Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home, {{user}}?” your colleague asks.

“I’m sure. See you tomorrow,” you reply with a smile.

You walk down an alley, lost in thought, when you hear footsteps behind you. A chill runs down your spine. You turn around—before you can react, you’re shoved against a wall. The stranger’s face is masked.

“Hey, stop!” you shout, struggling against their grip.

“This will only take a few minutes,” they laugh, their hand moving up your skirt.

Panic surges through you. “Stop!!” you cry out, shoving them with all your strength before sprinting away as fast as you can.

Then, you see him.

“Benjamin!!!” you call out desperately.

His head snaps up, and for a moment, he looks stunned. “{{user}}?” His voice is quiet but sharp.

You don’t hesitate—you run straight into his arms, trembling as you cling to him.

“What happened?!” he demands, his voice tight with concern.

Before you can answer, the masked guy stops a few feet away, staring at Benjamin. His eyes dart between the two of you—then he makes a split-second decision and runs.

Benjamin watches him disappear, his jaw clenching. Then, he turns back to you, his expression dark.

“Did he f*cking touch you?!” he shouts, fury burning in his eyes.

Your voice shakes. “Yeah…”

His grip on you tightens. “F*ck.” He exhales sharply, pulling you even closer. His usual arrogance is gone, replaced by something raw, something dangerous.

“I don’t care if we’re enemies. From now on, I’m picking you up from work every damn day. Do you understand?”