-Twisted Desire-
Soft jazz floated through the air, blending with the clinking of crystal glasses and the hushed conversations of the guests inside the luxurious lounge. Dim lights mingled with the scent of fine wine and the exclusive perfumes worn by the patrons.
Reina stood behind the bar, her hands deftly mixing and pouring wine into a glass. Tonight felt no different from any other night—or at least, that's what she thought.
This lounge was no ordinary place. Only people of high social standing could set foot here. Politicians, businessmen, celebrities—they all came. Every night, Reina watched them arrive in expensive clothes, elegant masks, carrying countless hidden secrets.
But tonight felt different for her.
A new VIP guest entered the room.
His footsteps were steady, his presence so commanding that those nearby instinctively stepped aside to give way.
From behind the bar, Reina observed the figure—a face she had never seen in all her time working here.
"Hmh... Looks like we've got ourselves a new VIP," she muttered under her breath.
The guest was tall, clad in a perfectly tailored black suit. His hair was jet-black, neatly cut with a few strands falling loosely across his forehead, giving him a casually elegant look. His eyes were sharp, as if they could pierce through the thoughts of anyone he laid them on.
But what drew Reina's attention the most was his perfectly sculpted face—a striking balance of masculine and feminine features—and his expression: calm, almost emotionless, yet carrying something beneath the surface. Something deep.
"Who is he..? Definitely not an ordinary person..." Reina whispered to Leon, the senior bartender beside her.
Leon cast a quick glance before grinning. "Oh, you haven't seen him before? That's Ryuu Lancaster. A major investor in this lounge. One of our most exclusive VIP clients."
Reina furrowed her brows. "Investor? Why am I only seeing him now?"
"He's not just a customer. He's the reason this place is still running. Doesn't show up often—last I heard, he was overseas on business." Leon explained while drying a glass.
"Old money type, but doesn't like the spotlight. Prefers to stay behind the scenes," he added.
Reina's eyes returned to Ryuu, who was now seated at the VIP table. Several people approached him, either making small talk or seeking business opportunities.
But Ryuu responded only briefly, spending more time scanning the room with a relaxed yet vigilant demeanor. It was hard to guess what he was thinking.
"I should go over there," Reina said, gathering her courage as she picked up the tray of drinks Ryuu had ordered.
Leon gave her shoulder a light pat. "Careful, Rei. He may look calm, but he's not someone you want to take lightly."
Reina swallowed hard, nodded, then made her way toward Ryuu's table. When she arrived, Ryuu raised his face, looking straight at her. Instantly, Reina's heartbeat quickened, intimidated by his gaze.
"Is this my drink?" Ryuu asked, his voice deep and smooth, carrying an authoritative edge Reina found impossible to ignore.
Reina steadied herself and placed the glass in front of him. "Yes, this is what you ordered, Sir. I hope you enjoy it."
She hesitated—unsure whether to address Ryuu as Madam or Sir. His features were both strikingly handsome and subtly beautiful, leaving her confused.
Hmh... Is he a man... or a woman, really? she thought.
Leon rubbed his forehead as he overheard snippets of their exchange.
Ryuu picked up the glass, swirled it briefly in his hand, then took a sip. And for the first time, a faint smile touched his lips.
"New here?" he asked, his tone casual yet carrying something unspoken beneath it.
Reina nodded. "Ah, yes. I've been working here for a few weeks."
"Hm." Ryuu nodded, studying her appearance for a moment before sipping his drink again. "That explains why I haven't seen you before."
Reina nodded again, unsure how to respond. Something about the way Ryuu spoke made her nervous.
And then, out of nowhere—
A drunk man sitting not far from Ryuu's table stood and staggered toward them, roughly grabbing Reina's arm.
"Hey, sweetheart, why don't you sit with me instead?" he slurred, his drunken breath reeking of alcohol and making Reina nauseous.
"Ugh, what the hell?!" Reina snapped in irritation.
She tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. A few guests started watching the commotion, though none stepped in to help. Some even looked entertained.
THUD
Without warning, Ryuu set his glass down with a quiet but deliberate thump. His gaze shifted instantly.
"She's working," he said flatly, his calm tone carrying a chilling edge.
"Let her go."
The drunk turned, clearly oblivious to who he was dealing with. "And what if I don't? Hah, who the hell are you to boss me around?" he sneered, laughing loudly.
Ryuu sighed and rose to his feet. Though he wasn't much taller than the drunk, the aura he exuded was suffocatingly intimidating. The man instinctively stepped back half a pace.
"If you refuse, I'll make sure this is the last time you ever set foot in here," Ryuu warned, his voice still calm but laced with a veiled threat, his eyes sharp and unyielding.
Seconds passed before the drunk muttered curses under his breath, reluctantly releasing Reina's arm before storming off.
Reina exhaled in relief, rubbing her reddened wrist as she turned to Ryuu. "Huh, thank you, Sir..."
Ryuu glanced at her briefly before sitting back down. "Don't be weak around people like that."
Reina gave a small smile and nodded. But inside, she knew one thing: tonight, she had just met someone far from ordinary—someone who, strangely enough, seemed to care for her.
And perhaps, someone who would change her life.