Chapter 54: Night Out III

Chapter 54: Night Out III "What’s the problem, Ewan?" "Why do you look like you just saw the devil?" Zane and Sandro asked simultaneously, darting glances between Ewan and the throng of bodies in his line of sight. Did he see a foe? Sandro thought, peering at the many faces before them, checking to see a familiar face. But what foe would make Ewan look like that? "Ewan!" Zane tapped his friend on the thigh when Ewan ignored them and downed the scotch in one go. "Talk to us..." "Athena is here," Ewan finally answered, striving to calm his racing heart as his eyes darted back to where he had seen Athena just moments ago. Only now, she was gone. His heart drummed in panic. He stood up from his seat, unable to sit still. Where did she go? He was about to push through the crowd when he spotted her dancing with Gianna, surrounded by a gaggle of men staring at them with lustful eyes. How had she gotten to the dance floor so quickly? What was she doing here in the first place? Shouldn’t she be resting after the eventful week she’s had? What about her children? ’Is that your business?’ Ewan sighed at his mind’s tease. It was definitely not his business. He shouldn’t be bothered about another man’s children. So, he turned to point the two women out to his friends, but the dazed looks on their faces—particularly Zane’s furious expression—told him they were already aware. "Seems we aren’t the only ones who came to unwind..." Sandro muttered, clearly drooling. Ewan could see why. The two women were easily the hottest in the club, especially Athena. Athena’s gown hugged her curves like it was painted on, shimmering under the strobe lights. The way it flared at her thighs made it seem as if she were a goddess descending from the heavens, ready to steal every man’s breath away. His heart started racing again, as he watched her dance amorously to the slow music blasting from the speakers. What was the universe trying to tell him? Maybe this night wasn’t just about drowning his sorrows and regrets... Maybe it was about facing the truths he had avoided for so long. His heart, however, clenched with pain, when a strange man placed his hand on her waist. Ewan saw red. He was about sauntering to the dance floor to stop the man who was dancing with her, to ask her for a dance too, when he heard an angry grunt. Immediately, he glanced at Zane. His friend was practically burning a hole in the dance floor with his fiery eyes. Ewan recognized that look; it was the kind of anger that comes from watching a woman you love being surrounded and touched by other men. It was the same feeling churning in his gut when he had watched the guy casually place his hand on Athena’s waist. It annoyed him that Zane was looking at her, too. But hey, he had made his own bed, so he might as well lie in it. However, when he turned back to Athena and saw her arguing with a couple of guys, all rational thought fled his mind. He hurried toward them, aware of his friends trailing behind. As he got closer, he could hear the heated exchange. "How dare you touch me? Did I give you permission?" One of the guys laughed at Athena’s words, clearly underestimating her. "Baby, you gave me permission when you wore that sexy gown to the club tonight." Athena scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "You are sick! Touch me again, and I’ll make sure you pay your dentist a visit tomorrow." The men roared with laughter, and Ewan felt the anger boiling inside him. Without wasting a second, he stepped in, hitting the guy’s hand away just as he reached for Athena again. The sudden presence of Ewan and his friends caused both parties to look their way. Ewan noted the shock on Athena’s face before he caught Gianna’s surprised expression. "Who the hell do you think you are..." The man started, but the words died on his lips as he realized who stood before him. Who didn’t know Ewan Giacometti and his crew, especially Zane Whitman? The male staggered back, and started apologizing profusely. The other men hurriedly apologized too, their bravado evaporating. "We’re sorry, sirs! We didn’t know the women were taken..." They didn’t bother to listen to Athena’s protests as they scurried away in fear. What bad luck had almost visited them tonight! They thought as they ran out of the club, without looking back. Meanwhile, as the men departed, Ewan stood face to face with Athena, the air thick with unspoken words. Silence enveloped them for a full minute until Sandro awkwardly broke it. "Uh, since we’re all here, can we take a table and sit... and probably talk?" Silence greeted his suggestion. He looked at both Zane and Ewan, both wearing unreadable expressions. He understood Ewan’s look but was puzzled by Zane’s, who seemed more focused on Gianna than on Athena. Didn’t Zane say he loved Athena? What was with the tension hanging between him and Gianna then? Sandro was at a loss. But he made the offer again. This time, Gianna found her voice. "No, I’m not interested. I’ll be heading home now..." Zane didn’t let her finish. "Why? Because we cut your games with a potential bed partner for the night?" Instantly, a slap echoed through the air. Sandro assumed Gianna was behind it until he saw Athena’s fist clenched, still hovering in the air. Gianna hadn’t moved. "How dare you, Zane?" Sandro watched as Zane’s cold mask slipped away. "I’m sorry, I just..." "Couldn’t control your lips? What did I tell you last time about upsetting my best friend?" Zane hung his head in shame. "I don’t want to see you around for now..." Sandro observed as Athena turned, letting out a sharp cry when she didn’t see Gianna behind her. "Where’s Gianna?" She asked, her voice laced with worry. She turned back to Zane, still ignoring Ewan entirely. "If something happens to her, I will kill you!" ________ To my lovely readers, support this work by purchasing privilege Chapters!