My words die in my throat as my vision goes black.
34
ANNIKA
Iblink and pause as the world comes into a blurred focus.
I expect to find myself in my room, but the walls that greet me are entirely different.
Elegant modern wallpaper, a sophisticated sofa, a nightstand, an extravagant lamp.
What the…
All sleep vanishes from my eyes as I jump up in bed and pull the sheet to my neck, flinching at the sound of rustling clothes.
Where am I?
The last thing I remember is having that glass of champagne with Cecily and then falling…
Falling…
Into Creighton’s arms.
No. Nope.
That one was a cruel dream.
Slowly, too slowly, I let go of the sheet and swing my feet onto the plush carpet.
I’m still in my dress, so that should be a good sign.
My gaze roams around the hotel-like room for some sort of a clue, but I still come up empty. No idea what this place is, but it reeks of money and an ominous feeling.
I search for my bag, my phone, but they’re nowhere to be seen. Even my smartwatch is gone.
Okay, don’t panic.
Don’t. Panic.
I open the door and step into an equally elegant hall filled with modern paintings. After walking a while, I reach a patio that overlooks a cozy living room downstairs.
My fingers latch onto the railing, using it as an anchor while I descend the glass stairs.
I don’t think twice as I head to the entrance. To my surprise, the double doors aren’t locked. When I open them, I slam into a hard chest.
For a moment, I think this is a continuation of the dream from earlier.
For a moment, I stop and stare as if I’m caught in a trance.
Gorgeous, absolutely haunting ocean eyes swallow me in their dark depths with a promise of complete destruction.
It’s been a long time since I last saw Creighton in person, and being in his presence right now is nothing short of being shoved down from a height that’s meant to kill.
It’s being thrust into the fog and having no hope of finding a way out.
It’s breathing but getting no air.
It’s crazy how everything can change in the span of a month. There were times when I found Creighton overbearing, a little bit frightening, a little bit assholish, but this is the first time he feels…intimidating.