Cathy turned and spotted Shanazer across the hallway. Just as she opened her mouth, another voice jumped in—loud and snide.
"She's actually an escort now? Wow. No shame at all," Bianca hissed.
Laughter rippled through Cathy's group, sharp and bitter. A few classmates nearby paused mid-step, drawn by the drama.
Cathy's eyes narrowed, her voice icy. "So pathetic. Like, seriously. Shameless." Her crew burst out laughing, the sound rough and echoing off the tiled walls like stones skipping on water.
Xander heard every word. The venom in it crawled under his skin.
These people… so full of themselves, he thought, jaw tightening. Ugly hearts wrapped in pretty faces. I can't stand this kind of superiority complex.
He didn't think—his body moved.
Shanazer noticed and followed quickly, pulse racing. Xander's steps were heavy, each one snapping tension into the air. Fear gripped her chest. She scratched her arms without realizing, her nails carving tiny lines into her skin. Her thoughts swirled: Is he going to start a fight? Should I pull him back? No—just let it unfold.
Xander stopped—close. Inches from Cathy. Too close. Her breath caught.
She stumbled two steps back, her sneakers screeching softly against the floor. The air around him felt heavier than gravity. Cathy couldn't tell if it was the power of his presence or his sharp-cut body that made her lungs forget how to breathe.
His voice was quiet. Dangerous.
"What did you say?"
Cathy's mind short-circuited. Her tongue fumbled, her thoughts racing. Is this a joke? Why does he look like he just stepped out of a movie scene? She managed, "I—I didn't say anything…"
His bloodshot eyes locked on hers. They weren't wild—they were focused. That made them scarier.
Her crew had drifted behind her, and they were silent now. Staring.
Shanazer saw the shift. The fear in Cathy's stiff shoulders. It flickered something deep inside her—a small satisfaction. She stepped forward, voice soft and controlled.
"Xander… let's go. It's not worth it."
Her tone was like cold rain on fire. It cooled him instantly.
He glanced at her, then back at Cathy. "Don't ever talk about her like that again. Got it?"
No shouting. Just weight. Everyone nodded. Even Cathy.
As they walked off hand in hand, Cathy exhaled sharply, knees weak. That… was terrifying. But thrilling. He's everything I imagined—but for her? Really?
She stared at the car disappearing into the distance, wind tugging at her jacket. A chill raced down her spine. Is he her boyfriend? Or just some guy she hired? No… she wouldn't afford that. Her thoughts tangled fast, messy and loud. I need to know more. I need to be close to him. Somehow.
Back in the passenger seat, Shanazer curled her fingers into Xander's palm. A quiet smile played on her lips.
For once, someone had stood beside her. And it wasn't just comforting—it was powerful.
On the drive back, the car hummed quietly beneath them. The city lights blurred past, broken by Xander's thoughts.
"How do you know those girls?" he asked, voice low, eyes still fixed ahead.
Shanazer raised her brows, glancing sideways. "We go to the same university. They're my classmates."
Xander gave a short nod, lips pressed tight. "Hmm. I see." Then silence. The kind that sinks into your skin like cold mist.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into Sensation Blue Hotel. The lobby lights cast gold shadows on the polished floors. Shanazer headed straight to the server room.
For the next hour and a half, she worked steadily. The hum of machines, soft clicks, and her own quiet breathing filled the space. Miss Emily Granger offered light help before stepping out, humming a cheerful tune as she wandered back in. Her voice echoed into the hallway.
She paused at the doorway. "You're done already?"
Shanazer gestured toward the monitors. "See for yourself."
Emily leaned forward, inspecting the feeds. Cameras flickered to life, sharp and clean. Her eyes sparkled. "Great job, Miss Athens."
"Just Shanazer," she corrected gently.
Emily grinned and pulled out her phone. Her fingers flew across the screen as she dialed.
Three rings. Then a click. "Yes, Emily?" came the firm voice on the other end.
"Mum, the cameras and NVR system are working perfectly."
There was a pause. "Has she done a good job?"
"Absolutely."
"Wait for me. I'm coming now."
Three minutes later, heels echoed through the corridor. Mrs. Blake entered with the grace of someone used to control. She examined the screens, her gaze sweeping from wire to monitor. Then she turned to Shanazer.
"Everything back to normal?" Her voice was clipped, her eyes steady.
"Yes, Mum," Emily answered quickly.
Mrs. Blake locked eyes with Shanazer. "Great work, Miss Athens. How much?"
The question struck a chord. Shanazer hesitated. Two thousand would help me breathe. But is that too bold? She weighed her options fast.
"Two thousand coins," she said, keeping her voice calm.
Mrs. Blake's stare didn't waver. "I'll pay you seventeen hundred. Come back tomorrow. You'll work with Olivia and Levy."
It was firm. No room for haggling. Still, it was fair.
"Thank you, Mum. I appreciate the opportunity," Shanazer said.
"Pass through the accounts office," Mrs. Blake added, turning away.
Seventeen hundred coins. That number replayed in her head as she stepped out. Her steps felt light. Her body buzzed with quiet pride.
Emily met her outside. "You're not going just yet. Food's waiting in the restaurant."
A warm plate later and a belly full, Shanazer walked alone beneath streetlights. Her shadow followed closely, stretched and slim across the pavement. The wind whispered through trees, cool and clean. She was already planning what to do with the money.
Ahead, the street dipped into silence. Olivia was still back at the hotel—Shanazer assumed she'd work till dawn.
Jogging now, to keep alert, her rhythm broke at the sound of a voice. Low. Raspy.
"Hey… aren't you scared walking at this hour?"
She skidded to a halt. Her heart thudded once. Then twice.
A woman with a weathered voice stepped out from the shadows. Behind her, seven men and two other women emerged slowly—faces hard, movements loose like predators not yet hungry.
The air dropped in temperature. Her stomach twisted. Damn. No. Not tonight.
Her fists curled without thinking, breath locked in her chest.