Chapter 2

Did she know him? Indie’s heart pounded as the two bodyguards lunged toward her. In a desperate move, she clung tightly to Rowan’s leg, pressing her face against the smooth fabric of his dress pants. “No, please!” “Stop.” A single word. Cold, sharp—like a blade slicing through ice. Rowan’s voice alone was enough to freeze them in place. His gaze, razor-sharp and predatory, swept over the men, sending a chill down their spines. Standing at an imposing 6’3", he radiated an effortless authority. His presence alone was suffocating. The two bodyguards stiffened but recovered quickly. They were used to being the ones people feared. One of them scoffed. “Hand her over. This isn’t your business.” Indie clutched him tighter. “You didn’t say anything earlier—that means you agreed! You can’t go back on your word now!” She knew she was being shameless, but she had no choice. Something about this man told her he could save her. Rowan arched a brow, watching her with an unreadable expression. “And what makes you think I will?” Indie hesitated, then blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Because… you’re kind.” Kind? Rowan almost laughed. It was the first time anyone had used that word to describe him—especially a woman he’d just spent the night with. A hint of amusement flickered across his face. “Enough talking! Are you handing her over or not?” The thinner of the two bodyguards snapped, his patience wearing thin. “Don’t test us. You’ll regret it.” Rowan’s gaze darkened, his aura turning lethal. “I’ll give you one chance.” His voice was dangerously low. “Say that again.” The temperature in the room seemed to drop. The bodyguard opened his mouth, ready to curse again— SLAP! A sharp crack echoed through the nightclub. The bodyguard staggered, his cheek burning red from the force of the slap. “Shut up!” The furious voice came from their boss—Mr. Carter. He had just recognized Rowan Gallagher. His face paled. His entire body trembled. Then, with a loud thud, he dropped to his knees. “President Rowan! I—I didn’t know it was you! Please, forgive my men’s rudeness!” At the sound of that name, the entire room shifted. People gasped, their expressions morphing from curiosity to fear. Gallagher. Rowan Gallagher. The Gallagher family’s power stretched far beyond the business world. Anyone who dared cross them never lived to regret it. Rowan’s lips curled into a cold, amused smile. “Oh? And how exactly were you planning to make me regret it?” Mr. Carter paled further. The two bodyguards fell to their knees, their heads practically slamming against the floor. “President Gallagher, please! We were blind! We didn’t know! Please, have mercy!” Indie stared in stunned silence. Just minutes ago, these men had been acting like kings. Now, they were groveling at Rowan’s feet like terrified dogs. So… she had clung to the right person. Rowan watched them beg for a few seconds longer before losing interest. “Get lost.” His voice was calm, almost bored, yet it sent the men scrambling. They fled without another word, nearly tripping over themselves in their haste to disappear. The nightclub fell into an eerie silence. Indie finally exhaled. Then, she realized—she was still clutching his leg. Her entire face turned red. She let go and stepped back immediately. “Thank you.” With that, she spun on her heel, ready to make a clean exit. “What? That’s all?” Rowan’s voice stopped her in her tracks. She turned back slowly, heart hammering. “I don’t have money or power. How exactly do you want me to thank you? Should I offer myself to you?” She scoffed. “But I doubt a man like you is interested.” A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. Interesting woman. Indie sighed in relief, thinking she was off the hook. “Alright, then. I’ll be going—” Her voice died in her throat. She had barely taken two steps before she spotted Mr. Carter and his men lurking by the entrance, watching her like vultures. Waiting for her. Her stomach twisted. She had smashed a bottle over Mr. Carter’s head earlier. There was no way he’d let her walk out of here unscathed. Panic surged through her veins. She hesitated for a moment before turning back and grabbing Rowan’s arm—only to have him shake her off impatiently. She forced an awkward laugh. “Uh… haha…” Desperation made her reckless. “How about…” She swallowed hard. “You take me after all? Consider it my repayment.” The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to die. Had she just—did she just—offer herself up like some cheap bargaining chip?! Rowan’s smirk deepened. “Are you asking me to sleep with you?” Indie felt like crawling into a hole and never coming out. Her entire body burned with embarrassment. Today was officially the worst day of her life. “Hm?” Rowan tilted his head, his gaze locking onto hers. “What’s wrong? Changed your mind?” Indie bit her lip. Her eyes flicked toward the door again. The men were still there. If they caught her, who knew what they’d do to her? If she had to choose between them and this man… “I do.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “As long as you save me.” Rowan’s smirk disappeared. His lips thinned. “They won’t dare touch you while you’re in here.” He took a sip of his wine, his tone indifferent. “Once you leave, that’s no longer my concern.” Indie’s stomach dropped. “But I can’t stay here forever.” “That’s your problem.” With that, he turned and stepped into a private suite, leaving her stranded. Her hands clenched into fists. Damn it. She gritted her teeth and stormed after him, slipping inside before the door shut behind her. Rowan was already lounging on the leather sofa, watching her like she was an amusing little plaything. “Come here.” His voice was deep, commanding. Indie hesitated. This man was dangerous. Being near him felt like standing on the edge of a cliff. “I think I’ll just stay here.” She forced a smile, waving a hand dismissively. Rowan smirked. “Then leave.” He raised a hand, and a bodyguard immediately moved to grab her. “Wait! Wait! I’ll come!” She rushed forward, standing before him like a scolded child. Rowan watched her for a moment, then leaned back lazily. “Why were they after you?” Indie stiffened. How was she supposed to explain? That she had come here to negotiate a business deal but ended up smashing a bottle over a scumbag’s head? “You came here as a hostess, didn’t you?” His voice was casual, but there was a glint of provocation in his eyes. “No!” She blurted. “I came here for business!” His gaze flicked to the folder in her hands. The label read: Gallagher Corporation. A spark of interest lit his eyes. “A business deal with Gallagher Corporation?” He swirled the wine in his glass. Indie’s breath hitched. How did he know?! Rowan smirked. “Let’s go.” Indie blinked. “W-What?” He glanced at her lazily. “What? You don’t want to leave?” “Oh! No—I’m coming!” If he was taking her out of here, she wasn’t about to argue. Because if Mr. Carter caught her first… she wouldn’t live to regret it. ________