Sasha grabs her hand and pulls her toward the middle of the room, where a group of Sasha’s friends dances to the music. The lights are lower, but I still notice Brinley’s hesitation before she lets go, laughing as Sasha spins her under her arm.
I stay where I am, watching her let loose.
She doesn’t dance like someone who does it often, and she certainly isn’t moving like she’s trying to impress anyone. Her hair slips free from her messy bun as she moves. It’s like she forgot she’s even in a crowded room.
Seeing her slip into this carefree place does something to me.
Time passes without me realizing it. I’ve been nursing my beer, barely touching it, my eyes tracking her through the crowd. When she finally steps away, I don’t notice right away and almost miss her leaving.
I spot her near the door as she slips outside with Sasha. I look down at my beer, still half full, and set it on the counter before I head for the door.
I tell myself this isn’t what it looks like. I’m just making sure she’s… safe.
She walks quickly down the sidewalk with Sasha, rubbing her arms against the crisp air. I keep my distance far enough back that they won’t notice me unless she turns around.
I don’t want her to know I’m following her. That alone should tell me I need to mind my own business, but I push that thought out of my mind as I slide into my truck and pull away from the curb, telling myself—again—that this is just about making sure she gets home.
Nothing more.
Sasha’s car turns a few blocks later, and I follow at a distance that doesn’t look intentional. When they pull in near Broken Saddle, I ease off even more, coasting into the lot of the business next door instead of stopping out front. I cut my lights and sit there, engine idling low.
Brinley steps out a second later, hugging herself against the cold. Sasha leans across the console to say something. Brinley nods and gives a small wave. The car pulls away, taillights disappearing down the street.
I should leave.
That’s the line. That’s where this ends.
Instead, I stay where I am and watch her cross the lot, keys already in her hand as she heads for the stairs at the back of the building. The bar below is dark now, leaving the night too still.
That’s when I see movement in the alley.
At first, my brain doesn’t register it as a threat. Someone steps out of the shadows, dressed in all black with their hood pulled up. Then he angles toward her, and my spine goes rigid.
She doesn’t see him right away. She’s barely reaching the first step when he says something—low enough that I can’t make out the words. Her shoulders tense, her body going rigid as she shifts just enough for me to see the fear flash across her face.
Fear flashes across it as the guy closes the distance fast.
He shoves her back against the building, not hard enough to knock her out but enough to pin her there. My door is already open before my brain catches up. My boots hit the pavement as adrenaline pumps in my chest.
“You don’t belong here,” the guy growls, his voice carrying now. “Leave town.”
Brinley shakes her head, her hands coming up instinctively to protect herself.
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just here for school.”
“Don’t play dumb,” he snaps. “You’ve got no business being here. Next time, I won’t be asking.”
I break into a run, my steps pounding against the pavement as I cross the lot. “Hey!” I shout.
His head snaps up.
For half a second, I think I might get a good look at him, but he bolts down the alley, disappearing into the darkness before I get the chance.
I swear under my breath and skid to a stop in front of Brinley.
She’s shaking. Her back still pressed against the wall, eyes wide, breath coming in short, panicked huffs like she can’t quite get enough air. She doesn’t even register me standing in front of her.
“Brinley,” I say, my voice rough. “Hey, hey. I’ve got you. You’re okay.”
