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My stomach was filledwith butterflies, my palms were sweaty, and my heart felt like it was about to burst right out of my chest.

I had never been on a date before. Ever. I had never even been asked out. And I sure as hell never had a man who looked or acted like Cyrus show any interest in me. He was different. Although he looked lethal as hell, there was a gentle side to him. He was the type who would walk an old lady across the street but wouldn’t think twice about killing you if you crossed him or those he loved. Sure, I hadn’t known him for long and I didn’t know him overly well, but what I did know, I liked. He had a strong, powerful side to him that I craved. A part of me wanted him to tuck me into his arms, keep me safe, and never let me go while the other part of me wanted him to use his body on me the way I knew would be nothing I had ever experienced before.

My phone chimed, interrupting my little fantasy about the man I was lusting over.

Handsome Stranger: Hey, pet. I’m outside your building.

My stomach did a flip. Oh God.

Me: Heading down now.

I took a deep breath, gave myself one last look in the mirror, and made my way to the door. There was no point fussing over what I decided to wear seeing as Cyrus was here already. So my dress would have to do.

I settled on a knee-length, body hugging, blood red dress. The sleeves were long, and the neckline was high. It didn’t show anything off but my curves. Curves I hadn’t let anyone see in years. It wasn’t too fancy but also, the only dress I owned. I usually went for ripped jeans and an oversized shirt or sweater, but if Cyrus said he was going to be wearing a suit, I figured I would dress up too.

My hair was pulled back into a low messy bun at the nape of my neck with some strands falling down around my face. I tucked one behind my ear, nervous as to how tonight was going to go.

Once I reached the main floor of my apartment building, I took another deep breath. I could do this. I could live a normal life and not be consumed by my demons and the darkness that threatened to swallow me whole day in and day out. I had to. For fear that I would finally lose myself liketheywanted. Likehehad promised.

Once I reached the main doors leading to outside, I was stopped short by Cyrus leaning against the driver’s side of a beautiful car. I didn’t know what kind it was, not being up on my types and styles of vehicles, but this one was stunning. It was black and older. I had seen cars like this in movies and shows before. I didn’t know the make or year of course, but I did know that it was a muscle car and a popular one at that.

While the car was gorgeous, I couldn’t help but let my eyes linger on Cyrus a little longer than I had intended.

He was wearing a suit like he promised. It was navy blue and hugged his big body in all the right places. It was like the suit was made solely for him. He wore black aviator sunglasses and was looking down at his phone.

My feet carried me toward him before I could stop myself.

Even though he was a biker, he still looked out of my league. Most of the bikers I had seen or even heard of, had tattoos, big beards, or were just plain mean, but not him. Not the guy who I could feel trying to crack down my walls.

Pushing open the door, I braced myself and walked toward him.

His head lifted, his eyes burning into mine behind his sunglasses. He pulled them off, his gaze searing into the deepest parts of my soul. A part of me I had never shared with anyone else. A part that I had assumed was no longer there. But it was and I could feel it slowly revealing itself once again.

“You look...” He swallowed, his eyes roaming down the length of me. “I have no words.”

My face heated, a slow smile creeping along my lips. Pulling the strap of my purse higher up my shoulder, I stopped about a foot away from him.I could say the same for you.

He grinned, the smile reaching his eyes and creasing the corners.I am honored to be taking you out for dinner, Ainsley. Thank you for this gift.

My stomach tumbled. I had never met a man who spoke like him but even though that was the case, I vowed to never take his kind words for granted.

Cyrus winked and opened the passenger door.

I stepped around him, my gaze falling to a single white rose sitting on the seat.

“It means friendship,” Cyrus explained, coming up behind me. “Or it does according to Google anyway.”

I smiled up at him.Thank you.

“Of course, pet.”

I picked up the rose and sat, lifting the pretty flower to my nose.

Cyrus closed the door behind me before joining me on the driver’s side. “Do you like Italian?”

I nodded, assuming I did. Truth was, I didn’t really get out much and wasn’t normally prone to trying new things, but I didn’t want him to think I was a hermit either. I just didn’t like going out by myself.

“What is it?”