Chapter 4 Second Encounter

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Elena drove straight to the club, the trip taking only twenty-two minutes. As she parked her car, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. She was meeting Kyle, the guy she had been talking to, and she was hoping for a great time.

As she stepped out of the car, Juliana followed suit, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of boredom. "So, where is your boyfriend?" Juliana asked, folding her arms together while impatiently tapping the floor with her right foot. "I said I'm meeting up with someone, not my boyfriend," Elena replied, her voice laced with annoyance.

Elena frowned, pulling out her phone to dial Kyle's number. He picked up on the first attempt, and Elena smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Hi Kyle, I'm here already," she said, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, bae, just a second, I'm coming out now," Kyle replied, his voice smooth and charming. "Okay, I'm waiting at the parking lot," Elena said, ending the call.

"He will be here in a few seconds," Elena said to Juliana, who was watching her with an amused expression. As if on cue, Kyle appeared, walking towards them with a confident stride.

"You look stunning in that dress, Elena," Kyle complimented, his eyes locked on hers. Elena blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her body. "Thanks, you don't look bad yourself," she replied, trying to play it cool.

Juliana rolled her eyes, her expression unimpressed. "Can you two stop with the lovey-dovey stuff and let's head inside? It's getting cold out here," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Elena felt a pang of regret for bringing Juliana along, but she pushed the thought aside. Kyle looked at Juliana, his eyes widening in surprise. "Sorry, please, who is she?" he asked, his voice polite.

"This is Juliana, my boss," Elena replied, bringing her mouth closer to Kyle's ear. "I told you about her, right?" Kyle's eyes lit up with recognition, and he smiled. "Oh my God, this is Juliana. I couldn't even recognize her. She looks completely different but still hot as always," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Juliana smirked, her eyes flashing with amusement. "Thanks, Mr. Man. You two meet me inside when you're done flirting here," she said, catwalking into the club.

As they followed Juliana inside, Elena couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She hoped Juliana wouldn't ruin her date, but she knew better than to underestimate her boss's ability to stir up trouble.

Inside the club, the music was pulsating, the beat thumping through the speakers like a living thing. Juliana catwalked to the bar, her hips swaying to the rhythm. Elena and Kyle followed, their eyes locked on each other.

At the bar, Juliana ordered a cup of whisky, downing it in one swift motion. The bartender's eyes widened in surprise, but Juliana just smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"You're the delivery guy," Juliana said, her voice husky. "And who are you?" the bartender asked, folding his arms.

"Apart from the wig I'm wearing, if you look at me well, you'll definitely remember me," Juliana replied, her smile growing wider. The bartender's eyes narrowed, his expression shocked.

"What are you doing here?" he stuttered, and Juliana laughed, a low, throaty sound. "Keep your voice down. You don't want to get the crowd on me. Give me a bottle of whisky, I'm so thirsty."

The bartender hesitated, but Juliana's gaze was unwavering. He turned around, grabbing a bottle of whisky and handing it to her. Juliana threw her purse at him, and he caught it, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Hold that for me, I'll come for it and pay for my drink," Juliana said, her voice confident. With that, she walked to the dance floor, and the bottle of whisky clutched in her hand.

As they watched Juliana dance, Kyle turned to Elena and smiled. "Guess that lady is one of a kind," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "I know, right?" Elena replied, laughing.

Just then, Bryan appeared in front of them, his eyes locked on Juliana as she danced with a guy. His expression darkened, and Elena felt a pang of surprise. Why was Bryan reacting like that?

"What's running through your mind? You look lost," Kyle asked, his voice concerned. Bryan shook his head, his eyes still fixed on Juliana.

"Nothing, just enjoying the music," Bryan replied, his voice tight. Kyle nodded, smiling. "Elena, this is my best friend Bryan, and Bryan meets Elena, my soon-to-be girlfriend." He said, smiling. He extended his hand for a handshake, and she gladly took it. "It's nice meeting you again." She dropped his hand and smiled gently at him; she remembered him. Kyle looked at us, switching his eyes back and forth. He was surprised by how the two ended up knowing each other. "Earlier this morning, she's the first person I delivered pizza to." Bryan's troubled mind eased. His mouth widened in surprise. "Wow, that's how fate works. So, Bryan, I'll be around somewhere." "No problem, enjoy your date." Bryan smiled at him as they both walked away. He looked back at the dance floor. He could see her grinding her body against a guy, and he wasn't happy. It wasn't like they were dating, so why was he getting angry? After all, she could never date him. He thought to himself.

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Bryan's eyes never left Juliana's figure as she danced with reckless abandon, the bottle of whisky still clutched in her hand. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, a feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.

As he watched, a guy approached Juliana, his hands reaching out to grab her waist. Juliana didn't seem to notice, too caught up in the music and her own movements. But Bryan noticed, and his instincts kicked in.

Without thinking, he pushed his way through the crowd, his eyes fixed on the guy who was now trying to kiss Juliana. Bryan's fist clenched, and he punched the guy, sending him stumbling backward.

The crowd around them gasped in shock, but Bryan didn't care. He was too focused on Juliana, who was now stumbling, the bottle of whisky slipping from her grasp.

Kyle rushed forward, grabbing Bryan's arm and pulling him back. "Whoa, calm down, man," Kyle said, his voice soothing. "You don't want to start a fight."

Bryan's chest heaved with exertion, his eyes still fixed on Juliana. Elena rushed forward, catching Juliana as she stumbled. "Thanks for protecting her," Elena said, her voice grateful.

Bryan nodded, still feeling a sense of tension. "I know, and I know who she is," he replied, his voice low.

As Bryan was about to leave, Kyle's phone rang. He excused himself, answering the call. After a brief conversation, he turned to Bryan and Elena. "I'm so sorry, guys. I have to go. It's urgent."

Bryan nodded understandingly. "No problem, I'll make sure Elena and Juliana get home safely."

Kyle smiled, relieved. "Thanks, man. I owe you one." With that, he hurried off, leaving Bryan with the two girls.

Juliana was still drunk, swaying to the music. Elena held her steady, trying to keep her upright. Bryan chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's get her home, shall we?"

Elena nodded, grateful for Bryan's help. "Yeah, thanks. I don't think she can handle herself right now."

Bryan smiled, taking charge. "Don't worry, I've got this. Let's wait till I close up, and then I'll drive you both home."

Elena agreed, and they waited for Bryan to finish his shift. Juliana, still under the influence, danced and sang along to the music, much to the amusement of the other club-goers.

As the night wore on, Bryan closed up the club and led the girls out to their car. He helped them in, making sure Juliana was secure in the backseat. Elena sat beside her, holding her hand.

"Thanks again, Bryan," Elena said, smiling. "I don't know what we would have done without you."

Bryan smiled back, starting the car. "No problem, happy to help." He drove them home, making sure they were safe and sound.

As they pulled up to Juliana's place, Bryan helped Elena get her out of the car and into the house. Juliana was still drunk, stumbling and giggling. Bryan and Elena managed to get her to bed, and then they sat down in the living room.

"Thanks again, Bryan," Elena said, yawning. "I'm exhausted."

Bryan nodded, standing up. "No problem, I'll let you get some rest. Drive safely?"

Elena nodded, smiling. "Yeah, I will. Thanks again."

Bryan smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He had helped out a friend in need, and it felt good.