Chapter 04 - When Pride Hurts

Kyera took a deep breath, determined to keep her composure and ignore his presence, even with the painful memories and the whirlwind of emotions his appearance provoked. She had met Lews Hart during one of the clandestine races. Although he wasn't a racer, Lews was a frequent spectator, always surrounded by an aura of charm and confidence. It was with his magnetism and popularity that he approached Kyera, and eventually won her over. He was the first.

One morning, on arriving at the shed where he used to meet up with other runners, Kyera came across Lews boasting in front of his friends that he had managed to sleep with the “most ruthless runner in town”. It was there that she discovered that all his charm and his efforts to win her over were nothing more than a strategy to win a bet.

Humiliated, Kyera made herself present at that moment just to let him know that she knew about the farce. With a smile that exuded contempt and clarity, she turned her back and walked away. Over the next few days, Lews tried his best to get back to her, sending messages and making phone calls asking for a chat, saying how much he missed her. All attempts were ignored by Kyera. But Lews' pride wouldn't accept defeat, and he began to stalk her, harassing her in every possible way, including at work.

— What are you going to drink? – she asked in a serious tone, maintaining her professional posture.

Lews laughed scornfully before dropping his usual line.

— How about some water from those beautiful ponds you carry around in your eyes?

Kyera rolled her eyes and grimaced in displeasure.

— Your singing is as ridiculous as you are, Lews. – he retorted harshly. – And besides, I'm busy. So, order something or leave, preferably out of town.

Lews, however, seemed to enjoy the provocation and continued, his tone full of arrogance.

— You really think you're the queen of the place, don't you? But you're just another one, Kyera. One more who can't resist my charms.

Kyera took a deep breath, keeping calm. She knew that Lews was trying to provoke her, and she refused to fall into his trap.

— Lews, in case you haven't noticed, the only one who can't get enough of this cat and mouse game is you. – She grabbed his chin, bringing his face closer with a defiant look. – Why don't you leave me alone? Otherwise, I'll call the police.

As she pushed him, trying to get away, Lews reacted quickly, grabbing Kyera's arm tightly. The smile disappeared from his face, replaced by a grim look.

— Don't you dare turn your back on me, Kyera! – he growled. – Nobody ignores Lews Hart. Least of all you.

The tension increased rapidly, and Kyera pulled hard on his arm, trying to get free.

— Get your hands off me!

She shouted, but the sound of the music drowned out her voice. When she tried to break free, Lews grabbed her hair and pulled brutally. Kyera was ready to use her self-defense skills, but then she saw, in the reflection in the mirror behind the bar, the glint of a pocketknife in his hand. Her body froze for an instant, fear running down her spine.

Before Lews could do anything, one of Kyera's fellow bartenders intervened, punching him in the face. Lews staggered backwards, colliding with a customer who, angry at being knocked over with his drink, started a fight. Confusion quickly overtook the nightclub, with shouting and shoving spreading throughout the room.

Security guards struggled to contain the commotion, but the situation soon got out of hand. The police were called and Lews, along with other customers involved in the disturbance, was arrested. Meanwhile, Kyera, still in shock, was taken to a corner by her colleagues, who tried to calm her down.

It was after three in the morning when things finally calmed down at Mambo Five. Lilla, Philipp's girlfriend, was furious with Kyera, insisting that she be fired for “causing trouble”.

Kyera, still shaken by what had happened, knew that the situation with Lews was far from being resolved, but at that moment, the most important thing was to keep calm and pull herself together.

— I want her out of here! – shouted Lilla, furious, without bothering to disguise her indignation.

Lilla was an exuberant woman, always wearing very tight clothes that highlighted her slender body and her large breasts, the result of silicone implants. Her Botox-filled lips and blue contact lenses, combined with heavy make-up, gave her an almost artificial appearance. And, unfortunately, Philipp seemed to love that plastic perfection project more than anything.

— Lilla, baby... – began Philipp, trying to defuse the situation as he walked up to her in the now empty hall.

Kyera, for her part, was at the bar, concentrating on counting the drinks used and those remaining, trying to ignore the brunette's scandal. But Lilla interrupted Philipp before he could continue.

— No “baby”, Philipp! – she snapped, raising a hand in impatience. – She and her boyfriend have already done enough damage!

Kyera took a deep breath, because she knew Lilla was right. It wasn't the first time that Lews had caused trouble by going after her. What Kyera couldn't understand was why Lews insisted on chasing her, and that night he had crossed a line by trying to kill her.

— But, baby... Understand... – Philipp tried to argue. – Kye is the best bartender we have. We can't just fire her.

— Hire someone else! – Lilla shouted, putting her hands on her waist. – It's not possible that she's the only one who knows how to do this job in this bloody town!

Kyera watched them both as if she were watching a tennis match, while other employees began to protest in her defense. But Lilla, determined, unleashed her final threat.

— Philipp, you choose! – She pointed at Kyera. – Either she leaves, or I do!

With one last cold glance in Kyera's direction, Lilla turned and stalked off in the direction of the office. Kyera sighed, already anticipating Philipp's decision.

— Kye, I...

— It's all right, Phill. – Kyera interrupted him, holding up a hand and forcing a smile. – Lews has caused a lot of trouble over the last few days and tonight he tried to kill me. He's a danger, not just to me, but to everyone here.

Philipp sighed, before hugging her.

— I'm going to miss you, little girl. – he whispered.

Kyera nodded, with tears in her eyes, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. She heard Lilla grunting in the background, like a wild pig, and couldn't resist: she raised her middle finger towards the woman, who was paralyzed with shock. With a satisfied smile, Kyera crossed the hall, saying goodbye to each of her friends.

— What am I going to do without you? – Sophie exclaimed, hugging her in a dramatic and exaggerated way.

Kyera let out a laugh, pulling away to face her friend with a smile on her face.

— Exaggerated as always! – she said, rolling her eyes. – You'll be fine, Soph. It's not the end of the world. We'll still be friends, and you know where to find me if you need me.

Sophie nodded, hugging her again. After saying goodbye, Kyera left the nightclub. As soon as she stepped into the alley, a fine rain began to fall. New York's weather was the only bad part of living in the city, she thought.

Kyera took a deep breath, raising her face to the sky, allowing the rain to wash away her tears. All she wanted at that moment was to rest in her bed, away from the problems and confusion of that night.

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