Clearwater University-night

  Abbie’s eyes went wide, “What the hell is going on?” She thought to herself, unable to believe the surreal turn of events.

  The leader’s grip on her tightened as he glared at the newcomer. “You’ve got balls, kid, but you don’t know who you’re messing with.”

  “Funny, are you holding a gun or a banana?” The stranger quipped, his voice still as casual as if he was discussing the weather.

  “What the fuck? What are you talking about—” the leader looked at his gun and realized that is not a gun anymore it’s a banana. “The fuck!?” He dropped it in shock and confusion.

  “Man, you’re so slow.” The dread-ponytailed young man said with a chuckle, as he strolled closer, his casual stride belying the tension in the air.

  "Look, in a nice guy not a bully. So how about you just walk away before you end up like your boys I took care of alright?” He gestured to the unconscious men on the ground, with their masks off.

  The leader's face contorted in rage and disbelief, he quickly tossed the banana away and grabbed Abbie, his grip on Abbie tightening, “You think you’re funny? Who the fuck do you think you are?!”

  “I already told you…” He said before blitzing behind him and braking his neck with a swift chop to the back of the neck.

  The leader crumpled to the ground, joining his unconscious comrades.

  “I’m your grim reaper, dumbass.” The stranger said, his tone still casual as he dusted off his hands.

  He turned to Abbie, a look of genuine concern etched on his features for the first time since he’d arrived. “You okay?”

  Abbie couldn’t process what she’d just witnessed. She nodded shakily, trying to find her voice, “Y-yes… I think so.” She whispered, her eyes wide with shock.

  “Cool, glad to hear it.” He said offering her a hand up.

  “Come on, let’s get you out of here.” He said as he helped her up, his grip firm but gentle, as if he was afraid she might shatter at any moment.

  “I’m not ungrateful or anything but, who are you?” Abbie managed to ask, her voice shaking as she took the stranger’s hand.

  He helped her to her feet, his grip surprisingly warm and reassuring.

  “Oh, right. The name is Vagan, Vagan Walker. I’m a friend of Leores.” He said with a smirk, his eyes looking her over to make sure she wasn’t injured, his gaze lingering on her face to see if she was okay.

  “I’ve been keeping an eye on you, he told me what was going on so I did him a solid.” He shrugged as if it was nothing.

  Abbie's eyes searched Vagan's face, looking for any sign of deceit or malice, but all she found was a calm confidence that was surprisingly reassuring.

  "Th-thank you." She stuttered out, still in shock from the events that had unfolded in front of her.

  "No problem, these guys were nothing but NPCs. Let's go somewhere so you can relax." Vagan said, his tone switching from casual to comforting, as he draped the warm blanket around her shivering body.

  He looked around the darkened street, ensuring no more threats lurked in the shadows before guiding her away from the grisly scene.

  "But what about the security guard, Jake, and these guys? We need to call the cops!" Abbie's voice was a shaky whisper as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

  "Nah, i got somebody to take care of it, plus don't worry about Jake. He's gonna be fine." Vagan reassured her with a wink, his casual demeanor not matching the grim scene they've just left.

  "The security guard on the other hand... Yeah, that nigga is dead as hell." Vagan said without a hint of remorse, his eyes on the fallen officer, "But hey, your straight."

  "Jake is... Alive?" The question was more of a hopeful gasp than a coherent sentence.

  Vagan nodded, his expression unreadable in the dim light of the street lamp. "They didn't tried to kill him, they did suit him in a lung though, so he might talk funny. But he'll live."

  Abbie couldn't believe what she was hearing, "But the police... We need to..."

  "Nah, nah it's cool. I took care of it. Now we can't explain to the police what happened and spend both of the night at the police station, or I could take you to this very nice place I know that will treat you like a queen for a few hours to help you cope with just happened instead." Vagan's eyes twinkled with mischief as he led her away from the scene, his grip on her hand firm and steady.

  The warmth from Vagan's touch seeped into her, bringing with it a semblance of safety.

