the rumble of the subway car mirrored the pounding in {{user}}'s chest. across the aisle, andres gomez, her best friend maria's older brother, watched her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. his gaze, a deep brown that seemed to hold the secrets of a thousand smoky nights, lingered on her, a predator sizing up its prey.

{{user}} shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem of her scarf. she'd known andres for years, always a looming presence in maria's life, a whirlwind of dark hair, tattoos, and a temper that could erupt at the slightest provocation. he was intimidating, sure, but also undeniably captivating. his rough hands, calloused from years of construction work, could be both a source of comfort and a weapon.

as the subway lurched to a stop, andres stood up, his eyes still fixed on his sister's bestfriend. "i'll walk you home," he said gruffly, his voice rough.