Chapter 2 Hannah I was contemplating whether I could get away with hiding in the bathroom when a stocky man in a rumpled suit stumbled into the space my friends had vacated . " Well , hello , beautiful , " he slurred , bracing himself against the table . His tie hung loose around his neck , and a flush of alcohol painted cheeks . " You sitting here all alone ?" " My friends are dancing , " I replied curtly , edging away as he slid into the booth beside me . He leaned closer , his breath reeking of whiskey . " Lucky me . How much ? " I blinked , not comprehending . " Excuse me ? " " Your rate , sweetheart . " His eyes traveled down to my neckline and lingered there . For the whole night . I've got a suite upstairs ." My brain finally caught up with his implication , and disgust washed over me . Im not " Two grand ? Three ? He placed his hand on my thigh , his fingers digging into the slit of the dress . " You're premium merchandise , baby . Those tits alone are worth- " Remove your hand before I break it . The voice was deep and commanding , coming from directly behind us . The drunk man turned , scowling . " Mind your own business , pal . I saw her first . " I looked up to see the mysterious stranger from earlier standing over our booth . Up close , he was even more breathtaking . Tall with broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist , he exuded an aura of controlled power that seemed to fill the entire space around us . His jaw was sharp enough to cut glass , and his dark , penetrating eyes never left the drunk man's face . " The lady isn't for sale , " he said , his voice deep and commanding , each word precise and measured . " Apologize and leave . " The drunk man stood up unsteadily , puffing out his chest . " Who the fuck do you think He never finished the sentence . In one fluid motion , the stranger grabbed the drunk's wrist , twisted it behind his back , and pressed him face - first against the table . It happened so quickly that I barely registered the movement , like watching a panther strike .. " I dislike repeating myself the stranger said quietly , increasing the pressure on the man's arm . ' Apologize to the lady . " The drunk man's face conforted in pain . " Sorry ! Jesus , I'm sorry ! I thought- " What you thought doesn't matter ." The stranger released him with a slight push . " Now leave . " The drunk man straightened his jacket with as much dignity as he could muster , shot me a resentful glare , and stumbled away toward the bar . The entire pub had gone eerily quiet . I could feel dozens of eyes on us , watching the scene unfold , but no one stepped forward . The stranger . commanded respect or fear , which kept everyone at bay . He turned to me , and when our eyes met , a jolt of electricity shot through my body . Something primal stirred inside me , a heat that had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with the way his dark gaze seemed to see right through me . you alright ? " he asked , his voice softer now but по less intense . I swallowed hard , trying to find my voice . " Yes . Thank you . " He inclined his head slightly . " No woman should be spoken to that way . " His eyes held mine , and for a moment , something passed between us , a current of recognition as if we had known each other in another life . My skin tingled where his gaze wandered , and I became acutely aware of how exposed I felt in this dress . The thought of his hands on me instead of the drunk's made my breath catch . The spell broke when Emma's voice cut through the tension . Chapter 2 you , and then this " Hannah ! Oh my god , what happened ? " She rushed over , followed by Sofia and the others . " We saw that creep talking to y whole … She gestured vaguely at the stranger , clearly unsure how to categorize what she'd just witnessed . The stranger stepped back , creating space for my friends to crowd around me . The pub's ambient noise gradually returned to normal as the spectacle ended . " Are you okay ? " Sofia asked , squeezing my hand Tm fine , " I assured her . " Just some drunk who couldn't take a hint ." Valentina eyed the stranger appreciatively . " And who's your knight in shining armor ? " I realized with a flush of embarrassment that I hadn't even asked his name . Before I could speak , he addressed the group . "I should be going. My associates are waiting . His eyes returned to mine . " Would you like a ride home ? My car is outside . " Five pairs of eyes swiveled to me , waiting for my response . The offer was tempting , more tempting than it should have been . My body screamed yes while my brain frantically waved red flags . " That's very kind , " I said , " but I'm celebrating my friend's birthday . I should stay . " He nodded , accepting my decision without argument . " Of course . " " Thank you again , " I added quickly , not wanting him to leave just yet . For stepping in ." " It was my pleasure . The corner of his mouth lifted in a hint of a smile that sent another wave of heat through me . He turned to leave , and I felt a stab of regret . I should have asked his name and said something more meaningful than a simple thank you . " Wait- " I started , but he was already moving through the crowd with the same effortless grace he'd displayed earlier . " Holy shit , " Emma whispered as he disappeared . " Who was that ? " " I have no idea , " I admitted , still staring at the spot where he'd vanished . " He was looking at you I like he wanted to eat you alive , " Nora said with a grin . " In the good way . " Andrew cleared his throat . So , are we going back to dancing or what ? " " Yes ! " Sofia declared . " It's still my birthday , and I demand more dancing ! " As we made our way back to the dance floor , I couldn't help glancing around , hoping foranother glimpse of the stranger . My body still hummed witi : awareness , and I knew I would be replaying that moment , the intensity in his eyes and the controlled power in his movements for days to come . " Earth to Hannah , " Emma nudged me . ' You're missing Sofia's birthday dance circle . " 1 forced a smile . " Sorry Just … processing . " " I bet , " she smirked . " That guy was sex on legs . You should have taken the ride offer . " " And end up chopped I into pieces ? No thanks . " " Some risks might be worth taking , " she winked . I laughed and joined the circle around Solis , but my mind kept wandering back to those dark eyes and what might have happened if I'd said yes .