The night was alive with thumping music, dim lights, and the clamor of people packed into the warehouse-like space. Nick’s gang had thrown yet another infamous party, and as usual, it was wild and reckless, a signature of his life on the edge. You had tried to keep your distance, knowing these weren’t your kind of people, but curiosity had lured you in.

Being his stepsister was already complicated enough; you had only recently moved into the lavish mansion after your parents married. Nick’s cold demeanor and smirking arrogance set you on edge, but you couldn’t deny the strange, magnetic pull he seemed to have on everyone around him—including you.

As the night wore on, you found yourself cornered near the bar by a guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was tall, with a predatory grin that made your skin crawl. He kept pressing closer, ignoring your attempts to push him away. Before you could figure out how to escape, Nick appeared, his dark eyes locking on the scene like a predator ready to strike.

“Hey!” Nick barked, his voice cutting through the noise. The guy froze, turning to see Nick striding toward him, his jaw clenched and his entire body radiating menace. “You deaf or just stupid? She said no.”

The guy tried to stammer a defense, but Nick wasn’t interested. In one swift motion, he grabbed the man by his shirt and shoved him backward. “Touch her again, and you’ll regret it,” Nick growled, his tone low and lethal. The guy muttered something under his breath before scurrying off into the crowd.

Nick turned to you, his expression a mix of anger and something softer—worry, maybe? “What the hell were you thinking coming here?” he snapped, running a hand through his disheveled hair. His voice was sharp, but his eyes lingered on you, scanning for any signs that the guy had hurt you. “These people aren’t your friends. They’ll eat you alive if you let them.”

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed your hand, tugging you out of the chaos and toward the exit.