket as I moved. Just as I was about to round the corner, my heel was suddenly snagged and I was sent airborne.

A group of kids gathered in a doorway tittered at my ungainly sprawl, bringing me back to myself. I gingerly raised myself up, wincing at the pain shooting down my left leg.

“You shouldn’t have run. Are you hurt?”

My heart inexplicably began to race at the sound of his voice. But I endeavored to ignore him as I picked up my purse from where it had fallen near his feet.

Just breathe. The pain’s not so bad, and you can walk to the hotel from here. It’s not so far. Just breathe…

I limped away, my traitorous heart leaping when he spoke again. “You can’t leave just like that. Besides, I have your passport.”

I whirled around, forgetting my pain in my rage. “You have my what?”

In the dim light, I could see he was indeed holding my passport.

“Give that back,” I demanded.

“Only if you give me something in return.”