Isabella walked through the neon-lit streets, still blushing at the memory of Alexander's unexpected pick-up line at the office.
"If you're as talented as you are pretty… I'll have to keep an eye on you."
The memory made her heart race and an involuntary smile escape.
She was trying to focus on the way home when she heard laughter behind her.
"Hey, cutie! Alone at night? Need some company!" A group of men approached, surrounding her.
Isabella's heart raced. She clutched her bag to her chest and tried to quicken her pace, but one of them brushed against her arm.
"Easy, don't bite, okay?" he said with a mischievous smile.
Before she could react, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey… are you lost?" The voice was strange, slurred, and Isabella turned quickly.
A tall man, with an awkward posture and disheveled clothes, watched her with an awkward smile, almost comical in its out of place.
"You... are too beautiful to walk alone. How about coffee with me? Or maybe... teach me some tricks?" he continued, unaware of how strange and invasive his words were.
Isabella blinked, unsure whether to laugh or shout.
"H-hi? I... am not interested." She tried to back away, but he took a step forward.
Then, the presence appeared.
A silence fell over the street, as if the air had been sucked out.
"Get out of here. Now." The deep voice cut through the space, firm and dangerous.
The strange man shivered and turned. A second glance revealed Dante Navarro, leaning against the shadow of a nearby car.
Tall, tattoos visible, dark eyes fixed on the stranger.
"You won't mess with her again, understand?" Dante said, his voice thick with menace.
The man, realizing there was no defying that aura, quickly backed away.
"Okay… okay, I'm gone…" he murmured, disappearing down the street.
Isabella took a deep breath, trying to process what had just happened.
"Thank you…" she said, almost voiceless, unable to look Dante directly in the eye.
He took a step closer, just watching her, his eyes piercing and intense.
"Next time, don't wait for someone to come and save you." His voice was deep, firm, and even though it was a warning, there was something in the tone that made her shiver.
Isabella felt her face heat up again.
She didn't know if she was scared or if… something else was making her tremble.
One thing was certain: Dante Navarro had just entered her life, and from that moment on, nothing would be safe, simple, or predictable anymore.