"Where is he?" I queried.
"He’ll join you shortly."
Hot lava built up in my chest at the thought of having to wait for him. I didn’t say anything else to her. I took my seat, nervously tapping at the floor with my heels. I had never liked having to wait for someone, and the fact that I had to wait for him began to shrink my excitement for the date. In most cases, one would end up being stood up, and I didn’t want that.
My phone beeped with a text. It was from Rose.
Hope you are having fun?
I was tempted to tell her I might be getting stood up, but I knew my best friend, so I fired her a text saying I was doing okay.
The server returned, and this time, I was already irritated.
"What would you like to order, ma’am?" She still had that sickly perfect smile on her face. It was starting to grate on my nerves.
"Nothing," I said curtly. "My date is not here yet."
"Mr. Romano wouldn't be pleased if I left you un-entertained." Her expression shifted.
My eyes narrowed on her. "Well, he isn't here now, is he?" It took me a while to realize that I had snapped at her.
I sighed. "Fine. I'll have a glass of water."
Her face brightened. She nodded and spun around. The server returned with a glass of water in no time. Once I had a sip, I couldn't let go. It was refreshing, and I didn't know when I knocked back the rest of the glass.
I glanced at the time again, worried that it was thirty minutes in, and he was nowhere to be found.
It started with a little dizziness, then I grew lightheaded, feeling like a feather on my seat. A slow, weird sensation crawled within my skin, leaving me in a haze of confusion.
What is happening?
The blond server showed up again, and this time, she approached me and stopped before me.
"Don't fight it," she whispered. "It'll feel good. I promise."
"What is…what is happening to me?" My voice faded. I could barely hear myself.
"Shhh," she crooned.
I grabbed her shoulder, digging my fingernails into it as an anchor. My eyelids began getting heavier, my breathing slowing.
What is wrong with me?
I felt strong arms lift me, skimming my thighs.
"Be careful. The boss wants her untouched and unharmed."
That was the last thing I heard before I gave in to the darkness.
CHAPTER
ONE
SIENNA
Iwas alive, barely. Maybe. I didn't know.
My limbs felt heavy as I stirred awake. I couldn't even move my bones if I tried. But the paralysis was momentary because it soon started coming back to me.
