Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

F elicity

The night hums with laughter and clinking glasses as I weave through the crowd, balancing a tray of cocktails. The low lights cast a cozy glow over the comedy club, making it feel almost safe. Almost. I glance over at Raj, who's in deep conversation with some regulars, his easy smile lighting up his face. He catches my eye and winks. A tiny flicker of warmth spreads through me.

But then the front door bangs open, and my heart drops into my stomach. It's him. Nathan. His tall, menacing frame fills the entrance, and the room's lively chatter seems to dull. His cold eyes scan the crowd with predatory precision until they land on me. I freeze, my breath catching, and the tray in my hands wobbles precariously, threatening to spill the cocktails.

"Felicity!" His voice slices through the chatter like a knife, freezing me in place.

My feet feel like they're glued to the spot, refusing to obey my frantic mind. Nathan strides over, pushing past patrons with a force that leaves them stumbling, his presence a dark wave crashing toward me. Every step he takes sucks the air from my lungs, the room seeming to close in around me. The crowd parts for him, their joyful conversations dying as they sense the menace radiating from him.

"You thought you could hide from me?" His hand clamps around my wrist, squeezing tight. I wince, feeling the familiar sting of his grip, a cruel reminder of why I ran. My heart pounds in my chest, and for a moment, the room blurs around me. Every instinct screams for me to pull away, but his hold is unyielding.

"Nathan, please," I whisper, my voice shaking, barely audible over the pounding in my ears.

Raj's laughter, once a comforting background melody, stops abruptly. In an instant, he's at my side, stepping between Nathan and me with a growl that seems almost inhuman. The air around him ripples with a primal energy, his warm brown eyes now flashing with a predatory intensity.

"Let her go." Raj's voice is low, dangerous, each word laced with a threat that makes my skin prickle.

Nathan sneers, tightening his grip. "This is none of your business."

Raj's jaw clenches, muscles taut under his skin. "It became my business the moment you touched her," he snarls, his fingers flexing as if resisting the urge to shift. The crowd, sensing the escalating tension, silently backs away, forming a wide circle around us.

Raj's eyes flash something wild and fierce. For a moment, I see something almost animalistic in his gaze. His muscles tense, and I can feel the protective energy radiating off him. Even in this crowded club, it's like the world narrows down to just the three of us. I know Raj won't back down.

Nathan yanks harder on my wrist, pulling me closer to him. Pain shoots up my arm, and I gasp. "You think you can protect her? She belongs to me."

A chair scrapes against the floor as someone stands up nearby. The tension crackles in the air, thick and heavy. I can feel Raj's anger radiating like a physical force radiating next to me.

"Felicity doesn't belong to anyone," Raj says through gritted teeth, his voice low and dangerous.

Fear clutches at my chest as Nathan's fingers dig into my skin, the pressure unbearable. Memories flood back with nights of shouting, bruises hidden under long sleeves, the feeling of being utterly trapped.

I look at Raj, pleading silently for help, my eyes wide with desperation. His gaze locks onto mine, and I see the fierce determination there, the promise of protection. It's like he's channeling some primal energy, his weretiger instincts on high alert. For the first time in a long while, a spark of hope ignites within me.

He takes a step forward, fists clenched at his sides. "Last chance: let her go."

Nathan's grip falters just enough for me to yank free and stumble back into Raj's solid chest. His arm wraps around me protectively, the warmth of his body grounding me. I can feel the tension radiating from him, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap. His eyes, now burning with a fierce intensity, never leave Nathan.

"Get out," Raj commands, voice vibrating with an authority that leaves no room for argument. The primal energy in his tone reminds me of the weretiger lurking just beneath his skin.

Nathan hesitates for a second, his eyes flickering between Raj and me. I can still feel the ghost of his grip on my arm, a chilling reminder of what just happened.

I sag against Raj, relief flooding through me even as my heart continues to pound in my chest. His arm tightens around me, and I can sense his protective instincts are still on high alert. The warmth of his body is a stark contrast to the icy fear that had gripped me moments ago.

