Chapter 4 – Delicate as a Flower
323 Words
Even a scruffy-looking guy like Ethan appearing here meant Riley had a chance. If she didn’t act, those four guys would have their way.
Seeing Ethan about to walk away, Riley panicked. She darted forward and grabbed his hand. Soft and smooth, her touch surprised Ethan—but then he looked at her face and froze.
"Uh… I’ve really got somewhere to be. Don’t make this harder, okay?" he said, yanking his hand back.
Great… she calls me ‘mister’? Seriously? Ethan thought. He was not the type to get distracted, but Riley’s desperate energy made it… complicated.
Then his eyes caught the tear in her T-shirt—a flash of pale, flawless skin. Ethan blinked. Damn… that’s… something else.
"Please, save me," Riley pleaded. Her eyes were wide with fear, but she knew she had to play it smart—better than those four jerks.
Ethan cleared his throat, trying to focus. Okay, deep breaths. Don’t faint here. But even a guy like him could see why the thugs froze back there—the sight alone could distract any man.
Troy stepped forward again, his voice dark: "Think you’re tough? Back off, or we’ll take you down too."
Ethan didn’t flinch. "I’m in a good mood. You back off, and we can forget this ever happened," he said, his gaze flicking briefly back to Riley. Her face might not be a cover-model kind, but that body… unbelievable.
Then it happened—Troy charged at him, and in a blink, the big guy was flying backward, landing on the grass. Ethan’s moves were precise, fluid, almost impossible. The other three tried to attack, but they didn’t stand a chance.
Riley watched, stunned. "Mister… thank you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I’m not ‘mister’."
She frowned. "Well… you’re definitely not a ‘mister’ who would just leave someone hanging."
Ethan shook his head, smirking. And she calls me that again… really testing my patience.
- Writer
