“You were attacked,” Gabriel finally started. What the hell were they trying to do to her? What was she supposed to help him with? Holding her down? Tying her up? No, probably not-they’d had that chance while she was unconscious. Maya looked back and forth between Gabriel and Yvette, contemplating what he’d meant by his words. The more she found out about her kidnappers the better. Maya tucked the knowledge away-maybe she could use it to her advantage later. It appeared whoever this Samson was held power over her. Samson assigned you to help, so you’ll help.” The woman, Yvette, shook her head and chuckled. Paying off her student loans had eaten up all her savings.

If they wanted more, they’d have to wait for next month’s payday. “You guys kidnapped me, didn’t you? What is it that you want? Money?” They could have the few hundred bucks that languished in her savings account. She searched her memory, but couldn’t figure out what he was talking about. “How did I get here?” Maya asked, ignoring his comment. She instantly raised the candlestick above her head. Gabriel suddenly moved and looked as if he wanted to walk toward her.

Clearly, the large scar had destroyed his handsome face, but it had given him something else: a face with character. Now that she saw both sides together again, the scarred one and the perfect one, she had to admit that he didn’t look like the monster she’d made up in her mind. Before she could tear her gaze away, he turned his head back to her. Full and slightly parted, they looked sensual. When she dropped her gaze lower, she focused on his lips. His left side was perfectly sculpted: high cheekbones, strong square chin, a long straight nose, and then those eyes … Framed by long dark lashes, they seemed to be as dark as chocolate, yet flecks of light sparkled in them. “-are Yvette and Thomas.”Īs he turned his face to the side, Maya saw his unblemished half for a few seconds and realized there was nothing ugly about it. My colleagues here-” Gabriel gestured toward the man and the woman. Short, black hair, porcelain skin, plump lips, a Barbie doll figure … She looked like a model-perfect body, and a perfect face, despite the fact that a frown curled around her mouth. Clearly a biker, possibly a member of a gang. What made his stature really impressive and intimidating was the fact he wore black-leather gear.

The man was equally tall and looked like he worked out. Maya glanced past Scarface at the two other people who’d entered behind him. “Where am I, and who are you? Talk fast-I’m not very patient.”

Gabriel's Mate by Tina Folsom