We got an extra long chapter today. Enjoy!



I sat on the patio table as Josh and Julian stared at me. It was unnerving having the twins look at you like you were a new toy to play with.

I'd been living in the Monroe mansion twenty-four hours ago and it had been overwhelming. Damon kept me cooped up in my room until I demanded he showed me around. The place was huge and I was afraid of getting lost. I wondered if my phone could be used to GPS myself around the property.

I remembered how I laid on my bed with Damon as we got to know each other better. I was pleasantly surprised as I got to know his likes and dislikes. I asked him question after question. He didn't seem to mind sharing, which I didn't expect since he wasn't the biggest talker.

Damon was twenty-nine, about six years older than me. He was born in the city on July 27th and had been friends with Xavier since they were in diapers. His parents were retired and traveling the world, his father giving Damon the vice president position at Monroe Protective Services. Though I asked about his work, Damon was vague, claiming that he oversaw national clients and was confidential.

I happily cuddled into Damon's side until I fell asleep. When I woke up, the other half of the bed was cold and empty.

Since I'd been awake and decided to explore, Josh and Julian had stayed glued to my side. They were already waiting in the hall when I exited my room. Wherever I went, they went.

I was a bit paranoid at first, but I was slowly adjusting. Their goofy behavior helped and Julian reluctantly promised to stop mentioning his knives every few minutes.

I hadn't seen Maria, but she texted me claiming that Xavier wasn't letting her out of his sight until we went to Elysium.

I didn't get to see Damon either, much to my displeasure. Julian said he was at work and would be back before I left.

Now it was five in the afternoon and we were waiting for everyone to meet up with us.

I didn't mind waiting. The patio was beautiful and the lights were mesmerizing to watch. While it was cold, I was tucked in by my jacket.

It would've been peaceful if I didn't feel my bodyguards' eyes burning holes through my body.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" I finally asked when I couldn't handle their staring any longer.

The twins grinned sheepishly as Josh rested his chin on his palm.

"Just doing our job, ma'am. We were ordered to keep you safe." Josh said and his brother nodded.

"Please don't call me ma'am. Call me Rosaline," I reminded them as they shared mischievous looks. They knew I didn't like the nickname, but they kept at it.

"But those are our orders, ma'am," they both echoed and I facepalmed in frustration. I couldn't help the whine that left my lips.

Julian and Josh had entertained me all day. First, Julian showed me his knife collection and there was a... large variety. There were swords, daggers, butcher knives– almost anything imaginable, Julian owned it. Julian eagerly showed me his favorite dagger, which he named "Bethany". I pretended to admire it to keep him happy.

I was more concerned about Julian than Josh, though they were both very...eccentric. Julian was strapped all over with different daggers and knives– around his legs, arms, and waist. He claimed it was for my protection, but I wasn't so sure about that. However, they were both extremely clumsy and goofy, reminding me of myself.

It was hard to believe they were my supposed 'bodyguards' that Damon assigned to protect me. But I knew I shouldn't judge a person by their appearance. I mean, Mr. Meyers, my landlord was okay, right?

I took that back as I shuddered. I was grateful I would never have to run into him again.

"You two are just pulling my leg," I groaned as I tugged on my hair.

Josh and Julian snickered before giving me falsely innocent expressions.

"We would do no such thing, ma'am. We are professionals and take our jobs very seriously. Mr. Monroe wouldn't have put us in charge for nothing! We're the best of the best!" Josh claimed as he puffed his chest out.

"So out of all the guards here, you guys are the best?" I asked doubtfully.

They sensed my tone and gawked at me in shock.

"Look at us, we're gorgeous! Lean and fit, we can destroy anything that comes our way! I've defeated ninjas in Japan, completed an obstacle course from American Ninja Warrior, and I can balance on one foot!" Julian gloated.

I raised a brow at the last comment and ninja theme. I would've been concerned with his statement if I hadn't spent the day with these two. I had a feeling these interactions were normal for them.

