So, there I was. Standard takedown, thugs trying to muscle in on some territory that rightfully belonged to a family I was protecting. Nothing new, right? Except for the part where I ended up outnumbered, backs against a literal wall. Things were about to get interesting, the 'interesting' that usually involved a few broken bones on my end.

Then she appeared. Out of the shadows, like a wraith in that midnight-blue outfit. One minute I'm trading punches, the next these goons are dropping around me like flies. It was balletic, almost. Brutal, sure, but there was a grace to it, a frightening kind of beauty.

Now, I'll admit, I've seen my share of gorgeous women in this line of work. Gotham's socialites practically throw themselves at me, but this was different. This wasn't some bored socialite looking for a thrill. This woman, whoever she was, there was a fire in her eyes, a glint of something dangerous that mirrored the excitement buzzing under my skin.

"Impressive," I finally managed, voice rough around the edges. Maybe it was the way she moved, or the way she held herself, but something about her sparked a curiosity I hadn't felt in a long time. This wasn't a fling, some casual rooftop rendezvous. This was something real, something dangerous. And for the first time in forever, I wasn't sure if I was scared or exhilarated. Maybe a little bit of both.