Reaching up, the man grabbed Nina’s wrist and twisted. Her hand went numb and despite her best efforts, the knife clattered to the ground.

Hissing, Nina drew another knife with her other hand and cut diagonally. Surprise splayed across his face. He turned a second too late and the knife scored along his cheek. Cursing, the man pushed her to the ground.

Nina rolled over and grabbed the other knife. Anticipating an attack, she kicked out wildly to buy herself time. Her foot found no purchase. Instead, the man had stepped away, putting a car between them. He held a wadded up handkerchief to his cheek. It was sopping already. Nina felt good about that. Smart ass with his body armor. Still got cut in the face. Even if he survived the night, he would bear her mark for the rest of his life.

Perhaps they had both learned something about underestimating strangers.

Warily, she got to her feet.

When he spoke, the man’s voice was surprisingly calm. “Well, wildcat, it looks like first blood goes to you after all.”