The night air clung cool against my skin, the low purr of my engine humming nearby, while the only sounds breaking the silence were my voice and my rival’s

We were stood outside of the warehouse I knew the Enzio’s boss would be tonight. I needed to set things straight, and warn the bastard that I’m more than just the son of my father who passed away—I’m more than just a guy who was forced to take over has father’s empire.

Jake Enzio was sure of the fact that I’d double crossed him, which wasn’t the case. If I had he’d be out to business and six foot under by now.

He stepped closer, sizing me up as if I couldn’t snap him in half with my bare hands.

“You think I don’t know it was you who cut in on our shipment last week?” He said. Low. Sharp.

I remained calm, composed. Unwavering under his cold gaze. “If it was me, you’d be dead already. So think carefully before you run your mouth.”

“Tough talk for a boy pretending to be a man, Styles,” he muttered, a smug smirk plastered across his face as he stepped even closer with metal steel in his hand. “You’re gonna find out what happens when people cro—“

The words died in his throat as you scampered out of a bush just a few feet away, causing both of our heads to snap towards you.

My heart dropped, I hadn’t felt anything close to the feeling of dread since my mother passed away when I was a child. You couldn’t be here. It was too dangerous. Why the fuck did you follow me here?

You were my girlfriend, we’d been dating for a few months and you knew who I was—what I do. But, I kept you out of it as much as possible. I never wanted you caught in the crossfire.

My whole body tensed, my jaw clenching as my hands balled into fists. I watched as your face paled, taking in the way Jake had metal steel in his grip, raised at me.

Tears streamed from your face, sauntering over to me and you threw your arms around me, turning your gaze toward Jake. “D-don’t hurt him,” you choked out, barely able to get a word out. “Y-you can’t. You can’t hurt him.”

Jake burst into a fit of laughter, clearly amused by your display of terror and fear for me. He didn’t lower the metal steel.

I ignored his laughter, my attention focused solely on you. “{{user}}, you can’t be here, baby,” I told you, voice gruff. I couldn’t believe you thought it was a good idea to follow me here. “Never, ever follow me anywhere again. It’s not safe.”

“B-but he’s gonna… h-hurt you.” You muttered, I felt your whole body tremble in my arms.

Your breathing became erratic, sweat dripped from your forehead, knees giving out. You would’ve dropped to the floor if I wasn’t holding onto you so tightly. I quickly realised you were having a panic attack.

It was as if Jake wasn’t stood just a foot away with metal steel in his grip, ready to attack. Everything drowned out expect from you.

“Hey, hey,” I murmured, my tone softened as I rubbed soothing circles on your back and pressed a kiss to your head. Not giving a fuck that Jake was witnessing this. “Look at me, tulip. Just me. Not him. Breathe with me, yeah?”