That night, Anna suddenly perked up again, her earlier mood forgotten. "Hey Ella, wanna go out tonight?"
"Okay, why not," Ella said, smiling softly. She could never say no to Anna when she was this excited.
"Great! I'll call Lindsey—she'll know the best clubs."
Anna dialed quickly. "Hey, Lind, wanna hit a club? It's Saturday night."
On the other end, Lindsey laughed. "Perfect timing. Meet me at E's Night. It's new, just opened today. Drinks are free—trust me, it'll be fun."
The three girls met up and stepped into E's Night. Neon lights bathed the club in electric colors, and heavy bass vibrated through the floor. The air smelled of alcohol, perfume, and smoke.
Anna and Lindsey ordered light liquor, but Ella stuck to orange juice, quietly sipping while her friends laughed.
"You girls missed the charming boy's speech," a girl at the bar leaned over.
"Oh? And who's that?" Anna asked.
"The owner. He was just here, gave a whole intro about the club. Handsome guy too. Drinks are free tonight!" she squealed.
"Well, our little one here already has someone she likes," Lindsey teased, nudging Ella.
Ella flushed, glaring. "Lindsey…"
"Oh, please," the other girl grinned. "I bet the owner's more handsome than any crush you've had."
Ella's eyes narrowed, making both girls laugh harder.
"Someone's mad, heheh," Lindsey teased.
---
The fun didn't last long. A group of men swaggered over, drunk and loud. One leaned down into Ella's space, his breath heavy with alcohol.
"Hey cutie, wanna drink with me?" he asked, his face far too close.
Before Ella could answer, Anna shoved him back hard. "We're not interested in idiots like you."
The man's grin twisted into a snarl. "Who are you calling an idiot, you whore?"
Anna's patience snapped. She grabbed a beer bottle and smashed it across his head. He crumpled, blood spilling down his face.
Chaos erupted. Ella froze in fear, trembling as her orange juice nearly slipped from her hands. Lindsey jumped in without hesitation, swinging bottles, taking on two men at once. Anna fought like a storm, but there were too many.
One of the guys grabbed Ella, yanking her arm and pressing a knife against her neck.
"Hey, bitches," he growled, glaring at Anna and Lindsey. "Step back, or I'll carve some scars into this pretty face."
Anna and Lindsey froze, rage and helplessness flashing in their eyes.
Ella's breath came in shaky gasps, fear locking her in place.
And then—
"Who the fuck do you think you are, dickface?"
The voice cut through the music and chaos like a blade. Familiar. Deep.
Ella's eyes widened.
The man holding her turned sharply. "Who the hell dares call me that?"
"It's me, dipshit."
From the edge of the crowd, Elliot walked forward, smoke curling lazily from the cigarette between his fingers. One hand in his pocket, his dark eyes glinting under the neon lights.
And behind him, five suited bodyguards followed like shadows, their presence radiating cold, dangerous power.