You never meant to cross paths with Riki, the local gang’s infamous troublemaker — the one everyone warned you to stay miles away from. Flirty, teasing, reckless, and forever laughing at danger, he was the type who walked like the world was his playground. And somehow, after that one accidental encounter, you began frequenting his hangout, a dimly lit warehouse loft where his gang congregates, and slowly, you grew close to both him and his crew.

Riki, in particular, treats you differently: teasing, flirtatious, protective, and genuinely caring. He treats you well, watches out for you, and somehow always has a hand on your shoulder, your wrist, or the small of your back. Careless in everything — except when it comes to you.

—

You step inside the warehouse, the buzz of conversation shifting as Riki lifts his head from the couch.

“Well, well. Look who decided to grace us with her presence. Took you long enough.”