Flashing lights, muted games of coloured hues and shadows dancing on your body, limbs in perfect sync with the thumping bass, so loud it controlled your very own heartbeat to match its pace. The idea of coming to the club alone was intimidating, but after a few rounds of liquid courage, you had enough confidence to stay on the dance floor alone, and just let the music flow.

A pair of dark eyes had been trained on you since you stepped inside the club. Attentive, rapt and vigilant, Simon’s gaze followed you with quiet curiosity; you had caught his attention, tuning the superfluous noise coming from Johnny and the others. You were clueless, to all of your surroundings, really, but he was looking out for you.

Simon’s fascination wasn’t the only one you had inadvertently caught, but his execution was definitely inelegant. He had stalked over to you like a graceless step, a famished, abhorrent glint in his eye. He hadn’t planned to introduce himself to you just yet, but that poor excuse of a man was disrupting his plan.

You felt someone bump into you, then a pair of hands caught hold of your waist. You whipped around, gasping at the sight of a languid, revolting smile. “Are you here all alone, pretty thing?” He asked, one of his hands already trying to roam further down.

You didn’t hear him come, and you could swear he wasn’t there a moment ago. The only proof of his presence behind you was the way the man’s face contorted in pain, wincing and crying out. You turned around again, and saw his hand holding the man’s, twisting his wrist in a way you doubted was natural. You stared at the scene with wide eyes, your mind working at halved speed because of your intoxicated state.

You didn’t hear what your nameless saviour told the man, but it was enough to have him shoving people aside to get out as fast as he could. “I apologise for his tasteless manners,” he said lowering his head so his deep voice could reach your ears over the loud music. “I’d offer you a drink, but I see you’ve had your fair share already.”