Sofia's Expression: Overwhelmed and Nervous
Sofia, on the other hand, felt very different. Her eyes went wide as she took in the flashing lights and the sea of dancing people. She felt a bit small in the middle of such a loud, crowded place. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked around cautiously, her expression a mix of curiosity and worry. While Zara wanted to run to the dance floor, Sofia looked like she wanted to find a quiet corner. She felt that strange prickle on her skin again—the feeling that someone was watching her through the shadows.
The music at "The Onyx" was loud and intoxicating. For a while, Sofia managed to forget her nerves. Zara led her to the center of the dance floor, and the two friends began to move to the rhythm. The flashing neon lights turned the room into a blur of purple and gold. Sofia started to laugh, her silk dress moving gracefully with her. For the first time in days, she felt light and free.
However, the peace didn't last long.
A group of men had been standing near the bar, watching the two girls for some time. One of them, a tall man with a messy look and an arrogant sneer, pushed through the crowd toward them. He stepped directly into Sofia's personal space, blocking her path.
"Hey, beautiful," the man shouted over the music, his breath smelling strongly of alcohol. "You're too pretty to be dancing here alone. Why don't you and your friend come to the back with us?"
Sofia stepped back, her smile vanishing. "No, thank you," she said firmly. "We are just here to have fun together."
The man didn't take the hint. He reached out and grabbed Sofia's arm, his grip uncomfortably tight. "Don't be like that. I'm sure you'd have a much better time with me."
Zara jumped in immediately, pushing the man's hand away. "She said no! Leave us alone or we'll call security."
The man's expression turned angry. He stepped closer to Zara, towering over her. "You think you're tough? I can do whatever I want in this club." His friends behind him started to laugh, closing in on the two girls. Sofia felt her heart sink. The club was so loud that no one else seemed to notice they were in trouble.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over the group.
Before the rude man could say another word, a large, powerful hand gripped his shoulder and spun him around. Sofia gasped as she saw the man who had intervened.
It was Max.
He looked completely different than he had earlier that day. He wasn't wearing his stained suit anymore. Instead, he wore a crisp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing expensive watch and a presence that was absolutely terrifying to his enemies. His face, which had been so sweet to Sofia, was now cold and hard like stone.
"I suggest you take your hands off them and leave this club right now," Max said. His voice wasn't loud, but it had a dangerous edge that cut through the thumping music.
The rude man looked at Max, then at the way Max carried himself. He realized immediately that this was not someone he wanted to fight. Without a word, the man and his friends turned and disappeared into the crowd, scurrying away like scared animals.
Max took a deep breath and his expression instantly softened. He turned toward Sofia, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "Are you two alright?" he asked, his voice returning to that sweet, smooth tone Sofia remembered.
Sofia was frozen in surprise. "Max? What are you doing here?"
"I had some business in the VIP lounge," Max explained with a small smile. "I was just heading out when I saw you were in trouble. I'm glad I was close by."
Sofia felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you. Truly. I didn't know how to get away from them."
Beside her, Zara was staring at Max with wide, star-struck eyes. She had been brave a moment ago, but now she looked like she had just seen a movie star. She took in his height, his sharp jawline, and the way his dark hair fell perfectly over his forehead.
Sofia noticed her friend's expression and realized she needed to be polite. "Max, this is my best friend, Zara. Zara, this is Max—the man I told you about who I crashed into today."
Zara finally blinked, extending her hand with a bright, shy smile. "It is very nice to meet you, Max. Sofia mentioned you were handsome, but she definitely left out the part where you're a literal hero."
Max laughed, a low, rich sound that made Zara's heart flutter. He shook Zara's hand politely. "I'm just happy I could help. No one should be treated that way, especially not Sofia."
The way he said her name—softly, with a bit of a linger—made Zara blush. Sofia looked up at him, wondering how a Max ended up being in the exact same place as her twice in one day.
While Zara continued to admire Max, asking him questions about the club, Sofia noticed Max glancing toward the VIP stairs. For a split second, his face went serious again, as if he were keeping an eye on something hidden in the shadows above. But as soon as he looked back at her, the warmth returned to his eyes.
"Since you've had a bit of a scare," Max said, leaning in slightly so Sofia could hear him over the music, "why don't you and your friend come join me at my table? It's much safer than the main floor."
Zara nudged Sofia's elbow, her eyes practically begging to go. Sofia looked at Max. She still didn't know his secrets, and she still didn't know who the man in the black car was, but in this moment, looking into Max's , she felt safe.
"We would love to," Zara replied.