Page 1 of Tormented Kings

Chapter 1

Collin

It’s been far too long since I’ve had eyes on my girl. Brows furrowed, I search the crowd for her. Everyone might be wearing masks, but I could easily pick my girl out no problem. She’s not here.

When did she leave the room? It couldn’t have been more than five minutes ago. I know these events are meant for us to mingle, to connect, but I couldn’t give a shit about any of these people.

They only care about money, and I only care about Sadie. There’s a feeling of unease that takes root deep inside my stomach. Something isn’t right.

“Please excuse me.” I stop the man who’s rambling on about God knows what. I tuned him out almost as soon as he opened his mouth.

“Is everything okay?” my mom asks, her concerned eyes sweeping over my face.

“I’m not sure.” I lick my lips. “But I’m about to find out.”

I lean in and quickly kiss my mom‘s cheek before weaving my way through the crowd and over to Sadie’s friends, who are standing by the far back wall chatting.

“Where’s Sadie?” I demand. The three of them stop laughing, eyes darting over to me.

“Well, hello to you too,” Alice huffs. “Wanna try that again?”

“I don’t have time to be a gentleman. Where is Sadie?”

“He really is a caveman,” Mia mutters.

“What's got your panties in a twist?” Emma cocks a brow.

“Where did Sadie go?” I growl, lip peeling back. I don’t have time for this bullshit right now. I need to find Sadie.

“Chill,” Emma mutters. “She went to the bathroom.”

“How long ago?”

“Shouldn’t you know? You’ve been watching her the whole night.” Alice crosses her arms.

“It’s a little creepy. But also kinda hot.” Mia grins.

Letting out a frustrated huff, I leave them and slip out of the main room.

“Hey!” a woman shouts as I bust into the women's room.

Ignoring her, I start to push in the stall doors. “Sadie?”

“This is the women's room. Get out now, or I’ll call security!” she shouts, voice shaking in fear.

“Relax, lady. I’m going,” I grumble, leaving when I realize Sadie isn’t here.

Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I call her. “Pick up, Sadie. Pick up,” I urge, eyes scanning my surroundings, hoping to get a glimpse of her.

I shouldn’t be this worked up. She’s only been gone for a few minutes.

A few minutes too long. If she’s not with her friends or in the bathroom, then where would she be?

If she wanted to go home, why wouldn’t she let her friends know? Her mom is here, and I’m almost positive she came with her.

She wouldn’t walk home, would she? She knows better than that.

Stepping outside, I squint as rain imminently soaks my face. Spotting the valet, I dart over to him, hanging up the phone with a curse when Sadie doesn’t pick up.

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