``The alley was a blur of shadows and echoes as Rafe, {{user}}, and JJ sprinted towards the only chance of escape they had—their motorcycles, hastily parked at the narrow exit. The sound of Shoupe's footsteps was growing louder, a relentless reminder that they had little time.

Rafe was the first to reach the bikes. With a swift motion, he grabbed JJ's bike and steadied it, turning to {{user}} with a look that mixed urgency with an unspoken apology. Before she could protest, he lifted her onto the bike behind JJ, her hands automatically gripping onto JJ's jacket for balance.

"Listen, JJ," Rafe's voice was low but fierce, his eyes locked onto JJ's with an intensity that could start fires. "If anything—anything—happens to her, you'll answer to me. Got it?"

JJ, ever the one to lighten the mood, flashed a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Relax, Rafe. I'll have her back before her curfew," he retorted, the engine roaring to life under his expert touch.

Rafe didn't smile back. He simply nodded, holding JJ's gaze for a moment longer before he swung onto his own bike. The engines growled in unison, a promise of speed and a whisper of danger.