Thomas's eyes narrowed as he watched Natasha laugh with her friend Sophia. His right-hand man, Alex, noticed the intensity in his gaze. "You're still fixated on her, aren't you?" Alex asked, his voice low.
Thomas's jaw clenched. "I've been waiting for this moment for years. Her parents destroyed my life, killed my parents when I was just five years old. Now, it's time for payback."
Natasha turned to Sophia and whispered, "Do you think I can make him fall for me?" Sophia followed her gaze to Thomas, who was still staring at them.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Honestly, Nat, I don't think that's a good idea. He's been staring at you like he wants to devour you whole."
Natasha's eyes met Thomas's once more, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. Those piercing green eyes, combined with the mark on his right eye, made him look both dangerous and attractive.
Sophia nudged Natasha. "I'd better go; my mom's calling." As Sophia hurried off, Natasha decided to leave as well.
Thomas leaned in and whispered to Alex, "Let's make her life a little more interesting. Send some boys to annoy her."
Alex nodded and dispatched a group of boys to "accidentally" bump into Natasha on the street. As they surrounded her, one of them tried to grab her arm, and another attempted to kiss her. Natasha struggled to break free, but Thomas appeared out of nowhere, his fist flying into the face of the would-be kisser.
The boys scattered, and Thomas turned to Natasha. "Are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves.
Natasha nodded, still shaken. "Y-yes, thank you."
Thomas smiled and offered her a ride on his bike. Natasha hesitated for a moment before agreeing. As she sat behind him, Thomas couldn't help but smile under his helmet.
"You're quite the hero," Natasha said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thomas's grip on the handlebars tightened. "Just making sure you're safe, Natasha. For now."
As they rode off into the night, Natasha wrapped her arms around Thomas's waist, unaware of the danger that lurked beneath his rugged exterior.
"You didn't tell me your name," Natasha said, her voice carried away by the wind.
"I'm Thomas," he replied, his voice low and mysterious.
Natasha's heart pounded in her chest, unsure if she was safe with Thomas or in greater danger than ever before.
"Why did you save me?" Natasha asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Thomas's smile grew wider beneath his helmet. "Let's just say I have my reasons, Natasha. Reasons that have nothing to do with altruism."
The ride was silent after that, the only sound the roar of the engine and the wind rushing past them. Natasha's mind whirled with questions, but she knew she'd have to wait to get the answers.