  Despite the chaos and the horror she'd just experienced, there was something about him that made her feel protected.

  "Okay," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heart.

  They got to his car witch was a black 2018 lamborghini huracan, the engine purring to life as they approached, the headlights piercing the darkness like two golden eyes in the night.

  "Holy shit... You own a lamborghini!?" Abbie's voice was a mix of awe and disbelief as she stared at the sleek sports car.

  The absurdity of the situation washed over her in waves, and she felt a hysterical laugh bubble in her throat.

  "Reinforced armor, airless tires, and modified to go up to 500 mph. Just saying." Vagan winked as he opened the door to the Lamborghini, his movements fluid and graceful.

  The car's interior was bathed in a soft, comforting glow, the leather seats emanating a faint scent of luxury and power.

  Abbie slid into the passenger seat, the warmth from the heated leather enveloping her as she buckled up.

  The engine roared to life, the vibrations resonating through her body as Vagan pulled away from the curb with a squeal of tires.

  She glanced back at the fading scene of chaos, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

  The fear and adrenaline were slowly being replaced by a numbness that threatened to swallow her whole.

  "How can you ever afford something this... Nice?" Abbie couldn't help but ask, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and nerves as she ran her hand over the luxurious leather interior.

  Vagan's chuckle filled the car as they sped away from the scene, the tires screeching slightly as they rounded the corner.

  "It's complicated, but let's just say I know how to make the most of my talents." He winked at her, his eyes reflecting in the rearview mirror, the mischief in them unmistakable even in the dim light.

  "Where are you taking me exactly?" Abbie's question hung in the air, her voice trembling slightly as the car's speed grew, the world outside a blur of lights and shadows.

  "Uhh, let's just say... A place that's good is hiding in plane sight." Vagan said cryptically, his eyes never leaving the road as the Lamborghini's speedometer climbed higher.

  Down town Barton Rouge

  Few minutes later they get to s fancy hotel that says "the international hotel" with a flashy neon sign. Vagan parked his car in the VIP section with ease. "You got VIP parking?!" Abbie exclaimed.

  "You know, I don't have to but I got to flex for the ladies." Vagan said with a grin, as he opened the door for her. The hotel's grand lobby was a stark contrast to the chaos they'd just left behind.

  The warm glow of chandeliers, the plush carpets, and the faint tinkle of a piano playing in the background felt like a sanctuary after the cold, hard asphalt of the street.

  They walked to the front desk, a tall black man with a bold head and glass wearing a suit greeted them with a smile.

  "Welcome back Mr. Walker, your suite is ready as always." He said with a nod, his eyes sliding to Abbie, giving her a once-over before smiling at Vagan again.

  "Sup Mr. C, look I'm gonna need my room for tonight." Vagan said with a smirk, sliding s gold coin on the counter.

  "Very well, would you like to have a basic or your custom master sweet?" Mr. C asked, his eyes twinkling knowingly.

  "Surprise me," Vagan said with a wink, taking the key card from the man's outstretched hand. He turned to Abbie, who was still trying to process the opulence around her and back at Mr. C. "An give my friend her the 'long day' special please."

  Mr. C nodded and tapped away at his computer before handing over a second key card. "Room 420, miss. It's the penthouse suite. You'll find everything you need there to unwind."

  Abbie take this card, it was made out of black steel and said "VIP" on it in gold letters. "What's this?" she asked, turning it over in her hand.

  "It's your card to have access to all of the luxuries you could ever imagine, back rubs, manicures, mud baths, pretty much anything that's super rich you can get her." Vagan explained, his voice still holding that same casual tone as if they weren't just escaping from a murder scene.

  Abbie's eyes went wide, "Are you serious?" she asked, looking at the card like it was made of pure gold.

  Vagan holds her shoulder. "For real, now let me show you where to go." He led her to the elevator, his hand resting comfortably on the small of her back.

  The doors slide open with a ding and they step inside. The elevator smelled faintly of expensive cologne and the walls were adorned with gold accents.

