Eric and Emily moved together on the dance floor, their bodies pressed close, swaying in sync with the pulsating beat. The club was alive with energy, but all Eric could focus on was the way Emily felt in his arms—soft, warm, and utterly intoxicating. Her laughter, light and pure, sent shivers down his spine, and every time she whispered in his ear, her voice like silk, it rippled through him, making him feel alive in a way he hadn’t in years.

Emily was just as enraptured. Every brush of Eric’s fingers against her skin sent waves of heat coursing through her. She had never felt this way before—like every touch ignited something deeper inside her. His presence was magnetic, pulling her closer and closer. Each word he whispered made her laugh, made her feel wanted, made her feel... seen.

But as the second song played, Emily’s world started to tilt. A dizziness swept over her, and the heat that had been so thrilling moments ago now felt oppressive, suffocating. Her vision blurred, and she blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but her body felt heavy, like she was moving underwater.

What’s wrong with me? Emily thought, panic creeping into her mind. I don’t feel so good... Maybe I just need to cool off.

She turned to Eric, her voice shaky. “Hey, I need to go to the bathroom. Can you wait for me?”

Eric nodded, his brow furrowing with concern as he noticed the sweat on her forehead, the dazed look in her eyes. Something wasn’t right.

“I’ll walk you over there,” he said gently, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her.

They worked their way through the crowded club, the flashing lights and blaring music almost disorienting. As they reached the bathroom, Emily stumbled slightly, her balance unsteady.

“Give me just a few minutes,” Emily said, her voice faint. “Wait for me?”

Eric nodded, his eyes full of worry. “I’ll be right over there,” he said, pointing to a spot across from the bathroom.

Emily pushed open the bathroom door and staggered to the sink, splashing cold water on her face. But it didn’t help—the heat still radiated through her body, her head spinning wildly. She leaned against the sink, gripping the edge as everything around her began to blur.

Suddenly, a hand clamped over her mouth.

Emily’s heart lurched, terror flooding her veins. She tried to scream, to fight, but her limbs felt weak, heavy. Her vision darkened, and within seconds, everything went black.

Eric waited near the bathrooms, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in his gut. The crowd was thick, and he found himself getting jostled by people passing by. Minutes ticked by, and still no sign of Emily. He glanced at his watch, his worry growing.

What is taking her so long? he thought, anxiety creeping into his chest.

He scanned the crowd again, and that’s when he saw it—long brown hair, a black dress, and those striking red heels. But something was wrong. Emily wasn’t walking toward him. She was leaving... with him.

“Shit,” Eric muttered under his breath, his heart pounding. “Isn’t that Luke?”

His blood turned cold. He watched as Luke led Emily through the crowd, her body limp, like she wasn’t fully aware of what was happening. Eric’s instincts kicked in, and he pushed his way through the throng of people, following them silently.

Luke was heading toward the back of the club, where private hotel rooms lined the hall. Eric’s pulse quickened as he realized what was happening—Luke was taking Emily somewhere private, somewhere no one would find them.

Arriving a few steps behind down the hallway, Eric could hear Luke’s twisted words echoing, his intentions clear. Emily, you’re finally in my grasp. You’ll be mine tonight.

Rage surged through Eric as he saw Luke open a hotel room door and lay Emily on the bed. He saw Luke unbutton his shirt, the sick smirk plastered on his face as he started to unbuckle his pants, before the door shut.

Eric had heard and seen enough.

“Who is it?” Luke barked when there was a knock at the door.

“Room service, sir,” Eric called, his voice steady though his heart raced. “We have champagne and food that was ordered to this room.”

Luke paused, a twisted grin spreading across his face. “Just what I need. Champagne to celebrate my victory.”

He sauntered over to the door and pulled it open—just in time to meet Eric’s fist flying toward his jaw.

Luke stumbled back, knocked out cold from the blow. His body crumpled to the floor.

“You son of a bitch,” Eric growled, kneeling over him. “How dare you take Emily and try to—” His voice broke off in rage. He grabbed Luke by the collar, shaking him. But Luke was out cold, unconscious from the punch.

Eric quickly tied Luke’s hands together with a length of cord he found in the room, gagging him to make sure he couldn’t scream. Dragging his limp body into the next room, Eric tossed him onto the floor, locking the door behind him.

“You stay put,” Eric muttered, his voice cold. “I’ll deal with you later.”

Pulling out his phone, Eric made a quick call.

“I need two guys at Laxx Night Club, room 1008. This assholetried to rape my girl. I need him dealt with. You know what to do.”

The voice on the other end was calm, familiar. “Got it. Don’t worry, he won’t bother her again.”

Eric couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t over. Luke was dangerous, and men like him didn’t give up easily. This was only the beginning.