"You haven't fought any ninjas! You're just trying to impress her!" Josh said with a smirk, and Julian scowled.

"Like you can even fight a ninja," Julian snapped and Josh's left eye twitched.

Sensing the sudden tension between the brothers, I attempted to interrupt.

"Uh, guys? I don't think–"

"I can fight a ninja. In fact, I am a ninja." Josh stood up and Julian did the same before moving to the lawn for more space.

"Prove it!" Julian gloated as they both made ridiculous ninja-like poses.

I waved my hands frantically to get their attention.

"Guys, this isn't a good idea! It's pretty icy and I don't want you to slip."

There was a small flurry this afternoon so the lawn was also wet.

Julian waved me off. "It's fine ma'am. Let's see who the real ninja is!" They both gave loud cries before charging each other.

I covered my eyes so as to not see the scene unfold.

I cringed as I heard flesh meet and different playful cries. Knowing they weren't truly fighting calmed my racing heart.

They're just wrestling. Everything is fine, Rosaline.

Hearing a high pitched scream and a splat, I peeked through my fingers. My eyes widened at seeing a muddy Josh and Julian. They must have slipped and found a large mud puddle.

"Damn it! It's cold!" Josh cursed as his teeth started to chatter. Julian glared at his twin before standing up and shaking his entire body like a wet dog.

I stared as Josh tried to use Julian to pull himself up, for them both to fall back down. I couldn't hold back anymore. The ridiculousness of the situation made me throw my head back in laughter. I caught myself before I fell over in my chair as I basked in the joy I felt. I held my stomach as a large grin covered my face. It took me a few minutes to calm down as I saw the twins looking at me warmly. Then they looked behind me with a scowl.

"Oy! Readjust those peripherals!" Josh snapped. I looked in the direction they were scowling only to see some security guards looking in our direction, specifically mine. I blushed before looking away.

"You guys need to dry off. You guys can get sick." I announced as the twins grudgingly came my way. Their eyes sparked as they spread their arms.

"You can warm us up with a hug!" Julian said as Josh made a noise of agreement. My eyes widened as I backtracked away from them. I turned to run only to slam into a large chest.

I looked up and sighed in relief to see Damon looking at me in confusion. Squirming out of his hold, I moved behind him giggling as I saw the defeated expressions on Julian and Josh's faces. Damon's face shifted into a scowl directed at the twins.

"Why in the hell are you two with Rosaline?" Damon scowled.

"You mean why wouldn't we be?" Josh piped. At Damon's answering glare, he continued. "Mr. Monroe ordered us to watch her. And I think we're doing a great job."

"You're coated in mud and were about to get it on Rosaline," Damon said blandly. The two shrugged sheepishly.

"Just a small moment of weakness. We will protect ma'am with our lives," Julian said seriously and Josh nodded.

I peeked around Damon, who sighed and rubbed his face in either exhaustion or frustration. I wasn't sure which.

"You're off for the night. Clean yourselves up," Damon grumbled and the twins nodded, giving me a wink before rushing off.

I giggled as Damon glared at the two departing figures. My laughter got his attention and he looked at me with soft eyes.

"I'm sorry you were stuck with those two all day," Damon said and I shrugged my shoulders.

"It's all right. You get used to their craziness after a while." I scrunched my face.

Damon chuckled as he kissed the space between my eyes. He looked at my lips momentarily and my heart skipped a beat. I stood frozen before Damon focused his gorgeous eyes on mine.

"That's probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about them. Ready to go to work?" Damon said as he pulled away and extended his hand.

I nodded and happily grabbed it.

"I'm ready!" I sang and swung our arms back and forth.

"You are probably the only one that's excited to work," a voice said as I turned to see Maria and Xavier coming toward us.

Maria was in her work uniform, like myself. Xavier was in a dark suit, one arm wrapped protectively around Maria's waist and the other hand over her stomach.

"Working can be fun." I blushed as Maria laughed.

"I think it's cute," Damon reassured me, and Xavier shook his head in mock shame.

