My first instinct was to run for my life. I started to but he grabbed me quickly, pushing me up against the brick wall of one of the buildings. Dammit, he was too strong.

I struggled to get free but he twisted my arms uncomfortably behind me and shoved my face into the wall. I turned my head and managed to say, “Stop it!â€?

He turned it back and barked, “See, this is easier. Now I can actually say what I want to. Actually, it might be easier to just show you.â€? He lifted me without distress and strolled down the alley. No, no, no, no, No!

“Put me down, Collin!â€? I yelled at him, hitting his arms that constricted around me. It didn’t help. My hands probably felt like rabbit paws against him. “Ugh, Collin! I swear!â€?

He laughed. “I don’t understand this.â€? He murmured, “Why do people always say, ‘I swear!’ you swear what? You swear what, Allie?â€?

His last sentence came out like a coo and I wanted to kill him right then and there.

“You swear what, Cathy?â€?