Kidnapped before my wedding

chapter1 The amber liquid burned a path down my throat, a temporary distraction from the thumping bass vibrating through the floor of the club. Outside, the Las Vegas strip glittered, but in here, it was all sweaty bodies and cheap perfume. Around me, my bridesmaids writhed to the music, their faces flushed with excitement. I watched them, detached, the glass heavy in my hand. I wish I weren't here. I wish none of this was happening. I just sigh and take another sip of my drink. Alondra smiles and pats my back and goes to the bar to get more drinks. I freeze when tingles erupt on my spine. I feel eyes on my back, sending shivers of pleasure through me—weird. I look around, searching for the intense gaze, and my eyes lock with a man in a hoodie… staring at me. I can’t quite make out his face. He looks big though , and imposing. The flashing lights obscured his face, but even in the chaos, I felt his gaze like a physical touch. Something about him felt familiar—the way he leaned against the wall, the almost predatory stillness of his posture. A thrill, dangerous and inexplicable, raced through me. The club's din faded, the music becoming a distant throb as if the world were narrowing, focusing only on him. He held my gaze for a long, unsettling second before melting back into the crowd. I look down at my drink, wondering if I imagined it, maybe the alcohol already playing tricks on me. But no, I'm alert, too aware of everything—of Alondra laughing at the bar, of my bridesmaids throwing their hands up in celebration—and yet feeling apart from it all. Maybe I’m just losing it. Alondra returns with another drink and plops down beside me. “Aren’t you having fun?” She pushes a glass into my hand. How do I say no without seeming ungrateful? I plaster a smile on my face and excuse myself to the restroom. Alondra looks at me warily but reluctantly agrees.