My chest heaves with the ferocity of it, and then the sudden pang of absolute fear that I just made a stupid, impulsive mistake and notch this up to a code red. My body caught in a wave of icy coldness, sweeping over every limb and calming my jets. I know I pretty much just triggered a violent reaction in a guy who clearly has no issue with victimizing women.

“You little …” He jumps to his feet, a hand rising aggressively as a storm rages in his eyes, scowling furiously, and I ...