CHAPTER-2

LENA

Every person has different ways to cope with their disparity, just like my best friend Sarah here, partying in the most luxurious club in the city. We are in the club because Sarah's now-four-year-old ex-boyfriend cheats on her with his colleague. I watched as she danced with the stranger. She is completely drunk from the way she moves.

From the dance floor, she winked at me. signalling, she is definitely going to sleep with the stranger who introduced himself as Ron tonight. She deserves a good one-night stand to forget about her cheating ex; she has been crying for the past month because of him. I will punch him in the face when I see him, again. Ron didn't appear to be a sketchy guy; he is five feet nine with a very muscular body, definitely her type.

"Here, you can drive car back home," Sarah said while giving me car keys. We drove together here. "Don't wait for me; I'll be home by morning."

"If something happens, call me and text me the address when you reach his apartment." I demand. I'm letting her go to his place, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to worry. She gives me a thumbs up and smiles while making her way to him. She whispered something to him as he looked up at me and waved.

I look at my coke. I haven't drunk tonight, expecting to drive back with her. Now that I am alone, I should also go back home, but I don't have work tomorrow. I sigh, thinking about what to have for dinner tonight before making my way back home.

Shivers ran down my spine, glancing around, trying to catch a glimpse of who was staring at me. gaze was intense; it has gone as soon as it felt it.

Shadows Club is one of the finest and most luxurious clubs in the city. The first floor is only open bar and dancing, and the second floor is exclusive to members only. And membership is not owned with money; it is only the club owner who can invite members. Even the entry fee for the first floor is not cheap. Members of the second floor can see the first floor with tinted windows. I hope I don't catch the eyes of some creep from the second floor.

"Hello."

The voice was smooth and confident. I turned to see a handsome man standing next to me, his dark hair slicked back, his suit impeccable. His smile was charming, but there was something in his eyes that made me uneasy.

"Hi," I replied, keeping my tone polite but distant.

"You look like you could use some company," he said, sliding onto the barstool next to mine. "Mind if I join you?"

"I'm actually about to head home," I said, glancing at my watch for effect.

"Oh, come on. Just one drink," he insisted, signalling the bartender. "What are you having?"

"Coke," I said, lifting my glass slightly.

He laughed. "A Coke? In a place like this? Let me buy you something stronger."

"No, really, I'm fine," I said, shaking my head. "I don't drink."

"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, ordering himself a whiskey. He leaned in closer, his cologne overpowering. "So, what brings you to Shadows Club tonight?"

"I was supposed to meet someone," I said, keeping my answers short.

"Lucky for me they didn't show up," he said with a grin. "Now I get to enjoy your company."

I forced a smile, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. His gaze was intense, and he seemed to be studying every move I made.

"So, tell me about yourself," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "What do you do for fun?"

"Not much," I replied, looking around the club for a familiar face, anyone who might offer a distraction. "Listen, I really should get going."

"Come on, don't be like that," he said, though the menace seeping out of his voice. "We are just strangers in this movie getting acquainted."

'Well, no really!' I sprang to my feet. "I need to go. "

Clasping my hand in his, his fingers tightened around my wrist. On swearing, person said, "Don't be rude. Stay for one more drink. "

"I said no," I said, frowning and moving my hand away from him, glad that I had managed to do it before I was forced into a situation where I would actually have to explain why I could no longer tolerate the way in which he treated me. I felt like my heart was pounding inside my chest as I forced myself to step away from him.

The friendly look that was initially painted on him vanished, and he hardened up. By the time he felt her leg pulled away from him, he didn't care anymore and added, "You'll regret this."

Once outside, I took a deep breath, the cool night air calming my nerves. I quickly walked to my car, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't following me.

After hearing the click of the gun's safety behind me, I heard a sudden, sharp crack. I turned to see Alarik holding the masked thug's arm at a grotesque angle; the crack must have been his arm breaking.

"Hurry, woman!" Alarik shouted.

I quickly opened the car door and grabbed my gun from the dashboard. Turning around, I saw Alarik grappling with two thugs, indicating there were likely more on the way.

Raising my gun, I aimed at the masked thug who had pointed his weapon at me and shot him in the stomach. He wouldn't die, but he'd be in excruciating pain. Then I shot the other thug in the knee, ensuring he wouldn't be a threat any longer. Fortunately, neither of them had a gun at the moment.

Alarik jumped into the passenger seat, and I slid behind the wheel, trying to start the car. My heart raced as I turned the key, but the engine sputtered and died. The car, which I had been driving for five years, just wouldn't start.

"Come on, come on," I muttered, desperately turning the key again. The engine coughed and wheezed but refused to roar to life.

Listening to gunfire, more mask men are starting to come; one is already in my side window, and he has a gun. Before I can react, he is shot dead in the head.

Looking at Alarik, he has a new gun in hand; it must have been taken from the previous thug I shot.

With a deep breath, I tried one last time, turning the key with all the hope I could muster. The engine finally roared to life, and I slammed my foot on the accelerator. I slow down when I confirm that we are a few miles away and no one is following us. After all of that, when my heartbeat is becoming normal again, I look toward Alarik.

I get a wave of panic when I look across at Alarik and see blood leaking through my expensive cashmere jacket. Even though we recently narrowly avoided mayhem and danger, I know that our ordeal is far from done.

"You're hurt!" I exclaim, my voice trembling with concern as I try to assess the extent of his injuries. If he dies his whole family will blame me.

In response, he grimaces, clenching his jaw in discomfort while trying not to lose his cool. He grits his teeth and murmurs, "It's nothing," but his tense look indicates how serious his condition is.

I say in a frantic tone, "We need to get you to a hospital," as I look about for any indication of assistance in this lonely night.

Alarik, however, shakes his head angrily, his intense determination penetrating my eyes. "No hospitals," he says emphatically, removing any possibility of disagreement. "We can't risk drawing any more attention to me."

With gritted teeth, I drive with a single-minded desire to keep us both safe, ignoring the fear that is gnawing at my insides. The miles go by, though, and the air becomes increasingly doubtful, making me wonder what other threats might be hiding in the shadows and waiting to strike when we least expect it.

I sneak glances at Alarik as we silently make our way through the pitch-black streets, the seriousness of our predicament becoming more and more apparent with every second. I keep wondering what is ahead for us in this dangerous world we now find ourselves in with every heartbeat.