The Hunter's Angel

The Run-In

"I'll take a Jack and Coke," I tell the bartender, nearly shouting over the blaring music of the nightclub.

Neon lights danced over the bartender's face as she nodded, turning away to fix my drink.

I let out a deep breath, relieved to escape the sweaty dance floor for a second.

Glancing over my shoulder, I eyed the packed crowd. Bodies swayed with the thrum of the music, people laughing in pure bliss. The DJ was playing an EDM mix, though I'm sure with the level of inebriation within the crowd, they would've been just as thrilled with Beethoven.

I laughed under my breath as my eyes landed on my best friend, Kat, getting up close and personal with a guy I'm almost certain I've seen on TV.

Only in Los Angeles.

Though, with Kat's current "media cleanse," I wouldn't be surprised if she had no idea who he was.

My smile widened when I saw Liam, best friend number two, further back, flirting up a storm with the DJ.

Shaking my head with a grin, I spun back around to pay for my drink, but an arm encircled my wrist, stopping me.

Looking to my left, I glared at the man grabbing my arm.

Clad in a suit and wearing a watch the price of my car, he screamed businessman. A much, much older one at that.

"Here, gorgeous," the man boasted, pulling out a credit card, "No woman that looks like you should pay for a drink."

His gaze leisurely traveled down my body, not even trying to conceal his lustful stare. The man towered over my petite frame, his eyes trailing over my olive skin and wavy black hair.

I wasn't exactly immune to the appreciative glance, which I owed to my slightly curvy frame. The tight, red backless dress didn't help, nor the heels that took hours of convincing from Kat for me to wear.

Heels that I was now inclined to put to a very different use. 

I snatched my wrist away, shooting daggers with my eyes.

"And why is that?" I asked with a clipped tone.

His lips curved. "Well, those hands could be put to much better use than buying a drink, don't you think?"

I let out a harsh laugh, hardly shocked by the man's barbarity.

My laughter fell short when his slimy hands slid way, way too low on my back, copping a feel.

"You're right," I said with a clenched smile. "These hands could be put to much better use."

I cocked my fist back and slammed it into his face, knocking him square in the nose.

The man yelped, his stubby fingers clutching his nose and drawing attention from others at the club.

"You bitch!" he cursed, gunning straight for me.

Before he could lift a finger, Liam suddenly jumped in, shoving the man against the bar. "Why don't you leave while you still can, asshole?"

Eyeing Liam's broad arms, the man darted off, grasping his nose and cursing up a storm.

Kat hurried beside me, just in time to see the douchebag scurrying away. Her wide eyes shifted to me, a mix of worry and amusement. "You really can't go one night without starting trouble, can you, Layla?"

"She sure can't," teased Liam.

I rolled my eyes mockingly. "Maybe if I didn't always encounter assholes, I wouldn't have to."