CHAPTER 04_Unsettling thoughts

BRYAN’S POV

As I opened the door for Quinn, her bewildered expression amused me.

Her nervousness was so obvious that I couldn’t help but smile at her awkwardness.

Once she settled in, I started the car and pulled away.

My mind flashed back to the incident that forced me to reveal myself.

Her current reaction mirrored the frantic nervous feeling I felt that day, watching her go through that attack.

That night, I had saved her from Jasper’s grip. Her eyes were terrified when I looked back, her breathing heaving. Tension stirred within me and I screamed.

“Get her to the hospital this minute.”

Asthma.

I remembered. She was asthmatic.

My heart swiftly raced as I swiftly moved closer, cradling her fragile form.

“Hang in there, help is on the way”, I assured him.

Suddenly, her eyes rolled back and she slumped forward, fainting.

Her friend caught her. “Get an ambulance, now!” I had barked at whoever stood close.

The minutes ticked by like hours as we waited for the paramedics. Soon the ambulance sirens wailed outside and they rushed her to the hospital.

I got really scared, refusing to stay hidden any longer.

I made a promise to myself to keep her close, and watch her bloom under my attention. 

The dinners, carefully crafted to impress, had become the highlight of my weeks. The gifts, selected to bring sparkles to her eyes, were merely a gesture.

That necklace in particular held real significance beyond its considerable monetary value. I’m sure she has no idea of its true worth.

------------------

QUINN’S POV

At about 7pm, I trudged into the nightclub. It was time for my night shift. My mind was still reeling from last night's dinner with Bryan. 

Eva intercepted me, concern etched on her face.

"Hey, Quinn, has Bryan...done anything to you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I shook my head. "No, nothing's happened...yet."

Eva’s expression remained skeptical, but she let it drop.

I headed to the back door to dispose of the trash. The cool night air hit me like a slap in the face as I tossed out the garbage. I pulled out a cigarette, ready to light it.

Suddenly, someone snatched it from my grasp.

"Hey!" I spun around.

Matt stood before me, his piercing gaze locked onto mine. "You don't smoke, Quinn. And you definitely shouldn't, with asthma."

My cheeks flushed with Matt standing too close.

"What's going on?" he asked, his voice low and husky. "You're not yourself lately."

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "Just stressed."

Matt was Eva’s boyfriend and my new colleague. He was a mystery. His reputation in the red-light district preceded him – every woman knew him, and most had feelings for him. He was the charming type you would literally fall in love with.

Matt has been making his living since he was a teen. Currently, he is working as a muscle in most entertainment venues. Matt had earned his stripes. But beneath his tough exterior laid a complexity I couldn't quite grasp.

I dodged Matt's question, shifting the conversation. "Why did you start working here?  "Mr. Jenkins has been trying to recruit you for ages."

Matt chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "The pay was too good to pass up. "He offered me triple what I make at other clubs."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a temptation."

Matt shrugged. "Can't say no to that kind of money."

I leaned in, a sly grin spreading. "But you're not here for the money, Matt. "You're here because you want to be close to Eva."

Matt's expression faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Don't be ridiculous."

I laughed, teasing. "Oh, come on". You can't deny it. "You've had a thing for her forever."

Matt's face turned Stoic, but his eyes betrayed him. "I'm just here for the job, Quinn."

But I wouldn't let up. "You're not fooling anyone, Matt. "Least of all, Eva."

Matt shrugged, his expression neutral with itchy words.

I raised an eyebrow, playful skepticism etched on my face. "Save it, Matt. I know you."

Matt's gaze locked onto mine, with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

My words trailed off, a subtle hint of vulnerability slipping through them.

Matt's expression faltered for an instant, curiosity flickering in.

“What happened that night? He asked.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal.

Then he spoke, his next choice of words shook me.

-------------------

I stood frozen, Matt's words piercing my skin like icy shards.

"Why do you think I'm different from everyone else? The question lingered, ravaging my confidence.

“Look, I know what happened that day, Quinn, but even if I'm here, I'll just watch and do nothing” he explained, his voice cold.

“Since you work here, you have to accept the invisible rules. Some people approach you just to take advantage of you; don't naively think you can rely on anyone…sometimes, the person who hurts you the most is the one you trust the most.”

 “What happened to you that day is nothing to me, so don't expect anything from me. And my past is definitely beyond your imagination.”

As I watched Matt walk away, the neon lights blurred alongside.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, despite the heat. His words cut deep, exposing my vulnerability. His sudden harsh tone and piercing gaze left me stunned.

In an attempt to shake off the unease, after work I joined my colleagues for a post-work meal.