SEBASTIAN’S POV
The phone rings, shattering the quiet intimacy of our small bubble. The number flashing on my screen is unmistakable, and a chill settles over me as I swipe to answer.
I’m aware of Sasha’s eyes on me, her curiosity evident, but she stays quiet, waiting as my voice grows tense with each word exchanged.
The call is over quickly, but it leaves a weight in its wake that settles over the moment, suffocating any remaining joy. I sit there for a beat, knuckles white against the edge of the table, replaying the conversation in my head and trying to strategize.
I need to go to the club. Some of the bosses want to meet. There’s nothing good about an unexpected meeting like this-especially when they call it on short notice. But when I turn back to Sasha, she’s watching me carefully, waiting.
“Sebastian, what’s wrong?” she asks, leaning forward, her brow creased in concern. Her soft voice is enough to ground me, if only slightly.
I let out a breath, one hand coming up to rub at my jaw as I carefully choose my words.
“There’s been a change of plans,” I say, hating how flat and cold my voice sounds, even to me. “I’ve been called in. It’s… a meeting with some associates.” The understatement feels hollow, and I have no doubt she can see right through it.
Her eyes widen slightly, but there’s no panic, no fear-just curiosity and worry. “So, we have to cut this short?” she asks softly, the disappointment just beneath the surface of her tone.
I nod. “I’ll drop you off at home on the way.”
To my surprise, she shakes her head firmly, her gaze unwavering. “No. I’m going with you.”
I look at her, caught off guard. “Sasha, I don’t think that’s-”
“I’m going with you,” she repeats, her voice steady, leaving no room for argument. Her hand reaches out, fingers brushing against mine, grounding me.
“If something’s important enough to cut our date short, it’s serious. So, I’ll be there. You’re not facing this alone, Sebastian.”
I feel a strange mix of pride and frustration. This world of mine isn’t meant for her. But there’s no time to argue; I can see it in her eyes that she won’t back down. And maybe, selfishly, I don’t want her to.
“Alright,” I concede, my voice softer. “But you need to stay by my side. No wandering off or asking questions once we’re there.”
She nods, a spark of defiance in her eyes. “I can handle it. Just… be honest with me, Sebastian. I don’t want to be kept in the dark.”
I reach over, squeezing her hand. “I’ll do my best.”
I pack up the leftover food in silence, feeling her eyes on me. She’s strong; I know that. But as I drive toward the club, my grip tight on the wheel, I can’t shake the sense of dread twisting in my gut.
Sasha has no idea what she’s walking into. This isn’t just a business meeting-it’s a meeting with men who wouldn’t hesitate to make an example out of anyone who crossed them. And here I am, bringing her into the very heart of it.
By the time we pull up outside the club, the night has taken on an ominous air. The building looms ahead of us, dark and foreboding, the faint neon lights flickering along the edges.
The heavy beat of music thrums through the walls, a stark contrast to the tension coursing through my veins. I park, turning off the engine, and sit there for a moment, glancing over at Sasha.
Her gaze is steady, but I catch the slight tremor in her hands as she adjusts the strap of her bag. She’s nervous, even if she’s trying to hide it.
“Last chance to change your mind,” I murmur, my hand resting on the door handle.
She straightens, giving me a determined look. “Not a chance. I told you, I’m with you in this.”
I can’t help the small smirk that tugs at the corner of my mouth, pride mingling with the constant worry gnawing at me. “Alright, then.” I get out of the car, coming around to her side to open her door, my hand extended.
She takes it without hesitation, and as we walk toward the club’s entrance, I wrap an arm around her waist, holding her close.
The bouncer at the door nods at me, stepping aside to let us pass. Inside, the music is louder, vibrating through the floor as we step into the dark, smoke-filled atmosphere.
The air smells of expensive whiskey, cigars, and something darker, something dangerous. I feel Sasha’s hand tighten in mine, her body pressed close as her eyes dart around, taking in her surroundings.
We weave our way through the crowd, my hand firmly on her back, guiding her toward the back rooms where the meeting is set to take place.
The bosses don’t like to be kept waiting, but I’m taking my time, using every step to steel myself for what’s to come.
Just before we reach the door, I turn to Sasha, placing a hand on her cheek, my thumb brushing over her skin. “Remember what I said, Sasha. Don’t leave my side. Not for a second.”
She nods, her eyes wide but resolute. “I trust you, Sebastian.”
The weight of those words settles over me like a mantle, grounding me in the moment. With one last glance, I push open the door, leading her into the lion’s den.