  As they ascended to the penthouse, Abbie felt the weight of the world slowly peeling away, the tension in her shoulders easing.

  The elevator doors opened to a hallway with plush carpeting and dim lights that led to a single door, number 420. Vagan swiped his VIP card and the door unlocked with a click.

  The suite was like nothing Abbie had ever seen before, a sprawling space filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of a distant waterfall.

  A wall of windows revealed a stunning view of the city's lights, twinkling like stars against the velvet blackness of the night.

  Vagan gently nudged her forward, "Go ahead, make yourself comfortable. I'll let the staff know you're here." With a reassuring smile, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving her in a room that could have been a small mansion.

  She took a shaky breath, her eyes darting around the opulent space, unsure of where to begin.

  The first thing she noticed was the soft lighting, casting a warm glow over the plush king-sized bed, surrounded by a cloud of luxurious pillows and a duvet that looked like it was made of pure silk.

  A large flat-screen TV was mounted on the opposite wall, playing a serene scene of an ocean waves crashing against the shore.

  The floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a private balcony with a hot tub, steaming gently in the cool night air.

  “Oh, my god… This place is huge and beautiful…” Abbie’s voice trailed off as she stepped further into the suite, her eyes darting around like a kid in a candy store.

  “Go ahead and treat yourself, you deserve it.” Vagan’s voice floated back to her from the hallway before the door clicked shut. Alone in the suite, Abbie’s senses were bombarded by the opulence around her.

  The plushness of the carpet beneath her sneakers, the faint scent of the flowers, and the soothing sounds of the waterfall made her feel like she’d stumbled into a different world.

  After a few hours later Vagan came back to the suite. He found Abbie dressed in a robe, curled up on the bed, her eyes glued to the TV. She her hair, nails, and face treatments had been done, and she looked like a different person.

  “Damn, you look even cuter than before. Guess you had a good time?” Vagan said with a smirk, his eyes scanning the room, taking in the empty trays of food and the various beauty products scattered on the bedside table.

  Abbie’s cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she self-consciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, I guess so.” She mumbled, trying to hide the excitement in her voice.

  “Good, now make sure you get some sleep. I’ll be taking my leave.” Vagan said, his eyes lingering on her briefly before he turned to leave.

  “Wait!” Abbie called out as Vagan reached for the door handle. “Can I at least get to know you better? You saved me and been super nice… Nicer then any guy I met since Leo.” Her voice was filled with curiosity and a hint of hope.

  Vagan looked back at her and thought about it. “Well… Okay, but I’m forbidden to tell you anything about Leores. But ask me anything you like.” He said, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned against the door frame.

  Abbie pats her hand on side the bed, gesturing for Vagan to sit. She bites her lip nervously, trying to formulate her thoughts into coherent words. “So, you’re friends with Leores, right? How did you guys meet?”

  Vagan walk over and sit down. “Ohh, we been friends since we were kids. Hell we grow up together.” He said with a nostalgic smile. “He was always the serious one, taking stuff seriously. And I was… I was more into causing trouble, making a fortune, you know, the usual stuff.” He chuckled, his eyes glazed over with the memories of their past.

  Abbie leaned closer, intrigued by his story. “What kind of trouble?”

  “Kid stuff, stealing cookies out of the cookie jar, simple shit really. Me and Leo used to beef a lot but what we got to know each other we became pretty much inseparable, we became cool once we snuck into the arcade together. You should’ve seen us, we were like a dynamic duo.” Vagan chuckled, his voice warm and comforting as he recounted their childhood adventures.

  Abbie couldn’t help but smile at the mental image of a young Leores and Vagan causing havoc. “But what about now? What do you do together now?”

  Vagan rubbed the back of his neck. “Not much, I mean we kept in touch but we don’t really hang out. Not after something bad happened.” His smile faltered and a shadow crossed his face, hinting at a darker chapter in their history. “But we always have each other’s backs.”

