You Saved Me, Cole

The club was buzzing.

Low music pulsed through the air, dim lights flickering like fireflies. A few lecherous gazes lingered on Ava as she swayed her small waist to the beat—carefree, lost in her own little world. Her movements were flawless, enchanting even, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Some men exchanged glances, tempted to shoot their shot.

But Ava wasn’t dancing for attention. She was grinning from ear to ear, her body moving with abandon. She felt oddly light—free, almost high on the moment. Even drunk, it surprised her how much fun she was having.

Then, out of nowhere, she felt it.

A large, warm hand wrapped around her waist, tugging her back toward a solid chest. Startled, she tried to look over her shoulder, but lost her balance and stumbled—falling straight into the arms of a stranger.

His arms tightened around her. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with striking features and sharp, masculine contours. His gaze met hers, soft yet intense.

“Who are you?” she slurred, blinking at him dazedly. “You’re so beautiful… What’s your name?”

The man ignored her question, grinning as his hand slowly traced the curve of her spine down to her waist.

Ava blushed furiously. Her body swayed slightly against his, wine heavy on her breath. “Ava… my name’s Ava…”

He smirked, holding her firmly as he whispered near her ear. “Ava,” he repeated, voice low and raspy. “Let’s talk outside.”

Without waiting for her response, he took her wrist and guided her through the crowd, not once loosening his grip. Ava, still tipsy and unsteady, followed with a sleepy smile, unaware of the danger.

Outside, the night was cool and quiet. Before she could react, he pushed her gently against the trunk of a car. Her back hit the metal surface, and his body was immediately flush against hers.

“What are you doing?” she mumbled, trying to push him back.

But he didn’t move.

His smirk deepened as he leaned into her, burying his face in her hair and neck, kissing her skin without permission. “Just a little taste, pretty,” he muttered, his grip tightening. One hand tangled in her hair while the other slid dangerously close to her thigh.

Disgusted, Ava turned her head. “Let me go,” she pleaded, voice still slurred but stronger.

He only chuckled darkly. “Not anytime soon, gorgeous.”

Just as he leaned in to kiss her, a sharp blow struck his cheek.

He staggered and fell with a loud thud.

“Argh!” the man groaned, holding his jaw and trying to see through the stars in his vision. A tall figure stood over him, glaring like a storm brewing behind calm eyes.

“Who are you?” Zac’s voice was deep and commanding, laced with menace.

The man blinked rapidly, clearly shaken. “I-I’m nobody, sir!” he stammered, scrambling to get up.

He turned to flee, but Zac moved with quiet force, extending his foot just enough to trip him. The man fell face-first, hitting the ground hard with a pained groan.

“Please! Forgive me—I won’t do it again!” he begged, palms raised, trembling in fear. But his pleas only made Zac’s expression grow darker. His fists clenched, eyes blazing red with fury. Veins bulged at his temples.

Zac crouched down, raised his arm, and delivered a fierce slap that echoed through the night.

The man went limp.

Zac stood slowly, barely suppressing the rage surging through him. If he hadn’t shown up when he did…

Behind him, a soft hiccup broke the silence.

Ava stared at him with bleary, teary eyes, then without warning, rushed into his arms and clung to his neck.

“Cole…” she whispered, burying her face in his chest. “You saved me, Cole…”

Zac’s jaw tensed, but his hands softened as he embraced her back. He took out his car key fob, pressing the button. His Ferrari chirped in response. Carefully, he picked Ava up, her fragile body weightless in his arms.

She whimpered sleepily, still mistaking him for someone else. “I missed you, Cole… Don’t leave me again…”

He said nothing as he opened the backseat door and gently laid her down. She reached for him again, curling her arms around his neck.

“Promise me you won’t leave… please…”

Her lips brushed his neck, her fingers trailing his chest. Zac remained quiet, his grip tightening on the wheel as he drove into the night. Through the rearview mirror, he watched her.

His eyes were no longer fiery—just silent, unreadable.

*****

The next morning…

Warm sunlight filtered through the velvet curtains, brushing Ava’s delicate features with golden light. She hummed softly in her sleep, stretching lazily. A smile tugged at her lips.

It felt like a dream—soft pillows, warm blankets. A peace she hadn’t known in years. But something was off.

The scent of coffee reached her nose.

Her eyes fluttered open.

She blinked at the ceiling, then slowly sat up, confusion dawning. This… wasn’t her room. She turned her head toward the source of the aroma and spotted a steaming cup of coffee on the nightstand.

Her heart skipped.

Where am I?

Then she looked down.

Her dress was gone—she was wearing an oversized white shirt.

“What… what happened?” she whispered, panic rising. “Where is this place?”

She was about to get up when the door creaked open.

A tall, noble figure stepped in.

Ava froze.

That face.

Zachary Gonzalez.

His name echoed in her mind as her breath caught in her throat. She just stared, wide-eyed, remembering everything in broken flashes… yet unsure what was real.