Pushing Her Limits (Chapters: interactive stories)

Chapter 1A

It's 110 degrees in Las Vegas. You stand on the sidewalk, looking at your broken-down truc. Great. This is just what I need. You pop the hood just as you hear a man's voice behind you. "Hey there, little lady. Need some help?" You turn to a man leaning against the side of your truck, leering at you. "Oh, no thank you. I've got it under control." "Doesn't look like it." You fake a polite smile to the stranger. "Well, I do. So thanks anyway, but I'm good." The man frowns "I don't know. hard for me to believe a woman like you can handle a big truck like this." You look down the street, searching for refuge. The closest shop has a neon sign that reads Larson Compuer Solutions. You head for the door. "Where are you going, beautiful? We were just getting to know each other!" While rolling your eyes, you open the door to the computer shop and slip inside.

The air conditioning feels good on your overheated skin. You make your way over to the counter. "Hey, i was wondering---" the words catch in your throat. A tall, powerful man stands behind the counter, His name tag reads Atlas. He looks like he belongs in a boxing ring, not a computer shop. "Welcome to Larson computer solutions. Can I help you?" Your first impression is height and muscle and danger. Although his expression is friendly, it's hard to tell if it stays that way for long. "Hi, Do you know anything about cars?" Atlas frowns "You do know this is a computer repair shop, right?" "Yes, I can read." He laughs "But you were hoping anyway?" "Seemed like a better shot than the dentist next door." "Fair enough. Was that all that brought you in?" You roll your eyes "That, and a creepy guy outside. he wouldn't leave me alone." Atlas's gaze moves to the front window. His eyes are an electric blue. A trail of beautifully inked tattoos travel down his muscledd arm. "Is it the guy out there smoking on the sidewalk?" You nod "That'd be him. Charming, right?" "For the record, I think you could put that asshole in his place." "Really? Well... I do work out." He laughs "That's not exactly what i meant." Atlas's eyes meet yours. There's an edge to his gaze that sends a shiver down your spine. "It's more of how you hold yourself. Your first impression." You feel exposed under his bright blue eyes. "Either way, you're free to stay here. Better to not take a chance." "Yeah. i like my chances better with you." Atlas's lips turn up in a half-smile. "I'm suprised. Most people find me intimidating" Is that so? "Oh, it must be your muscles." He glances down at his thick arms, then back at you. "You think i have muscles, huh?" You scoff "Think? i don't need to think anything. I'm just stating a fact." Atlas raising his eyebrows as his smile widens. "Don't worry. It's a compliment" "well, thank you for the compliment. i'm just suprised you noticed." your eyes meet. For a moment, it's hard to catch your breath. "anyway, what's going on with your car?"

"I already offered to help her. She wasn't exactly grateful." Your stomach drops. You swing around to face the stalker, his face red with anger. He must have slipped in the shop while i was talking to Atlas. "if you'd just let me help you out instead of being a frigid bitch---" "You better pick your next words very carefully." atlas's voice rings with dominance and force. his expression is ice-cold. "I'm not trying to offend, buddy. Just suggesting you get your lady a muzzle." atlas's jaw tightens, and his eyes slide to yours. "I get the feeling you can take care of yourself, but this asshole has taken up enough of your time" the man shrinks back as he takes in atlas's size. but atlas has his gaze on you. If I let Atlas loose on this guy, he's definitely going to make it worth my while. "atlas's eyes shine with a commanding confidence, as he waits for your signal. "Let me take the trash out for you. In fact, it'd be my pleasure." "Have at it. It's exhausting dealing with these fuckers so often." "I believe that" he turns his attention back to the man. The stalker takes a few steps back. Smart move. Atlas has at least 30 pounds on him. "Hey. Women aren't here to make you feel better about yourself, asshole. She said she didn't want your help, so get the fuck out of my store." "What kind of customer service is this? I was going to buy something." "I don't want your money. and if you take any longer, my request that you leave is going to become a demand." the man backs up, his eyes going wide. "you don't mean that, man." "believe me, i do." atlas turns his eyes to yours, as if he's checking to make sure that you're all right. You give atlas a small smile and nod. He nods back, before turnning a cold stare to the creep cowering before him. "She told you that she didn't want your help, and you didn't listen. Now you have to deal with me. seems like you'd better run" The man gives atlas a disgusted look. "God, fine. I'm out of here." atlas moves from behind the desk, and the man turns tail and makes a run for the door. once he's gone, atlas turns back to you. "are you okay?" "I'm used to it." "god, i'm sorry." "It's the way things are. Especially here in Vegas." "It shouldn't happen anywhere. I'll keep an eye out for if he's ever around this neighborhood again. I'm sorry you've had to put up with bullshit from men like him." you meet his gaze, noting his kind eyes. A strange sort of energy sparks between you. "Thank you for standing up for me." "Of course. My pleasure." you break eye contact and the spark is gone. "I hope that's the last you see of that asshole." "Me too." "now where were we?" "I think you were going to gallantly offer to look at my car." "is that so?" "Yep. I could tell by the look on your face. I could also tell that you're going to be very good with cars. Call it an instinct." atlas hesitates for a moment, before he gives you a wry smile. "and here I was trying to be dark and mysterious." "Hard to be myssterious when you're wearing a name tag." "I'll have to reevaluate that policy. So what's your name?" "Mila." "Nice to meet you, Mila. i'm Atlas Larson." "Larson? Are you related to the owner?" "Yeah, he's a bit of an asshole, but family's family." His blue eyes sparkle with humor. "You're the owner." "Yep. But I stand by what I said." His smile is warm and mischievous. It stands in strong contrast to the cold, dominant man you saw moments ago. "All right. Let's go take a look at your car."