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This couldn’t be a coincidence.
A scream lodged in my throat, but it was as if I’d forgotten how to make a noise.
The corners of his mouth tipped upward as if he enjoyed my fear. With his other hand, he brushed my arm then took my drink and released me. “Careful. You’re going to spill your beverage.”
I didn’t like anyone I didn’t know or trust touching me or my drink. I reached for it, and he countered my move, waving a hand along my front and taking a sip.
I wanted to punch him, but that might have been his intention, so I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened them, he was adjusting his jacket with his free hand.
“Interesting outfit.” He tilted his head, a cocky smirk locked in place. Somehow, it made him more handsome despite the unease slamming through me.
Placing my hands on my hips, I leaned back on the heels of my sneakers. “At least I attempted to dress up. What are you supposed to be?”
“You call that dressing up?” He grinned and took another sip. “I think we have completely different definitions of the concept.”
I didn’t want his germs all over my glass, so I grabbed for it again. This time, he released it, and I clutched it to my chest.
I stepped away from him, needing distance. I would have left, but I didn’t want Ember coming back to this creep.
“Is that all you wanted?” I managed to keep my voice steady. There was something both familiar and odd about him, like he didn’t quite belong here and that was why he was focusing on me. “To insult my pig onesie?”
His brows furrowed. “Pig? That’s what it’s called?”
I rolled my eyes. He was pompous and a prick. “It’s a fucking onesie made to fit an adult.” I pulled up my hood so he could see the embroidered face and pink ears, cheeks, and nose. “You can tell this way.”
He snickered. “Interesting.”
If he didn’t walk away, I’d stab him. Then I’d get thrown into jail, and Stan would have to drive all the way here from Nashville to bail me out. “Great conversation, but I need to find my friend who’s waiting on me.” Technically, it wasn’t a lie, and even if it was, it didn’t matter. I needed to get away from him, and the sooner the better.
He leaned forward, and the scent of fresh-cut grass swirled around me. “I’ll see you soon, Alina.”
“You have me mistaken for someone else.” I spun around, unable to fight the urge to get away anymore.
I expected him to follow, but when I looked over my shoulder, he remained in front of the painting I’d been looking at before he ran into me. I wondered if it had been on purpose.
I had to get Ember and Isa, so I could talk them into moving to a different section of the casino, if not leaving altogether.
Throat parched, I put the glass to my lips and tilted my head back. The liquid soothed my raw throat, though it tasted slightly bitter. I placed the empty glass on a vacant table and strolled toward Ember.
After a few steps, the world spun, and I had to slow my pace.
That drink was strong. No wonder Ember was plastered.
I reached out and ran my hand along the smooth wall, needing it for balance.
Darkness blurred my vision.
My brain fogged, but one clear thought rang in my head. I’ve been drugged.
I never should’ve come here.
As my eyes closed, strong arms circled my waist. I wanted to punch or scream, but I couldn’t move or make a sound. All this time, I’d made sure to never lose control. I always stayed aware and knew what was happening to me, unlike so many of my friends, but all that slipped away like water through fingers.
The strange man whispered in my ear, “It’s time to take you home.”
Chapter Two
The soothing scent of roses invaded my senses, providing relief from the pounding headache. What in the hell had I done last night?