"You're turning soft on me, Asshole," Xavier sighed and Maria slapped his chest. Damon glared at his best friend before giving him the finger.

"You don't hear me complaining whenever you talk to Sugar," Damon emphasized. Xavier scowled in return to Damon's smirk.

"Shut it, Asshole!"

"Both of you stop! Rosie is turning red. Xavier, leave the new couple alone. They're on their honeymoon phase. Let them enjoy it while it lasts," Maria scolded before sending a wink my way.

My face was firetruck red as I hid my face against Damon's broad chest. It felt nice to have an excuse to do it.

"Come on, Flower, let's get in the vehicle," Damon murmured in my ear as a black vehicle pulled up. Xavier opened the door and gently set Maria in before getting in himself.

Damon placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me in, too. The seating was arranged so that we were facing one another, a divider between the passengers and the driver. Once we all buckled in, the driver pulled out.

"You have the twins as Rosaline's security?" Damon clipped. Xavier raised his hands in surrender.

"They volunteered and it's a good opportunity for the twins to learn to think critically. They will protect her with their lives and from what I've seen, they like Rosaline. You don't have anything to worry about Damon." Xavier reassured Damon as he wrapped an arm around Maria's shoulders.

"I found out through the security tapes when Julian was showing Flower his knife collection," Damon growled and Maria choked on her laughter.

"How did that go?" Maria asked me as I tried to find words about my day with the twins.

"It was educational? And I am fine, Damon." I said as Xavier looked smug at my declaration.

Maria patted my leg in sympathy.

"Don't worry Rosie. My brain was practically fried when I first met the twins. You get used to them." Maria said sympathetically. She glared at her husband.

"The least you could've done was slowly integrate them and Rosie."

"There is no preparation with those two." Xavier defended. He looked at me pleadingly, asking me to get him off the hook and away from his wife's glare.

"I-It's fine. They're sweet once you get to know them," I reassured with a small smile.

Maria backed down but it seemed harder to convince Damon. I squeezed his hand and rested my head on his arm. Feeling his tense form relax, I snuggled more into his body as the rest of the drive was filled with Xavier and Maria's whispers.

I dozed off until the car finally parked. I looked through the tinted window to see the entrance to Elysium. I unbuckled my seatbelt as Damon opened the door for the rest of us.

I fiddled in my purse as I searched for the notice I was supposed to give Frank. Smiling when I found it, I pulled it out and waved it in Damon's face.

He looked at me in amusement before turning serious.

"The club doesn't open for another two hours, so go ahead and do whatever preparations you have to do. Don't forget to give the notice to Frank. If you are uncomfortable or someone even looks at you strangely, find me. Do you understand, Flower?" I nodded and Damon sighed.

"Be careful," Damon said and I gave him a smile. Before I lost my nerve, I kissed his cheek and said goodbye before scampering away.

I entered the club and took a deep breath. I looked at my notice and held it firmly. Spotting Maria already heading towards the office, I followed her.

Was it sad that I only officially started working here and I was quitting? Probably.

~*~

We were in his office, Frank was at his desk and Maria and I were on the chairs opposite of him.

Frank looked at our notices of resignation with a blank expression. Maria and I both looked back at him with guilt. While Maria was sad that she was leaving, I felt ashamed that I was resigning after working there for only a couple of days!

Frank sighed as he looked at both of us.

"While I am sorry that I'm about to lose two of my most popular employees, I understand your situation," Frank said as he spared a glance at me before looking at Maria with a warm smile. "And it's about time you started to have a family. Congrats– you better come visit this old man," Frank chuckled.

Maria shook her head in amusement.

"Frank, you're in your late forties– I don't classify that as old. And I'm sure I can sneak away from my overbearing husband to visit. Besides, you're stuck with me for another two weeks along with Rosie." Maria said with a smile.

Frank leaned back in his office chair with a chuckle.

"All right Maria, why don't you help Michael set everything up in the back. I need to talk to Rosaline for a minute." Frank said.

