Embrace (18+)

Prologue

PICTURE OF ELIZABETH ABOVE

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Elizabeth grabbed her Gucci handbag from its spot on the shelf in her closet and took one last look at her reflection before exiting her two-story home. She let out a sigh as she slid into the waiting cab. She definitely wasn't in the mood for a girls' night but since her best friend, Lisa had insisted, she found it hard to refuse. After all, Lisa was getting married to one of New York's most influential and oldest bachelors in a few days and she kept reminding her that her life would soon revolve around vacations and shopping sprees in the most exotic countries and that there would be little time for idle conversation. Elizabeth never judged Lisa but knew her well enough to know that she only got involved when she took a whiff of wealth.

The cab screeched to a halt behind a long line of vehicles and she was jolted out of her reverie.
"This is as far as I can go ma'am," the cab driver said looking at her through the review mirror.

"Thanks," she said handing him a twenty-dollar bill. "Great," she murmured to herself, as she looked down at her heel clad feet. She wasn't dressed for a mile hike to a club she hadn't wanted to go to in the first place. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and began her trek up the noisy, darkened street, keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of trouble.

She spotted some hooded figures up ahead and slowed her pace, goose bumps rising on her skin. She bowed her head hoping to go unnoticed, clutching harder at her handbag and holding her coat tightly closed.

"Hello there sweetheart," came a loud drunken greeting from somewhere to her left.

She did not answer, but fear gripped at her heart, making it impossible for her to keep her breathing steady.

"I said hello." The voice got louder and there were chuckles all around. They had her surrounded.

The man who spoke began to approach her a bit unsteadily on his feet.

"Look, I don't want any trouble. I just want to get to my friends." To her surprise, her voice came out steady, almost upset even though she was quivering inside.

"Did you hear that fellas?" another voice, harsh and bitter. "Little girly here doesn't want any trouble."

She stopped and looked around her in panic. They were all inching closer. Her heart beat accelerated, and she blinked back tears that threatened to spill. She wouldn't let them see her fear. One of the men lunged for her and she closed her eyes waiting for the blow that never came.