Compulsion (Favorite Malady Duet #1)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

ABBY

T he masked man is waiting for me in the midnight shadows of my apartment.

I stumble slightly as I close the front door behind me and search blindly for the light switch. Before my palm brushes the hard plastic knob, strong fingers ensnare my wrist, and a broad body slams into mine. A gloved hand clamps over my mouth, muffling my shocked cry. My arm is wrenched behind me, and I’m forced to turn when my shoulder screams in protest. The intruder uses his grip on my arm as a lever to control my body, and I’m pinned in an instant, my cheek pressing against the inside of my front door.

The lingering, pleasant buzz of alcohol disappears from my mind like fog evaporating beneath harsh morning light, and my entire world sharpens in a burst of adrenaline.

I try to shove away from the door with my free hand, but my short nails scrabble uselessly against the peeling ivory paint. My other wrist is pinned behind my back, and my attacker’s weight keeps me trapped between him and the door.

A low growl rumbles against my nape, making my fine hairs stand on end. The man’s hand on my face slides upward, covering my nose and mouth. I can’t breathe.

My entire body seizes with panic, and I writhe in his hold.

He releases my trapped wrist for a split second, but I don’t have the time or space to fight him off before a sharp clicking noise is followed by a cold blade at my throat.

“Quiet.” His voice is deep and rough, almost inhuman. “Don’t fight me, and I won’t hurt you.”

It’s a lie, but I have no choice: I comply.

My tears fall in silent streams as my world shatters, and my masked attacker breaks me down to reveal the most painful, darkest parts of my soul.