III: Slap in the Spotlight

"Let's go, Monique," Amy urged, tugging Monique toward the pulsating dance floor where their friends were energetically moving to the music. While they had initially agreed to dance, they had somehow found themselves back at their table. However, after a little while, Amy noticed their friends thoroughly enjoying themselves on the dance floor and extended an invitation to Monique. It was evident that their friends were having a fantastic night out, unlike her.

"Enjoy the moment, Monique. Dance like there's no tomorrow," Amy encouraged with a smile, matching the music's rhythm as they made their way to the dance floor, where some of their friends were already dancing. A few of them seemed a bit tipsy, their flushed cheeks a telltale sign. Monique, on the other hand, refrained from drinking too much, as she had taken on the role of designated driver after this partying.

This was a common practice for them; whenever they went out drinking, one or two would abstain from alcohol or limit their intake to ensure not everyone got inebriated. It was essential to have a sober member to guarantee their safety and prevent accidents. A designated driver was crucial for a safe ride home.

However, Monique wasn't being a party pooper. She danced with gusto, following the rhythm of the music, and joined in the cheers of the ecstatic crowd on the dance floor. She had to admit that she was enjoying herself; it had been a while since she'd gone out with friends.

They moved in harmony with the lively music on the dance floor, matching the beat and the enthusiasm of the revelers. Monique was genuinely having a great time.

But her enjoyment was suddenly interrupted when she felt someone bump into her from behind. Initially dismissing it as an accident due to the crowded dance floor, she was about to let it slide. However, she abruptly felt a hand brushing against her thigh.

"What the hell?!" Monique exclaimed as she quickly turned around to confront the person who had acted so rudely. She couldn't help but widen her eyes in disbelief.

Standing behind her was a man with a flushed face and bloodshot eyes, obviously heavily intoxicated. Even in his drunk state, he had no right to inappropriately touch her. He grinned as their eyes locked, appearing oblivious to the disrespect he had displayed.

"You jerk!" she hissed in anger at his actions, her teeth gritted. She raised her hand, to throw a resounding slap for the blatant disrespect he had shown her. Not even Joshua had dared to cross such boundaries with her, and this man had the audacity to touch her like that.

Monique observed the immediate hush that fell upon the surrounding dancers as she slapped the rude man. Even her friends came to a standstill, focusing their attention to the unfolding scene. It seemed like everyone was now completely concentrating on their confrontation.

She also saw the guy she had slapped giving her an angry look, clearly indicating that he didn't appreciate what she did. She didn't back down, still stewing with anger about his inappropriate behavior. Slapping him was her way of reacting to his unwelcome advances, in a straightforward manner.

When she retaliated, he immediately grabbed his burning cheek. "You bitch!" he exclaimed, feeling furious as his anger swelled. His hand started to rise, ready to slap back.

Tears filled Monique's eyes, and she shut them tightly, bracing herself for what would happen next. She heard a sharp breath, expecting any possible response.

As moments passed, she waited for his hand to strike, but it never did. Slowly, she opened her eyes to find the man's hand suspended mid-air, halted by another hand holding it back. She noted the powerful arm that was keeping his hand at bay, observing the bulging veins and taut muscles.

"Are you gay?" A deep baritone voice resonated beside her. Monique gasped, turning toward the speaker, only to find Jacob there. It was his hand that had prevented the rude man from striking her. His expression remained devoid of emotion.

"Gay, huh?" the rude man taunted, his arrogance unabated. "Let's see who's the gay one here," he declared with a smirk, lifting his hand once more to strike Jacob. However, Jacob swiftly countered, blocking the punch with his free hand and twisting the man's wrist.

The man winced in pain, attempting to wrestle free from Jacob's firm grip, but Jacob held steady. Monique watched in amazement, feeling as though she were witnessing a martial arts exhibition. The rude man struggled in vain, unable to break free from Jacob's unyielding grasp.

Soon, a man and a couple of bouncers from the bar approached them. It appeared they had noticed the commotion on the dance floor and decided to intervene. "What's going on here?" The man inquired, scanning Jacob and the rude man, awaiting an explanation.

Monique took a deep breath to regain her composure following the incident. "That guy disrespected me and nearly harmed me," she responded, stepping forward to address the bouncer's query.

Jacob glanced toward the tall figure beside him. "Make sure he's banned, Dustin. I don't want this jerk ever setting foot here again," he said through clenched teeth, his jaw visibly tense.

"Got it, buddy," Dustin replied. It was clear that he and Jacob were acquainted.

Dustin signalled the bouncer, instructing him to escort the rude man off the premises.

"Yes, Sir," the two bouncers responded in unison. The bouncer then took hold of the rude man to carry out the order.

"We're not finished! You'll regret this!" the rude man threatened Jacob as he was escorted out. His shouts could still be heard even as he was removed.

Jacob paid no attention to the empty threats, shifting his focus to Monique. "Are you okay?" he inquired, his eyebrows still slightly furrowed, but his concern evident in his eyes.

She nodded in response. "Y-yes. Th-thank you for saving me," she stammered. She was appreciative that he had been there to rescue her from the rude man; otherwise, she might have suffered harm.

Jacob released a deep breath, and the concern in his eyes receded, replaced by an impassive expression. Monique couldn't help but notice how quickly his demeanor shifted; one moment, he appeared genuinely worried, and the next, he exuded composure. "Next time, drink in moderation, and try to avoid crowded areas on the dance floor. There are a lot of jerks here," he offered some advice, his tone solemn. Monique understood that his words weren't just directed at her but also at her friend who had been by her side on the dance floor, both of whom had been observing the exchange.

She briefly nibbled on her lower lip, as if about to respond, but he abruptly turned away and strode off the dance floor.

Monique trailed her gaze after him until he vanished from her sight.

Shortly thereafter, she shifted her attention as she caught Amy's concerned voice.

"Are you okay, Monique?" Amy inquired, her friends all focusing their attention on her, awaiting her response.

"I'm fine," she assured them.

Amy let out a sigh of relief, and then they collectively decided to depart from the venue.