The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

1 | In the Arms of a Stranger

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I've never done a one-night stand in my life. Never. It goes against my principles as someone with dignity. Why would I ever give up my body to a stranger? The idea itself is gross, an indignity.

But not tonight.

Tonight, I'm no longer Danielle Marsh, the church girl everyone knew. I've had enough, and maybe, just maybe, tonight I can be someone else. Someone that isn't me.

It's been a long day, and I need a break. I really need a break before I'm the one breaking into pieces.

With careful steps, I walk into the bar. It's luxurious. It's been a while since I've wasted a good chunk of my monthly payment on something like this. But whatever.

I adjust the too-short sleeveless black dress that hugs my curves perfectly, then my hair, which is tied up in a high bun with loose curls framing my face.

The heavy beat of music pulses through my veins. Too loud for indoors, for sure. The smell of alcohol and sweat fills the air as I make my way to the counter, hoping to lose myself in the noise and forget my worries, if only for a moment.

"A glass of whiskey, please," I say to the bartender as I slide onto a stool.

He nods, preparing my drink without bothering me, not even glancing at my cleavage like others usually do. That's strange. I don't know if I should be happy or sad. Am I not attractive enough?

I glance around the room, where everyone seems lost in their own worlds, heedless of tomorrow, until my eyes land on a tall, stunning woman sitting in a corner booth. 

Wow. 

I can't take my eyes off her and, for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

Her dark hair frames her face perfectly, and those cat-like eyes—cold, piercing, and yet, I can't look away. She notices my stare and raises an eyebrow, a devilish smirk dancing on her lips.

I quickly look away. Oh my. Why do my cheeks heat up?

"Hey there." A guy's voice interrupts my thoughts.

Alright, good. Now I am bothered.

He's close, too close. I turn to see a smarmy grin and a gleam in his eye that makes my skin crawl.

"What's a pretty young lady like you doing here all alone?"

"Drinking. What else?" I force a polite smile.

He leans in, his breath reeking of alcohol. "How about I buy you another? We can talk, get to know each other better."

"No, thank you," I say firmly, trying to shift away.

But he grabs my arm forcefully. I wince, trying to pull away, but he immediately tightens his grip.

"Come on, don't play too hard to get, beautiful. Just one drink." His tone starts to turn harsh.

My chest starts to heave—it feels so tight and painful. I lose my breath. I look around, desperate for an escape, and my eyes lock onto the woman in the corner.

Without thinking, I call out to her. "Babe, there you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. Where did you go? What took you so long?"

Her sharp eyes narrow slightly, but then she stands up, walking gracefully and deliberately. She strides over, and I couldn't be more thankful. My chest doesn't feel as tight anymore.