Run! The Black Wolf's prey.

Chapter 17 - Paradise

Isabel wasted no time making her way to the pulsating dance floor as soon as they arrived at the club. The thumping beats and vibrant energy were like a magnet pulling her in, she couldn't wait to dance any longer! They had spent way too much time at the bar. Even though she was having a good time with Marcus, his relentless flirting was starting to make her uneasy. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but it was entirely inappropriate! First of all, her best friend had a crush on him, and second, her mind was still obsessing over John and their unexpected encounter at the hospital.

When Marcus had possessively caressed her back, his thumb stroking her skin, she had found the situation a little hard to swallow, so she had suggested them to move on, and Emma hadn't been slow to follow. Her other two friends, Helen and Eileen, had seemed eager to move on as well. Four girls only have so much fun with one single guy!

The group hit the dance floor, completely losing themselves in the music and the electric atmosphere. 'Paradise' was an iconic club that had been around for ages, it had been there as long as Isabel could remember. It was always a safe choice regarding the music, playing up-beat versions of the latest hits as well as some golden oldies that got everyone moving.

As the girls started to sing-a-long ecstatically, Marcus displayed a painful smile and excused himself and they all burst out laughing. After Marcus had left, it didn't take long until they found themselves surrounded by men of all ages, looking at them greedily.

“Jeeze Izzie, you’re such a man magnet!” Emma shouted and hugged her on unsteady legs, quite drunk.

“I think we all are!” Isabel shouted back, kissing her on the cheek.

It was true, Emma’s two other friends were also very good-looking in their party dresses and high heels, smiling at her with glossy lips. Helen was looking like a true vamp, with her light blonde hair, big white smile and red lips, and Eileen was looking like a sexy school girl, wearing high heels and a miniskirt, her long brown hair falling down her shoulders in perfect big shiny curls.

“Oh, I love this song!” Emma shouted and started to sing-along. “One kiss is all it takes, falling in love with me,” she wailed, moving her hips seductively with a blissful smile on her face.

Isabel couldn't help but giggle at the look of Emma - she was such a down-to-earth and hilarious person to be around! She gave her an appreciative smile, and then she closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the music and letting herself completely loose on the dance floor. It was wonderful, feeling the beats resonating in her chest and letting her body follow the rhythm of the music. With her eyes closed and lips curving into a delighted smile, she raised her arms high above her head and swayed her hips side to side, completely losing herself in the moment.

When she felt the burning sensation of someone watching her, followed by an arm taking hold of her waist, she expected to see Marcus by her side and she lifted her gaze with a warm smile.

However, when she opened her eyes, she was met with an entirely different pair of piercing, steel-grey eyes. The man holding her was very fit, his button-down shirt stretched to its limits by his muscular torso and massive arms.

While he wasn't unattractive, with his tanned skin and dark locks, his attentive stare sent a chill down her spine.

She tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he only drew her closer, his lips tracing her jaw.

“Let go of me,” she squirmed in his hands.

“You're so beautiful,” he murmured in her ear. “But you already know that, don’t you? You foxy little lady... If you only knew the things I want to do to you.”

Isabel tried to push him away, but he was too strong! She was just about to shout for help, when she suddenly heard a menacing growl behind her.

“Take your hands off her!”

Isabel's heart skipped a beat as a somewhat familiar voice roared behind her, making her harasser to immediately let go with a surprised look on his face. The next moment, Isabel gasped as she saw the stranger being forcefully slammed into the nearby wall. A firm hand on his throat lifted him off his feet and he was pressed up against the wall, gulping for air.

“She’s off limits, you hear me?” her defender thundered.

The man to her rescue turned around, facing her... John!

When his gaze met hers, he instantly dropped the other man to the floor, letting him run off into the crowd. John rushed over to her and enfolded her in his arms, shielding her from any harm and held her close.

“Are you OK?” he gazed deeply into her eyes with a look of concern etched on his face.

“It’s the second time you ask me that today,” she smiled faintly. “But yes, I’m OK. Thank you.”

She leaned into his arms, feeling safe in his embrace. She knew she was supposed to be scared because of the disturbing incident that had just unfolded, but with him being by her side, she felt OK. Even more than OK, she felt good!

She was so excited to see him, nothing else really mattered. As she looked over her shoulder, she faced the shocked gazes of her friends. They were gawking in disbelief, unsure how to respond to the unexpected occurrence, but she gave them a reassuring nod. They didn't need to worry, she was safe...

In the distance, she spotted Marcus walking toward them with a tray of drinks, looking annoyed with his brows furrowed. He was obviously not pleased with her being in the arms of someone else! But it didn't matter.John's presence caused all the conflicting emotions she had felt for Marcus to disappear completely.

Raising her eyes, she met John's gaze, his eyes scanning her face. His golden brown eyes showed an earnest concern for her, and her heart skipped a beat. He was so striking! And here he was, holding her tight! It wasn't just in her head; he genuinely cared about her.

She should thank that weirdo that had harassed her earlier... Because now her secret wish had come true - being in the arms of Dr. Hendricks, now she never wanted him to let go.

“Want to leave?” she tilted her head, brows arched.

“Let’s go,” he nodded, taking her hand, seemingly eager to go.

“Wait a second,” Isabel let go of his hand and walked over to Emma. “I’m leaving. With John.”

“What? Are you OK? What happened over there?” Emma frowned.

“It’s OK, don’t worry. You have fun. I just want to go with John," she smiled sheepishly.

“OK! Happy pancaking!” Emma grinned and pecked Isabel on the cheek. “Call me!”

Isabel went back to John, carefully avoiding Marcus' hurt gaze, and they exited the club, hand in hand. With him by her side, she felt invincible, as though she could conquer the world with him by her side. He looked like a movie star with his black wavy hair, wearing a light blue shirt, the top buttons unbuttoned, revealing his well-built physique. He was carrying himself like a king, and it made her feel like a queen. When she stole a glance at him, he responded with a warm smile, pulling her closer as they approached his car. He opened the passenger door for her, allowing her to enter before closing it gently.

“So, where do you want to go?” he asked as he sat down behind the wheel.

“Anywhere,” she replied.

“Anywhere? A little more specific, please,” he chuckled.

“What about your place?” she smiled impishly. She felt bold suggesting this, but he only looked at her in surprise and started laughing.

“That was unexpected,” he grinned.

“Well, my life hasn’t been anything near 'as expected' lately. And something tells me it has to do with you,” she replied wryly.

Isabel's heart was pounding in her chest as she looked at him, feeling an electric tension between them.

Without a second thought and very much to her own surprise, she followed her instincts and leaned in, pressing her lips against his. The world around her faded away as he eagerly met her lips with his! It was a kiss full of hunger and desire, sending shivers down her spine as her body responded to his touch. Her mind was a blur of sensations as she lost herself in the heat of the moment, and as they pulled away, both of them were left breathless... Yearning for more.

"My place it is then," he beamed with a wide grin as he ignited the engine and took her hand in his, the car roaring as they accelerated away from the club, leaving the crowds and the noise behind.