My demanding CEO

Chapter 16: Let's have fun.

Boom.

Loud music blasted from the club's speakers as we stepped out of the car. The beat thumped in my chest like a second heartbeat. Yes, I'm here at the club — here to party and clear my head of work and others.

“Let’s go in, babe!” Ava said, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the entrance.

We flashed our IDs and our tickets at the security guards. Once inside, the noise was deafening — a chaotic mix of pulsing bass, clinking glasses, and laughter that bounced off the walls. The scent in the air was a heady blend of alcohol, perfume, sweat, and something unidentifiably intoxicating.

The place was packed. Bodies swayed under flickering strobe lights, and the whole room vibrated with energy.

A waiter passed by with a tray of drinks, and both Ava and I snagged a cup each.

“Let's have fun!” Ava cheered, raising her glass.

“Of course,” I replied, clinking mine against hers.

“Let’s go dance!” she shrieked excitedly, pulling me toward the dance floor.

We danced. For how long? I couldn’t say. Maybe it was minutes. Maybe hours. Everything blurred together in a haze of flashing lights and loud beats. The alcohol was already warming my bloodstream. I was starting to feel loose, free, and maybe a little drunk. But who cared? I was here to have fun.

Then I felt it — eyes on me.

“Pretty lady with a sexy, hot body,” a slurred voice purred close to my ear.

I turned, frowning. A guy stood too close, eyes hazy with alcohol, swaying slightly. His breath smelled of whiskey and something worse — maybe old cigarettes and poor hygiene.

“Let’s get outta here,” he murmured, his hand reaching for my arm.

I pulled back sharply. “No, I’m not interested,” I said, trying to step away.

But he didn’t let go. His grip tightened, and I could feel the pressure on my skin.

“Oh, come on, don’t be like that,” he slurred again, and to my horror, his hand slid up my thigh.

Panic surged through me. I tried to push him away harder. “I said NO!” I snapped.

Suddenly, a strong hand yanked him back.

The guy spun around, stumbling. And standing in front of us like a thunderstorm wrapped in a black button-down shirt was—

Asher?

No. I must be drunk. I'm seeing things. That can't be him.

"Hey! Who the hell are you?" the guy barked at him.

Asher’s jaw tightened. “Her boss,” he said coolly. “And the owner of this club.”

Wait... what?!

The creep laughed, clearly unimpressed. “And so?”

Thud.

A punch landed squarely on the guy’s jaw. He fell back with a grunt, landing on his side.

“Asher!” I rushed forward. “Stop it! That’s enough!”

Asher didn’t take his eyes off the guy. “Don’t ever put your hands on a woman again,” he growled.

The guy groaned, crawling backward as bouncers finally stepped in.

“Get him out of here,” Asher ordered.

The bouncers nodded and dragged him away without a word. The music kept pounding, but the little bubble around us felt frozen in time.

Asher turned to me, his gaze intense. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

I swallowed, still catching my breath. “Y-yeah... I think so.”

His eyes scanned me, as if making sure I was truly unharmed. There was something protective in the way he stood, like he was ready to throw another punch if anyone dared come near.

“What are you doing here, Tiara?” he asked, voice firm but not unkind.

I crossed my arms, still slightly defensive. “I’m just having fun with Ava. Isn’t that allowed?”

His eyes flicked to Ava, who was now standing nearby with a mixture of awe and confusion on her face.

“I think you should head home,” he said, more gently this time.

I bristled. “I don’t need you telling me what to do, Asher.”

Ava stumbled forward, looping an arm through mine. “Babe, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” I replied, still a little breathless.

She looked up at Asher and gave him a dazzling smile. “Whoa. Thanks for saving my girl.”

Asher smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. " No need to thank me," he said. " If you don't mind, let me drop you off at home. Just in case ."

"Yeah, I don't mind," Ava replied immediately

My eyes widened. Ava. Seriously?

Asher raised an eyebrow at me. “What about you, Tiara?”

I blinked. “Huh?”

“You okay with me dropping you off?” he asked again, voice laced with sarcasm I could practically taste.

“I... I don’t mind,” I said, feeling Ava’s not-so-subtle stare on the side of my face.

He gave a slight nod, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. “Good. Let’s get out of here.”

Ava nodded enthusiastically, already teetering toward the exit. I followed, heat creeping up my neck, aware of Asher’s gaze on me the entire time.

As we stepped into the night, the cool air slapped against my face like a sobering splash of water. The thumping music faded behind us, and the stars above blinked down like curious spectators.

I stole a glance at Asher as we walked toward his car.