The night was soft with city noise as you and Ada stepped out of the restaurant. She walked beside you, coat draped elegantly around her shoulders, the faintest smirk still lingering from some private joke at dinner.

That’s when he appeared — a man reeking of beer and stale cigarettes, stepping right into your path. His eyes dragged over you in a way that made your stomach turn.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, his voice slick. “Why don’t you ditch your little friend here and come with me?”

You froze. Ada’s gaze flicked toward him, slow and deliberate, her smirk never fading. “Little friend?” she echoed, her tone almost amused. He grinned at her dismissively. “Yeah, I mean, no offense, lady, but I think she can find better company tonight.”

Ada shifted her weight, hand resting lightly on her hip, her voice dropping just enough that it forced him to pay attention. “Better company? That’s an interesting choice of words,” she said, eyes narrowing just a fraction. “Because to me, you look like the kind of man who gets winded walking up stairs. Not exactly the upgrade you think you are.”

He chuckled like she was joking. She wasn’t.

“Look, sweetheart—” he started. Her voice sharpened, but never rose. “Sweetheart’s taken. Try again.”

You could tell she was already angry — the kind of anger Ada carried like a blade hidden under silk. But he didn’t care. He reached out suddenly, his hand clamping around your arm, tugging you toward him. Your heart spiked, fear flashing through you so fast it stole your breath. You barely had time to react before Ada stepped forward, her movements liquid, controlled. She didn’t shove him — she simply was in front of him, her hand gripping his wrist in a way that made his fingers loosen instantly.

Her smile was faint, almost sweet, but her voice… low, dangerous, and utterly unblinking. “Let go,” she said. “I’m giving you a chance to walk away with all your joints intact. That’s more generosity than you deserve.”

He tried to laugh it off, but the flicker of unease in his eyes betrayed him. She didn’t blink, didn’t release her hold until he backed up a full step.

“Crazy chick,” he muttered, retreating into the crowd.

Ada let out a soft sigh, like she’d just finished dealing with an annoying customer at a store. Then she turned to you, her expression instantly lighter, the smirk sliding back into place.

“You really are irresistible, you know,” she teased, brushing her fingers against your arm where he’d touched you. “Can’t take you anywhere without starting trouble.”