Desire

Mia's POV

I'm at the bar now with my friends, soaking in the fun while I can. I need to make the most of these carefree days before work starts stressing me out again over this annoying light sheet of beriberi.

"Mia, isn't that Damian?" Kate suddenly exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Huh? Where?" I squinted, trying to find him.

"Over there! He just walked in with his cousins," she said, pointing toward the entrance with a grin.

"Girl! I can't see anything; I didn't bring my glasses!" I replied, pouting.

"Ay, hahahaha! Why didn't you wear your contact lenses again? What's the point of having them if you're not going to use them?" she teased, clearly enjoying my struggle.

"I just don't know how to put them in. It's always a disaster," I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Well, that's on you; you're going to miss seeing Damian. What a shame! He looks even cuter in person," she said with a playful wink.

"Oh my gosh, Elise is already all over Damian!" Kate exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So what? It's not like I'm into him or anything," I replied, trying to play it cool.

"Are you not jealous at all?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Do I even have the right to be jealous? He's not my boyfriend," I shot back, taking a sip of my drink to hide my mixed feelings.

"Come on, Mia! You know you have a crush on him. Just admit it!" she said, nudging me with her elbow.

"Okay, fine! Maybe I think he's hot, but it's not like he's even noticed me," I said, rolling my eyes, though a part of me secretly wished he would.

As we laughed and bantered, I couldn't help but glance over at Damian and his group. He seemed to be having a great time, and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be in his orbit, even just for a night.

I was lost in my thoughts when Kate told me she was heading to meet up with Damian because her boyfriend, Lorenzo, would be there. I couldn't help but wish I had a boyfriend too-just kidding! I'm fine waiting for the right one.

So, I decided to drink a bit more until I felt tipsy. I knew Kate would keep an eye on me, always looking out for her friends. If it got too late, I could just call my cousin John to pick me up, and I could crash at their place.

As the night went on and the drinks kept flowing, I slowly started to feel the effects. My vision was getting a bit blurry from all the alcohol, and I could feel a warm buzz spreading through me. But when I'm tipsy, I usually feel a surge of confidence. I stood up to leave, thinking it was time to call it a night, but then someone pulled me back to dance.

With no way out, I found myself laughing and letting loose on the dance floor, surrounded by friends. The music was infectious, and for a moment, all my worries faded away. Who knew that a night out could be so liberating?

While dancing, someone grabbed my waist and butt. I pushed them away and yelled, "What the hell!" I shouted, even though my vision was blurry. But even though I was drunk, I still knew what I was doing.

"Miss, you're so dramatic. You were just going with the flow earlier, so I thought you liked me," he retorted with a smirk.

I just laughed at what he said. What an asshole. "Are you stupid? Of course I'd go with you because you said we were going to dance, and now you're assuming I like you? Hahah, in your dreams!"

"You don't want to? I was the one who approached you first. I know you want me too."

"Hell no! I'd rather die!" I told him and turned away.

"Hey, wait, we're not done yet." He grabbed my wrist to stop me from leaving.

"Let me go!!" I shouted, and people around me started to look.

"Miss, stop making a scene and just come with me." he said.

"Damn, you're so stupid. I've been telling you I'm not going, what don't you understand?" I angrily told him.

He didn't say anything else and dragged me out. I was shouting because I couldn't break free from his grip, hoping someone would help me.

But before we reached the door, the man pulling me suddenly stopped. While he was stopped, I tried to break free but he tightened his grip even more, causing me to scream in pain because my wrist hurt so much.

"Let me go, please, my wrist hurts so much!" I said, almost crying because of the pain. I know it sounds exaggerated, but it's true.

He just groaned and carried me on his shoulder wherever he was taking me. Damn it, where is this guy taking me? Damn it!

"What the hell! Put me down! I don't know you! Guys, help me, please, I don't know him!" I pleaded for help from the people around me. This continued until we reached the car.

Once we were in the car, I didn't stop making a scene, just to get help. But it didn't last long because I was so tired and had no more energy to shout or fight back.

Lord, I'm leaving this to you. I know I have a bad temper, but Lord, I don't do anything bad like kill a person, please Lord. I just prayed. And I didn't realize I had fallen asleep.

When I finally stirred awake, I found myself on a couch, the faint smell of something familiar filling the air. My head was pounding, and the last thing I remembered was being carried. Panic surged through me as I bolted upright, glancing around the room.

Damian appeared from the kitchen, a glass of water in hand. "You're awake," he said, his voice surprisingly calm.

"What did you do to me? Where am I?" I stammered, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Relax, Mia. You were out cold. I brought you here because you were too drunk to get home," he explained, his eyes steady but concerned.

I rubbed my temples, memories flooding back. "I didn't mean to-"

"I know," he interrupted gently. "You were just having a rough night. I didn't want to leave you alone."

As my heart settled, I realized he wasn't a threat. But the weight of my vulnerability pressed down on me. "So, what now?"

"Just take it easy," he said, handing me the water. "You can crash here tonight. I'll make sure you get home in the morning."

I nodded, still unsure but grateful. Despite my initial panic, something about his presence felt oddly comforting. As I sipped the water, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe this night would lead to something unexpected.