I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice the man in my path until I slam straight into his chest.
“I'm so sorry,” I stammer, stepping back and looking up.
“Well, look who it is. The girl who disappeared on me the other night. I was worried about you.”
I freeze, my blood turning to ice as recognition slams into me. That smug smile, those predatory eyes—this is one of the men from the club. One of the ones who drugged me.
“Oh,” I manage, forcing my lips into a confused smile while my heart hammers against my ribs. “Do I know you?”
He invades my personal space. “Come on now, don't play coy. We were having such a good time at the Dice Club before you and your friend disappeared.”
Every instinct inside of me screams danger. I take a small step backward, maintaining my facade of polite confusion, “I'm sorry, I think you've mistaken me for someone else.”
“No mistake,” he says, his tone hardening slightly as he blocks my path “We were just getting to know each other. My friends and I are having brunch at Tableau. Why don't you join us? We'd love to catch up.”
My mouth goes dry. Every cell in my body is telling me to run, but I force myself to appear calm. “That's very kind, but I'm actually meeting someone.”
His smile turns predatory, “It'll just be for a little while, Charlotte.”
My name on his lips sends ice through my veins. I never told him my name. The realization slams into me—theyknew who I was before they drugged me. This wasn't random.
“How do you know my name?” I demand, abandoning all pretense of politeness.
He chuckles, stepping closer. “Let's just say we have mutual acquaintances.” His hand reaches for my arm. “Now about that brunch?—”
I jerk away from his touch, “Don't.”
“Don't be difficult. My associates are very interested in meeting you properly. No games this time.”
I scan the atrium desperately. There are people around, but they're all engrossed in their own worlds—no one is paying attention to us. The man moves closer, herding me toward a less populated area.
“I said, no.”
His hand clamps around my wrist, grip tightening like a vise, “I wasn't asking.”
Panic explodes in my chest. Without thinking, I slam my knee upward, connecting with his groin. He doubles over with a strangled groan, his grip loosening just enough for me to wrench free.
I run.
My heels click frantically against the marble floor as I dart between potted palms and confused tourists. Behind me, I hear his furious shout and the heavy thud of footsteps giving chase. I don't look back, focusing only on putting as much distance between us as possible.
The casino floor looms ahead—a maze of slot machines and gaming tables. Perfect. I plunge into the crowd, weaving between elderly women at penny slots and bachelor parties around craps tables. The noise swallows me, a cacophony of electronic chimes and drunken cheers providing cover as I duck and dodge.
“Charlotte!”
I catch a glimpse of him shoving past a cocktail waitress, his face contorted with rage. My heart hammers against my ribs as I spot an employee-only door tucked between two banks of machines. Without hesitation, I lunge for it, shouldering through into a stark service corridor.
The door swings shut behind me, muffling the casino's roar. I kick off my heels, snatching them up as I sprint down the corridor, my bare feet slapping against the cold linoleum. The service hallway stretches ahead, fluorescent lights buzzing as I push my body to move faster. Behind me, I hear the door slam open, his furious shout echoing off the bare walls.
“You can't run from me!”
I dart around a corner, nearly colliding with a startled housekeeper pushing a cart. I mumble an apology as I squeeze past her, scanning desperately for an exit. My lungs burn, panic clawing at my throat as I spot another door at the end of the hall. I slam into it with my shoulder, tumbling out into what looks like a loading dock.
The morning sun blinds me momentarily. I blink rapidly, orienting myself as I hear the door behind me bang. I dart behind a stack of delivery crates, crouching low and pressing my back against the rough wood. My bare feet sting against the hot concrete as I tuck myself into the shadows, praying he won't see me.
I hold my breath, clutching my shoes to my chest to keep them from making noise.
“Charlotte!” His voice echoes across the concrete expanse, “Don't make this harder than it needs to be!”
