Maria's heart pounded as the men dragged her down the empty street.
Cold wind bit her skin, and fear wrapped around her like chains.
Then, out of nowhere, a strong hand gripped her wrist.
"Enough," a deep voice said.
Maria turned—and saw Liam.
Under the dim streetlight, his dark hair and sharp eyes felt like a shield.
"This girl is coming with me," he said, his tone calm but dangerous.
The loan sharks hesitated.
One of them scoffed. "And who the hell are you?"
Liam didn't answer.
Instead, he pulled Maria toward him, his grip firm but protective.
For the first time that night, Maria's fear shifted—
Not gone, but replaced by a strange warmth in her chest.
She didn't know him, but in that moment…
She wanted to trust him.