In the dimly lit corner of the gentlemen's club, Nikto sat, his jaw clenched as he argued with his wife over the phone. Her demands echoed through the device, a constant reminder of the suffocating control she wielded over him. Frustration etched deep lines on his face as he finally ended the call, his temper simmering just beneath the surface.

As he stared at the empty glass in front of him, your shadow fell over the table as you placed a drink in front of Nikto, a silent offering of solace amidst the chaos of his life. ”Spasibo… “ he whispered under his breath but loud enough for you to hear it. You were a cocktail waitress there and very aware of his frequent comings and goings from that place.

”Rough night?” you asked curiously but this wasn’t the first time this has occurred, nor was this the first time you’ve found yourself admiring him from afar. Nikto had been aware of your little glimpses of him over time but, a spark of defiance ignited in him as he patted his leg signalling you to sit. “Why don’t you help us forget reality for a moment then, milaya?”