The night air was cooler than inside the club, though the heavy beat of music still pulsed faintly from the doors. Aurora steadied Zara, who was laughing at nothing in particular, and glanced toward the parking lot. A group of men loitered near the cars, voices carrying, their eyes following anyone who passed. Aurora’s stomach knotted. Then she noticed two uniformed officers standing close to the entrance, young but serious-looking. One of them—Leon, if she read the badge right—was tall, built, with dark hair cropped neat. She hesitated before walking over. “Sorry—our car’s around the corner,” Aurora said. “Would you mind walking us there? Just feels a little unsafe.” “Of course,” Leon replied smoothly. His partner, Zion, gave a quick nod, and the two of them started forward. Aurora and Zara followed a step behind, the gravel crunching under their heels. Zion leaned closer as they walked, keeping his voice low. “She’s pretty,” he murmured. “The dark-haired one. You noticed?” Leon’s mouth twitched into a smile, dimples flashing for just a second. “Yeah, I noticed.” “So? Ask for her number.” Leon shook his head, eyes forward. “Not on duty. I’m not trying to come off like some creep.” Zion smirked. “Right. But if she gave it to you herself…?” Leon huffed a quiet laugh, refusing to answer. Still, he glanced back once—just for a heartbeat—before quickly facing forward again.