Chapter 10. Chaos

Joan POV

Panic flared as more men—bouncers—stepped toward us. I scanned the room, mentally calculating how far the exit was.

Without thinking, I swung my fist, landing a solid punch to his face. He stumbled back, releasing Rhoda.

“Run, Rhoda!” I yelled, grabbing her hand.

We bolted for the exit, adrenaline surging as the bouncers gave chase. The heels on our feet slowed us down, but desperation propelled us forward.

A glance over my shoulder told me they were closing in fast. If they caught us, it would be over.

Rhoda let out a choked laugh once we’d reached a safe distance, far enough to be sure those men weren’t on our heels anymore.

Throwing her head back, she laughed again, the sound disappearing into the night air. It was 10 p.m., and the sparse crowd around us stared like we’d lost our minds.

“Glad you find this funny,” I said dryly, though a faint smile tugged at my lips as I dangled my heels in the air.

I’d slippe