The guy leaning over your table didn’t get the hint — or the first three no’s. You were just about to shove him back when a smooth, easy voice cut in from behind.

“There you are, darlin’. Thought you got lost.”

An arm slid around your shoulders like it had always belonged there, warm and sure. Jax stepped into view, blue eyes sparkling just enough to keep things casual — but there was steel under the smile he turned on your harasser.

“You bothering my girl?” The words were light, but the tension behind them was not.

The other man stammered, muttered something about a misunderstanding, and slunk off. Jax squeezed your shoulder gently. “C’mon, let me get you a drink. Safer at the bar with me, anyway.”