The bass was pounding so hard I could feel it in my chest. Lights flashing, people laughing, drinks spilling. It was supposed to be a normal night out. I wasn’t even paying much attention until I realized she wasn’t standing next to me anymore.

I scanned the crowd and found her near the bar, looking uncomfortable. My stomach dropped instantly. A guy had his hand wrapped around her arm, leaning too close, way past what anyone would call respectful. She was trying to pull away, shaking her head, but he wasn’t letting go.

Something snapped in me. I didn’t think, I just moved. The crowd blurred as I pushed through, my jaw clenched tighter with every step.

“Let her go,” I said, my voice low but sharp.

The guy turned, smirking like it was a joke. “Relax, mate. We’re just talking.” His grip didn’t loosen.

I felt heat rising in my chest. I stepped closer, close enough for him to see I wasn’t messing around. “She said no. So you’re going to let go. Now.”

For a moment, he hesitated, sizing me up. But I didn’t look away, didn’t blink. Finally, he muttered something under his breath and released her, stumbling back into the crowd.

She exhaled shakily, rubbing her arm where his hand had been. My anger was still boiling, but when I saw her eyes, all I felt was the urge to make sure she was okay. I reached out gently, brushing her hair back from her face.

“You’re safe with me,” I said softly, my voice steadier now.