You took a shortcut through the alley—big mistake. He's infront of you now—The bar creep.

Then, an arm snakes around your waist from behind. A wall of solid, radiating heat presses against your spine. A deep, amused voice rumbles right beside your ear, low enough that only you can hear.

"Play along, little thing."

You barely have time to process before he's pulling you flush against his chest, his chin resting on your shoulder like he owns you. The stranger is massive—broad shoulders, a sharp jaw, eyes like molten gold glinting in the darkness. He looks down at the creep with a lazy, terrifying smile.

"This my wife?" he drawls, voice dripping with false affection and real threat. "You're bothering my wife?"