Shane Prescott kept walking, his chiseled profile tense. "Who's after me?"

Luna Valentine didn't answer, her slender fingers gripping his wrist as she pulled him forward.

This was the first time Shane had ever been dragged along by a woman.

Her palm was warm and soft, yet her grip was surprisingly strong.

For thirty years, Shane had avoided women. But this sudden contact sent his heartbeat into chaos.

They sprinted a hundred meters without stopping.

His long strides matched her agile movements as they left danger behind in seconds.

Shane suddenly halted. "No need to run. I can handle this."

Only then did Luna realize she was still holding his hand. She quickly let go.

Scanning their surroundings, she warned, "They're armed. How will you manage alone?"

"How many?"

"Five or six." Luna caught her breath. "I saw them get out of a car with knives during my night jog."

Shane frowned. "Jogging this late?"

"The point is they want to kill you." Luna met his gaze. "Who did you piss off?"

Shane knew exactly who—either Adrian Sullivan or the Laurent family.

Ever since he'd resurfaced, Adrian had been testing him at every turn.

But he wouldn't share this with someone he'd just met.

"Women shouldn't jog alone at night. It's dangerous."

Luna flexed her wrist. "Ordinary thugs can't touch me."

"Better safe than sorry."

As they turned back, Shane suddenly realized Ethan might be in danger—especially if Adrian was behind this.

Ethan answered the door in a loosely tied robe, exhaustion in his eyes.

Shane quickly scanned the room. "Lock your windows. Trouble's brewing tonight."

"What happened?"

"An ambush. Luna saved me."

Ethan's gaze shifted to Luna with newfound respect.

This icy woman had stepped up when it mattered.

Shane checked his watch. "I need to check on Iris."

"I'll come."

Iris yawned as she opened the door. "What's up at this hour?"

"Anyone giving you trouble?"

Iris burst out laughing. "No robbers, and who'd want to assault me? I'm only feminine from the neck up—"

Luna looked away.

This girl had no filter.

After confirming everyone's safety, they gathered in Shane's room.

The door was intact, but the window stood wide open.

Shane kicked the door in.

The light revealed a scene that made them gasp.

The bedspread had been slashed to ribbons. The pillow was cleaved in two.

Ethan's face darkened. As he reached for his phone, Luna was already dialing.

"Let our Special Ops Unit handle this. It'll be faster."

Police arrived promptly but only collected a few blurred footprints.

After they left, Sophia Laurent thanked Luna.

Luna shook her head. "It was nothing."

Iris suddenly threw her arms around Luna. "Luna, you've got to protect my brother!"

Luna frowned.

They'd just met. This was too much.

Her eyes lingered on Shane.

Under the light, his sharp features and deep-set eyes exuded rugged handsomeness.

Pity though...

"I just did what anyone would," Luna said coolly.

Iris pouted and nudged Shane. "You'd better repay your savior properly."

Shane's ears burned—a first in thirty years.

After settling in, Shane insisted on walking Luna to her room.

"It's just the third floor. No need."

"I insist."

In the stairwell, he stayed two steps behind.

Luna glanced back. "Can't keep up?"

"Yeah." Truthfully, he wanted to catch her if she fell.

Despite knowing her skills, he couldn't shake the urge to protect her.

At her door, Luna swiped her keycard.

Shane suddenly spoke. "About earlier, when you fell—"

"I've taken worse hits during training."

"You can knock me over if you want."

Luna studied him from the doorway. "Really not necessary."

"I owe you twice now. Call me if you need anything."

Luna smirked. "Didn't expect a tomb raider to have such honor."

Shane's expression darkened.

"That's not what I meant," Luna backtracked. "No judgment—"

"You're right." Shane turned away. "Goodnight. Lock up."

Back in his dark new room, Shane punched the wall.

His knuckles met concrete with a dull thud. He didn't feel a thing.