chapter 40

Drasa POV

Some days, I wonder why I’m still stuck behind this bar. Maybe it’s the money, maybe it's the weird sense of control I feel when I’m pouring drinks for people who clearly don’t deserve them.

Or maybe it’s Amelia’s annoying laugh that somehow keeps me sane through it all.

Work today was the same cocktail of chaos and crap. The moment we opened, some rich guy snapped his fingers at me like I was his personal maid.

Another complained about the “temperature of the ice” in his whiskey, like I carved it out of the wrong glacier.

The crowd only got ruder as the night went on, like some unspoken contest to see who could insult me with the biggest fake smile.

You’re slow, and the drink’s weak.”

I clenched my jaw, forcing a smile as I wiped the counter. “Then maybe you should try water next time.”

He sneered. “With an attitude like that, you’ll be stuck here forever.”

Before I could respond, Amelia slid in with a grin that was equal parts charm and threat. “Sir, I’d love to see you last a full hour behind this bar, let’s not test her. she’s the only reason people like you don’t wear these drinks.”

The man rolled his eyes and walked off. I looked at Amelia, grateful but annoyed. “You always save me just so you can laugh later.”

“Can you stop talking and pour me a drink?” A lady said cutting through our conversation.

“I'm coming.” I replied.

“Then hurry up, I don't have all day.” She replied but before I could say another word, Amelia interfered.

“Hey, boss lady, she’s not a robot. Try using your eyes to see.” she told one the lady who was practically growling at me for being too slow. She always jumps in when it gets bad but somehow still finds a way to laugh at me after.

"You looked like you were about to throw the shaker at her face," she giggled as we wiped down the counter. "I live for this level of unbothered rage."

I was mid-eye-roll when she suddenly nudged me.

"Uh-oh. We've got a watcher at 10 o'clock," she whispered.

I followed her gaze but didn’t see anything unusual,just the usual mix of suits, stares, and spilled drinks.

"You seriously didn’t see him?" Amelia raised a brow. "Tall, looks like he owns the place even though he probably doesn’t. He’s been watching you for the last ten minutes."

I frowned. "So? Creeps always stare."

"Yeah, but this one's not a creep. He’s too... focused. I think he knows you. Just... pretend you didn’t see him."

I was thinking of who could possibly know me just then I saw a brief look at his face, that was when I saw who it was, Cassian.

“It's just one of the customers.” I lied.

Amelia raised her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. Miss Mysterious. But if he burns holes through the counter, I’m not cleaning it.”

Sitting at the edge of the table like he belonged there. Like he wanted me to vanish, like he had every right to look at me like that.

My stomach churned. I tightened my grip on the tray and kept my face firm as I walked over to serve him like he was just another stranger with too much money.

“Here is your order sir” I said curtly, sliding the drink in front of him.

“Drasa-” he started.

I didn’t look at him, didn’t flinch. Just picked up the empty glasses and turned away.

“Please,” his voice softened, “just hear me out.”

Still no reaction, still no eye contact.

Then his hand gently brushed the bar. “It’s me, Drasa, I didn’t come here to start something. I just... I miss you. Can we talk? Ten minutes, In the VIP lounge. Please.”

I looked up, just once, and met his eyes.

Those blue eyes were sincere, that made it worse and made my heart melt.

“No,” I said, faster than I meant. “You don’t get to show up here and act like we’re fine.”

I walked off before he could say anything else, slamming the tray on the counter behind the bar. I was shaking, not because of fear, but because of everything I didn’t say.

Amelia stared at me briefly. “Whoa. What happened?”

I didn’t answer.

Next thing I knew, she was marching off to the manager’s office. “I will be right back.” Five minutes later, she was back with a triumphant grin.

“You’ve got thirty minutes. Don’t make me regret this.”

“What did you do? Thirty minutes for what?”

“I asked the manager for a break on your behalf. Said you needed to ‘cool off’ before you throw a bottle at someone. He didn’t argue.”

I stared at her, stunned. “Why?”

“I don’t know what that guy means to you,” she shrugged, “but he looked like he was drowning and you were the last breath of air.”

“I don't think I wanna go talk to him, he doesn't mean that much to me.”

“Girl. Whoever he is, he’s hot and clearly obsessed. You need closure, revenge, therapy…something. Go get your weird romance on. I got this.”

Before I could protest again, she pushed me toward the VIP hallway.

“Oh, and don’t worry…I’m standing guard. Nobody’s going in after you.”

I hesitated, then walked away as soon as the door closed behind me.

Whatever Cassian had to say… he’d better make it count.

I should have known he wasn’t just any customer the moment I felt the effect of his stare.

Cassian always had a way of finding me,even in places he didn’t belong. Especially when I told him not to.

But this time? He showed up in a hoodie, ball cap low over his brow, sunglasses like a low-budget spy trying to make a living out of nowhere m

“Subtle,” I muttered the moment we were alone in the VIP room again.

He pulled off the cap and glasses with a faint smirk. “You’re not easy to talk to in public. Your fans are aggressive.”

I folded my arms. “You mean your stalker pack?”

He smiled faintly. “Ours. Apparently.” He pulled out his phone again and swiped to that same damned video.

