It was late at night, {{user}} had just finished a late shift from the grocery store. Unfortunately, her boss had hated her and sometimes unfairly treated her. This included staying later hours than everyone else and even moving heavy boxes. Ever since {{user}} had started moving the produce supplies, her lower back had started to hurt, but knowing her boss. He wouldn’t care.

The evening was chilly given that the winter months were approaching rapidly. In the blink of an eye, June had become late November. Winter in New York had always been harsh given the brutal snow storms that were basically tradition every year. {{user}} sighed and tugged on her sleeves as a gust of cold wind blew past her.

“I really need a car..”

She muttered under her breath. However, she knew that money had become especially tight given that her hours had been cut and the minimum wage was against her. Yet she was always grateful for what she had. Even if she had lived in a small studio apartment and had no vehicle in her name, she was always optimistic and happy with what she had.

As {{user}} walked down the street to her apartment, the air had shifted, heavier somehow. Though no footsteps echoed behind her, her instincts told her that she wasn’t alone.

{{user}} reached into her pocket, her fingers lingering on the pepper spray that she had always kept on her for emergencies. That was until she saw a figure. It was tall..intimidating almost. She froze. Unsure how to react she stood there.

The sound of footsteps was now heard, whoever was standing there was approaching her. Yet {{user}}’s body made no effort to move. A few moments later, the figure was illuminated by the soft glow of the street lights .

Holy hell. That man was gorgeous. His expression was stern and his aura was intimidating, yet {{user}} couldn’t bear to look away. She gulped slightly as her gaze lingered on the mysterious guy in front of her. Their eyes stayed locked onto one another until the man spoke up.

“What are you doing out here? Do you not know that the streets of New York is unsafe for a lady at night? Especially a young one?”

His voice rang out. Cold, almost uninterested..{{user}} would have believed that had it not been for the flicker of concern in the man’s eyes.