Rose leaned against the lamp post and watched the man stroll slowly toward her. His step was unhurried, confident and she felt her body tightening in response. Muscle corded and tightened along her limbs, giving her strength and speed. The changes were subtle but she knew what they meant. She stretched and looked at him from beneath her lashes.

“Lookin’ for a date, darlin’?” she purred.

The man swept his gaze over her with appreciation, “I do believe that I am,” he said and offered his arm.

She took his arm and sauntered against him as they entered an alley. Once the last glimmer of street light was gone, he stopped and put her against a wall. He cupped her face and kissed her full and lingering. His hands roused her, deft touch designed to distract.

She knew the moment when his intent changed and caught his hand in a tight grip. Spinning out from under his arm, she smashed his face against the wall. With a grunt, he fell to his knees.

The man knelt and looked up as Rose held his knife to his throat.