Maria assessed his face, searching for something I didn't understand. She seemed to find what she was looking for, and nodded to him. Maria gave me a quick smile and squeezed my hand before standing up and leaving the office.

I opened my mouth as soon as the door shut behind her.

"I'm so sorry, Frank. I know I only worked here for a few days and you got me this job, but Damon and Maria sort of ganged up on me," I explained helplessly.

Frank opened his mouth, but I continued to ramble.

"I am grateful for what you have done for me. Without you, I wouldn't have met Maria, Michael, or Damon. I guess Xavier too, but I don't really know him that well... Good gravy, now I look like an ungrateful...bitch," I whispered as my eyes widened in horror.

Is that how Frank sees me?

I pulled the ends of my hair in distress. My breathing was turning rapid as my heart began to pound in my chest.

I almost jumped out of my skin when large hands grabbed my shoulders firmly. I snapped my head up to see Frank looking at me worriedly.

"Calm down Rosaline. I never thought that way and you need to stop filling your head with such nonsense. You are going to give yourself a panic attack. Deep breaths," Frank ordered and I forced air back into my lungs.

I took harsh and painful breaths before I could finally maintain my breathing. My mind started to clear and I blinked to focus. Once I felt in control of my body, I cleared my throat awkwardly and gave Frank an embarrassed smile.

"Sorry. I guess my thoughts got me carried away," I said sheepishly as Frank finally pulled away.

He sat in the chair Maria occupied earlier, resting his forearms against his legs.

"Does this happen often? Your anxiety attacks," Frank clarified at my confused expression.

"It depends," I admitted as I looked down at my hands. "I never had them until recently. It must be from all the stress. Moving to New York is probably the reason."

I laughed weakly, consciously rubbing my right side. Frank didn't look fully convinced, so I decided to change topics.

"What is it that you wanted to discuss, sir?" I asked.

Seeing the subject change, Frank decided to play along.

"I just wanted to tell you to be careful. Stay safe," Frank said with a serious expression.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked warily as Frank folded his hands together.

"Rosaline, I know you are in some sort of trouble– knew it the moment you stepped inside my club."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Frank gave me a look to stay silent.

"You don't have to give me details, but you may need to give them to Damon. I know you and Damon are close and he's protective of you. With his business, he can keep you safe. He may have just as many skeletons as you– probably more. There's no better place for you to be. But that doesn't mean you let your guard down. Do you understand?"

I took in Frank's words. His cryptic warning gave me a sense of confusion and fear. Confusion about his message, and fear that the Men in Black could find me.

Frank insinuated there was more to Damon than I realized. From his tone, it seemed dark, almost weary. My thoughts flashed back to the dried blood on his suit and the security business. I closed my eyes tightly.

It seemed like the answers were already there but somehow, I couldn't make sense of it. After knowing Damon for three days, he didn't seem like a simple businessman. There was something else that I didn't know, a huge piece I was missing. Did it have something to do with the missions he did? I knew that having a duty to protect someone could leave scars and trauma. Was that what Frank was talking about?

Damon Cohen was an enigma, and I had a feeling that I was going to find the answers to my questions sooner than later.

Frank cleared his throat before standing up.

"While I file your paperwork, I need you to check on the dancers for me. Go backstage to the head dancer and ask if she needs anything. Jasmine is a sweetheart, so don't worry about her causing any trouble." Frank said.

I nodded numbly as I left the office.

~*~

I watched in awe as the dancers worked the stage, their bodies moving gracefully to the music.

I'd been standing there for a few minutes, searching for the head dancer. All the dancers were busy working on their routines and I didn't want to disturb them.

My eyes widened as one of them did the splits before twirling her body to stand up.

The last couple of nights, I realized a lot of the dancing didn't necessarily mean lap dances, inappropriate moves, and stripping. A lot of it was choreographed movements that left the crowd entranced and wanting more.

Some of these dancers were high in demand and did encores for the crowd, getting more tips.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" a woman's voice called out in a strong foreign accent.

