The weekend buzz lingered in the air, thick with music, perfume, and the soft clinking of glasses. Ashley stood behind the bar counter, effortlessly charming the usual crowd with his cold elegance. But tonight, something—or someone—disrupted the rhythm.
For the first time, she wasn't sitting at her usual corner table. No, tonight, she was right at the counter. Bold move.
Ashley's eyes flicked toward her.And as fate would have it, it was his turn to serve her.
He didn't hesitate—just picked up a clean glass, filled it smoothly with ice, and made his way down the counter until he stood before her.
"Vodka. On the rocks," she said before he could speak, her tone playful and sultry.
Ashley poured the drink and slid it across without a word.
She tilted her head, watching him with a gleam in her eye. "You always this quiet, bartender?"
He leaned against the back of the bar, expression flat, voice cool. "Only when the conversation's not worth the noise."
She laughed softly, unfazed. "So that's a challenge then?"
He said nothing.
"I've been coming here for days. You never looked at me once. Am I finally interesting now?"
Ashley met her gaze—unblinking. "You're at the counter. It's my job."
Her smile deepened. "Mm, so it takes work to get your attention. I don't mind a little chase."
Then, slowly, she slid a metallic card from her purse and set it on the counter. "How much?"
Ashley didn't even look at the card. His voice remained steady, low.
"We only take cash."
She blinked, then let out a soft, amused chuckle. "Traditional... I like that."
Reaching slowly into her clutch, she pulled out a crisp bundle of notes—unfolded neatly, deliberately—and slid it toward him. "Will this be enough to buy your time?" she purred, her voice honeyed and laced with challenge.
Ashley's eyes flicked to the money, then back to her without a change in expression.
"Depends what you're buying."
She leaned in just slightly, her lips barely a breath from his ear.
"A little fun… or is that not your thing?"
Ashley's smirk came slowly, like a crack in ice " you're not the first to offer money". He said coolly " But you might be the boldest"
He stepped in, just close enough to graze ear with his breath.
"It's been a while since I had any fun", he murmured "Don't disappoint me"
The woman shivered, visibly pleased, her fingers tightening slightly on her glass. That triumphant glint flashed in her eyes.
Without another word, Ashley straightened, turned, and casually tapped Han on the shoulder.
"Take over for a bit," he said coolly.
Han raised a brow, confused—but before he could ask, Ashley was already walking away. He didn't look back.
As she rose smoothly from where she had been sitting, the woman pressed a small communicator nestled discreetly against her ear.
Her voice was low, steady, and authoritative.
"Get Ready. I'll tell you when to move."
With that, she moved gracefully, shadowing Ashley's steps.
************
The storeroom air was thick — warmer than it should be — as their bodies edged closer, heat radiating between them. Her fingertips brushed down Ash's chest, teasing at the hem of his shirt, her eyes holding his with a sultry gleam.
She leaned in and gently spread his lips. Ashley's didn't resist.He pulled her deeper, kissing with the same intensity.His hands slid firmly to her hips, gripping them like he knew exactly what he was doing.
Between the kisses, Her voice came soft, breathy against his lips. "You've come this far... tell me your name."
Ash paused just enough for their foreheads to touch, his lips curling slightly in that unreadable smirk.
"It's not like we'll meet again… there's no need," he murmured, his tone calm.
She rolled her eyes, lips pressing together in faint annoyance. She masked it quickly with another flirty smile, but something shifted in her — the seductress becoming more tactical.
Ash, unfazed, slipped his arms beneath her thighs and lifted her off the floor, pressing her back against the cool storeroom wall. Her legs wrapped around his waist on instinct. His hands gripped her firmly, anchoring her as their mouths met again — hotter, hungrier, with a rhythm that made it feel like nothing else existed outside that room.
Her fingers trailed up his neck again, her hand subtly moving to the small, nearly invisible needle hidden in the sleeve of her dress.
Just as she shifted to strike—
CRASH.
The sharp sound of glass shattering, followed by frantic voices, slammed through the moment like a thunderclap.
Ash tensed.
Another loud yell. The unmistakable chaos of a fight outside.
" You shouldn't mind the noise", she purred, her voice low and seductive as she pressed a soft kiss near his lips" we've come this far.. Don't stop"
Her fingers traced lightly over his chest lingering just enough to tease.
