8

“Thanks, but we’re fine on our own today,” my friend replied, glaring at Danil.

“Yes, we won’t be long anyway,” I added, realizing. “We’re leaving soon.”

“Then maybe you’ll give me your number?” the brunette persisted, and I noticed Marina dramatically rolling her eyes as she sipped her cocktail.

“Alright,” I said without arguing, giving him my number, which he immediately wrote down.

“Just like that?” Marina snorted, before Danil even walked away. “You could’ve made him work for it a bit.”

“Stop spitting venom,” I scolded her, and the guy left with a smile. “You think you’re being mysterious when someone asks for your number?” I teased, and the blonde pouted.

“I’m looking out for you. And I don’t give my number to everyone,” she defended.

“Sure, but you greet every interested look with a friendly smile,” I snapped. “Some guys could take that as an invitation. And it’s not just the cute ones—there are total creeps, too. Watch out for trouble with those flirty eyes.”

“I’m not flirting with anyone!” Marina barked. “It’s not my fault people look at me, and I stand out.”

“Oh, look at you!” I waved my hands. “You’re our star. Some glances can be dangerous.”

“See! You ruined all the fun!” she huffed. “All because of some random jerk! I’m going home!”

The blonde fussed, gathering her things. I had nothing left to do there either, so I got ready to leave.

“You ruined the evening, not me,” I muttered softly. “Let’s go.”

Pushing through the dancing crowd wasn’t easy. Many were drunk, and as you pass the floor, they brush against you—or even manage to grope you briefly.

Outside, the air felt lighter and easier to breathe. A few groups were standing by the club, smoking and chatting.

We hadn’t gone far when two guys called out to us.

“Hey, ladies, let’s meet? Maybe you’ll give me your number, gorgeous?” one approached Marina, leering at her, while the other scanned me.

“I don’t give my number to just anyone,” my friend said proudly, lifting her chin toward me as if to say, “See? This is how it’s done! I’m untouchable! I told you!”

Before I could roll my eyes, the mood of the guys suddenly shifted.

“Hey, you little skank, you think you’re talking big?” snapped the one who asked for her number. I noticed he wasn’t exactly stable—dilated pupils, jerky, twitchy movements, constantly touching his nose in aggression. The second just stood there, enjoying the scene, blowing me a kiss with puckered lips.

“Look at her! Queen of the world! We’d beat bitches like her just for that disrespectful tone!”

“Guys, excuse our rudeness,” I tried to defuse the situation peacefully, sensing danger. “We didn’t mean to offend anyone, we’re just going home.”

“Yeah, like you’re going anywhere now,” the first creep stepped closer, and the second moved up as well. Suddenly, Marina and I sobered up instantly.

“Vicky, you in trouble?” I heard a faintly familiar voice and saw Danil approaching with a few guys.

“Hey, trust-fund kid, better back off. These chicks want to continue their evening with us.”

“I don’t think so,” Danil stepped closer, staring down the jerk defiantly.

I didn’t know how he reacted so fast—I hadn’t even expected a counterattack. But the jerk lunged at the brunette, and Dani dodged skillfully, landing a solid hit square on his nose. The second troublemaker tried to swing too, but Danil’s friends intercepted him with a quick punch to the ribs.

While the jerks groaned and cursed on the floor, Dani stepped closer and folded his arms across his chest.

“You guys are trouble,” the handsome guy philosophically remarked, flashing a charming smile. “Come on, we’ll get you to a taxi. Just in case. So… do I deserve your number now?” he teased Marina, who glared away, clearly unimpressed.

“Idiot!” I heard the blonde huff angrily as we got into the taxi after I thanked the guys.

“You could have said thanks,” I grumbled at my friend. “If it weren’t for them, who knows what would’ve happened.”

“I could’ve. But he’s an idiot.”

I just smiled wearily to myself. She’s impenetrable, impossible to convince, and even harder to make admit she’s wrong. Once again, I wondered why we were even friends—probably out of habit.

As for Dani… he’s great. You can tell he’s a good guy. With him around, it feels like a fortress—he’d have your back and take the hit himself. The perfect guy. I have a feeling this won’t be our last meeting.