I swirled around and flushed at being caught watching.

A beautiful Arab woman eyed me with a raised brow. We were about the same height. She wore a green silk robe that accentuated her curves. Her dark hair was intricately braided on her scalp, curling down her back in large waves. Her startling hazel eyes looked at me with curiosity.

"Are you going to answer?" The woman said in amusement and my face turned red at my obvious gawking.

"S-sorry. Are you Jasmine?" I asked and tried to look everywhere but at her. Hearing a soft giggle, I saw her smiling at me.

"Yes, and you are?" Jasmine asked, crossing her arms.

"I'm Rosaline. Frank told me to ask if you needed anything," I explained as I pushed some of my hair behind my ear.

"We're fine for now. Are you a new employee? I haven't seen you before," Jasmine said warmly as she saw my discomfort and embarrassment. Her smooth voice was slowly calming me.

"I just started working here a few days ago...and resigning in a couple of weeks," I mumbled in embarrassment.

Jasmine's eyebrows furrowed in confusion so I continued to explain.

"I'm going to be working for Maria. I'll be helping out and staying at their property."

"Yes, I just heard about Maria's pregnancy. I'm so excited for her," Jasmine gushed. "A lot of us were wondering if Mr. Monroe would get her to quit. He likes to pamper her, but Maria refuses. It is very entertaining to watch."

I giggled as I recalled the few moments I saw Maria and Xavier arguing. I looked around and saw some of the women look in our direction glumly. Jasmine saw their expressions and waved it off.

"To some, Maria's pregnancy means that there's no chance of snatching Mr. Monroe, which was already impossible to begin with. Mr. Monroe is one of the richest men in the city. Now their eyes will move to Mr. Cohen," Jasmine shook her head in amusement. "I think they know they won't get very far, though. Personally, I think he won't settle for anyone unless he finds 'the one', as the Americans call it." Jasmine chuckled.

My chest stirred uncomfortably for a moment before a warmth spread through my body. What was this feeling?

Pride? Honor? I wasn't sure but it made me want to jump up and down in happiness.

Though I still wasn't exactly sure what title we had (since Damon didn't seem to care), or how our relationship worked, I knew that I agreed to be his and he was mine.

The realization of it all finally sunk in as I couldn't help the large smile that spread on my face.

Jasmine, witnessing my change of state, looked at me in confusion.

"Are you all right Rosaline?"

Probably looking like a maniac, I forced myself to calm down. Blushing, I gave her a nod.

"Since you guys are fine, I'll head back–"

"Nonsense, stay. I need assistance anyway for a new dance move I've orchestrated. Can you tell me how it looks?" Jasmine said with a pleading face.

I nodded eagerly, not wanting to waste the opportunity to watch a pro in their element. Giggling, Jasmine took off her green robe, revealing a tight black tank top and booty shorts. I focused on her face as she handed me the robe.

"It's okay to look, Rosaline. Plenty of people do," Jasmine smoldered as she grabbed my hand and led me to the front stage.

I saw Maria and Michael cleaning glasses at the bar and waved. They gave me a confused wave back.

"What are you two up to?" Maria shouted across the room.

"I'm just showing Rosaline a new dance routine. You two can watch as well! I need new insights," Jasmine shouted back.

"I love a show! I'll give you a free shot," Michael called out and let out an 'oof' as Maria elbowed him in the stomach. I faced Jasmine when Maria started scolding him.

Jasmine got into position, both hands firmly gripping the steel pole in front of her.

Slowly, she began to sway her hips before moving around the pole. After walking around a few times, she jumped and wrapped both legs on the pole, spinning gracefully in the air.

I sat in a chair as I watched Jasmine, her body fluid. I gaped as she spun while both arms were raised in the air. After a few more moves, she glided down the pole and landed in a split.

I clapped and I heard some applause behind me. It appeared Michael and Maria got closer to observe the show.

Jasmine did a mock curtsy before looking at us eagerly.

