Even a light drink had made Rose's head spin a little. Unnoticed by herself, her conversation with another admirer had shifted from the noisy night club to the street outside.
This guy, Arthur, was the cousin of one of her classmates. He looked like the prince Rose had imagined, but his manners were far from royal. He acted too persistently, and the girl already regretted agreeing to dance with him. And she regretted even more leaving the club, where all her friends remained.
– Don't you want to take a ride? My car is just around the corner.
Rose, tipsy from champagne, seemed to him an easy catch he didn't want to miss.
– No, I think I'll go. The birthday girl can't run away from her guests.
– I doubt anyone will notice. Everyone's having fun anyway.
Arthur grabbed Rose's hand firmly, but she pulled away.
– I said no!
Rose's mood instantly soured. She hated conflicts, especially when no one was around to support her. Indeed, for half an hour, none of her acquaintances had come outside to get some fresh air. And everyone else didn't care about a boy and girl arguing. No one wanted to get involved in someone else's problems.
– You shouldn't do that, dear – Arthur hissed with obvious annoyance, grabbing her hand again.
She might have looked drunk, but she was thinking perfectly clearly, so she fully understood the seriousness of the situation.
At the familiar roar of a powerful engine, Rose flinched. The sharp screech of brakes followed seconds later. A thought flashed through her mind that it might be Roman, but she quickly dismissed the hope. She hadn't invited him, so he couldn't possibly be here.
– Rose, are you okay?
It was hard to believe her eyes, but it was him. Perhaps now the annoying admirer would finally leave her alone.
– Yes – Rose replied with a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
– And who are you? Can't you see we're talking?
– First, I'm her boyfriend. Second, I see that Rose doesn't want to talk to you. Am I right, Rose?
She nodded. She had never been so glad to meet Roman that evening. Now she also regretted not inviting him to her birthday, but it was too late.
Roman had happened to be nearby by pure chance. Of course, he was a bit annoyed he wasn't on the guest list, but he wasn't upset, as he always found something to do.
At least a few times a week, he conquered the streets of Warsaw at night on his customized Honda, feeling one with the powerful sports motorcycle whose speedometer rarely showed less than three digits.
Roman didn't immediately recognize Rose, the top student of the school, in this stylish, alluring young woman. Long, thick, reddish-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes sparkled with mysterious greenish flecks framed by dark lashes, lips perfectly shaped, facial features aristocratic, slender, elegant silhouette…
From childhood, his father had taught him to protect girls, and this girl, impossible to miss even from afar, clearly needed protection as some guy grabbed her delicate hand too insistently. On her face, Rose tried to pull away, displaying confusion, even despair.
Roman feared no one in his hometown. It wasn't only because of his father's wide connections, a fairly well-known businessman. The boy had trained in kickboxing for years, so he could easily defend himself if necessary.
– Why didn't you tell me right away that you were seeing someone? – Arthur snorted, letting go of her hand.
Naturally, he didn't believe that the mysterious protector was truly her boyfriend, but Roman radiated strength and confidence, so Arthur didn't want to get involved.
– Rose, are you really okay? – Roman asked, concerned. – He didn't hurt you?
– No, it's fine. Just another persistent admirer. Looking at him, I realized why karate lessons were useful – she tried to joke nervously.
– You practice karate? – Roman raised an eyebrow in surprise. For the first time, he thought that behind her beauty there might be something intriguing and unusual.
– Yes, or rather, I used to.
– Wow. You might be the cutest karateka in the world. And what belt do you have? – Roman was genuinely curious.
– Only yellow. I decided I couldn't hit people, so I quit. Though maybe it was a mistake. It wouldn't hurt to remember a few moves. Otherwise, what would I have done without you?
– Exactly. I should take you to training sometime – Roman winked.
He was impressed; in his circles, it was rare to meet a girl interested in martial arts. Such hobbies might seem strange to some, but it was so nice to talk to someone whose interests went beyond restaurants and spending his father's money.
– I'd love that!
For a moment, their eyes met. Rose caught admiration in his gaze, which embarrassed her slightly. She still couldn't believe that Roman, whom all her friends secretly adored, was smiling just at her.
– By the way, happy birthday! You really should have invited me. Who else would stand up for you? For such a pretty girl, you need someone watching.
Roman had always found Rose attractive, but he didn't realize how much she could captivate him. Her special beauty lay in the fact that she didn't even realize how beautiful she truly was.
She lacked the overt arrogance typical of girls Roman usually interacted with. He didn't notice that his gaze embarrassed her; he simply couldn't look away. He suddenly felt an urge to protect and care for her forever.
– Sorry I didn't invite you. I thought you wouldn't come – Rose said, lowering her eyes.
– How could you think that? I would have come gladly!
– Well, then let's go.
– I don't think it makes sense; everyone's probably already drunk enough. I have an idea – playful notes entered his voice.
– What? – Rose responded, curious.
– Want to take a ride?