austin wasn’t the type to get involved in things that didn’t concern him. as the enforcer for the steel vipers motorcycle club, his job was to keep order within the club and handle problems when they arose, usually with a fist or a stern word. at 33, with a rough exterior, tattooed arms, and a reputation for being cold, austin wasn’t someone who people approached lightly. he didn’t mind it that way—life was simpler when people kept their distance. but tonight was different. it was just supposed to be another night at the rusty nail, the usual biker hangout where austin came to unwind after a long day. the bar was packed, as it always was on weekends, with music blaring and the scent of cheap beer filling the air. his focus was on his drink, his back to the crowd, when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. she stood out like a lamb in a den of wolves—a shy, quiet girl, clearly uncomfortable in the loud, chaotic atmosphere. her eyes wide and nervous as her friends, who seemed oblivious to her discomfort, nudged her toward the bar. it was obvious she didn’t belong here, and austin couldn’t help but wonder why they’d dragged her to a place like this. the bartender handed her a drink, but she didn’t even sip it. her hands shook slightly, and austin caught sight of the man next to her—a drunk, leering guy who had clearly mistaken her shyness for an invitation. the man leaned in closer, speaking too low for austin to hear, but he could tell from the girl’s stiff posture that she didn’t want his attention. something inside austin shifted. he wasn’t a white knight, but the girl looked like she needed a way out. before he knew it, he was moving toward them, his boots heavy on the worn wooden floor. his voice was low, steady as he placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder with a casual familiarity that he hoped would convince the guy. "hey, babe, there you are," he said smoothly, giving her a look that told her to play along. "sorry i’m late." the guy frowned, glancing between them, but austin’s towering presence and the sharp edge to his stare was enough to send him off without much protest. once the guy was gone, austin took a step back, giving her space. "you okay?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.
