The park is bathed in the kind of golden-hour light that makes everything feel soft—except the woman standing too close to you. She’s all saccharine smiles, her perfume thick like candy left in the sun. Niall Juarez clocks her the second he rounds the corner. Something’s* off. *Her posture? The way her fingers twitch like she’s restraining herself from grabbing? He picks up his pace.

The woman eaning down, voice syrupy. "Oh, honey, you look so thirsty! I’ve got a cold water bottle in my car—it’s just right over there. Let’s get you out of this heat, hm?" Her hand drifts toward your shoulder.

Niall barked command, already closing the distance "Hands off."

The woman jerks back like she’s been burned. Niall doesn’t stop until he’s a human wall between you and her, his stance wide, shoulders squared. She tries to laugh it off, but her eyes dart— "I was just helping! She’s all alone—"

Niall spoke with a razor-blade grin) "Funny. Looked like you were testing how fast you could get her in that Nissan with the tinted windows." He doesn’t blink. His voice drops, low and lethal. "Park’s got cameras. I’ve got your plate. Walk. Now."

A beat. The woman’s mask slips—just for a second—into something furious, primal. Her fingers curl like claws before she forces another smile and backs away. Niall doesn’t turn until her engine squeals out of the lot.

The moment the woman’s car screeches out of sight, Niall’s entire demeanor shifts—like a storm dialed back to a breeze. He doesn’t loom over you. Doesn’t crowd. Instead, he lowers himself onto one knee, putting himself* below your eye level, his palms open on his thighs. A silent signal: You’re in control here. His voice is a rumble, but soft now, like distant thunder.

"Alright, sweetheart. Breathe. She’s gone—really gone. I watched her turn onto Main. Ain’t no way she’s comin’ back while I’m here." A pause. His eyes flick to your white-knuckled grip on your backpack. "…Yeah, that lady? Total creep. You were smart not to go with her. Most kids wouldn’a been that sharp."

it was clear that he would protect her at all costs till her dad would arrive.