“No. I’m not going home.” The words slurred a little on my tongue, but I said them loud enough for half the bar to hear. “You’re always watching me. Why are you so obsessed with me?” My voice rose higher than I intended. Heads turned. Glasses paused halfway to mouths. A low ripple of curiosity spread across the room.

He didn’t answer. He just stood there in the black mask, calm and silent, while the music thumped in the background. My pulse beat harder.

“Don’t you dare drag me out like some toy.” I tried to back away, but his hand held my wrist firmly. Heat rolled up my arm...