Under His Protection

Chapter 1: The Bar That Hides the Beast

The dim lights of the bar flickered lazily, casting long shadows over the polished mahogany countertops. The place wasn't crowded tonight, just a few regulars huddled in the corner, nursing their drinks. In the back, a pool table echoed with the occasional clatter of balls, but otherwise, the place was quiet. It was exactly how Taylor Swift liked it.

Wiping down the counter, Taylor glanced at the clock mounted on the far wall. Almost midnight. He'd be here soon.

She had only been working at this bar for a few months, yet even now, there was a rhythm to her nights—a rhythm that had lately revolved around him. The man who walked in like he owned the place, though never arrogantly. His name was Travis. He never said much, but the weight he carried with him—like a cloak of authority and danger—made her instinctively aware that he was more than just another patron. Everyone in town knew him, but no one dared to speak about him.

The door creaked open, letting in a gust of cool night air, and there he was—Travis Kelce. Tall, broad-shouldered, and impeccably dressed, he strode in like the king of an invisible empire. Behind him, as always, were his two shadows: Patrick Mahomes and Ross Travis. Patrick's easy smile and boyish charm masked the cunning mind that had earned him the title of Travis's right-hand man. Ross, on the other hand, was more reserved, quieter, but lethal when necessary.

Taylor's heart picked up speed when her eyes met Travis's across the room. Despite his intimidating aura, there was something different about him when he looked at her. His sharp features softened slightly, like he allowed a bit of the darkness to slip away in her presence.

He nodded at her as he approached the bar, settling into his usual spot—third stool from the left, far enough from the door to avoid attention, but with a perfect view of anyone coming in or out.

"Whiskey?" she asked, already reaching for the bottle behind her.

Travis smirked, a small gesture that only hinted at the storm raging beneath his calm surface. "You know me too well, sweetheart."

She poured the drink, her fingers brushing his as she slid the glass across the bar. He held her gaze for just a moment longer than necessary, sending a familiar warmth rushing through her. She knew it wasn't wise to get too close to a man like Travis. Everyone warned her, though no one dared speak his name aloud. But something about him pulled her in, despite the unspoken danger.

Patrick and Ross leaned casually against the bar next to him. Patrick grinned, nudging Travis with his elbow. "You gonna actually talk tonight, or is Taylor gonna have to guess your life story again?"

Taylor raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the playful jab. Travis chuckled under his breath, but didn't reply, keeping his eyes on her as if challenging her to ask the questions Patrick teased about.

Ross, ever the observer, stayed quiet, scanning the room as if every patron posed a potential threat. His loyalty to Travis was obvious, but there was something in the way he kept watch over Patrick too, like a brother would. They were a tight-knit trio, but Travis was undeniably the leader.

"So," Taylor said, breaking the silence, "you three planning a big night, or is this just another one of those mysterious visits where you brood in the corner?"

Patrick laughed, a sound that was warm and inviting, yet somehow out of place in the bar's brooding atmosphere. "You could say we're between business deals." His eyes sparkled with mischief, but Taylor sensed there was more beneath his words. "Though, hanging out with Kelce here? That's always an adventure in itself."

"Adventure's a word for it," Ross muttered, his eyes still scanning the room.

Travis finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the tension with practiced ease. "No business tonight, just a drink." His gaze flickered back to Taylor, softer this time. "And maybe some good company."

Taylor felt her cheeks warm under the weight of his attention. She knew enough about Travis to understand that he didn't let just anyone into his circle. Yet here he was, night after night, sitting in front of her, letting down his guard—if only a little.

The bar's door opened again, but this time, the atmosphere changed. Three men entered, dressed in leather jackets, their eyes immediately locking on Travis. A tense silence swept through the room, and Patrick and Ross straightened up beside their boss.

Taylor's stomach knotted. She didn't know who they were, but she could tell trouble when she saw it. Travis, though, didn't move. He simply took a slow sip of his whiskey, his eyes flicking over to the newcomers as if they were mere annoyances.

"You Kelce?" one of them asked, stepping forward. His voice dripped with false confidence, but Taylor could see the fear behind his swagger.

Travis set his glass down and stood up, his full height casting an imposing shadow across the bar. Patrick and Ross flanked him, ready for anything. The air thickened with tension.

Taylor held her breath, instinctively reaching for the baseball bat she kept hidden under the counter, just in case.

The man hesitated, clearly reconsidering his choices now that he stood in front of Travis. "We don't want trouble," he said, his bravado faltering. "Just passing through."

"Then pass through," Travis said, his voice low and dangerous. "Before you find trouble."

For a moment, the room stood still, the only sound the soft hum of the bar's fridge. Then, the men retreated, leaving the bar as quickly as they had come.

Taylor exhaled slowly, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. When she looked up, Travis was staring at her, his intense blue eyes locking onto hers.

"Sorry about that," he murmured, sliding back into his seat like nothing had happened. "Not the kind of company I intended tonight."

Taylor bit her lip, trying to slow her racing pulse. "Guess you attract all kinds of attention, huh?"

Patrick chuckled, patting Travis on the back. "You have no idea."

As the tension faded, Taylor refilled Travis's glass. She didn't say anything more, but she knew. Tonight had confirmed what she suspected for a while: Travis Kelce wasn't just another patron. He was someone far more dangerous—and far more fascinating.

And for reasons she couldn't yet explain, she wasn't scared.