UNDERESTIMATED DAMIAN GRAYSON

Chapter 6 - What's the cost?

One of them lunged forward at Damian; his movements were quick; he sidestepped the man’s attack, grabbing his arms and twisting them behind his back with a fluid motion. The man grunted in pain; Damian used his momentum and shoved the man onto the ground. The man yelped.

“You aren’t taking her,” Damian said with a steady tone. “Not while I am here.”

Two men charged at him; Damian took a moment to strike; he spun around and delivered a swift roundhouse kick to one of the men’s ribs, knocking the wind out of him. The man collapsed to the ground with a pained ground. While the other man was caught by the collar, Damian didn’t give him space, his punch sent the man slumped to the ground.

He made sure he left them in pain; they managed to get up, one of them. “You don’t know what you have done. We are coming back for you.” He warned.

Damian left two with broken bones, and the other two helped them as they walked away.

The lady was in shock, she couldn’t tell how he did it but knew he was a good martial artist from the way he handled the men

Damian turned towards the lady, “You are safe now, they won’t bother you again.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what would have happened if you didn’t.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Damian interrupted her, “You don’t need to thank me, no one deserves to go through something like this.”

“What should I offer you, as a sign of appreciation? I don’t know how to thank you.” She said with a sincere smile.

“It’s fine, you should get going before they come after you again,” Damian said.

She nodded in appreciation as she flagged down a cab, and Damian watched the cab zoom off. He was about to make a move when something caught his attention. It was a small wallet. He didn’t notice it before now. He bent down to pick it up.

He glanced at it for a moment, knowing it was from the lady. He opened it, hoping to find something that would help him contact her.

He flipped through cash, a few credit cards and a receipt from a coffee shop. He finally found a small card which has a business name printed on it.

Diana Bishop.

It then hit him that she was the daughter of Mr Alex Bishop. Damian felt a twinge of Unease. With a glance at the empty street, he pocketed the wallet and began walking down the room

As he approached the large oak doors, he felt the hum of excitement in the air. He was standing at the most expensive restaurant in the city; the place was a beacon of luxury and exclusivity.

Damian strides forward towards the entrance when two massive security guards standing at the entrance, block his path.

“Who are you and what do you want?” one of them asked with a stern face.

Damian frowned, “I would like to book a table.”

The men exchanged a quick glance. “This is a private establishment; you can’t go in without a membership card.”

He glanced over the guard’s shoulder; he considered the situation. A membership card; he hadn’t come all the way to be turned away at the door.

“How much is it? I mean the membership card.” He asked

The guard raised a brow and shared a look with his colleague. The other man chuckled shaking his head.

“You think you can just pay your way here. This isn’t some average diner. You don’t just waltz in here with your pocket change and expect to eat. You should try somewhere else.”

Damian felt his blood boil; the guards were not just blocking his path, but they were mocking him.

“I am serious, I will make the payment. What’s the cost?” He asked again.

The other guard crossed his arms and chuckled, “You think you can afford it? This isn’t a place for people like you. You should head somewhere that fits your style.”

Damian’s fist was clenched by his side. He felt his temper flare; he hated to be talked down upon, not when he knew he could afford to buy the membership and even with just a phone call, he could buy the restaurant.

“I want to see your manager?” Damian said, with gritted teeth.

The two guards chuckled, “You should leave here; the manager will not take it likely with you when he comes out.”

“Let me talk to your manager.” He said again.

The other guard raised his hand. “Let’s get the manager, he will deal with this.”

Without hesitation, the guard took his phone and contacted the manager.

Moments later, a man emerged, tall and sharp-looking. He wore a black suit with an expensive-looking tie.

Damian’s eyes widened in recognition. Nicolas Hill. It was impossible to forget the face of someone with whom he shared books and group projects.

Nicolas remembered Damian’s face as well. Damian was happy to see his old friend.

Damian extended his hand towards Nicolas but he got snubbed. He shook his head, as he bit his lips.

“What’s happening? Who is the troublemaker?” he asked the guard.

“This is him.” One of them pointed at Damian.

Damian’s face flushed in anger when he was called a troublemaker. “What do we have here, Damian Grayson? I didn’t expect to see you trying to make a reservation.