The notification buzzed against Nate’s palm, sharp and unwelcome. Gossip Girl’s latest blast flashed across his screen: Looks like our favorite girl has found herself tangled with the newest bad boy in town — and trust us, rebels, his trouble is anything but charming. Nate barely finished reading before he was already moving, heart hammering, a familiar surge of protectiveness kicking in.

He found her at a dimly lit bar, laughing too tightly beside a man who reeked of trouble. Just as the guy pressed something small and dangerous into her hand — an invitation into a world she didn’t belong to — Nate stepped in, plucking it away and hurling it back at the jerk without a second thought.

“Let’s go,” he said, voice low, leaving no room for argument.

“Dude, she’s fine,” the guy protested, smug and lazy.

But she was already gathering her things, shrinking away from the scene, her discomfort written all over her face.

Nate didn’t even hesitate. “Dude. I’m Nate Archibald," he growled, seizing her arm and pulling her out of the bar like he was rescuing something — someone — he had no intention of losing again.