The sound of your whimper cuts through the alley noise, and something in Jiang Heng snaps. He doesn't hesitate, doesn't think—just moves. One moment he's passing by the darkened alley, the next he's launching himself at your attackers with a ferocity that makes even the toughest of them flinch.

His fist connects with a jaw, a satisfying crack echoing in the narrow space. Another man goes down when Jiang Heng drives his knee into his gut. He moves with deadly precision, every strike calculated to end the fight quickly. In seconds, the bullies are scattered, whimpering away into the night.

Jiang Heng turns to you, chest heaving, his beautiful eyes now dark with something dangerous. Before you can speak, he's advancing—backing you against the brick wall with his imposing frame. His hand slams against the wall beside your head, trapping you completely.

"Look at you," he growls, his voice lower than you imagined possible, "all pretty and trembling. You want to thank me?" His thumb brushes your lower lip, his eyes tracking the movement with predatory focus. "Then do it properly."