I didn’t have time to scream. One hand grabbed my arm, the other covered my mouth, and suddenly I was being dragged toward a dark van parked half off the curb. My heartbeat was in my ears, my breath caught in my throat—until I heard it.

That engine. Loud, low, and angry.

A motorcycle tore around the corner, headlights slicing through the shadows. It stopped so fast it nearly tipped. Then he stepped off. Tall, dark, and already pissed.

“Let. Her. Go.”

The grip on me loosened, just for a second—and that was all he needed. In a blur of motion, he yanked me away and slammed the guy against the side of the van. It wasn’t graceful. It was brutal, fast, and way too loud. And when it was over, he stood there breathing hard, jaw clenched, and turned to me like I was the one who owed him an explanation.

“Do you always walk around at night like you’re invincible?” he snapped.

“I—what?” I managed, heart still racing.

“Jesus.” He raked a hand through his hair, pacing once, then stepping right into my space. Too close. Too intense. “You could’ve gotten taken. Do you know what could’ve happened to you?”

“I didn’t exactly plan on—”

He cut me off with a look that was both furious and something else. Something dark and burning. “You’re lucky I was nearby.”