Blood and Silver (On Going)

Chapter 2 ~ Aisha

The bar was bustling with its typical chaos–laughter mixed with the clink of drinks, the hum of conversations punctuated by the occasional drunken yell. The neon lights above projected a warm, hazy glow over everything, making the busy area feel like another world entirely. I'd been working for thirty minutes when I noticed Levi shove through the door. He wore his customary clothing, a black t-shirt that fit tightly over his broad chest and a pair of faded blue jeans that appeared a little more worn than usual.

Tonight was ladies' night, and I observed how many curious and admiring stares he received. His easy confidence had always attracted attention, but it suddenly appeared more powerful, almost magnetic. When he noticed someone staring, the corners of his mouth raised in a slight grin, which vanished as he moved farther into the bar.

That's when I noticed Rico, our boss, striding purposefully toward Levi. Rico was a short, wiry man with sharp features and a voice that was louder than his size indicated. His usual genial approach was gone as he stopped in front of Levi, gesticulating frantically and launching into a tirade.

"Levi! You're late again! Do you think this place runs on your schedule?" Rico's voice broke through the din, catching the attention of a few patrons who looked over warily. The women who had been watching Levi exchanged glances and hurried away, the moment interrupted by the confrontation.

Levi's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking as he listened. He didn't say anything, only nodded once, a short gesture that did little to relieve Rico's frustration. The tension between them was apparent, crackling like a live wire, and I could feel the bar's eyes turning back to their drinks or conversations, pretending not to see but silently eavesdropping all the same.

I wiped down the counter, pretending not to notice the situation, but I kept an eye on Levi. His posture was rigid, and his fingers flexed slightly at his sides. A part of me wanted to march over and defend him, but I knew Levi wouldn't want that. Whatever was going on with him, it was his battle to fight–or his secret to keep.

Rico stepped back and sighed. "Clock in and get to work, Levi," he urged, his voice quieter but still full of irritation. Levi met his gaze for a moment before turning on his heel and heading to the back to punch in, his eyes momentarily meeting mine as he passed.

I didn't say anything, simply raised an eyebrow that asked, are you okay? He gave a small nod, but it didn't reach his eyes.

I returned to serving drinks, but my mind was already racing, thoughts and concerns tangled in a knot I couldn't ignore.

The hours blurred together as I served drink after drink, the chatter and laughing around me blurring into a familiar, chaotic symphony. The bar was alive with excitement, a constant ebb and flow of people searching for a memorable night out. Levi returned to his post at the door, arms crossed and eyes scanning the crowd, every inch the diligent bouncer. It soothed me to know he was there, even if our relationship felt distant.

I was cleaning up a spill when I noticed a new face at the far end of the counter. He sat alone, calm yet commanding attention. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with dark hair falling in untamed waves and stunning blue eyes that seemed to notice everything. His tanned skin and the way he filled out his white T-shirt beneath an unbuttoned plaid shirt indicated that he had spent hours exercising or training rather than simply standing in a gym. His keen and inquiring stare weighed heavily on me.

I went over with my tray tucked under my arm. "What can I get for you?" I inquired my tone firm but laced with a hint of playfulness that I couldn't quite conceal. Something about him drew me in, a darkness in his eyes that was similar to Levi's but felt different–perhaps dangerous, maybe.