Page 33 of Maar's Girl

My heart races as I search for an escape route. Just as I'm about to knee the bastard where it hurts, a familiar voice cuts through the din.

"The lady said no."

Maar materializes beside us, his presence radiating danger. The Kraaj turns, sneering.

"This ain't your business, pretty boy. Walk away."

Maar's eyes flash. "I'm making it my business. Let her go. Now."

The Kraaj releases me, squaring up to Maar. "You wanna dance, tough guy?"

"Trust me," Maar says, his voice low and menacing. "You don't want this dance."

The air crackles with tension. I step back, my pulse pounding in my ears. Part of me wants to see Maar put this creep in his place, but another part fears the consequences of a brawl.

"Guys, come on," I interject, trying to defuse the situation. "It's not worth it."

The Kraaj lunges at Maar, swinging a meaty fist. Maar dodges effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. In a blink, he has the Kraaj's arm twisted behind his back, forcing him to his knees.

"Last chance," Maar growls. "Walk away, or I break something you'll miss."

The Kraaj grunts in pain, his bravado crumbling. "Alright, alright! I'm goin'!"

Maar releases him, and the Kraaj scrambles away, muttering curses. The crowd that had gathered to watch the altercation disperses, disappointed at the lack of bloodshed.

I stand there, heart racing, caught between gratitude and frustration. Maar turns to me, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, my throat too tight for words. Maar's eyes linger on me for a moment before he turns to bark orders at his security team. Their voices fade into the background as I try to steady my breathing.

"Let's go," Maar says, his hand hovering near the small of my back without touching me.

We make our way through the casino, the noise and flashing lights a stark contrast to the tension thrumming between us. The elevator ride to our condo is silent, oppressive.

As soon as we're inside, I turn to Maar. "Thanks for... you know. Back there."

He nods, his expression unreadable. "Of course."

"It was a long shift," I say, running a hand through my hair. "I'm gonna take a shower."

I don't wait for his response, heading straight for the bathroom. It's all marble and gold, a far cry from the dingy dressing rooms downstairs. I turn on the shower, cranking up the heat until steam billows around me.

Only then do I let the tears fall.

The water mixes with my mascara, creating black rivers down my cheeks. I press my forehead against the cool tile, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

How did I end up here? Dancing for leering aliens, living in fear, trapped in a gilded cage with a man I can't trust but can't seem to let go of either.

I think of my father, of the life I left behind. Does he even know I'm alive? Is he looking for me? The thought sends a fresh wave of grief through me.

I slide down to the floor of the shower, hugging my knees to my chest. The hot water beats down on me, but I can't feel its warmth. I'm numb, hollowed out.

Part of me wants to hate Maar for bringing me here, for the lies, for everything. But another part... another part still thrills at his touch, still feels safe when he's near.

It's all so messed up.

I don't know how long I sit there, letting the water wash away my tears. But eventually, I force myself to stand, to reach for the soap. I scrub my skin raw, as if I could wash away the feeling of all those eyes on me, all those hands reaching out.

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