"So, what did you guys think? There isn't a lot of...grinding? It's more of a graceful approach." Jasmine explained, slowly pronouncing the word 'grinding'.

I blushed at her question, though it was a normal occurrence here.

Maria laughed at Jasmine's confusion.

"I loved it. It was more sensual than sexual. You'll have the men falling on their asses in no time," Maria winked.

"As a man, I say keep the routine," Michael said bluntly. I faced him and saw that his face was a bit red. Seeing my stare, he coughed before stiffly walking back to the bar.

"I think Michael liked it a bit too much," Maria whisper-shouted and Jasmine giggled. Michael flipped them off, not bothering to look back.

"It happens all the time. Good thing it comes with a lot of money," Jasmine said smugly before turning to me. "What did you think, Rosaline?"

"I thought it was beautiful. I can't imagine being able to do something like that," I said honestly.

"Nonsense, you have the body of a dancer. With a bit of practice, you can join me on stage. How about I show you some moves?" Jasmine offered. Before she could reach from the stage to grab my hand, I stood up frantically.

"I'm not a good dancer. And I don't really have the confidence for that," I spluttered as I hid behind Maria a bit. Maria shook her head and gently grabbed my forearm before guiding us on stage.

"I think this would be good for you then. I'll do it with you. Let's have some female empowerment," Maria winked.

Knowing there was no way out of this, I dropped my shoulders in defeat as Maria placed me next to a pole.

"We aren't going to do anything crazy–just the basics. Let's start with a beginner's move. It's called the firefly," Jasmine said. "I'll demonstrate and then we can all do it together."

Jasmine, using one hand on the pole, slowly walked around it before jumping on, miraculously spinning as she crossed her legs around it. She spun gracefully before landing, moving herself up seductively.

She looked at me expectantly as I gestured wildly with my hands.

"I can't do that! I'll fall on my face!" I exclaimed, already seeing visuals of me with missing teeth.

Jasmine and Maria shared a look.

"She is stubborn, isn't she?" Jasmine asked Maria.

Maria laughed. "She can also be a bit of a pushover, but we are working on that."

"Hey! I am standing right here." I piped up, shooting a glare at Maria.

"I know Rosie, but no one becomes a pro dancer on the first try. I will also be stumbling with you." Maria reassured me.

"Dancing is all about confidence. Besides, practice makes perfect. Come here and I'll help you," Jasmine coaxed and Maria nudged me.

After a few more minutes of persuasion, Jasmine was helping me through it step by step. Once I started memorizing the motions, Jasmine told me to get off the ground. Maria was doing well, able to do the move after a couple of times.

When I did it the first time, I let out a squeak and was barely able to lift myself up. I was grateful that the girls didn't laugh, only encouraging me some more. They watched from the sidelines for a while before walking to two other poles that were on different sides of the stage.

After my fourth fall, I was determined to keep trying. I couldn't help the smile that tugged on my lips.

I hadn't felt like this in a long time. The last time was probably when I organized and restocked the whole bookshop by myself. It took me days to finish, but there was a sense of determination and accomplishment. This felt the same.

The more I practiced, the more confident I was in doing the firefly. I didn't realize how much time had passed when I landed without stumbling. I slowly brought my body up and my smile was so wide that my cheeks were beginning to hurt.

I did it!

The girls cheered when someone started clapping.

Our heads snapped up at the noise and I wanted to blend into the background when I saw Damon and Xavier. I backed away from the pole.

"How long have you two been watching?" Maria asked with a smile as she hopped down the stage to greet her husband.

"A while. Damn it, Sugar," Xavier replied with a grunt and pulling her towards him, wrapping his body tight around her.

Turning away from their intimate moment, I reluctantly faced Damon. My eyes widened in shock as he was now right next to me.

I expected him to be laughing or smirking. Instead, Damon's eyes were a dark green as he assessed me slowly. A shiver went down my spine.

