I don't need a ride

Mark's eyes widened, his pupils slowly dilating as he took a step back, releasing my wrist. "Steve, man, I'm Hazel's friend, remember me? We've met before. I'm just trying to talk to her, I'm interested in her. No big deal," Mark said, trying to calm Steve down.

But Steve's expression didn't change. "I don't remember you. Leave her alone," he said coldly.

Mark quickly apologized and left, leaving me and Steve alone in the almost-empty bar. I felt a mix of emotions: relief that Mark was gone, but also confusion and annoyance at Steve's sudden appearance and behavior. What was he doing here?

I looked up at Steve, trying to read his expression. But his face was closed off, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Steve's gaze lingered on my wrist, the one Mark had grabbed. It was red and slightly swollen, a reminder of the unwanted contact.

His voice soft as he asked, "Are you okay? How's your wrist?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to brush off his concern, to tell him I was fine and didn't need his help. But another part of me, a part that I couldn't ignore, wanted to lean into his concern.

I looked around, the bar was now almost empty with no customers and a few co-workers who were now heading out the door.

"I'm fine," I said finally, my voice steady. "It's just a little bruised, that's all. Thanks for your help."

Steve's hand stretched out, reaching for mine, but I stepped back, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't want him to touch me, not yet. I needed some space, some time to process my emotions.

"Hazel is probably tired and waiting for you to take her home," I said, trying to sound casual. "You should go."

Steve's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "I'll take care of Hazel," he said. "But I'm not leaving you here alone. You're coming with me."

As Steve's words hung in the air, a mix of emotions swirled inside me, I felt a surge of frustration at his words. Who was he to tell me what to do? But at the same time, a part of me was grateful for his concern.

The conflicting feelings left me feeling exasperated, and I let out a deep sigh. "I don't need a ride," I said, trying to sound firm, but my voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty. "I can walk home."

Steve's expression turned skeptical. "It's late, Mabel. It's not safe for you to walk home alone."

I sighed, feeling a bit exasperated. "I'll be fine," I said. "I've walked home alone plenty of times before I moved here."

Steve's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "I'm not going to leave you here alone," he said. "You're coming with me, whether you like it or not."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. There was something about his tone, something that made me feel like he was serious. And for a moment, I wondered if I should just give in.

But then I remembered how he'd acted earlier, how he'd barely acknowledged me when he picked up Hazel. And I knew that I couldn't just forget about that, not yet.

He moved closer, his body pressing against mine, his breath warm on my neck. I could feel his scent, the same one that had intoxicated me earlier. I wanted to step back, to create some space between us, but I was frozen, my body betraying me.

"Mabel, it's late and you shouldn't be walking home alone. Get your things, get in my car and let's go," he said, his voice rising with each word. He may be used to giving orders to people following them without question. But I wasn't one of his subordinates.

"I can take care of myself, Steve," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. I turned to walk away, not wanting him to see the effect he had on me. I could feel his gaze on my back, his eyes burning with intensity. I didn't care. I didn't want to deal with his hot and cold routine.

As I walked into the staff room to grab my purse, my heart still racing from the earlier confrontation, I was greeted by the sight of Luke, half-dressed and changing his shirt. His muscular chest and chiseled abs caught my attention, and I found myself staring, my eyes drawn to the way his muscles flexed with each movement, he was even more gorgeous without his shirt on. Luke’s sudden awareness of my gaze made me blush, and I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself, feeling embarrassed at being caught gawking.

"Mabel, you're here. Are you heading home now?" Luke asked, his voice friendly and warm. I looked up at him, my cheeks burning as I met his gaze.

"Yeah, I'm heading home now," I mumbled, walking towards my locker to take my purse. I could feel Luke's eyes on me, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was checking me out.

"Do you need a ride?" Luke asked, his smile genuine. "It's really late, and I don't think you should be walking alone."

"No, I'm good. I'll just walk home," I declined politely, not wanting to put him out. But Luke's expression turned concerned.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Mabel. It's not safe for you to be walking alone at this time of night. Let me give you a ride," he insisted, his voice firm but gentle.

I declined again, "It's okay Luke, I'll be fine."

"Okay then, take care of yourself, Mabel," Luke said, his voice warm.

We walked out of the staff room together, and Steve was still there, standing where I left him, his eyes grew darker and intense as he watched the two of us leave the staff room. I attempted to walk past him, with Luke behind me, but he reached out to grab my arm.

As Steve's hand closed around my arm, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. His grip was tight, but not painful. I tried to shake him off, but he held firm, his eyes blazing with intensity.

“Let go, Steve,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

But Steve just pulled me closer, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath on my skin, warm and sweet. My heart was racing, and I could feel my pulse pounding in my ears.

"'Follow me, we need to talk,' Steve growled, his voice low and menacing.

"Just as Steve started to pull me away, Luke stepped forward, his eyes flashing with concern. "Let go of her, Steve,” he said, his voice firm. “You can't just grab her like that and the staff room is off limits to customers.” Pointing to the staff room, like he knew Steve would take me there,

Steve's eyes narrowed, and he glared at Luke, but he didn't release his grip on my arm.