Page 24

Instead, he leads me through a narrow staff hallway behind the bar, past panicked employees, then through a heavy emergency exit that opens into a dimly lit side alley. The cool night air hits my face as we burst outside.

I hear him speaking rapidly into his phone in what I’m sure is Russian. A moment later he glances at me. “Your friends are safe. They’re being driven home.”

I let out a shaky breath, some of the panic easing.

Everything is happening too fast.

A black Escalade is already waiting at the end of the alley, engine running. Andrei opens the back door for me, then slides in right beside me.

“Go,” he tells the driver.

The car peels away from the curb, tires squealing.

I stare out the window, heart still hammering wildly.

Andrei is already on the phone again, speaking in rapid, clipped Russian. His voice is low and authoritative.

My hands shake as I pull out my phone and text the group chat.

Me: Are you guys okay??

The replies come in almost immediately.

Mabel: We’re fine! Some scary-looking guys just put us in a car and said it was courtesy of you?? What the hell is going on??

Lucy: One of them was ridiculously hot though… like dangerously hot.

Angie: Rosie, are YOU okay??

I manage a small, relieved smile and type back quickly.

Me: I’m okay. I’ll explain later. Just get home safe.

I exit the chat and inhale deeply, trying to steady myself. I have no idea what’s going on either.

Andrei finally ends his call and turns to me. The silence in the car feels heavy.

“What was all that about?” I ask, my voice quieter than I want it to be.

He leans back against the seat, looking far too calm for a man who just shot back at armed attackers in a nightclub. A dark smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.

“Those were some bastards who thought they could come at me tonight.” His eyes meet mine, cold and certain. “As always… they’re going to pay.”

I swallow hard and force my voice to stay steady. “Thank you for saving me back there. You can just drop me off somewhere safe. I’ll get home on my own.”

Andrei turns his head slowly, those mismatched eyes locking onto mine. “That isn’t safe. You’re coming with me where I can protect you.”

“I don’t need protection,” I argue, heart hammering. “You said they came for you. I’m not in any danger.”

“You’re coming with me.” His tone is final. Commanding.

I open my mouth to protest again, but he cuts me off smoothly.

“Besides,” he adds, quirking one dark brow, “we haven’t had the chance to speak properly before those idiots interrupted us.”

I’m completely lost for words. The car keeps moving, and I realize we’ve already left the bright lights and chaos of the city behind.

Tall gates slide open silently as we approach. Armed guards, men built like brick walls and carrying weapons, stand on guard.