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“You know,” he continues, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone, “I’ve been thinking about what happened last week.”

“Oh?” My heart skips a beat, anticipation mingling with anxiety.

“Yeah.” He leans in slightly, his presence magnetic. “I’m glad I was there to help. But more than that... I’m glad it gave us a chance to talk.”

His words hang in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning and possibilities. My mind races with conflicting thoughts of fear of getting hurt again, battling against a growing desire to trust him, to let him in.

“I appreciate it,” I finally say, my voice trembling slightly.

“Anytime.” He reaches out as if to touch my arm but stops himself short, his hand hovering inches away. “If you ever need anything...”

“I know.” And for the first time in a long time, I believe it. In that moment, his warm brown eyes seem to glow with a depth that hints at something more, something primal and protective.

His proximity makes my skin tingle, a gentle reminder of the power he holds within. I can sense the weretiger just beneath the surface, waiting, watching. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying. My gaze drops to his lips for a fraction of a second before I catch myself.

“What are you thinking?” he asks, hisvoice a low rumble. The sound is rich and velvety, like dark chocolate melting in my mouth.

“Just how different things feel with you,” I admit, my cheeks flushing with a warmth I haven't felt in ages. “I’m not used to this.” My voice wavers slightly, betraying the vulnerability I’m trying so hard to hide.

“This?” He arches an eyebrow, a playful yet knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His eyes never leave mine, and the intensity of his gaze makes my heart race. The warmth in his expression contrasts with the wild energy I can sense just beneath his cool exterior.

“Feeling safe,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “And wanting more.” The words hang between us, charged with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. Raj's gaze softens, and for a moment, I swear I see a flicker of his weretiger in those warm brown eyes.

His eyes darken, the flicker of the tiger unmistakable now. “You deserve to feel safe,” he murmurs, his voice a low, comforting rumble. “And you deserve more. So much more.” His words wrap around me like a warm embrace, and I feel a surge of hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have the happiness I've been running from.

For a moment, we’re lost in each other, the club’s chaotic energy a distant memory. Here, in this bubble of connection, the world outside doesn’t matter. What matters is the promise in his eyes and the warmth spreading through my chest, igniting hope where there was once only fear.

The rest of the night passes in a blur of laughter and conversations with patrons, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Raj. What is it about him? His charm? His kindness? Or something deeper?

Whatever it is, it scares me and excites me all at once. My heart races at the thought of getting closer to him, yet apart of me wants to run and hide. The conflicting emotions are almost overwhelming. But maybe, just maybe, this time will be different.

The night wraps up, and I walk out of the club with Raj. The city feels quieter at this hour. Soft, comforting glow from the streetlights bathes the streets. We make our way to a nearby diner, a place with neon signs and checkered floors that promise greasy food and endless coffee.

Raj holds the door open for me, and I step inside, the bell above the door jingling. We slide into a booth near the window, and I glance around at the few other late-night diners.

“What’s your poison?” he asks, picking up the menu and scanning it with those warm brown eyes of his.

“Fries and a milkshake,” I reply without hesitation, feeling a bit of my tension melt away. “You?”

“Same here. Can’t beat a classic.” He smiles at me, and it feels like we’re sharing a secret, a little bubble of connection in the quiet hum of the diner.

The server takes our order and leaves us in a bubble of quiet. Raj leans back against the booth, his eyes studying me with that familiar intensity.

“You ever wonder how you ended up where you are?” he asks, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

“All the time,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “Feels like I’ve been running for so long.”

“From him?” His tone is gentle yet firm, making my heart stutter in my chest.

“Yeah.” I take a deep breath, trying to steady the rush of memories clawing at me. “He was controlling. Dangerous. Leaving was my only option.”

Raj’s eyes darken, his jaw clenching slightly. I can almost sense the weretiger within him bristling at the mere thought of my past. “I get that,” he says, aprotective edge creeping into his voice. “Sometimes you have to fight to survive.”

“What about you?” I ask, eager to shift the focus away from my painful past. “What’s your story?”

He chuckles softly, the sound warm and comforting. “Oh, it’s not as dramatic as yours. Grew up here, always loved making people laugh. Comedy became my escape.”

“But?” I prod gently, sensing there’s more beneath his easy charm.