Chapter 3 A Dance With Danger

Ríona had never set foot in a bar before. To her, bars meant deafening music and obnoxious drunk people, the last place she wanted to be. But, the ambiance inside could hardly be labeled as stereotype of bar; it was eerily hushed, with only the gentle hum of classical music and the discreet shuffle of waiters crossing paths breaking the stillness. Seated in pairs on a lengthy sofa in the heart of the room, a handful of patrons engaged in playful banter and intimate moments, a scene that left Ríona feel a bit queasy.

The interior, predominantly cloaked in deep black tones punctuated by the soft glow of dim red lights, cast an intimate atmosphere that, to Ríona's surprise, carried an unsettling edge. The hallway stretched ominously before her, flanked by closed doors that seemed to guard secrets of their own. Her navigational skills left much to be desired, evident in the perplexed furrow of her brow and the hesitant shuffle of her steps.

Lost in her thoughts and focused on her destination, Ríona inadvertently collided with a drunken man, just when she thought she could slip away, the guy's wobbly body blocked her path, his gaze turning creepier by the second.

“What’s a pretty little thing like you doing in a place like this?”

Ríona tensed, “Looking for someone who’s not you,” she snapped, trying to sidestep him.

But the man blocked her path, his grin widening. “Feisty. I like that.”

Her jaw tightened. “Look, I’m not interested, so move.”

Instead of backing off, the man grabbed her wrist, his grip rough and unrelenting. “Oh, don’t be like that, sweetheart. We could have some fun.”

Ríona’s eyes flashed with anger. “Fun? If you want to touch me, you’d better have enough money to buy a conscience.” She twisted her wrist, trying to pull free, but his grip only tightened.

“You dare talk to me like that?” he snarled, his drunken bravado flaring into rage.

“You dare to talk to me like that?” Ríona said, crossing her arms. “Listen, I don’t deal with broke losers. So unless you’re planning to pay me for the privilege, don’t even think about laying a finger on me.”

"This bitch...," he muttered, his anger simmering dangerously close to boiling over.

"Excuse me?"

But before he could act, Ríona sprung into action. With a lightning-quick kick to his leg and a resounding slap across his cheek, she silenced him, his cries of pain echoing through the hallway alongside his curses.

In the chaos of the night's climax, fueled by his ego and rage, the perverted man's fingers clamped onto Ríona's arm with an iron grip, dragging her forcefully towards him. His sudden action sent a jolt of fear as she felt herself being pulled closer, her struggles only serving to tighten his hold.

"Get away, you idiot!" Ríona yelled, struggling against his hold, her heart racing with fear. But the man only laughed, his grip unyielding. Panic surged through Ríona as she fought to break free, her mind racing for an escape.

“Let her go.”

Suddenly, a commanding voice sliced through the tension, drawing their attention to a tall figure behind them. Ríona remained rooted to the spot as the imposing figure took a step closer, his presence commanding and magnetic. As if by some enchantment, she found herself unable to move, her eyes drawn to the striking features of the man now standing before her, clearer in view than ever before.

The closer he got, the more she could appreciate the flawless symmetry of his face. His thick eyebrows were carved in perfect harmony, giving him an intense, brooding look. His tall nose had a sharp, defined tip, and his full, heart-shaped lips added a touch of softness to his otherwise stern visage. His firm jawline framed his face with strength and elegance, while his semi-long hair, slightly wet and tousled from the rain, gave him a rugged, almost ethereal charm.

Ríona held her breath, captivated and anxious. The sheer perfection of his appearance was almost overwhelming, making her feel a mix of awe and fear. It wasn't just his looks that intimidated her; it was the aura of authority he exuded. She hadn’t felt this vulnerable in a long time, and the sensation was both unsettling and humbling.

“What are you doing here, Princess?”

A fear rarely seen in her except when it came to one person; Her husband.

Kael Aokuro Édienne.

The man froze, his grip faltering as he turned to face Kael. For a moment, the drunken bravado wavered, replaced by a flicker of fear. Kael didn’t move, didn’t raise his voice, yet his presence alone was enough to make the air heavier.

Kael watched as Ríona’s breath hitched the moment he stepped closer. Her wide eyes stayed locked onto him, her guarded composure fracturing just enough for him to notice. He had seen that look before—captivated, uncertain, caught between awe and wariness. She looked vulnerable in a way that made something shift inside him, an unsettling mix of intrigue and restraint.

“What are you doing here, Princess?” his voice was quite but lethal.

She hesitated, her lips parting as if to respond, but the words didn’t come.

“S-Sir…!” the man stammered, panic lacing his voice. “That–that bitch was flirting with me first!”

"That bastard.” Ríona scoffed inwardly, struggling to contain her rising emotions. She had no desire to be caught up in a petty squabbles.

The words barely left his mouth before Kael moved. In a blur, his hand shot out, seizing the man’s collar in an iron grip. With effortless strength, he slammed him against the wall. The impact was brutal—air whooshed from the man’s lungs as his head cracked against the surface.

Kael leaned in, his voice a low, deadly whisper. “Say that again,” he murmured, his tone razor-sharp, “and I’ll make sure you never speak another word.” His fingers tightened, cutting off what little breath the man had left. His fury burned cold, simmering just beneath the surface, but his restraint only made it more terrifying.

He choked, his body trembling violently. Kael didn’t blink. Didn’t move. The silence stretched, suffocating, before he finally loosened his grip just enough for the man to stumble back.

“Apologize now.”