The bouncers step aside without a word, ignoring the protests behind us as we slip through the doors.
Inside, the noise hits hard.
I make straight for the bar.
“Whiskey. On the rocks,” I say, sliding a fifty across the counter to Cherry.
“Make that two, boobs” Jaxon adds, flashing his usual grin.
Cherry doesn’t look impressed. “The world please wouldn’t kill you Khai. Jaxon, call me boobs one more time and you may never see a pair again”
I lift my hands in mock surrender and turn away, scanning the crowd as I take my drink.
A few rounds later, I’m on the dance floor with a brunette who latched on early. She’s attractive enough, clinging close, clearly enjoying herself. It’ll do.
My hands settle on her hips as the music pulses around us.
Then I feel it.
Someone watching.
I lift my gaze and see her.
She stands out immediately. Dressed in black, moving with quiet hesitation, like she’s still deciding whether she belongs here. Blonde hair spills over her shoulders, her eyes fixed on me.
Not shy. Not bold.
Just… focused.
Something sharp twists low in my chest.
I hold her gaze, let the moment stretch. Let her see exactly what she’s watching. I put on a show. I flick my tongue out and glide it up the brunettes chest. Even in the dim lights I can see the blush creeping up her neck. Her thighs clench together, slightly. Subtly.
Time seems to slow.
Then…
Pain.
White-hot, searing through my chest.
The floor rushes up to meet me.
The music cuts. Screams tear through the space.
I barely register the chaos as I fall, only that she’s moving toward me. Not running away.
Toward me.
She drops to her knees, hands pressing against my chest, trying to stop the blood pouring out of me. Her mouth is moving, saying something I can’t hear.
More shots. More screaming.
My vision starts to fade, but I force myself to focus.
On her.
Her hair falling loose around her face. Her eyes wide, terrified. Her voice, why can’t I hear her voice? Her lips, delicious.
