Work day

Chapter 17

Herrick’s POV

I managed to pull away from the crowd with Marina clinging to my arm, her steps uneven and her balance questionable.

She was clearly drunk—far more than she should have been—and even though I wasn’t entirely sober myself, I was still steady enough to keep her from collapsing.

The pounding music from the club gradually faded as we stepped farther outside, replaced by the distant hum of traffic and the occasional laughter from people lingering near the entrance.

The cool night air hit my face, clearing my head just a little.

Truthfully, I had no idea where I was taking her—or even why I had bothered bringing her out in the first place.

I could have easily ignored her.

I should have.

But when I saw her inside—alone, swaying, vulnerable—it didn’t sit right with me.

I wasn’t exactly a saint, but I wasn’t the kind of man who would leave a woman like that to be taken advantage of either.

Still, it didn’t make sense.

I came here to unwind, like I usually do after a long day at work. I didn’t come here to babysit an employee.

“Vera!” Marina suddenly called out again, her voice slightly slurred as she looked around, her eyes unfocused.

I exhaled sharply, already tired of repeating myself.

“She’s not here, Marina,” I said for what felt like the tenth time.

That had to be her friend—the same girl I’d seen her with the last time.

She abruptly stopped walking and pulled away from my hold, turning to face me. Her brows furrowed as she squinted up at me, as if trying to properly recognize my face.

“Wait… why are you here?” she asked, her tone suddenly suspicious.

I raised an eyebrow, unable to stop the scoff that escaped my lips. Her face was flushed a deep shade of red from the alcohol, and the confused expression she wore made her look almost ridiculous.

“This is a club, Marina,” I replied dryly. “Anyone can be here. Besides, this isn’t your first time seeing me in one.”

She nodded repeatedly, though it looked more like her head was struggling to stay upright.

“I know… but I didn’t know you go to other clubs apart from the one I met you in,” she said, pouting slightly like a child.

A smirk tugged at my lips.

“I go to almost every club.”

That seemed to amuse her for some reason, because she gave a soft laugh—only to stagger dangerously the next second.

I caught her immediately.

“I’m okay,” she mumbled, barely convincing.

“You’re okay?” I shot back. “You almost fell flat on your face.”

She didn’t respond, only leaned into me slightly, as if she didn’t trust her own balance anymore.

I sighed inwardly.

Why did I get myself into this?

I had simply intended to get her out of there for her own safety. That was it. Nothing more.

But now I was stuck with her, and I had no idea where to take her—or what to do next.

I hadn’t seen her friend anywhere inside the club either.

Great.

Just great.

“Marina!”

A voice suddenly called from behind us.

I turned, my eyes landing on a familiar figure rushing toward us. The girl looked slightly out of breath, her expression filled with worry.

That must be Vera.

“Marina, you’re here!” she said as she reached us, bending slightly as she tried to catch her breath.

“Vera,” Marina responded, her tone suddenly softer, almost relieved, as she moved toward her friend.

“I told you to stay where you were—that I’d be right back,” Vera said, her voice laced with concern. “When I returned, you were gone. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Marina blinked slowly, as if trying to piece things together.

“I’m sorry… he took me out here,” she said, pointing lazily in my direction.

I cleared my throat, straightening slightly.

“I had to,” I said calmly. “She was clearly drunk, and anything could have happened if she stayed in there alone.”

Vera looked at me properly now, recognition flickering in her eyes. It was obvious she didn’t expect to see me here—let alone helping Marina.

“Oh… okay,” she said after a brief pause. “Thank you.”

Her tone was polite, but there was a hint of surprise beneath it.

I simply nodded.

No need to make a big deal out of it.

“We should get going now,” she added, turning her attention back to Marina as she held her more firmly, ensuring she wouldn’t stumble again.

Marina didn’t protest. In fact, she seemed content enough to let her friend lead her away.

I stood there, watching them as they walked off, disappearing gradually into the dimly lit street.

A slow smirk spread across my face.

She had better show up early to work tomorrow—for her own sake.

I had intentionally dismissed her earlier today. Not because I was feeling generous—but because of the trouble she went through with Mr. Collins.

And what did she do with that free time?

She came to a club.

Of course she did.

A quiet chuckle escaped me as I ran a hand through my hair.

Unbelievable.

For someone who looked so composed most of the time.

There was something about her tonight.

Something different.

Maybe it was the vulnerability.

Maybe it was the way she called out for her friend like she actually needed someone.

Or maybe it was just the alcohol messing with my perception.

Either way, it wasn’t my problem.

I turned away, heading toward my car, the sound of my footsteps echoing faintly against the pavement.

This whole situation was unnecessary.

Complicated.

And completely avoidable.

Yet somehow, I still got involved.

I reached my car and unlocked it, pausing for a brief moment before getting in. My mind replayed the image of her flushed face, her unsteady steps, the way she leaned on me without hesitation.

I clicked my tongue softly.

She’s something else when drunk.

I got into the car and shut the door, the quiet interior immediately isolating me from the outside world.

I started the engine, the low hum grounding me back in reality.

Tomorrow was another workday.

And if Marina knew what was good for her, she would act like tonight never happened.

Because I certainly intended to.