Chapter 1

The day before my wedding, I was kidnapped.

My eyes were blindfolded, but I could smell the sharp scent of fresh roses mixed with the salty tang of the ocean breeze.

I knew this smell. It was the coastal estate where I was supposed to get married tomorrow!

As a top-tier private investigator, I quickly ran through every client and enemy I had ever made in my head. I couldn't think of anyone who would do this.

The captor didn't just torture me; they used a voice changer to ask me incredibly bizarre questions.

"Can you describe, in detail, what it feels like to be touched right now?"

"If you had to choose again, would you prefer an ice bath or a boiling sauna?"

"Do you think the kidnapping from ten years ago was more fun, or is this one better?"

The mention of ten years ago triggered a massive panic attack. I shook so hard I couldn't breathe, let alone speak.

But as I struggled, my hand accidentally brushed against the rope tied behind my back. My fingers traced the knot.

It was a very specific, unique knot. One that I had invented myself.

I had never taught it to anyone. Except for one person.

My fiancé, Ethan.