Page 5 of Untamed Crow

She smiles, relaxing into my arms as we continue moving to the music. Around us, people keep stealing glances, probablywondering what the bookstore owner is doing with a member of the Iron & Blood MC. But for once, I don't mind the attention.

Let them look. Let them see how lucky I am to have this moment, even if it's just for tonight.

Their hushed laughter reaches us before they do - four guys in expensive suits, clearly having enjoyed the open bar. Emma's hand tightens on my shoulder as they approach, but I keep us dancing, my expression neutral.

"Well, look what we have here," the tallest one says, his words slightly slurred. "Didn't know this was a costume party. Nice outfit, biker."

I ignore them, focusing instead on Emma's worried expression.

"It's okay, doll," I murmur, just for her ears.

"Hey, I'm talking to you," the guy persists, stepping closer. "What's a dirty biker doing at Cedar Falls High reunion?"

Emma starts to turn toward them, but I keep her in our dance position. Getting into it with drunk civilians isn't worth the trouble it would cause the club. Besides, I've been called worse by better men.

"He's my date," Emma says firmly, though I can feel her trembling slightly. "And you need to back off, Mark."

Ah, so she knows them. Mark - the loud one - laughs. "Come on, Emma. You can't be serious. This guy? What happened to that lawyer you were dating last year?"

"Careful," I warn quietly, finally acknowledging them. My tone makes two of them step back, but Mark and his main wingman hold their ground.

"Or what?" Mark challenges, alcohol making him brave. "You'll call your little gang?"

The music continues playing, other couples dancing around us, oblivious to the tension building in our corner. I'm still moving Emma in slow circles, but my muscles are coiled tight, ready.

"Mark," Emma's voice is sharp now. "You're drunk. Walk away."

"Just looking out for you, Em," he slurs, reaching for her arm. "This isn't the kind of guy you should be with."

Before his hand can make contact, I smoothly spin Emma behind me, breaking our dance position.

"That would be a mistake," I say.

The temperature seems to drop several degrees as I stare him down.

Mark's friend tugs at his sleeve. "Come on, man. It's not worth it."

For a moment, I think Mark's going to be stupid enough to throw a punch. I can feel Emma's presence behind me, her hand now gripping the back of my suit. The prospect of violence doesn't bother me - I've handled worse - but I know it would upset her.

Finally, Mark's liquid courage fails him. Something in my expression must remind him that "dirty bikers" aren't just for show.

"Whatever," he mumbles, backing away. "Your funeral, Emma."

We watch them stumble off toward the bar. Only when they're well away do I turn back to Emma, checking her face.

"You okay?"

She nods, but I can see she's shaken. "I'm so sorry about that. Mark was always an entitled jerk, but I never thought..."

"Hey," I cup her elbow gently, guiding her back into dance position. "Not your fault. Some people just can't handle their liquor."

She lets me pull her close again, closer than before, her hand sliding back to my shoulder. "Thank you for not... you know."

"Starting a brawl at your reunion?" I smile slightly. "Tempting, but figured you wouldn't appreciate it."

That gets a small laugh out of her.

"My hero," she says, the words teasing but her eyes sincere.

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