I kicked back against the man dragging me through the building, but nothing worked. All I had managed to do was stall the inevitable. Sweat drenched my head and stuck my hair to my face and neck. If only he would let me go. Now!

I screamed and kicked again, and the man holding me growled and pulled tighter against my arms and abdomen. "Stop," he demanded.

I didn't listen, and why should I? He dragged me through another door and held firm. Unfortunately, he wouldn't take any chances in releasing me.

"Barton," someone hissed, and I heard the sound of boots against the hard floor. The voice was closer the second time. "What is this?"

Someone plucked at my sleeve. I shrieked and kicked my heels against the floor, trying to back away. Unfortunately, this Barton person still held me firmly. He didn't let up.

"I found her snooping around outside," Barton supplied the explanation. "She had this." He moved me to rest in one arm and used the other to hand something over to the man who seemed to be in charge. Thanks to my hair, I still couldn't see him.

Something clicked, and I knew it was my camera. Stupid, stupid idea to take late afternoon pictures of this abandoned building. But the lighting had been perfect. If the building had still been abandoned. I hadn't meant to crash their party, whatever it was. Gang, drugs, funny money, weapons. I didn't care. All I wanted to do was leave.

Sadly, that was impossible.

"What in the nine realms is this?" the voice seethed with rage.

I kicked at Barton again, and he placed his second arm back around me. "It's a camera, you idiot!" I screamed.

A long, cold finger moved my wet hair from my face, and I saw him for the first time. Super tall, with blue eyes, green armor, and a creepy staff. Whoever he was, I wanted him to just go away.

I glared at him.

He smiled, as though someone had just played a prank on him. Breathed a small laugh. "I like her."

"What do you want me to do with her?" Barton moved his head to avoid getting hit by mine.

The other man tossed his spear... staff... thing at someone nearby (a guy who, honestly, looked more like a mercenary than an ally) and beckoned to Barton. "Give her to me."

Barton released me, and I regained my balance and ran. The "in-charge" guy stretched out a single arm and caught me around my middle. He pulled me close, trapping me like Barton had. Stupid strong people. This guy was stronger than Barton, I thought. Which was odd, because he was also skinnier than Barton. By a long shot.

"Let me go, you creep!" I pulled at his arms, and he tightened his grip. So tight I could barely breathe. Meaning I couldn't fight very well as he dragged me down a long hallway and through a door.

He kicked it shut behind himself and threw me down on the bed. I scrambled to sit up. No way was I going to let him toss me around like a rag doll. Jerk.

He pointed a finger at me. "Stay there."

"No way." I scrambled to get off the bed, but he pushed me back with one hand. I moaned and pressed a hand to my shoulder, where he had pushed. It hurt. "Who are you?"

He looked up from his pacing and gave me that same evil smirk. He extended his arms in invitation. "I am Loki. Of Asgard."

"Yeah, well, never heard of you, so..." I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Then I stood from the bed and folded my arms.

Loki chuckled. "Spirit."

"I prefer hot-headed, egocentric, stubborn woman who wishes you would just LEAVE ME ALONE!" Yes, I realized it sounded like I was throwing a tantrum. I kind of was. I thought I had that prerogative since they had totally abducted me.

"And I prefer that you stay here until I have need of you."

"Oh, fat chance."

He turned and stormed toward me, and I quickly backed away. My legs hit the side of the bed, and I tumbled back onto it. Loki leaned over me and placed a hand on either side of my shoulders. His face inches from mine.

"You will do as you are told. You do not desire to experience my wrath."

I nodded, mostly because he was super intimidating.

"Good." He didn't move. Just stared down into my eyes.

A knock at the door, and he groaned and turned his head that way. "Speak."

"News from the scientist," the voice yelled back.

Loki turned his head back to me. "It seems it's your lucky day. Business calls. Do not move from this room. Am I understood?"

"Yeah."

He moved, flying for the door. I scurried from the bed and found the furthest corner I could. This day had started so beautifully. Great sunshine. Promise of great new pictures. And then, somehow, I had found the villain.