C28 Twenty Eight

Selena's POV

As I stepped ithrough the door.. the smell hit me first.

The bar smelled like citrus cleaner and old wood.

Low lights.

Slow music.

It was the kind of place that people normally came to forget their names for a few hours.

I scanned the room the moment I stepped inside, shoulders tight, my pulse still erratic.

"Okay this is good," I murmured. "Just one familiar face.. fair enough."

I spotted her near the counter almost immediately.. Dr. Elise Morano, one of the orthopedic consultants from the hospital.

She was civil, friendly and safe.

Relief slowly loosened something in my chest.

"Elise," I said as I approached her. "I honestly didn't expect to see you here."

She turned, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw me. "Ohh dear.. Selena! Oh my God, sit. You look like you survived a war."

"Something like that," I muttered, sliding onto the stool beside her.

The bartender appeared instantly with a sweet gentlemanly smile etched on his face. "What'll it be?"

"Tequila," I said without hesitation.

Elise blinked. "Straight?"

"Yes."

The moment the glass hit the counter. I downed it immediately

First came the burning sensation then..

Silence.

And finally.. Temporary relief.

"Rough day huh?" Elise sweetly asked with a calm understanding expression on her face..

"Trust me.. You have no idea."

Then out of nowhere a man leaned in from the other side of her.. he was tall, dark-haired, easy smile.

"What are you up to?" He spoke to her as he watched me with mild curiosity, not hunger.

That alone made me breathe easier.

"Selena dear.. This is my brother," Elise said. "Lucas."

"Selena," I replied.

Lucas lifted his glass slightly. "Nice to meet you."

"You too."

He studied me for half a second too long. "You okay?"

I snorted softly. "Do I look like it?"

He smiled as he took the drink that was in front of Elise. "You look like someone who shouldn't be alone tonight."

I signaled the bartender. "Another."

Elise frowned. "Woah girl.. Slow down."

"I'm fine."

Lucas chuckled. "Famous last words before a drinking disaster."

"Oh really? I'll have you know that this isn't my first rodeo"

The second shot went down easier.

The third even more so and our conversations quickly blurred into fragments then suddenly I couldn't find Elise.

"So what do you do?" Lucas asked.

"I save people," I said vaguely.

He raised a brow. "Doctor?"

"Something like that."

He smiled wider. "Dangerous woman."

I laughed as I actually laughed.. and the sound startled me.

"There she is," Elise teased as she finally appeared again. "I knew you had it in you."

The alcohol spread warmth through my limbs, dulled the edges of my thoughts.

Except one.

Adrian.

The moment I thought about him the pull stirred again subtle at first.. Then insistent.

I shifted on the stool.

"You're suddenly quiet are you okay?," Lucas said.

"Just a bit stressed out and I guess a whole lot tired."

He leaned closer, voice lowered. "Want to talk about it?"

"No," I said quickly. "I actually want another drink."

He glanced at the empty glasses. "Maybe water?"

I waved him off. "I'm celebrating survival."

"From what?"

"My life."

That made him laugh.

He reached out, fingers brushing my arm lightly and... Electricity snapped through me.

I gasped.

He pulled back instantly. "Hey.. sorry. I didn't mean to.. I swear it's not what you're thinking"

"No," I breathed. "It's fine."

It wasn't... My skin buzzed.. My senses sharpened painfully.. Every sound had amplified. Every scent layered..

The pull surged like it had been waiting... I grabbed the shot glass with shaking fingers.

"This isn't working," I whispered to myself but he heard me.

"What isn't?" Lucas asked gently.

"Drinking," I muttered.

He studied my face more carefully now. "You don't look good."

"I am good," I insisted, then giggled. "See? Perfectly good."

He smiled, but concern crept in. "Have you eaten?"

"No."

"Did you drive here?"

"Yes."

He frowned. "Can you drive back?"

I laughed again too loud this time. "Probably not why are you asking?."

He exhaled. "Okay. That's my cue to intervene."

"I don't need rescuing so you don't have to intervene."

"Didn't say you did," he replied calmly. "But you're really drunk it's a bit obvious now ."

"I'm not.." I slid off the stool, the room tilting slightly. "See.. I'm standing."

He stood too, steadying me by the elbow. "Barely."

"Shit! I hate when people are right."

He smiled. "I should drive you home."

I squinted at him. "You're a stranger."

"I'm Elise's brother."

"She'd kill you if you kidnapped me though and you'd be sentenced to prison if you try anything."

He chuckled. "Fair point."

I hesitated and the pull twisted again, sharp and agitated, like something was wrong.

But my thoughts were now slower than usual . My defenses weaker.

"Okay," I nodded. "Just... home."

"Good," he said gently. "Let's go."

The evening air hit me hard as we stepped outside.

The streetlights felt too bright as Lucas guided me toward a black sedan parked nearby.

"Almost there," he said softly.

The moment my fingers brushed the car door..

Everything exploded.

My hearing sharpened violently. My heart slammed against my ribs. My skin burned.

This wasn't the pull.. This was a warning.

"Wait.. " I whispered.

Lucas turned. "What is it?"

I didn't get to answer as he was instantly ripped away from me.

Thrown..

Thrown like a discarded piece of clothing.

His body hit the pavement with a sickening thud.

"What the.. " he gasped.

I stumbled back, panic slicing through the haze only to find Adrian standing between us.

His eyes glowed as fury rolled off him like steam in a hot sauna.

"Touch her again," he said calmly, "and I will make sure you no longer have hands to touch anything then proceed to break your spine."

Lucas scrambled backward. "Dude.. What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Adrian didn't look at him... He looked at me.

"You," he growled softly, "are coming with me."

My heart thundered. "Huh? Why?"

"Now."

The pull screamed loudly and this time.. but I didn't move an inch.

"Be a good girl and come now.. Else.."

I stared at Lucas who was groaning on the floor and stared back at Adrian.

"Okay"