The engine purred beneath them as Harper tightened her arms around Logan's waist, the hum of the bike beneath her matching the rhythm of her heartbeat. The wind tugged at her hair as they sped down the open road, and for the first time in a long time, she felt alive.
The night air was cool against her face, but Logan's warmth in front of her made everything feel safe. Natural. Almost… right.
Her fingers clutched the fabric of his leather jacket tighter, and without thinking, she leaned into him, her cheek brushing his back.
Logan didn't say a word, but she felt it—the way his shoulders relaxed.
Everything felt perfect: the wind tousling her hair, the way she felt free. It was just the best. She watched the scenery pass by in a blur and she just smiled.
This ride wasn't just transportation. It was something else.
By the time the bike slowed to a stop, Harper didn't want it to end.
Her eyes adjusted to the flickering red-and-purple neon sign glowing above them.
Club Nova.
"We're here, Princess."
A beat of unease tapped at her chest. The thumping bass from inside leaked out into the night like a pulse. Voices, music, and chaos all blended into one.
Harper looked at Logan sharply. "You brought me to a club?"
Logan swung his leg off the bike and offered his hand to help her down. She took it—hesitant, confused, but unable to ignore the buzz in her chest when his fingers wrapped around hers.
"Obviously," he drawled.
Once she was steady on her feet, she stepped back and crossed her arms.
"Seriously, Logan? This place looks dangerous."
"Isn't that what you call me? You didn't think I was taking you to a restaurant, right? I mean, we wouldn't even see any of our college students there, so here's the best option," Logan explained.
"But here isn't safe!" she protested.
He smirked, stepping a little closer—close enough that she had to tilt her chin to look him in the eyes.
"Don't worry, Princess," he said, voice low and steady. "I got you. No one's going to touch you."
Before she could react, his fingers moved—slow and deliberate—as he tucked a wild strand of her curly hair behind her ear. The touch sent a shiver down her spine. She froze, blinking up at him.
"All you gotta do is stick with me, aight?" he asked, and a slow nod was her reply.
That was all it took.
Her heart melted.
She hated that he had that effect on her. But there it was—again.
Logan gave her a look that was half mischief, half promise, then turned toward the club entrance.
"Let's go."
Harper stood there for half a second longer, trying to collect herself… and failing.
Then, with a breath, she followed. She knew her father would skin her alive when he found out that she came to a club. But no, she knew she wouldn't let him find out.
Because the truth was—she'd never felt safer than when she was with Logan.
Even here.
Even now.
She felt free and loved that feeling. She could sense the sincerity in his voice, and it made her realize she was more than safe.
They walked quietly toward the club's entry. And as the doors to Club Nova swung open, she knew this night was going to change something.
Maybe everything.
She sighed, turning to him.
"You ready?" he asked.
And with a sharp nod and weak smile, she spoke,
"Yes, Logan.I guess I am. "