hunting her in the cold and dark required calm , not panic , and he refused to lose her when he knew she was still there-somewhere . she glanced at the low burning fire and sighed . lucas liked his life a little more orderly . i thanked him and headed for my locker . after i 'd kicked off my shoes , i started working the button and zipper of her jeans . she 'd been taught she was n't worth anything as a woman or as a human being . 