4. Off-Boundary

Sweat dripped down my face as I jolted awake. "So, it was just a dream?" I muttered, glancing around my room, trying to convince myself it wasn’t real.

I sank back into my pillow, replaying the bizarre dream in my head. Seriously, what was wrong with me? Why was I dreaming about Derek and that guy from the club? Sure, he was insanely hot, but dreaming about him? What’s next, writing his name in hearts?

I shook my head, trying to dismiss it. But something about the dream felt... off. Too real. Maybe Derek really was in trouble? No! Stop it, Crystal. It was just a dream, for crying out loud. Shadowy monsters and swords? What are you, in some fantasy novel?

I forced a laugh at my own ridiculousness. "You’ve been watching way too many movies," I said out loud, trying to snap myself out of it.

My eyes drifted to the clock. "Holy crap! 6:05?!" I shouted, practically launching myself out of bed.

Mr. Williams was going to kill me.

I sprinted to the bathroom, and began brushing my teeth and washing my face at lightning speed.

---

That night at the club, I couldn’t shake the weird feeling. My eyes kept darting toward the VIP lounge like I was expecting something, or someone.

"Crystal, what’s up with you?" Kate, my coworker asked, giving me a look. "You’ve been staring at the VIP lounge all night."

"It’s nothing," I lied, waving her off. I forced a smile, but it probably looked more like a grimace.

Kate didn’t look convinced, but thankfully, she dropped it.

You know what, screw it. I needed answers. "Hey, Kate," I said casually, trying not to sound too eager, "who were those guys in the VIP lounge last night?"

Her eyes lit up, and suddenly, she was grinning like a maniac. "Oh my God, this is why you’ve been acting weird!" She grabbed my hands, bouncing like a kid on Christmas.

"What? No, it’s not—" I stuttered, but she cut me off.

"You saw him, didn't you?" She grinned at me. "That man, Dante Russo, is fucking perfection.”

"Which one of them?" I asked, "There were a few of them in there."

"Oh please! Cut the crap out, Crystal. You know who I'm speaking of. He's the most handsome. He's also quite intense," she answered, scoffing at me.

"So who's he?" I asked, glancing away shyly.

"Dante freaking Russo! He's the most handsome man ever.He's also freaking wealthy. And he's the owner of this club, by the way." She gushed.

"Is he really our boss?" I exclaimed, utterly surprised.

"You look worried. Did you misbehave towards him?" She eyed me suspiciously.

I let out a tense chuckle and shook my head. "That's not what I meant," I scoffed. "If I had been aware, I would have provided him with even better and more attentive service."

"You're whipped, aren't you? Welcome to the club. He's every woman's dream. I've been praying to get his attention, just for once at least." She giggled like a little girl. "Abort the mission, Crystal, he's way out of your league. See ya later.”

I glared at her retreating figure. Out of my league? Who did she think she was?

But... she wasn’t wrong. Dante Russo wasn’t just hot—he radiated danger, the kind of guy who could ruin your life with a single look. And the fact that he’d shown up in my dream? Yeah, that wasn’t helping.

Like, how could I dream about someone I just met last night?

I stared longingly at the VIP lounge entrance. It was almost time to leave for home, but neither Derek nor the boss showed up.

I felt glad and disappointed at the same time, but I really wanted to see Derek and the boss.

There was just something about that man. He felt like danger, someone I shouldn't associate myself with. But he had shown up in my dream, and now my curiosity was at 100 percent.

One thing is for sure, though, that dream was no ordinary one. It meant something. But I fear it might turn out to be something bigger than me.

---

A month passed, and life went back to normal. No more strange dreams, no sign of Derek or Dante. It was like they’d vanished into thin air.

I told myself it was for the best. Less drama, right? But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the dream meant something.

That night at the club, I was minding my own business, polishing glasses, when I saw him.

Derek.

At least, I thought it was him.

I rubbed my eyes, but there he was, heading toward the off-limits room like he owned the place.

"What the hell?" I muttered.

Before I could stop myself, I was following him, heart pounding in my chest.

I snuck past the bouncer, thank God he was on the phone….and slipped into the room, determined to find out what the hell was going on.