Lara spent the whole night with her team, celebrating the new deal over dinner and drinks. Laughter filled the restaurant—loud toasts, clinking glasses, a few off-key karaoke songs. By midnight, most of the team was either singing, swaying, or passed out in their chairs.
Lara paid the bill, made sure everyone had a ride home, then hugged each of them goodbye.
"You guys did great. Get some rest—we've got a lot ahead," she said.
Finally, she turned to Daisy, who was leaning against the wall, grinning like an idiot, clearly too drunk to walk straight.
"Alright, party girl," Lara sighed, slipping Daisy's arm over her shoulder. "Let's get you home."
They stumbled out onto the quiet street, the night air cool against their flushed faces. Lara tried flagging down a cab, dragging Daisy along.
Out of nowhere, a car screeched to a stop right in front of them. Before the tinted window could even roll down, a man staggered out of a nearby alley—unshaven, reeking of alcohol.
"Hey, pretty," he slurred, eyes locked on Lara. "Why don't we have a little fun, huh?"
Lara's voice stayed calm, but sharp. "No, thank you. Please leave us alone."
"Come on, don't be like that," he said, taking another step closer.
"Hey," Daisy slurred loudly, wobbling on her feet. "You're ugly as hell. Go away!"
The man's face twisted. "What did you just call me?!" He lunged toward Daisy, fists clenched.
Before Lara could react, the car door slammed open.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out. His presence alone was enough to stop the moment cold. His voice was low, flat, and dangerous.
"Step back."
The drunk froze. Two more men stepped out of the car behind him—bodyguards—and that was enough. The aggressor turned and bolted down the street without a word.
The tall man's gaze shifted from the empty alley to Lara and Daisy. The streetlight caught his face just enough for Lara to recognize him.
Mr. Rain.
"If you don't mind," he said evenly, "I can help you get home."
Lara froze. The last thing she wanted was to accept a ride from her client.
Before she could refuse, Daisy pinched her side and leaned in, whispering far too loudly, "He's super-duper handsome. Let's go. If you don't want him, I'll take him. Come on…!"
Rain definitely heard that. The corner of his mouth twitched, a smile slipping through despite himself.
"I see your friend's already decided," he said lightly, moving around to open the car door.
"So… are we going?"