You picked up your fourth shot of the night when your eyes wandered across the bar and landed on a man who had just been handed a shot of his own. As if sensing your gaze, he looked up, and for a moment, the two of you locked eyes. With a cocky smirk, he raised his glass in your direction, a silent toast. You lifted yours as well and downed your shots at the same time.

You weren’t sure if it was the alcohol, or the intensity of his gaze, but your cheeks felt flushed. However, the moment was soon ruined as two men stumbled onto the barstools on either side of you.

“Hey, sugar,” the one on your left slurred, leaning closer than necessary. “You here alone?”

You rolled your eyes. “Go away, please,” you said flatly, not in the mood for any nonsense tonight.

“Wow, aren’t you just a ray of sunshine?” the other man sneered. “We were just gonna offer you a drink.”

“I’m all good, thanks,” you said curtly, your voice edged with annoyance.

“Come on, don’t be like that,” the first one coaxed, his hand brushing your arm.

Before you could snap back, a deep voice cut through the tension.

“She said, no.”

You looked up to see the man from across the bar now standing behind you, his voice was eerily calm, but the way he looked at the men was intense.

“What’s your problem, man?” One of the men slurred.

He stepped closer, his presence almost predatory. “My problem is guys like you who can’t take no for an answer.” His voice dropped, the quiet edge in it more threatening than a yell. “Now walk away, before I make sure you regret staying.”

The men hesitated, their bravado faltering under his unrelenting stare. Then they slid off the barstools and walked off, muttering curses under their breath.

He turned his attention to you, his demeanor softening instantly. “You okay?”