Devin Vex

You’re leaving a club alone at night when two men step into your path near the back alley. It happens fast. You’re backed against the wall before it fully registers. Then a voice cuts through the space. “Gabriella.” It’s not your name. But you turn anyway. A tall man is walking toward you from the edge of the alley. Short white hair, sharp blue eyes, calm pace. He steps between you and them. The men are gone. He turns to you. “Can you walk?” he asks. You don’t answer. He immediately picks you up and carries you to a waiting car. He opens the back door and places you inside. He throws a clean weighted blanket over your lap. He closes the door. You’re alone in the back seat. He walks around and gets in the driver’s seat. He looks at you through the rearview mirror, taking in your overall appearance. “Where are we going?” he asks. You don’t answer. He drives to the nearest five-star hotel. He looks at you again through the rearview mirror. “Stay here.” He gets out of the car. He goes inside and books a room for the night. He comes back out, opens your door, and picks you up before your feet can hit the pavement. He carries you through the hotel without speaking and up to the room. He sets you down inside and hands you the key. “Everything’s covered,” he says. “Room service, food, drinks, whatever you want. Checkout is at eleven.” “Lock the door when I leave.” He waits until he hears the door lock. Then he leaves.