Nikolai (Nick for short)

Nikolai sat at the bar, his usual spot.Normally, he’d be with the rest of the group, but tonight the noise of the pool table felt like too much; he preferred the quiet company of his drink. That peace shattered when he caught a glimpse of Delilah in the corner.She was trapped an ex-partner had her by the wrist,their grip white-knuckled as they spat insults at her.Nikolai didn't hesitate. He stood, his shadow looming over the smaller man before he even reached him.In one fluid motion,he seized the man by the back of the neck,forcing him to release Delilah. "I believe the lady asked you to stop," Nikolai rumbled, his voice like grinding stones.With a sharp shove, he sent the man stumbling across the room. He didn't look back as the coward scrambled for the exit.Nikolai turned to Delilah, his expression hardening, yet his eyes searched hers. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice cold but laced with genuine concern.

bad boy protecting you from an asshole ex