As Justin got closer to the double doors, the neon sign for Huggies Clubhouse glowed like a brand against the night, illuminating the pavement with vivid reds and blues. Inside his chest, his heart pounded like war drums. His broad shoulders, heavy black jacket, and that unreadable expression that bodyguards were paid to wear gave him a serene appearance from the outside.
However, this was more than just a job; it involved secrets, blood, and retaliation.
A stocky man with a clipboard at the door yelled, "Name?"
"Justin."
Pause. "Justin Cade."
He had made the decision to remain by the name his mother had given him. It didn't really matter. Nobody here was aware of his true identity. Not just yet.
After giving him a thorough examination, the bouncer nodded in the direction of the hallway. The unit you are with is Marlo's. Ten minutes for a backroom briefing. You're out, you're late.
Justin lowered his head and moved along the dimly lit corridor, which was filled with the sounds of music and cigarette smoke. Under the pulse of strobe lights, half-naked dancers glided like shadows. Even though it was not quite midnight, the crowd was already wild.
He wasn't here for fun. He was here for answers.
An overhead yellow bulb illuminated the briefing room. Standing in the middle with his arms folded was a tall, bearded man wearing a leather vest. Marlo.
With narrowed eyes, he said, "You the new kid?"
With a harsh, low voice, Justin said, "Yes." "Heard you needed the big guy's protection."
Marlo's lips twisted. "Bahd has no faith in anyone he hasn't tested." You don't lose your job if you make a mistake. You vanish. Okay?
Justin nodded.
None of the other four bodyguards in the room looked at him warmly. A man with spiked hair and a steely jaw was the one who glared the longest. "Brandon won't like this," the man muttered to himself.
Justin ears pricked. Brandon.
The name had appeared in his mother's old writing. the son who was adopted. When Bahd was unable to raise his own, he raised this one. The counterfeit heir.
With composure, Justin answered, "I'm not here for Brandon." "I'm here to work."
The man pushed past him after warning, "Better keep it that way."
_
Later that evening, Justin stood close to the VIP balcony, watching the club floor with hawk-like eyes. Below, in his corner booth, Bahd Huggies was surrounded by suit-clad men and women. Justin had underestimated the size of the man. Gray-bearded, powerful in all his movements, even his laughter echoed through the room like thunder.
It seemed unreal.
Justin tightened his hold on the rail. What would happen if Bahd discovered his identity? Would he feel bad about leaving them? Would he say no?
The questions, however, could wait. The truth was why he was here. And perhaps some revenge.
A quiet voice said, "Hey," over the dining. "Are you new?"
Justin tilted. Beside him was a dancer with a water bottle in a glittery bodysuit and silver heels. The lights caused her skin to shimmer. Hair that resembles melted chocolate. Eyes are dangerous.
Lila.
"I am," Justin said, standing up straight. "Just got started tonight."
She turned her head. "You don't appear to be a party animal."
"I don't," he answered. "But I know how to keep those who do safe."
She burst out laughing. The tone was brief and quiet. That appeals to me. You're unique.
Before Justin could continue, there was a commotion close to the bar. One of the bottles broke. Shouts everywhere. One of the two men, armed with a knife, began pushing.
Justin was on the move already.
He pushed his way through the crowd, avoiding security and dancers. Twisting his wrist, he yanked the blade free and slammed the knife-wielding man against the counter. The other man took off running. As security hurried over, Justin pinned the assailant with one knee and kicked his leg.
"Have it under control," Justin whispered.
With her arms folded, Marlo stood behind them. observing. Assessing.
Later, Marlo gave Justin a back pat back in the staff hallway.
"Bahd noticed that. He was impressed.
Justin's eyebrow went up. "He was watching?"
He keeps an eye on everything. Particularly now that... things are changing.
Justin leaned closer. "What sort of shifting?"
Marlo spoke more softly. "Brandon. The child has been edgy, believes he owes more than he has, possessed a fierce jealousy, believes the boss is developing a new employee. Perhaps even you.
Justin smiled. "I have nothing to do with that."
Marlo gave him a direct look. "It's now."
—
Justin was off duty for two hours that weekend. He changed into civilian attire, a sweatshirt and black jeans, and proceeded to the shopping centre across from the club. The idea was to get some dinner and possibly conduct research on Brandon's preferred hangouts.
But fate had other plans.
He saw her again—Lila—while he was waiting at the smoothie counter. wearing a white crop top and tight jeans, with her hair in an untidy bun. She failed to notice him. She was at a kiosk looking at jewellery.
Justin paused, then approached.
"Hey."
She tilted. A moment of recognition. A slow smile.
She said, "You again." "Not working tonight?"
"I'm on break," Justin said. "You?"
She took a fake diamond bracelet and replied, "Shopping therapy." "Destress relief from hours of dancing in heels."
He said, "Let me "Let me make it better," he said before thinking. "Let me buy you something. Coffee? Ice cream?"
She blinked. Then smiled wider. "Alright, bodyguard. Impress me."better it," then paused to reflect. "I'll get you something. Coffee? "Ice cream?" She blinked. then grinned more broadly. "Okay, bodyguard. Impress me.
Sipping iced lattes and discussing everything and nothing, they were sitting at a nearby café. She explained to him how she began dancing in order to support her brother's education. He only told her that he had nothing to lose and that he had appeared out of nowhere.
They chuckled, they made contact.
Then their table was shadowed. Justin froze as he looked up.
Brandon.
A sharp suit. His eyes were filled with anger. He tightened his jaw like a ticking time bomb.
"Well, well," Brandon said in a cold tone. "I didn't anticipate seeing you two together."
Lila appeared taken aback. "Hey Brandon—"
Slowly, Justin moved to stand between her and Brandon.
"We were merely conversing," he stated calmly.
Brandon's gaze widened. "Rookie, I wasn't speaking to you."
Justin clenched his fists at his sides. "You are now."
Like live wires, tension smouldered between them. With anger in his breath, Brandon took a step closer.
"You believe you can move into my space? Before you ever developed facial hair, I was in charge of that club. You have no place here.
Justin grinned icily. It's funny. I was just thinking about you in the same way.
Lila let out a gasp. "Cease it. You two.
Brandon whispered just loud enough as he leaned in. "New guy, watch your back. You don't realise what you've entered.
Justin remained unflinching. "Oh, I see exactly what I've entered."
Brandon clenched his fists and stormed off.
Lila appeared conflicted. "I had no idea that you two were acquainted."
Justin remained silent. Not just yet.
He simply muttered to himself as he glanced towards the doors where Brandon had disappeared— "Undercover blood."
Because this wasn't just about jobs, or jealousy, or power.
Bloodlines were at conflict and war. This is what transpires when a legitimate heir emerges from the shadows.