soothing embrace providing a respite from the maelstrom raging within me. I sank onto a stool at

e expression, gave me a knowing nod. "Rough day?"

ing with effort. "Well…You could say th

quid glinting in the faint glow of the bar lights. I placed my quivering fingers

ming liquid burning a trail down my throat. With each gulp, I felt the wei

myself another glass, closed my eyes and took another gulp, hoping the liquor w

nding. "You're not the only one who's sought refuge in this bar," he remarked softly. "Som

wisdom. "It's just... everything feels like it's falli

of throwing surprises when we least expect it!" he said. "But

ng a little lighter with the bartender's reassurance.

d. "Anytime," he said, before movi

k in my glass, the alcohol blurrin

aint glow of the lights. Damian. He exuded a magnetic aura that drew me in, an

lurred from the drink. "Hiya!," I said, my words full of enthusiasm. I

and a lovely smile. "Of course," he said, indicating towar

y heart beating with fear as she tried to catch her breat

tone tinged with curiosity. "That'

hy smile gracing my lips. "Thank you," I replied, feelin

e his hand in greeting. "It's a

u know," I whispered, my breath warm against his ear, "I've always beli

ts of the alcohol. "Is that so?" he replied, his voice tinged

es sparkling with mischief. "I think fate wants us to... to ha

in Damian's hair as I pulled him closer. Our lips met in a dizzying

ced by a raw hunger that burned deep within us. I lost herself in Damia

rred as I gazed into his eyes with a playful glint. "Yo

ng into a crooked smile. "A room?" he repeated, his v

I replied, my words tumbling out in a rush. "I mean, why not, right? We're bo

y cheek. "I couldn't agree more," he said, his voice low and

nticipation as I led him out of the pub and into the night, our la

ext m

the room as I awoke from my restless sleep. My head swelled with the aftereffects of

y voice barely audible. I ran a trembling hand through my tousled hair, th

efused. "You've made a mess of things, Seraphina," I told myself, my words tainted with sel

ills, totaling a hundred and fifty dollars. Placing the money on the bedside table, I paused, my heart heavy with conflic

d and shaky. I gave Damian one more glimpse, his form ser

ut the lure of freedom was too powerful to resist, and with a shaky hand,

difficult to wake. He stretched out automatically, expecting to find me beside

s voice full of disappointment. He massaged his eyes, attempting to shake

and note. With a scoff, he reached for the bills, his fingers

, the sight of a paltry sum such as a hundred and fifty dollars held little significance. It wa

ing a word? The questions raced through his th

at he could be bought for a handful of bucks. How dare I

ng over the keys as he phoned a known number. As soon as the phon

with!" he demanded, his voice taut with ba

Damian was one of the city's wealthiest men, an