the ashtray with a sharp flick, the fain

raped over the back of the chair. His two bodyguards remained at atten

his steps deliberate and steady as he made hi

by the door of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail. The drive

ly moved to the front seat while the bodyguards climbed into the vehicles following the Rolls-Royc

in less than an hour. Our men are already

oice firm and resolute. "Let

ror. "Are you sure about this? Do you really want to risk

" Jaxon answered, his tone calm but unwavering. "Don

ut

ted, his voice firm. "If things go south, call me

s briefcase, pulling out a small, worn photograph. The picture showed a young girl, beaming with a wide smil

It had become something of a ritual for him-before any important meeting or tran

ite being told she was dead, and even visiting her grave, something about the story didn't sit right with him. He

in that he would never find peace until

out the tinted window, spotting the large bar sig

is face, then shrugged off his suit jacket, leaving him in just his white,

nd stepped out. He made his way toward the bar, hands b

walked in. The bar was alive with chatter, laughter, da

far from the noise, especially given his reputation. He could already imagine the chaos

keep a lo

wered, and sat down, scanning the r

dered quietly, keeping hi

n suddenly stumbled into him, spil

er glass on the counter. "I'm so sorry," she muttered, fra

pocket. He avoided looking up, keeping his face low to prevent being

k on the counter. Jaxon picked it up and stood, his tone curt as he add

ly her piercing blue eyes visible. She tilted her head slightly, locking eyes with

ed. Why was she crying? Surely

g her head. "I... I hate myself." Isla's voice cra

ntly hoping to avoid any further involvement. This was

here for over an hour, muttering about a wedding dress or something. I think she ju

nt to get dragged into her personal mess, but she was right in f

pulling the chair behind her closer

cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she reached for her glass of whi

t think that's a good idea. You've had enough." His tone was

he muttered, her voice barely audible. Jaxon raised an eyebro

s she wept quietly behind her mask. Jaxon turned his gaze away, pulling out his phone in

r," the bartender said, slidin

better," she whispered. "I don't want to feel better. I just... I just

hetic expression. The man seemed to silently plead with Jaxo

ing with heartbreak?' he thought, glancing ba

nother sip from his glass. "It's dangerous for a woman to b

fling, she added, "I can't go home. Not tonight. There's something..." She swall

ned the whiskey in one gulp and s

anted to leave. His eyes darted to his phone a

ell is taki

t just do it," Isla muttered s

nd her standing right next to

he asked

to f**k?" she

dened sligh

ke you could make me feel better about myself." She raised a han

being recognized. "You're drunk, lady," he said sharply, rea

ransaction was successfu

er his breath, pushing his ch

nt one night with you. What's so bad about that? I don't even want your money. I just want to fee

e looked around to make sure people were not staring.

closer, her voice lowering, "...and make it a night I'

though a small part of him found it strangely enticing. "How m

r confidence faltering under his intense gaze.

er her chin, gently lifting her face so their eyes met again.

d but nodded reso

and stepping back. "Only one rule-we

lights on either,"

ing at his phone once more

ishment, he swept her off her feet, carrying her b