Ash gently set her down, stepping back " I've to go" he said and left.
She rolled her eyes, frustration flickering across her face. Without missing a beat, she tapped her communicator,voice barely above a whisper " Plan failed.Get him"
************
Outside,the bar was a storm.
Ellie pushed her way through a growing crowd. People were yelling, shoving,some pulling others apart while others fought back.
Han lay on the floor, clutching his jaw , blood tricking down his cheek-a victim of trying to calm tempers.
Ash stepped into the chaos just as a bottle came flying.He ducked instinctively, but a shard still sliced across his temple.
Han groaned neerby, still nursing his injury while Ellie struggled to keep her balance, grabbing Han's arm to steady him.
" Why- why did this happen?" Ash demanded, voice rough but controlled scanning the chaotic scene.
Ellie's breath caught "It started with a spilled drink. Some guy accidently knocked over another patron's beer. Tempers flared , and before anyone knew it , fist were thrown"
Ash's eyes flicked to a few men moving deliberately through the fight -too calm, too precise.
Suddenly flames licked up near the back corner catching on a loose curtain from the bar's storage area ignited by a tossed cigarette amid the turmoil.
Smoke curled fast. Screams pierced the chaos "Fire!!!" Someone yelled.
Ash's head snapped toward the source his eyes narrowing. In the far corner of the bar, orange flames licked up the wall- fast and angry. Chaos was already unraveling: people screaming, glasses shattering, chairs knocked over.
His breath caught for a second, dragged a hand through his blonde hair, pushing the damp strands back as his eyes darted across the growing panic.
"Fuck" he muttered sharply, already moving.
************
Ash crouched down beside Han, who was grimacing but trying to get up. Supporting him between Ellie and himself, Ash urged" Come on, you need to get out. Through the exist- now!"
Han struggled to his feet, gripping Ash tightly " What about you? You're not coming"
Ash's eyes scanned the growing blaze" I need to evacuate the others. I 'll catch up with you. Go- get safe"
Han, wincing but still trying to steady himself protested, " I can help-" but the moment he tried to move away from Ash's support, a sharp pain shot through his side making him stagger and gasp.
Ash caught him immediately, his hand bracing Han's chest " you're already in a bad state" he said " Don't make me carry you out myself"
Ellie's breath hitched, tears welling up
" What am I supposed to tell Grandpa? The bar is ruined"
Ash gave her a firm look" This isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."
Han nodded in agreement, then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead" Yeah Ellie"
Ellie hesitated for a moment, then wrapped Ash in a quick fierce hug " Take care," she whispered.
" You too. Now move"
They hurried off through the crowd leaving Ash behind.
***********
Ash stayed pulling out his phone to call the fire department as he searched for a way to slow the flames. Smoke stung his eyes , heat pressing against his skin.
Suddenly, a few men appeared blocking his path " What are you doing here? " Ash sharp eyes narrowing " Get out! This place is on fire"
The woman he had been with stepped forward annoyance sharp on her face without a word, she signaled her men.
Before Ash could react, they lunged. But Ash was quick - dodging, fighting back fierce determination, using the overturned furniture and smoke to his advantage still they kept coming.
Ash was distracted for a second - turning back to throw jab at her " you gonna stand there looking pretty or actually explain what the hell this is ? "
She moved
With cold precision, she closed the distance and in one smooth motion, jabbed a tiny syringe in to his neck
" What the fu-"
His body seized. His knees buckled
The last thing he saw before the world slipped under him was the woman's triumphant smile glowing through the smoke like a ghost. Her voice echoed- sharp, satisfied.
" Carry him"
Two men stepped forward, grabbing his arm
Han.... Ellie...I have to–
His thoughts crumbled mid sentence and then–nothing.
**************
🖤 Author's Note 🤍
And just like that… the bar goes up in flames😔— literally.
What just happened? Who is that mysterious woman?
Ash was just trying to do his job 😩🍸 — but destiny (and danger) clearly had other plans.
Chapter 7 was a wild ride of tension, seduction, and unexpected twists🤔.
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👀📝
Your reactions keep us going 💋😁
Until next time...
xoxo,
QuillQueens 🥀💞