Dangerous protection

Old enemies

Maya's POV

The city lights blurred into long streaks outside the window as Damian drove through the busy streets, one hand resting firmly on the steering wheel.

I folded my arms across my chest and stared at him.

"Blue Velvet Lounge," I muttered. "That's where we're going."

He gave a single nod.

His eyes never left the road.

For a moment, silence filled the car. Then, without warning, the engine roared.

The Lamborghini shot forward, overtaking the car ahead with unbelievable speed.

My body lurched against the seat.

"What are you doing?" I shouted, grabbing the dashboard. "Watch the road!"

But Damian calmly steered back into his lane.

"You'll get us killed!" I muttered under my breath.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"I won't."

Before I could catch my breath, he overtook another car.

My heart slammed against my chest.

"Are you crazy?"

"No." He smirked without looking at me.

"You drive like a maniac!"

His smirk only grew.

"People are waiting for you."

I glared at him. "That's not an excuse to drive like you're in a race."

He didn't answer. Instead, he pressed the accelerator a little more.

I let out an annoyed groan and threw my head back against the seat.

"You are unbelievable."

The rest of the journey passed with me refusing to look at him.

Twenty minutes later, the glowing sign of Blue Velvet Lounge came into view.

Luxury cars filled the parking lot. Music echoed from inside the massive building while colorful lights danced across the entrance.

Damian slowly drove into the compound before bringing the car to a smooth stop.

Finally.

I reached for the door handle with a click.

It refused to open.

Immediately, I frowned and tried again.

Still locked.

"What now?" I snapped, turning toward him.

Damian calmly unfastened his seat belt.

"My job."

Before I could ask another question, he stepped out of the car.

I watched through the window as he walked around the front of the vehicle with the same calm confidence that irritated me every single time.

He opened the door for me.

I stepped out, adjusted my dress, and headed inside without looking back at him. He would definitely follow me in anyway.

The music hit me immediately.

Blue Velvet Lounge was already crowded. Colorful lights moved across the walls, drinks covered the tables, and people filled the dance floor.

I spotted Sandra almost immediately. She was dressed in a simple green dress that suited her perfectly.

"Maya!"

She hurried toward me and pulled me into a hug.

"I thought you weren't coming."

"I almost didn't," I said.

Her eyes moved behind me, and the moment I saw her expression change, I knew she had seen Damian.

"Did he come with you? Who's he?"

I glanced at Damian.

He was already looking around the lounge, taking in every entrance and every person in the room.

"The new bodyguard Dad hired."

Immediately, Sandra laughed and leaned closer to whisper in my ear.

"I know you don't want him following you around, but I guess there's nothing you can do about it."

"Forget him. Tonight is for us," I said, refusing to let Damian ruin my night.

She pulled me toward our table.

For the first time that evening, I allowed myself to relax.

I drank.

I laughed.

I danced with her.

The music was loud, the atmosphere was lively, and for a while, I forgot about everything waiting for me at home.

Damian had taken a seat at the bar.

A glass of whiskey sat in front of him.

He barely touched it.

He simply watched the room.

And every now and then, his eyes settled on me.

I didn't care. I was having fun.

After another drink, the warmth of the alcohol began spreading through me. My head felt a little lighter, and my movements were slower than usual, but I wasn't drunk enough to care.

Soon, James, one of the alumni, stepped onto the small platform near the dance floor. He was the MC for the evening.

"Everyone!" he called into the microphone. "Who's ready for a game?"

The crowd got out of their seats and cheered.

Sandra grabbed my hand.

"Come on."

I laughed reluctantly. "No."

"Don't be boring. I came here to dance, not play games."

She dragged me toward the group anyway.

The game didn't last long. People picked numbers, answered questions, and completed little challenges that had everyone laughing.

When my turn came, I picked a number.

The MC looked at it and smiled.

"You have to give a lap dance to someone chosen by the crowd."

The people around us cheered.

Immediately, I shook my head.

"No way."

Sandra pushed me back slightly.

"She's not doing that."

I was still laughing when I heard a familiar voice.

"Of course she isn't."

I turned.

Annabelle stood a few feet away with some of the other alumni.

I hadn't seen her in a long time, but I knew that look immediately.

She had never liked me.

She looked me up and down before speaking.

"You haven't changed."

I took another sip of my drink.

"Neither have you."

Sandra's smile disappeared.

She knew this wasn't going to end well.

Annabelle stepped closer.

"You always think you're better than everyone. Everyone did their challenges, but when it reached your turn, you suddenly said no."

I raised an eyebrow.

"And what exactly do you want me to do? Dance for strangers just because you think I should?"

"You see?" Annabelle pointed at me. "That's exactly what I'm talking about."

I sighed.

"I don't have time for this."

I turned away, but her voice followed me.

"Of course you don't. You never have time for anyone who isn't useful to you."

I stopped.

Slowly, I turned back.

"If that's what you believe, then keep believing it."

Her expression hardened.

"You think that expensive dress makes you special?"

Sandra stepped closer.

"Annabelle, enough."

"No." Her eyes remained fixed on me. "I've waited years to tell her exactly how I feel."

I stared at her.

"Then say it."

She smiled bitterly.

"I hate you."

The words hung in the air. People around us began paying attention.

I felt the alcohol making my eyes heavier, but I refused to let it affect me.

"I can't help what people choose to feel about me," I said.

Her face darkened.

"See? That's exactly what I mean. You always have to act like you're better than everyone else."

Jealousy was obvious in her voice.

Before I could respond, she shoved my shoulder.

I stumbled back, and Sandra caught my arm.

"Maya."

I steadied myself and glared at An

nabelle.

"Don't touch me again."

She laughed.

"You deserved that."

My anger rose.

I pushed her back.

She staggered, then looked at me in disbelief.

"You..."

Her face twisted with fury.

She raised her hand and moved toward me, ready to slap me across the face.

I barely had time to react.

Suddenly, someone caught her hand, stopping it before it could reach my face.