Damon leaned down and nuzzled my neck. I shuddered at the sensation. I was on fire as my mind fizzled out. Everything disappeared and it was only the two of us. His lips were gentle and soft as they glided down where my neck met my shoulder.

"Flower...that was probably one of the sexiest things I have ever seen in my life."

I fought not to let any noise escape at the raspiness in his voice. His lips pressed firmer on my sensitive flesh and I automatically tilted my head to the side. I couldn't find my voice to respond so I pressed myself closer to him, enjoying his kisses on my neck.

"I hope Jasmine teaches you more moves– and if I get a private performance in the future."

I was nothing but a pile of goo. Not that I was complaining in the slightest. Heck no.

There was just something about Damon that caused me to lose all control and functioning of my body. One small kiss turned me into a pile of limbs.

What would happen when we kiss-kiss?

"People! I'm not paying you to stand around! The doors are opening in twenty minutes!" A voice shouted at us.

I shoved Damon's chest, which was useless as he stood his ground. Damon pulled away from my neck with a scowl, not once releasing me.

I apologized to Frank before trying to pull away and failing.

"Damon, I need to get to work," I told him, but he wouldn't relent.

"Only if you do more lessons with Jasmine. I saw you were having fun and I think you'll enjoy it," Damon countered.

The thought of doing more lessons made me beam. I looked at Jasmine who was watching the scene in shock.

"Would it be okay if you taught me some more moves?" I asked hopefully.

Jasmine nodded, gobsmacked.

Damon chuckled before giving me a kiss on the forehead.

"I'll be around," Damon reminded me before he got off the stage and dragged Xavier away from Maria. It wasn't lost on me that the married couple had slightly swollen lips.

"When were you going to tell me that you were with Damon? I was talking about it earlier and you didn't say anything!" Jasmine exclaimed as she threw her hands in the air.

I stuttered to come up with a response, but Jasmine only shook her head with a smirk.

"I knew you were special. I can teach you a few moves soon." Jasmine said as we hopped off the stage. "Now, let's get ready for tonight."

~*~

I put the customers' drinks down with a sweet smile before rushing to a table that had cash on top. I quickly grabbed the tip and placed it in my apron pocket.

I wiped the table quickly as a new group arrived and went back to the bar. Since it was a weekday, the club wasn't as packed, which didn't mean much as I kept getting bumped into. I murmured a few apologies as I finally made it behind the counter.

"Oy! No more drinks for you," Michael said in disgust, pulling a glass away from a drunk girl who was spitting alcohol on the bar like a human-fountain.

I scrunched my face as I quickly wiped it up.

I heard some rowdiness beside the bar and saw a few men shoving each other. Before the fight could escalate, two security men pulled them apart and dragged them to the exit.

True to Damon's word, security was everywhere.

Though I tried to spot him all night, I only felt his gaze. It was a bit annoying. The man was huge– you'd think he'd be easy to find.

"Rosaline, can you take out the trash? These barbarians have no shame throwing things tonight," Michael asked. More people began to shout for Michael's attention. "The dumpster is in the back on the side of the building."

Collecting and setting up new trash bags, I gagged a bit at the smell. I didn't even want to think about what could be in them. Finally grabbing the trash, I hobbled to the back door.

I gasped as the bags were taken from one of my hands with one firm tug. I gave Damon a look, who was the culprit.

"Thought you could use some help," Damon shrugged and I looked at him gratefully as I opened the door. I shivered from the cold breeze, wishing I wore my jacket. I shut the door instantly and dropped the bags to rub my arms for warmth.

Two hands gently grabbed my forearms before pulling me into his body. Damon's body felt like a furnace and I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you," I said as I looked up at him with a smile. Damon shook his head at me and kissed my forehead.

"You say thank you a lot," Damon noted.

I shrugged. "I'm just grateful for what you do for me," I admitted.

Damon gave me a strange look before grunting.

"I'll do whatever you want me to do as long as you're safe," Damon murmured gruffly and my heart stopped for a moment.