  Abbie’s curiosity piqued, but she didn’t push further, sensing the topic was sensitive. Instead, she changed the subject.

  “What about you, Vagan? What do you do outside of… you know, helping a friend?”

  “Unfortunately I can’t answer that one. Top secret.” Vagan said, his tone light but his expression guarded.

  He leaned back on the bed, his dreadlocks cascading over the pillow, and gave her a knowing look.

  “Aww, come on. Please~” Abbie then started running her hand on his chest playfully, smiling sweetly. “I promise I won’t tell anyone. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

  “I wish I could but no can do, but good attempt on a seduction. 7 out of 10.” Vagan smirked, gently moving her hand away.

  Abbie’s cheeks turned red, she was surprised by her own boldness. She didn’t know why she did that.

  Maybe it was the stress of the day, or the way his eyes sparkled with secrets she desperately wanted to unravel.

  “Okay, I’ll leave it there,” she said with a laugh, retreating back to her side of the bed.

  “But… Nobody ever treated me like this before… especially not after…” Abbie’s voice trailed off as she stared at the floor, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

  The words hung in the air, hinting at a past filled with pain and neglect.

  “Yeah, Leo filled me in on that you’re kinda slutty. Respectfully.” Vagan’s words hung in the air, a mix of teasing and sincerity.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  He leaned in closer, his eyes searching hers. “But that’s not what I see when I look at you, Abbie. You’re strong, brave, and you got a heart of gold.”

  Her eyes widened at his bluntness, but she felt a strange comfort in his candidness.

  “Thanks, Vagan,” she whispered, the warmth in her voice genuine.

  “And Leo sees it too, that’s why he told me to protect you. He’s always had a soft spot for the underdog.” Vagan’s gaze grew serious, his expression a mix of admiration and concern for his friend.

  The silence that followed was filled with a newfound understanding between them, a bond forged by the chaotic events of the night.

  “He can be stoic and blunt, maybe even cold. But I can say that he has a gift on reading people’s character.” Vagan spoke with a hint of affection in his voice as he leaned back against the pillows, his hand coming to rest on the bed between them. “He’d lay down his life for someone he cares about, even if it’s just to save a stray kitten.”

  "Is he really like that?" Abbie asked, her voice filled with wonder. The image of Leores that Vagan painted was so different from the one she'd built up in her mind. She'd always seen him as the brooding, mysterious type, but the thought of him saving a kitten made her heart flutter in a way that surprised her.

  "Yeah, just gotta get it out." Vagan nodded, his eyes understanding. He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "But he's also got a knack for picking up the pieces after everything goes to hell. It's one of the reasons we're here now."

  Suddenly Abbie lays Vagan down on the bed and got on top of him, surprising Vagan. "I know you're not into me like that but I need to feel safe right now, just hold me okay?" she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  Vagan looked up at her, rubbing her cheek. "I know it's been rough on you. Being exposed to this world all of a sudden. But you gotta understand, I'm the person you really want to get close too." His hand moved to her neck, gently pulling her closer until their foreheads touched. "And I'll be damned if I let anyone hurt you or getting close to me."

  Abbie felt a warmth spread through her at his words, his strength seeping into her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him tightly. "I know... That we barely know each other... And I shouldn't be this damn attracted to you as much as I am..." she mumbled into his shoulder, feeling the tension in her body start to melt away.

  "You been hurt before huh? Mind telling me what might have caused it, to get it off your chest?" Vagan asked, his voice softer than the plush pillow beneath her head. His thumb traced gentle circles on her back, the comforting gesture grounding her in the moment.

  Abbie took a deep breath, her heart racing. She felt a weight lifting, the urge to confide in him overwhelming. "It's a long story," she mumbled, her eyes closed.

  "I got time." Vagan's voice was a soothing rumble beneath her ear, his arms wrapping around her in a comforting embrace. The warmth of his body was like a shield against the cold, harsh reality of the world outside.

