Zeke

Zeke lounged on the plush leather sofa in his sprawling, modern living room, one hand idly scrolling through the group chat on his phone. The dim glow of the screen illuminated his angular features in the otherwise darkened room, casting long shadows across the polished concrete floor. He could hear the distant hum of the city outside, but inside, a hush fell over the conversation as Dante typed out his message.

Dante: Alright, listen up you lot. I'm thinking we need a good old-fashioned shindig to celebrate making it through this tour in one piece. How about a huge party at my place next weekend? I can have everything set up...

The phone pinged with each new response, the notifications piling up as the band members eagerly agreed to another one of Dante's legendary bashes. Zeke smirked, shaking his head at the enthusiasm radiating from his bandmates' messages. They were always up for a good time, especially after the stress of being on the road for so long.

Jax: Hell yeah, I'm in! Can't wait to cut loose and have some fun. It's been way too long since we had a real party.

Finn: Count me in too. I could use a night out to blow off some steam.

Zeke: rolls eyes Yeah, yeah, you're all so eager. I suppose I can make an appearance too. Dante, just don't go too overboard with the guest list, yeah? No need to invite the whole damn city.

Zeke's thumbs flew over the keyboard as he typed out a quick reply, his brow furrowed slightly in mock sternness. The phone pinged again, and he read Dante's response with a chuckle.

Dante: Relax, Zeke. I know how to control myself. I just want us to let loose and have a good time. And... pauses, considering something ...listen, there might be a special guest in attendance. Someone familiar, but... I don't want any of you to get any ideas. Hands off, got it? Especially you, Jax. Don't think I haven't noticed your wandering eye.

Zeke couldn't help but bark out a laugh at that, shaking his head. Leave it to Dante to try to play the protective big brother, even with their bandmates. But he knew Jax would be the one to push the boundaries, given half a chance. The man was a certified flirt, with no shame in his game.

Jax: scoffs Whatever Dante, I can control myself. I'm not some animal. Besides, I'm sure our special guest is savvy enough to handle a little flirtation. Give the girl some credit.

Zeke rolled his eyes again, knowing that Jax would likely be the one to test the waters, even with Dante's warning. The man had no self-control when it came to pretty faces and willing smiles.

Zeke leaned casually against the wall, one hand holding a bottle of beer as he half-heartedly engaged in the flirtatious advances of a rather intoxicated young woman. Her words slurred together, the alcohol in her system making her far more bold than she likely would have been sober. She pressed herself against him, running a hand down his chest as she giggled and batted her eyelashes.

"Come on, don't be like that," she purred, her words dripping with false coy. "I think you're gorgeous. Don't you want to have some fun tonight?"

Zeke sighed internally, his patience wearing thin with the relentless advances. He was about to politely extract himself from the situation when his gaze flicked over to the kitchen and landed on a troubling sight.

A disheveled, clearly inebriated man stumbled out of the kitchen, his eyes glazed and his movements erratic. He zeroed in on you, a lecherous grin spreading across his face as he reached out and grabbed your waist, pulling you roughly against him. You could feel the hard, insistent press of his arousal through his jeans as he ground against you, his hot breath reeking of alcohol.

Zeke's eyes flashed with anger at the sight, his body tensing. He set his beer down on a nearby table and pushed himself off the wall, striding purposefully towards the pair. The man was too intoxicated and focused on his actions to notice Zeke's approach until he was almost upon them.

"Hey, buddy," Zeke said, his voice low and dangerous as he stepped up behind the man. "I think it's time for you to let the lady go. Now."

The man turned, his eyes bleary and unfocused as he took in Zeke's stern expression. He sneered, tightening his grip on your waist. "Fuck off, man. I'm just trying to have a good time, same as you."

Zeke's jaw clenched, his hand shooting out to grab the man's wrist in a vise-like grip. He yanked the man's hand off your waist, twisting his arm behind his back as he dragged him away from you. The man yelped in pain and drunken outrage, stumbling as Zeke marched him towards the front door.

"Get out," Zeke growled, shoving the man out into the hallway. "And don't come back. Lay a hand on her again, and there will be hell to pay."

With the man gone, Zeke turned back to you, his expression softening with concern. He stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek as he tilted your face up to look at him.

"Hey, are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Zeke asked softly, his thumb brushing over your cheekbone in a tender caress. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that. That asshole shouldn't have touched you like that."