Ella’s head jerked around when the car slowed and stopped. A moment later, she heard the sound of first one, then a second car door opening and closing. Her heart hammered in her chest when she heard the sound of footsteps drawing closer. Several seconds passed before the trunk of the vehicle opened and a small but powerful light blinded her.
“You’re awake, good. You can walk,” a man’s husky voice said.
A low moan escaped Ella when strong fingers wrapped around her arm and pulled her into a sitting position. She struggled to climb out. When she didn’t move fast enough, the man growled and yanked on the back of her sweater. She gasped as she tumbled over the edge of the trunk and hit the ground.
“Come on. It’s cold out,” the man demanded, bending to grab her arm again.
Ella rolled to th
