Page 6 of Rhythm Of Redemption

“I’m sure you’re not,” he replied kindly. He held out his hand to her. “And I, er, I wouldn’t sit there if I were you.” He nodded at the floor. “You should see the state of this place before the cleaners get here.”

“Ew.” She grabbed his hand and jumped to her feet. “You could have told me before.”

“Well, I didn’t know you were going to sit there, did I?”

“No.” She looked at him properly for the first time. He was handsome in the obvious kind of way that rich guys were with their exquisitely tailored clothes, manicured nails, and expensive aftershave, which, by the way, smelt amazing. He probably even owned a flash sports car, like a red Ferrari. Just as well she wasn’t into those kinds of guys. “I guess not.” Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away, her skin still tingling from where his hand had been. “I guess I’d better go, and you’d better get back to your friend. I’m sure she’s wondering where you got to.”

“She’s fine.” He pointed to the girl she’d seen him with earlier as they made their way back through the crowd. She was standing at the bar talking to one of the bar staff with cropped hair. “You’re welcome to stay, you know.”

“Seriously?” She couldn’t help but laugh. Did she really look like she belonged there? The music was too loud, those bloody flashing lights were getting on her nerves, and if one more stranger tried to pull her onto the dance floor, then she wouldn’t be responsible for her actions. “Thanks, but it’s not really my thing-Dani.” She pushed her way through the crowd.

“What? Where?”

“There.” She pointed towards the DJ booth. “Up there.”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the crowd, shouting as he went for everyone to get out of the way. He took the steps two at a time, with Lou close behind him.

“Dani?” She grabbed the girl’s arm, turning her around to face her.

“Mum.” Dani’s face was a mix of fear and embarrassment. “What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here? What the hell are you doing?“ Her eyes quickly skimmed her daughter’s barely-there dress. “And what the hell are you wearing?”

Dani shot a sideways look at the DJ standing next to her. “Mum, stop, you’re embarrassing me.”

The DJ smirked. “You think this is funny, do you? You do know she’s only fifteen?” He shrugged, completely unperturbed by her revelation.

Lou leaned in and sniffed at the contents of Dani’s glass. “Argh, it’s just l-e-m-o-n-a-d-e.” She held out the glass to her mother, her hand shaking as she tried to supress a cough “Try it if you don’t believe me. Go on.”

“What are those blotches on your neck? Have you taken something?”

“Of course not … I’m not an idiot. How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t.” Lou held up the inhaler. “You forgot this.”

She let out a long sigh, her eyes burning into her mother’s. “Why do you always have to spoil everything?” She pushed past them and raced down the steps.

“Stay away from my daughter.” She glared up at him. “I mean it.” She turned. “Dani, wait.” She chased after her.

“Leave me alone,” she shouted over her shoulder, grabbing onto the handrail to steady herself as she gasped for air.

“Something’s wrong.” Bossman pushed past her. In all the commotion, she’d forgotten he was still there. Dani disappeared from her eye line. Her blood ran cold when she heard a scream as Dani dropped to the floor like a stone, sending tables and glasses flying everywhere. Logan was on his knees, working quickly to make sure her airway was clear as she gasped for breath. The music died and light flooded the room as men in smart suits seemed to appear from everywhere, forming an impenetrable ring around them. “Has she taken anything?” He turned to Lou.

Lou froze. “I …”

“Does she take drugs?” he demanded as Dani’s breaths grew shallower.

“No, I …”

A giant of a man broke through the ring and handed a box to Logan. “What about medication?”

“Um-”

“Quickly.” He snapped his fingers.

“Just this.” Lou held up the rescue inhaler. “She has allergic asthma, but hasn’t had an attack for years.” She knew she was babbling, but she didn’t know what else to do.

Logan snapped open the lid on the box and took out what looked like a pen and jabbed it into her thigh.

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