Dangerous Hearts - The Last Redemption

Chapter 1

Cian wasn’t sure what he was looking for, but he knew it wasn’t here. The dimly lit bar was packed, filled with the stale smells of beer and cigarette smoke. It was a far cry from the regimented life he’d led during his years in the US Marines, but since his discharge, he’d felt lost—adrift in a civilian world that seemed to lack purpose and direction.

He sipped his whiskey slowly, his eyes scanning the room out of habit. Most of the people around him were locals, those who came here to drown out the monotony of their lives. Some were lost in quiet conversations, others laughing loudly, and a few sitting alone, much like he was. A moment passed, and two men he knew well entered the bar, greeting him with a smirk. "What are you doing here all alone, friend? Want us to call a waitress to keep you company?" They laughed at their own joke, amused by Cian usual blank reaction.

“Cian... I still don’t get why you like to sit alone like this. Mean and I worry about you, just sitting and drinking by yourself all the time,” said Fair with a note of concern.

Cian stood up, approaching Fair with a small grin. “I'm just taking my time here… and spending it with you guys. You get it?”

With that, Fair and Mean, who had been worried, quickly settled down, joining Cian for a drink.

Moments later, even through the haze of smoke and chatter, Cian couldn’t help but notice someone as soon as he walked in.

The man moved with quiet confidence, like a predator who owned every step. His dark, neatly styled two-block haircut framed a striking and charming face with a subtle smile. He was the kind of man you wouldn’t easily forget, and even in the crowd, he seemed to command attention. Cian eyes lingered on him a moment longer than they should have.

His instincts, sharpened by years of experience, told him there was trouble. There was a faint tension in the man’s shoulders, the way he carefully assessed the room, too aware, too controlled, as though he was waiting for something or someone. It was clear he wasn’t here for a casual drink.

Cian tried to return his focus to the glass in front of him, but something about this man kept pulling him back. He leaned against the bar, casually placing an order. His gaze drifted over the room, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. There was a flicker of recognition in the man’s expression, though Cian was certain they’d never met. But before he could think too much about it, the man looked away, dismissing him like just another stranger. Fair and Mean noticed the exchange, aware of Cian’s preference for interesting company.

Cian took another sip, trying to shake off the strange pull he felt. The last thing he needed was to get involved with anyone, especially someone like him.

As he was finishing his drink, a loud commotion erupted at the other end of the bar. Two men approached the stranger, their voices raised above the background noise. Cian noticed the tense atmosphere immediately, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. He sensed a dark, dangerous aura, and guessed one of the men was likely armed.

There, beneath the dim light from the bar’s lamps, the man was confronted by two burly men, their faces full of malice and intent. One of them raised a gun, while the other blocked the exit with crossed arms, a cruel smile on his face.

Cian didn’t need long to realize the situation. He could see the man standing tall, though the way he gripped his shoulder showed he was ready for a fight. But taking on two armed men with bare hands? That was a tough feat.

The man with the gun glared at the stranger, his eyes cold. “Our boss wants you dead… says your family ruined his plans, Leo,” he sneered. “Tonight, we’ll make sure you don’t make it home.”

Leo let out a bitter laugh, his voice filled with a mix of anger and contempt. “If your boss had any guts, he’d come himself, instead of sending two cowards like you. This is between my family and him, don’t think he can hide.”

The man’s evil grin widened, and he raised his gun, ready to pull the trigger.

Without hesitation, Cian broke through the crowd, moving with lightning speed. Within seconds, he was behind the man holding the gun, grabbing his arm and twisting it forcefully, making the gun fall to the ground. The man cried out in pain as Cian wrenched his arm harder, the sound of bones cracking filling the air.

“You’d better back off,” Cian said coldly, his eyes filled with a deadly intensity.

But the second man was already charging forward, swinging a punch at Cian. Cian released his hold on the first man, swiftly dodging the attack. He moved with practiced agility, avoiding the fist that nearly grazed his face. In one smooth motion, he countered with a punch to the man’s ribs, sending him stumbling back, gasping for breath.

Leo, seeing an opening, grabbed the fallen gun and pointed it at the two men. His face was set, his gaze unwavering. “You two are out of options. Get out of here, and tell your boss that if he has business with me, he should show up himself.”

The two men, realizing the odds were no longer in their favor, exchanged a quick glance before deciding to flee. They hurried out of the bar, leaving Leo and Cian standing amidst the curious onlookers.

Cian looked at Leo, breathing a little heavily after the quick fight. “You alright?” he asked, concern mixed with relief in his voice.

Leo nodded, his expression softening. “I can handle myself,” he replied with a small smile. “But… thanks, I appreciate it.”

“I’m Cian,” he said, finally holding out his hand.

Leo hesitated, then accepted it with a firm shake. “Leo.”

They stood in silence, meeting each other’s gaze, both realizing that this encounter was no coincidence. There was something deeper, something stronger, that had brought them together, even though they came from completely different worlds.

“I’ll make sure you get home safe,” Cian finally offered, gesturing to escort Leo out of the bar. Leo declined, instead asking for Cian’s number, grateful to have the means to return the favor someday.

Fair and Mean, who had been watching the fight, approached them. “Cian, are you okay? You scared us jumping in like that… what if they’d shot you?” Fair worry was palpable, Cian impulsiveness had been more frequent since leaving the Marines.

Cian just nodded, not replying, and took Leo by the hand, guiding him outside. They left Fair and Mean behind in the bar, stepping into the night, their paths now unknowingly intertwined.