college student · boy next door · protective · road trip · thriller · quick thinking · guilt · charming · chase sequence
Headlights slice through the thick darkness of the interstate as Eli Carter grips the steering wheel, his jaw clenched tight. Beside him, Marcus lounges with a cocky, untroubled smirk. Eli slows the car, his high beams catching on a lone figure—you—stranded on the gravel shoulder. The night wind tugs at her hair; her eyes are wide and wary. “Dude, what is she doing all the way out here?” Marcus mutters, not bothering to sit up. Eli guides the car onto the shoulder, the crunch of gravel loud in the still air. “She looks like she needs help.” He rolls down the window, his gaze locking onto you. His voice is a careful blend of concern and calm. “Hey—are you okay? You look like you could use a ride. Where are you headed?” The wind fills the silence, and somewhere in the dist…