  "I... Was molested when I was 12." The words spilled out of her mouth like a confession to a priest. The room grew still, the distant sound of the city outside seeming to hush in respect for her pain.

  "By someone else?" Vagan's voice was tight with anger, his eyes darkening.

  Abbie nodded, her voice shaking. "My step-father... My mom was a widow when my dad died, he was fighting in the Iraq war. So after a year, she got married again. And he was... not a good man." She took a deep breath, the memories rushing back like a tidal wave. "He started when I was twelve. It went on for four years, until I finally had the courage to tell my mom."

  "What did she do? Did she believe you?" Vagan's voice was gruff, the anger in his eyes a clear warning of what he'd do to the man if he ever laid eyes on him.

  Abbie's gaze remained on the ceiling, her grip on Vagan tightening. "She didn't... She didn't believe me," she whispered, the pain of the memory etched into her voice. "She said I was just trying to ruin her new life. She... she chose him over me."

  When she said that, the room felt off. This angry aura comes from Vagan, it's almost supernatural how Abbie can geel his emotions, even though she's never felt anything like that before. "So, I had to leave. I've been moving around ever since. I've had my fair share of shitty relationships, that's how I ended up with Jake... He's a cool guy." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Vagan hugged her tightly, his body tense with rage. "Fuck, I'm sorry, Abbie. No one deserves to go through that shit." His voice was thick with emotion, a stark contrast to the cool exterior he'd maintained throughout the night.

  "The people who were supposed to protect you turned their back and abuse your thrust. That's why you're so jaded about love and relationships, right?" Vagan's voice was low, his grip on her tightening as his own anger towards her stepfather grew. "But you can't let that define you, Abbie. You're more than what happened to you. Much more."

  Annie's grip his back got tighter as she felt the comfort she's been longing for. She hadn't had a proper hug in so long, one that didn't come with strings attached. She felt the warmth from Vagan's body and the anger in his voice. It was the first time in a long time that someone had been genuinely mad for her, and it was surprisingly comforting.

  “For years… I never told anyone this, not even my best friends… I’ve just been trying to get by,” Abbie’s voice cracked, her body trembling with the weight of her confession. Vagan’s arms tightened around her, his rage a silent promise of protection.

  “You can cry Abbie… It doesn’t make you wake, it pures the soul.” Vagan’s voice was low and soothing, his arms a solid support around her. He felt the tremors of her silent sobs through his chest, the warmth of her tears seeping through his shirt. He didn’t know what to say, but he knew he had to be there for her.

  The weight of her past hung heavy in the room, a palpable presence that seemed to press down on them. For a moment, there was only the sound of her muffled cries and the distant hum of the city below.

  Few hours later Vagan was cuddling with Abbie in the bed, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. He knew she was still awake, the tension in her body hadn’t fully disappeared despite her closed eyes.

  But to make her go to sleep, he pushes the pressure point between her eyes right above the bridge of the nose, a gentle but firm touch. “Shh… Relax,” he whispers. The tension in her body slowly eases, and her breathing evens out, as she succumbs to sleep.

  He then gets up and gently placed her on the bed as he sits up. “Geez, playing bodyguard isn’t too hard. At least when your opps are scrubs.” Vagan said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

  He stands up from the bed and grabs his phone and calls somebody, meanwhile while Leores was walking home he gets a call picked up the phone.

  “Leo, it’s done,” Vagan’s voice was calm and collected, belying the chaotic evening they’d just endured.

  “Thanks Vagan, I had a bad feeling something was gonna happen today, so I just needed someone to keep an eye on the girls.” Leores’ voice was a mix of relief and concern, echoing through the line.

  “No sweat bro, I got you. We might not have not seen each other for a while, but your like a brother to me. Of course I’ll do your favor.” Vagan’s voice was steady and firm, the bond between them clear even through the phone.

  “I know, what’s the job pretty hard?”

  Vagan’s voice took a serious turn. “But I gotta admit, the situation is more complicated than I thought. There’s a bigger picture here, Leo. These guys were actual killers, they knew what they was doing.”