We both knew the angle too well now. It made me look like I was throwing myself so much at him.

“They’re not letting it go,” he said, voice flat. “Blogs. Forums, everyone in the area is talking about it. Even the pack is asking questions, they're assuming this means something.”

“It doesn’t,” I snapped.

“Exactly.”

We stared at each other for a beat, the tension simmering under the surface.

He stepped closer, dropping the phone on the couch beside me. “Then let’s give them what they don't see coming, they think they know it all but they don't. Make it official. Say we’re together, take control of the narrative and shut them up all at once and that would gain you some respect, and pull the bully off your back.”

I sighed and turned my back to him, trying to slow the shiver crawling up my spine. “I already told you no.”

“It’s just for a while. Until this blows over.”

“I’m not lying for you, Cassian.”

He didn’t respond, didn’t argue either. Just stood there, too quiet, like he was trying to understand me and failing all over again.

His voice was lower when he finally spoke. “Then think about it. That’s all I’m asking. I wouldn't be here if it wasn’t necessary and if it gonna be bad for you, c'mon D. What is the worst that can possibly happen?.”

Something in me broke. The pressure, the constant eyes, the heat from his body.

I turned to face him and his eyes were already on me. Not warm or wobbly but soft,intense, and raw. “I will think about it but I am not promising you anything either.” I said.

He tilted my head up gently as his lips brushed mine a little bit, creating a twist in my stomach and the hair on my skin rising.

We both moved without thinking as our lips collided, this time without any fear of being watched, his hands pulled me closer as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

The kiss felt like gravity. A slow burn, deep and intoxicating, his hand found my waist like it belonged there.

My fingers grazed his neck like they remembered him. Just when I was enjoying the moment, all my troubles leaving my body–

The door banged open.

“What the hell is going on here?!”

The manager’s voice broke the air like a blade causing me to choke on my spit.

Hey–!” Amelia shouted from behind him, pushing through the half-open door. “Don’t–”

Cassian backed away slowly, tension instantly coiling beneath his skin.

I stepped forward, trying to intercept what was about to happen but I wasn’t fast enough.

“You little slut!” the manager spat, storming toward me. “I knew you were sleeping your way into trouble, but not with my customers!.”

His hand fisted into my hair as he pulled it and was about to hit me.

“Don’t, I didn't do anything!! I d-” I pleaded..

But then everything exploded.

Cassian moved so fast, I didn’t even see the first blow.

One second, the manager was tugging my head back–

The next, he was crashing into the wall with a sound that must have been from his broken bones.

“Touch her again–” Cassian growled, advancing on him like a beast barely holding form, “--and I’ll rip your arms off.”

The manager scrambled up, blood at the corner of his mouth. “You’ve lost your damn mind, who the hell are you to interfere!”

Cassian didn’t hesitate.

‘’Cassian! Stop!” I shouted, grabbing his arm.

He didn’t hear me. Or maybe he did and just didn’t care.

A punch to the gut. Another to the face. A kick to the ribs as the manager fell flat, gasping for breath. “You dare lay a finger on my girl, I will make sure to burn you alive.” He threatened, his voice deeper than I have ever heard him speak.

“But she is just a server here.” The manager tried to defend.

“I don't care, never lay your filthy fingers on her, ever again!!” He commanded and the manager nodded in agreement as he held his broken bleeding nose. Cassian took out an handkerchief to wipe his fingers as he was about to leave, he stopped and added.

“Fire her, and I’ll burn this place down,” he said, voice dangerously calm. “And I will make sure your name dies with it.”

I stood frozen.

Amelia burst into the room behind him, wide-eyed as Cassian walked away..

“Oh my gods,” she breathed. “What happened–”

Then she laughed. Snapped a photo and another.

“Amelia, stop!” I shouted. “Help him up!”

She just kept laughing, scrolling through her camera. “Are you kidding? This is going on a mug and hilarious!!”

I dropped to my knees beside the manager, checking his nose, which was definitely broken. “Cassian, you didn’t have to–”

But he was already gone.

The door swung shut behind Amelia who was busy admiring the pictures and ignoring the unconscious man in the room.

And all I could do was stare at it, heart racing, hair still tangled from the manager’s grip, lips still tingling from Cassian’s kiss.

“What am I going to do now? What if I lose my job?” I sat down, folded my arms around my legs.

“Uh-excuse me, the manager won't dare fire you…you heard your man, if he fires you, he lose this entire building and I'm sure he won't be as stupid as he looks to do that…unless he is way stupid.” She said.

“What are we going to do about him? I think he is still alive.” I said as I instantly went to check if he was breathing. “Oh, he is.” I muttered after I confirmed

“We? Who the hell is we? Clean up the mess yourself, there is no we in this…I'm going back to work and post some pictures.” She said as she walked away.

“What do I do with him?” I asked, sounding dumb.

“Fucking call an ambulance!!! Stop working me out.” She yelled as she disappeared into the cloud.

“Oh goodness, what was I thinking.” I said as I took out my phone and called the emergency number, also described the situation and hung up.

After a few minutes, the ambulance arrived, the manager was picked up and taken to the hospital, I was asked for a statement to what happened and I narrated what happened but leaving out details of Cassian being the one that hit the manager.