I lean against Raj, trying to steady my racing heart. His arm around me feels like a lifeline. Nathan's imminent departure leaves a gaping silence in the club, and I can feel everyone's eyes on us. The room holds its collective breath, waiting for what happens next.

Raj glances down at me, a small, reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Hey, are you okay?" His voice is gentle, but there's an underlying tension I can't ignore. His warm brown eyes search mine, and I can feel the unspoken promise of protection beneath his calm demeanor. The way he holds me, so strong and sure, makes the fear from moments ago seem like a distant memory.

I nod, even though my legs still feel like jelly. "I think so," I whisper, my voice barely steady.

He turns back to the crowd, his demeanor shifting effortlessly from protective to playful. "Well, folks," he calls out, his voice carrying a hint of humor that seems to break the tension in the room. "That was a little more drama than you usually get with your drinks, huh?"

Laughter ripples through the crowd, hesitant at first but then growing stronger. Raj keeps talking, his tone light and easy.

"You know, it's not every day you get free entertainment with your cocktails. We might have to start charging extra for that kind of show!"

The audience laughs louder this time, and I can feel the tension easing away. Raj's hand remains on my shoulder, grounding me. His touch is warm and reassuring. I steal a glance up at him, marveling at how he can so seamlessly transition from being my steadfast protector to the charismatic comedian everyone adores. His ability to command the room, to make people feel at ease, is nothing short of magical.

As the laughter dies down, he gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping fully back into his role on stage. "Alright, let's get back to the reason you all came here tonight—some good ol' fashioned laughs!"

His voice is full of energy, and the crowd responds with enthusiastic applause. I can't help but smile, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.

"Now," he continues, looking over at Nathan with a raised eyebrow. "Let's give our friend here a proper send-off." He steps forward slightly, his body language relaxed but firm. "Buddy, how about we take this outside? No hard feelings, right?"

Nathan glares at him but doesn't move. Raj leans in closer, his voice dropping just enough for those nearby to catch.

"Look, man, it's clear you've had a rough night. Let's not make it worse for everyone here." His tone remains friendly, but carries an unmistakable edge that makes my skin tingle.

Nathan hesitates, his eyes darting between Raj and me. Finally, he backs down, throwing one last venomous glare in my direction before turning and stalking toward the exit. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Raj follows him partway, his presence commanding attention. As Nathan reaches the door, Raj calls out, "And remember, folks! The only drama we really want here is on stage!" He winks at the audience, and they erupt into cheers and applause.

I can't help but feel grateful for Raj's intervention. The way he handled Nathan with such effortless control fills me with admiration. It's strange to feel this way about someone I barely know, but there's something undeniably comforting about his presence.

With Nathan finally gone, Raj turns back to me, his expression softening. "You alright?" His voice is low now, meant only for me, the concern evident in his tone.

I nod again, this time with more certainty. "Yeah thanks to you," I manage, my voice steadier.

His smile widens?, and he gently brushes a strand of hair from my face. The touch is tender, almost reverent. "Anytime," he murmurs, his eyes locking onto mine, filled with unspoken promises and a depth that makes my heart flutter.

The club slowly returns to its normal buzz of conversation and laughter as Raj guides me over to a quieter corner by the bar. His hand never leaves my shoulder until we sit down, his touch grounding me in the present.

"I'm sorry about all that," I whisper, feeling a wave of embarrassment over the scene Nathan caused. My cheeks flush as I glance around, hoping no one else is paying attention.

Raj shakes his head dismissively, a small smile playing on his lips. "Don't be sorry." He leans in closer, his eyes warm and reassuring, their depth pulling me in. "You're safe now." His words are like a balm to my frayed nerves, and I can feel the sincerity in his voice.

And for the first time in a long while, I believe it might be true. Raj's presence, his unwavering support, and the way he looks at me with such protective intensity make my heart flutter. Maybe, just maybe, I can finally stop running from my past.