Just then, Axel appeared in the hallway. "What's going on here?"
"Who are you?" the landlord demanded.
"Someone you don't want to mess with," Axel said coldly, stepping into the apartment. "Take your hands off her. Now."
The goon hesitated but didn't let go of Erica. Axel moved faster than I'd ever seen him move, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting until he released her.
"We're leaving," the landlord said quickly, backing away. "But she can't stay here. I want her gone by tomorrow, or I'm calling the authorities."
After they left, Axel checked me over. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, but Erica…"
Suddenly, Erica broke down completely. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed. "I'm so sorry for getting you both into this mess. I should have just stayed away. I should have handled this alone."
"Stop it," I said firmly, kneeling beside her. "This isn't your fault."
"But now you're both in danger because of me. My landlord is scared, and those men…"