He pulled back and grabbed all the trash bags easily with one hand. "I'll take this out and you stay here. I'll be right back."

I nodded as he quickly opened the door, making sure not to bring the chill inside. I smiled at his consideration before it melted as a man stumbled into me. I gasped at the momentum and my back banged into the wall.

"Hey there, pretty lady," a man slurred as he rubbed his body against mine. My body froze in shock as he grabbed my arms. "Come dance with me."

I forced my voice to work. "N-no. I'm working." I stuttered out as I tried to get away, but I was trapped between the wall and him. I really hoped Damon would return soon.

"Come on, don't be a tease. Just one–"

The man didn't finish his sentence. He was roughly pulled away and slammed into another part of the wall. The man's eyes widened and seemed to sober up quickly when he saw the fury on Damon's face.

Damon's expression created a flicker of fear in me. I've never seen him look so lethal.

I was lucky that he wasn't sending it in my direction.

"D-Damon!" I called out as Damon grabbed the man by his collar and dragged him through the crowd, unaffected by the man's attempts to free himself. I quickly followed them, afraid of the events unfolding.

Damon continued pulling the man down a hall and into a dark back room.

With a roar, Damon threw the man against a shelf. I stood paralyzed as Damon grabbed him by the neck and pressed him against the wall.

"M-Mr. Cohen! I didn't realize she was yours!" The man choked out.

Damon grabbed something from his side and pressed it into the man's chest. I didn't know what it was due to the shadows, but the man began to plead faster.

"P-Please, I-I have a family! A wife–" Damon cut off the man's wails.

"If I had a wife, I wouldn't be at a nightclub getting wasted and harassing waitresses. Would you?" Damon growled into the man's crying face.

I watched the scene in horror as I stumbled over to Damon. Sensing my presence, he turned his head and his eyes softened slightly before turning back to the hysterical man.

The violence was becoming too much for me. The familiar flashes passed my eyes. I knew it was a matter of moments would I be in the same state as the man.

Not able to take it anymore, I tugged on the back of Damon's shirt. My heart rate was pounding and my ears began to ring. I needed to stop this before the anxiety completely consumed me.

"Damon, please. No more," I whimpered as I pressed myself into his large build, blocking the rest of the world out for a moment.

Somehow, Damon was the only comforting factor in this scenario. Though this side of Damon petrified me, he was like an archangel who came in my time of need. He did save me, but the repercussions were too extreme.

It was silent, aside from the man's cries. Then I heard a thump.

"Pray that you never encounter me again. If I see you again, I'll make sure she's not here to witness anything. Try pulling that shit with anyone else and I will know," Damon sneered and I heard footsteps running the opposite direction.

When Damon decided the man was out of sight, he wrapped a large arm around my waist before twirling me into his chest. My body tensed until I saw the soft and concerned expression on his face.

Through his crushing hug, I clung onto him just as tightly to convey how terrified I was. I rested my head on his chest. His heartbeat was steady and I leaned in closer to listen. It was calming and just what I needed as I tuned my body to match his heartbeat. The panic I felt earlier was gone and was replaced with a feeling of safety.

"Thank you," I mumbled gratefully and Damon pressed a kiss on the top of my head. "But maybe next time you don't have to drag him into a dark room to scare the bejesus out of him."

"I'll always be there, Flower. And I promise not to be violent in front of you. I know you don't like it. I'm sorry that you had to see that. I'll do better," Damon vowed as he rubbed my back in a soothing motion, swaying our bodies side to side.

It astounded me that this man rocking me like a child was just choking the daylights out of a drunk.

I remembered Frank's warning and any negative emotions from earlier seemed to have vanished as I was wrapped in his arms. I knew without a doubt that Damon wouldn't hurt me intentionally, his actions and words said it all. With him by my side, I felt safe and it was a feeling I didn't want to lose any time soon.

After witnessing this incident, I knew Damon held his secrets close to him, just like me. We both seemed to have skeletons in our closets.

When the time comes, I'll be ready to talk.