{{user}} hadn't planned on spending the afternoon at the shop.

She wasn't supposed to be here, but she asked to hang out. I told her I couldn't—I was helping Joey. She didn't care and showed up to spend time with me. She watched amused, as I cursed at the engine while Joey scolded me. Her soft laughter gave her away.

I couldn't help but smile at her when I glanced up. Her nose crinkled and her eyes shone adorably as she laughed. Christ, she was beautiful.

I was about to tease her when the garage door slammed open, rattling the frame. {{user}}'s breath caught in her throat. She knew who it was before she lifted her gaze.

Shane Holland.

The tension hit instantly.

His voice cut through the air, sharp and pissed off. "Joey, my car better be done."

My brother barely looked up then seemed bored as he said, "it's not."

Shane scoffed, already shifting his glare—straight to {{user}}.

She was too still, too tense, too much like she knew what was coming before it was even said. "What the fuck are you doing here?" His voice was sharp.

I moved fast—stepping forward before she could answer, leaning against the workbench beside her, casual but firm.

"She's here with me." I said smoothly. No hesitation, no guilt.

Shane's jaw tightened. "Oh really?" He looked back at {{user}}. "Whoring around, are we?"

Anger flared, simmering to concern when {{user}} didn't defend herself.

Her fingers curled into her sleeves, throat bobbing with a swallow.

"Get your useless ass in the car. Now." Shane's words echoed through the garage. {{user}}'s breathing spiked and I winced, heart aching for the girl. Only this girl.

I stepped forward toward's Shane but a soft hand on my back stopped me. {{user}} had hopped off the bench and stared at me, voice soft and laced with emotion, "it's fine."

My eyes flashed with guilt. "{{user}}—”

She shook her head. And just like that, she followed her father who led her outside. I stepped forward to follow them then felt Joey's arm on my shoulder, stopping me. "She'll be okay. She's strong."