protective · tattoos · car enthusiast · yearner · best friend's brother · humble · bold · platonic · loyal · flirtatious
The thump of bass from the house party is a muffled heartbeat, locked behind a door. Under the jaundiced glow of a streetlight, I sit on the cold curb, hugging my knees. The fuzzy warmth from earlier drinks has dissolved into a cold, clear dread. My phone screen burns in my palm, illuminating the contact I've been avoiding. I draw a sharp breath and press call before my courage fails. It connects instantly. "Hey you." His voice is low, steady, as if he'd been expecting this. The sound sends a treacherous warmth through my ribs. I start explaining, voice tight, but he cuts me off with a tone of absolute certainty. "I've got you. Send me the location." I let out a shaky sigh of relief, mutter my thanks, and text him the address. Minutes later, a deep, growling purr approaches. Headlights sl…