"You have three seconds to explain what you're doing." His voice was low, un-bothered but carrying a dangerous edge. Zoe's hands, still frozen at his blood-stained shirt buttons, went still. She stared hard at him. He lay half-slumped against the frame, face tight with anger. His pale silver hair fell across his brow, framing piercing blue eyes the kind you could lose yourself in. His jaw was sharp, unreadable; his collar loosened just enough to reveal the dark edge of a tattoo curling along his neck. Her thoughts were cut short by his mocking voice. "Seen enough?" A blush crept up her face, but she composed herself fast and shot back, "Look, pretty face, don't get the wrong idea. I saved your life and was trying to get your blood-soaked shirt off you. Still no thanks from you. Annoying." Neon's expression stayed unreadable as he studied the small woman in front of him who had caramel skin, wide, striking eyes. In that moment, it didn't charm him. It irritated him. His thoughts broke off as Zoe lunged forward again to undo another button, jaw set. On reflex, he caught her by the waist and flipped their positions, hovering over her careful, even then, to keep his weight off her. Zoe froze, startled, then tried to twist free but he was unnervingly strong. She stopped struggling and asked instead, voice shaking, "Don't you dare repay my kindness with something wicked. Okay? Please." He didn't answer. He leaned in closer, and for a moment every thought in Zoe's head scattered. She pressed her lips together and shut her eyes. But Neon only reached past her, picked up her communication device, and walked out. Zoe waited. Nothing happened. When she finally opened her eyes, she was alone. Embarrassed at herself for expecting anything else, she pushed the thought away until she noticed a black jacket left behind on the floor. Picking it up, a small black box slipped out. She tried to open it, couldn't, then grabbed a hammer and forced it open. For a second, nothing happened. Then a thin wisp of white light spilled out, curling upward. It moved straight toward her and before she could step back, it slid into her eyes. She gasped, stumbling back, blinking hard against a sudden white-hot sting. When it cleared, everything looked normal. But she still felt shaken, wondering who that man really was and hoping, whatever this was, it wouldn't cost her. Not when her family needed her.