Chapter 8 - The club misunderstanding

By the time Alex was racing toward the club, Luna had already downed over ten bottles of alcohol. Her head felt light, her body heavy, and the world spun in dizzy circles.Across the room, Nick — the owner of the club — noticed her.Nick was everything people talked about in whispers: rich, handsome, charming. But unlike the rumors that swirled in places like his, he wasn't a playboy. He enjoyed company, laughter, and life, but romance? He'd given up on that after his own heart had been betrayed.Tonight, however, something about the girl in the corner caught his attention.He checked on her more than once. She didn't seem to notice him — or anyone — just kept ordering drink after drink. When she asked for her twentieth bottle, Nick's concern deepened. Two or three men at a nearby table were eyeing her with a look he didn't like.He walked over, half-tipsy himself, but nowhere near Luna's level of intoxication. His voice was soft, wavy with the haze of alcohol, but not threatening."Hey," he said, leaning an arm casually along the backrest behind her. "Why are you drinking so much? Bad day?"Luna didn't answer with words. Just a soft, "Mm-hmm… oh… hmm…" between slow sips, her focus somewhere far away.Nick kept talking — not flirting, not pushing, just trying to keep her safe. His eyes flicked toward the men who were watching her. If nothing else, he'd make sure no one tried anything.And then Alex arrived.The moment he stepped into the smoky haze of the club, he started coughing. He wasn't used to the stench of cigarettes and liquor. His eyes darted across the crowd, scanning every face, every table — until they landed on Luna.And next to her… Nick.From Alex's angle, all he saw was Nick's arm stretched behind Luna and her head lowered. To him, it looked like Nick was trying to take advantage. His blood boiled instantly.He strode forward, his voice sharp. "Luna!"Nick straightened, frowning. "Who are you? Don't touch her." His tone was firm, almost protective.Alex ignored him and reached for Luna's arm. Nick stepped in, grabbing her other arm."She's not going anywhere with you," Nick said."She's my responsibility," Alex shot back."Oh yeah? I found her here, alone, surrounded by creeps. I'm not letting some random guy—""Random guy? I know her. I care about her. I—"The two men stared at each other, Luna's limp form caught between them. She blinked slowly, trying to process the tug-of-war."You're drunk," Alex said flatly."You're uptight," Nick replied, smirking. "Besides, she said she wanted to stay with me."Indeed, Luna suddenly mumbled, "Nick's my friend. I'll stay with Nick… who are you anyway?"Alex's jaw tightened. He turned to Nick and said something that shocked them both:"She's my girl. She's drunk, and I'm taking her home."Luna let out a small, tipsy laugh — half blush, half disbelief — but she was too far gone to argue.Without another word, Alex scooped her into his arms, bridal-style. "Stay away from her," he told Nick.Nick studied him for a moment, then nodded. "If she's your girl… take care of her."Alex carried Luna out into the cool night air. Her heels dangled from his free hand as she rested against his shoulder, muttering nonsense."Do you know… water is a liquid?" she slurred."Yes," Alex said dryly."And glass… glass is a liquid too, you know? Like, a… frozen liquid. Shh, don't tell anyone.""Uh-huh.""And… and… do you know dogs… they're just cats… with… more woof?"Alex shook his head, fighting a smile.It was late — nearly midnight — and her house was too far. "We're not going all the way home," he told her. "I have an apartment nearby. Walking distance."He parked his BMW at the curb and continued on foot, still carrying her. The streets were quiet, lit only by soft pools of lamplight.Luna rambled on about invisible fish, flying chairs, and how stars were just "sky sprinkles."Finally, they reached the apartment building. Alex shifted her weight, fished for the keys, and pushed the door open.Whatever happened next… was about to change everything.