Chapter 4: Crimson Knight

"This late? Do you have a meeting, sir?" He observed my expression with a hint of sarcasm.

"I have a matter to take care of." The harsh tone in his voice advised me that I shouldn't badger him.

"Do I need to wear specific attire?" I inquired innocently, ignoring his pugnacious mood.

"We've lost two minutes of my precious time with you asking stupid questions." His sharp tongue pierced swifter than a blade, rendering me speechless and stupefied. "Move that slow-ass of yours and get dressed quickly."

"Right away... Sir." I hissed the last part before scurrying up the stairs, irritated by his sudden lack of respect.

Rushing into my room, I instantly searched my suitcase for something nice. Due to how fast I had to move in, I didn't have enough time to pack anything fancy. So, I settled for something cute and casual.

"Why did you bring me back?" I surveyed the familiar club in disbelief, hoping I'd never have to work here again. I warily scrutinised his face, hoping to decipher what his intentions were, but he was extremely reticent.

"I'm looking for someone tonight, mouse." His attention was placed elsewhere, sporting a contemptuous sneer.

"Mouse?" I questioned meekly, flabbergasted by his nickname for me. An amused smirk formed on his lips as his eyelids drooped lazily.

"You remind me of a tiny, scared and helpless creature similar to an adorable little mouse." Surely that wasn't a compliment. He practically claimed I was a rodent. I frowned in reaction to his reasoning for such a degrading pet name. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable? I'll get us some drinks." Isaac swivelled around and walked away before I had a chance to protest.

"Erg, I can't stand this place." I fretted, wishing the night would end and we'd return to the mansion fast. I flinched the moment a rough hand rapidly grasped my shoulder.

"Is that so, CottonV?" Caine declaimed from behind, delivering his sentence in a condescending tone.

"Jesus, Caine!" I clenched the left side of my chest in an attempt to steady my racing heart. He was the last person I wanted, as well as expected, to see tonight.

"I'm a bit disappointed you didn't enjoy working here," he jabbed, trying to elicit a reaction out of me. "Although, I saw you have snatched yourself a sugar daddy… What a smart girl." I shrugged off his hand, irked by the patronising enunciation he used to disparage me.

"It was a pleasure running into you again, Caine." A vindictive smile etched upon my mouth as I turned my back to him. "I hope we never meet in the future."

"Ouch, cutie." I shambled toward the bar, disregarding his presence. "Enjoy your night, CottonV." He hollered across the room to further irritate me.

When I reached the bar, Isaac was nowhere in sight, nor was Jaxson. I quickly examined the boisterous crowd in search for him, though to no avail. Instead, I encountered another unwanted person.

"Oh, it's you!" The creep from last night shouted with excitement.

"Bloody hell, you've got to be kidding me," I muttered under my breath, dreading the problematic interaction I knew was about to ensue. The creep lecherously licked his lips, leering at my physique from head to toe.

"Luck must be on my side if we keep running into each other."

"I highly doubt that."

"Where's your boyfriend?" He crooned with a victorious grin.

"Close…" I didn't sound convincing at all. My eyes frantically darted around the room praying I'd see Isaac or at least Jaxson.

"Why don't you and I–"

"I'm not interested, thank you." I spun on my heel to get away from him and anxiously began drumming my fingers on the counter.

"What? You think you're too good for me?"

"Sir, please. I didn't come here for an altercation." The creep latched onto both my wrists, viciously slamming me against the counter.

"Are you trying to patronise me, woman?!"

I stared at him with wide eyes, frightened when he positioned himself between my legs. I still couldn't detect Isaac anywhere and everyone else carried on with their business.

"I'm going to teach you how to be a receptive woman and do whatever the man says." My stomach churned in reaction to his sinister plan. I vigorously thrashed into him. He applied an immense amount of pressure, invoking me to yelp with pain. No one wanted to help, they all seemed unfazed as if this was a regular thing.

How could they have no morals by normalising violence and sexual assault?

I almost lost the will to fight until my forehead finally collided into his jaw. The creep staggered backwards, clutching onto his chin and hissing in agony.

"You, bitch!" He snarled akin to a rabid dog.

He furiously reared his hand into a fist, then swung it at full force towards my face. I braced for impact but fortunately wasn't met by it. My eyelids hastily fluttered open to the sound of a feral growl. Isaac's hand had enveloped the creep's fist, crushing it with so much might that I could distinctly hear his knuckles crack and bones dislocate.

"Didn't I already warn you not to touch her?" His grip tightened, making the creep kneel before him. "Or must I resort to physical discipline to silence that pesky bark of yours?" I stood there frozen, unable to command my body to move. This was the first time I was witnessing Isaac's violent side.