  Leores frowned, his steps quickening. “What do you mean?”

  “They bypassed the dorms security key, they knew exactly where and when to find Abbie, and they were quick and efficient. Something tells me somebody’s spying on you bro.” Vagan’s words were measured, each one dropping like a lead weight into the silent night outside.

  “I had a feeling, but don’t worry. I can take care of it, but make sure you treat Abbie good alright? But not too good, keep it in your pants.” Leores said with a slight seriousness in his voice.

  Vagan chuckled a little, “Aye, you know me. But nah, the girl is just hurting is all. You know she got molested as a kid right?”

  “I suspected as such, but not full-blown knew. That could explain a lot actually, but I usually be on the money.” Leores voice was thoughtful, his eyes scanning the dark street as he absorbed the information. ”But if you say it’s serious, then I need to be more careful. And can you keep an eye on them longer? Just until I figure all of this out.”

  Vagan nodded, even though Leores couldn’t see him. “Of course, bruh. I got you. I’ll keep them safe, and I’ll dig deeper into this shit. Something’s not adding up here, and I want to know what it is.” His eyes narrowed in determination, the shadows playing across his face as he ended the call and stood up.

  “Cool, keep in touch.” Leores hangs up the phone, his mind racing.

  He quickens his pace, the chilly wind doing nothing to cool the heat of his thoughts. The frat’s reach was deeper than he’d imagined.

  If they were willing to go after Abbie, then no one was safe. He needed to find a way to take out Elvino and end this before it got worse.

  The next morning, Abbie wakes up in the bedroom alone not seeing Vagan anywhere. She sits up, her head still heavy with sleep and the weight of the previous night’s confession.

  The sun streams in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the luxurious suite that felt like a distant dream.

  Her eyes dart around the room, looking for any sign of the enigmatic man who had offered her comfort and protection.

  “Geez, that was one hell of a night. But I have to say, I’m not used to waking up alone.” Abbie thought to herself, her eyes scanning the opulent room.

  The silk sheets whispered against her skin as she slid out of bed, the plush carpeting underfoot a stark reminder of the stark contrast between this sanctuary and the harsh reality outside.

  Then some men in suits come in with a cover up plate of breakfast.

  “Complementary from the hotel,” one of them says, placing the tray down on the coffee table.

  The smell of freshly baked croissants and brewed coffee fills the room, mixing with the faint scent of the hotel’s luxurious perfume.

  The men leave, the door clicking shut with a finality that makes Abbie’s heart race.

  She’s been living off fast food and dorm cafeteria meals, the opulence of the suite still a shock to her system.

  But the food is a comfort she can’t refuse, especially after the traumatic events of the night.

  She sits down and takes a bite of the warm croissant, the butter melting in her mouth.

  The sweetness is a balm to her frayed nerves, and for a moment, she can almost forget the horror of last night.

  “OMG! This is so good~ This place is amazing!” Abbie exclaimed, her mouth half full of the heavenly croissant.

  The warmth of the food spread through her, bringing a sense of comfort she hadn’t felt in years.

  She devoured the breakfast, each bite a little victory over her fear.

  Then she noticed a note on the plate, it was from Vagan. It read, “I had to go out for a bit, but if you need me I’ll be watching over you. Don’t worry, I got you s few pairs of clothes to replace your old ones and a ride to take you back to school. My number is 225-THE-VAGA, if you need to talk. V”

  Abbie picked up the note, feeling a warmth in her chest. Despite their brief encounter, Vagan’s consideration touched her more than she’d expected.

  She showered and changed into the fresh clothes he’d left, feeling a renewed sense of strength in the soft fabric against her skin.

  “Damn… I think I’m falling for him now.” Abbie murmured to herself, folding the note and placing it in her pocket.

  She felt a strange sense of comfort knowing that he was looking out for her.

  As she looked around the suite, the lavishness of the place still seemed surreal.

  It was like a bubble, insulating her from the horrors of the night before.