The courthouse steps were quieter than usual. Jay adjusted her bag, mentally rehearsing her next argument while Percy and Jane had gone inside to grab something for the ride home.
Jay hummed softly, lost in her own thoughts, completely unaware of the shadow lingering in the parking lot.
Danger Approaches
Two figures on a black motorbike slowly weaved toward her. Both carried knives, gleaming faintly under the streetlights.
Jay didn't notice them at first. She only saw the approaching motorcycle as an annoyance.
"Great, city traffic," she muttered.
But Keifer, who had been following at a short distance, noticed immediately.
His instincts kicked in before he could think.
The bikers accelerated, closing the distance fast. Keifer sprinted toward Jay.
"Jay!" he shouted.
She turned just in time to see him grab her arm and drag her behind a nearby corner, pressing her close to his chest.
Jay froze. She barely had time to process. Their bodies were almost touching. His chest pressed against hers; her head tilted slightly against his shoulder.
"Keifer… what—" she started.
"Stay quiet. Don't move," he whispered sharply.
Her eyes widened as the motorcycle roared past, the two men slowing only to look around, searching for her.
Keifer held her tight, his hand lightly gripping her back to steady her. Their faces were inches apart. The world seemed to shrink to the sound of the motorcycles fading away and the rapid thrum of their hearts.
Once the bikers had gone out of sight, Keifer finally relaxed slightly, letting go—but not too much. Jay stepped back, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"I… I'm fine," she muttered, brushing herself off.
Keifer's gaze softened, but his voice stayed calm, almost too calm.
"Not safe to go back to your car. They could be looking for you."
Jay blinked. "Wait… what? Who? What?"
"I said, it's not safe," he repeated. "Trust me."
Jay frowned, misinterpreting him. "Seriously, Keifer… you're being dramatic again. I can handle a couple of bikers."
Keifer shook his head. "You don't understand. Just… stay close."
Keifer pulled out his phone and called Percy first, then Aries, explaining quickly and efficiently.
"They were armed. Motorbike. Two attackers. Could've ended badly. Keep an eye out at the house. She's not going back tonight."
Percy's voice was a mix of panic and frustration. "What? Why didn't she tell us?"
"Because she didn't know," Keifer said calmly. "And I don't want her panicking. I'm taking her somewhere safe."
Aries agreed silently, already on high alert.
Jay's frown deepened as she realized she had no choice but to follow him.
"Where are we going?" she asked, still suspicious.
"A hotel," Keifer replied simply. "Safe, private, zero chance of anyone showing up. You'll be fine until tomorrow."
Jay pursed her lips but didn't argue.
As they walked toward his car, she shot him one of those looks—half annoyed, half confused. Keifer kept his focus on the road ahead, glancing occasionally to ensure no one followed.
Jay didn't know the reason behind his vigilance. She thought he was just being… controlling, dramatic, maybe even irritating.
But Keifer didn't mind.
He only cared that she was safe.
And tonight, nothing else mattered.