"Let go of me, you prick!" The creep snarled like a wild beast caught in a bear trap.

"Maybe punishment is in order, huh?" Isaac brutally twisted the creep's wrist in the wrong direction, breaking it in one swift motion. The man screeched with excruciating pain, subsequently, gasping for air.

"Please, stop!" I cried, yanking his arm to my chest. He relented to my request and let the man go, though his jaw clenched firmly to display his irritation.

"You'll pay for this, bastard!" The creep growled, baring his teeth.

Isaac took a menacing step forward, his blue irises glowed with phlegmatic deadliness. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder in plea to not make a scene. The creep disappeared into the crowd, whilst Isaac watched him carefully, his predatory gaze remained fixed on him.

"Chloe, are you okay?" Jaxson popped out from behind the bar as if he had only just sensed the hostility.

"Yeah, I'm fine…" I glanced at Isaac whose attention lingered beyond the crowd.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here to intervene, but I'm glad you're safe," he stated regretfully.

"Thanks, Jax. I appreciate the thought."

My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Isaac. Although I was tremendously grateful he had intervened at the right time and saved me from that creep, the fact that he had acted violently caused warning bells to ring in my ears. Reflecting on how he broke another person's wrist induced nausea to stir in my stomach.

"Would it be cool if I had your number?" Jaxson requested on the spur of the moment. I quirked a curious brow, rendering him sheepish.

"You know… To stay in touch... Since I-I might not see you again…" He stammered like a nervous schoolboy asking his crush on a date. I smiled shyly, extending my phone out to him.

"Sure, I'd love that." He was beaming when he eagerly typed in his number. I nonchalantly glanced to the side, expecting to see Isaac's grim expression but in vain. The empty space and lack of warmth indicated that he had long vanished.

"Here's your phone, sweetie."

"Thanks." I retrieved the device and stuffed it into my pocket. Isaac was super-efficient when I signed the contract. He had a phone, laptop and other essentials prepared upon my return to the mansion.

"Aren't you a forward one?" I teased, invoking a coy simper to form on his lips.

"I guess I don't want the night to end too quickly…" I chuckled, growing fascinated by his flirtatious personality. "Would you be interested in a dance?"

"I would love to, but–"

"Shit, this won't be good," he cursed, lowering his head in shame.

"I came here with a... Friend." I struggled to describe the odd relationship between Isaac and I. Was it reasonable to refer to him as my employer in public, or would that breach the contract? It was a tough situation to be put in, let alone justify to others. "I need to find him. It's important."

"The dude I saw tailing the drunk asshole from earlier?"

"What?" I choked in perturbation.

"He was standing next to you, then left in the direction of that crazy sleazeball," Jaxson elaborated as he casted a pointed peek towards the crowd.

"I'm sorry, Jax. I really have to go." Something wasn't right. Isaac wasn't happy when I stopped him from doing worse damage to that creep. "You have my number, we'll stay in touch."

"Of course, don't be a stranger!" He called out and I waved in response. Despite half an hour of searching, I couldn't spot Isaac anywhere. It was best to cut my losses, empty my bladder, then call him on speed-dial.

I splashed water on my face in the ladies' room, disregarding the fact that I had erased my pretty makeup. The cold liquid did nothing to ease my worries. All I could think about was Joel and whether I had made the right decision. It was plain and clear that Isaac had darkness lurking within him. Only a person devoid of emotion or morality would cause grievous bodily harm on another human being.

Would I have to compromise my morals throughout the duration of this contract?

My tears merged with the cold water dripping down my jaw, as I stared aimlessly at the tired woman in the mirror. I would do anything to save my brother. He was the only family I had left, and I couldn't lose him. So, what if Isaac was a brute? As long as he didn't harm me or kill someone, it wouldn't drastically affect my life.

Not to mention, that creep deserved to be taught a lesson. The method use was severe, but nevertheless effective. I doubt that asshole would be harassing women any time soon. I lightly tapped my head against the mirror, ashamed of myself for rationalising something that was obviously wrong. I needed to have a long and serious talk with Isaac about his aggressive tendencies. It literally breached my terms in the contract. Letting out a sharp exhale, I got my shit together and went outside for some fresh air before I called him.

The moment I set foot outside the backdoor, the icy wind nibbled on my exposed skin, causing a shiver to run up my spine. I hastily turned into a corner, wrapping my arms around to feebly emit some ounce of warmth. A muffled scream entered my ears, followed by the sound of gargling. I cautiously approached a nearby dumpster, ready to sprint if trouble ensued. The closer I got, the louder my heart pounded.

And then it dropped…