Page 67 of Avenging Azalea

“Easy, we’re just looking to have a little fun,” one of the new guys said, but when I tried to back up, he wouldn’t let me.

“Don’t touch me,” I ordered, glaring at him. New guy looked like he was going to argue but removed his hand.

“Come on, guys, at least her friend looks like fun,” Jeff said, and they walked away.

Not that I wanted them to stay, but just like that, I’d been downgraded because I didn’t want to be groped or fucked in a club. That was as far as their thinking went. This was why I hated these places.

Our night out with the football players to take pictures for social media had been a completely different experience. The team had been respectful. Bars like this were filled with predators of all kinds. You could see it in their eyes if you paid attention. I knew exactly what vile men, like these obnoxious guys, expected from me.

Staying by the table, I sipped my drink and kept my eyes on Steph in case she needed me. Five minutes turned into ten and then twenty. I found myself looking around to see if I knew anyone else in this club. Not that I expected it to happen. This place was not our normal haunt, but Steph had heard amazing reviews, and the music was banging. Other than that…I wasn’t impressed.

Finishing off my mocktail, I pushed it away. Much to my dismay, Steph had procured fake IDs for us last year. I didn’t touch any alcohol, but she wanted to get into the ‘better’ clubs.

Sighing, I lifted my eyes to the dance floor but didn’t see Steph right away. My panic increased as I scanned the crowd. Stepping away from the table, I marched into the middle of the dance floor and looked for her silver dress. She wasn’t here. Standing on my toes, I checked the VIP area and the lounge…nothing.

Eyes darting around, I caught sight of the guy who had touched my back. He looked over his shoulder before disappearing under the sign that led to the men’s washroom. I began weaving my way through the throng while every instinct I had screamed at me to hurry.

“Excuse me. Sorry,” I said, pushing people as I went. Bursting through the crowd, I kept my head on a swivel as I marched toward the glowing sign. I gripped my small clutch tighter.

Fear trickled down my spine when I saw four of the six guys standing outside the bathroom. As soon as they spotted me, they smiled and moved to block the entrance.

“Get out of my way,” I growled.

“If you want to jump the line to fun, just say so,” Jeff said.

There was no hesitation as I brought my knee up into his crotch, and my fist connected with his jaw. He crumpled to the ground, groaning. I had Titus to thank for the self-defense classes. Dropping my clutch so it hung from my wrist, I swung it as hard as I could at the guy standing behind Jeff. He hadn’t been paying attention, and it caught him right in the face. His head slammed into the wall when I got him under the jaw, all while I screamed bloody murder.

The two remaining stepped back, their eyes wide.

“Get out of here!”

I faked a lunge toward them, and they held up their hands, practically jumping over their buddies to run. Two bouncers were jogging our way as I pushed on the men’s bathroom door, but it wouldn’t move. I slammed my body against it. The fear for Steph and what was happening in there sent my mind spiraling.

“Kick these two out of here,” the first bouncer ordered, pointing at the two stunned guys just getting up.

I continued beating at the door and cursing.

“Out of the way,” the bouncer said as he lifted his boot and kicked out. The door slammed open, and he ran inside with me right behind him.

Chet and his buddy had been too busy fighting with Steph to notice us. She was struggling against both of them when the bouncer grabbed the other guy and threw him out into the hall like a bag of garbage. Chet looked up, and his eyes went wide when I screamed and swung my unassuming weapon at his Adam’s Apple. He doubled over, clutching his throat and gasping for breath.

“Nice shot,” the bouncer said before grabbing Chet.

I held onto Steph as she sank to the disgusting floor, dragging us both down. Her head lolled to the side, and I noticed the stoned look in her eyes. I softly smacked her face.

“Steph? Steph?”

“Fwwaan,” she slurred.

“Is she okay?”

“They drugged her. She only had one alcoholic drink.”

“Here, let me take her. My name is Oliver,” the bouncer said.

He gently picked Steph up, cradling her in his arms. I followed him out of the bathroom and down the hall to a small office. Oliver walked in and laid Steph on a couch. It was only when I sat beside her and grabbed her hand that I realized mine was shaking.

“Do you want me to call an ambulance,” Oliver asked.