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I smile but say nothing. Instead, I link my arm through his and continue walking. I’m not prepared to decide whether I should do what I want or do what I should.
We’re strolling down the dimly lit sidewalk, hands clasped together, when a group of men emerges from the shadows ahead.
There are three of them. Tattoos cover their arms and necks, and they’re armed with baseball bats and knives. My heart leaps into my throat at the sight.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” the tallest one sneers, blocking our path. His eyes gleam with malice in the pale glow of the streetlights. “A couple of lovebirds out for a midnight stroll.”
Brian’s grip on my hand tightens, and he steps in front of me in a protective stance. “We don’t want any trouble.” His tone is calm and even, but I sense the tension coiling in his body.
The gang members exchange mocking laughs. “Too late for that now. Come with us, Mr. Russo, and you won’t be harmed.”
When Brian doesn’t move, the man lunges at him with a bat. Brian ducks, allowing the weapon to sail harmlessly over his head. In one smooth motion, he counters with a swift kick to the man’s chest, sending him flying backward into his companions. They stumble, but quickly regroup, brandishing their weapons in a threatening display.
“Bad move, tough guy.” The tallest one grins, revealing a missing front tooth. “You just made this a lot more fun.”
Brian’s face is a mask of controlled fury. He steps forward, his hands hovering near his pockets. “I’ll ask you one more time to let us pass.”
The gang members laugh derisively. “Or what? You gonna fight us all?”
In answer, Brian kicks the man closest to him. Another comes at him with the bat again. Brian dodges the blow and lands a solid punch to his attacker’s jaw. The other two descend on him then, their knives flashing. Brian blocks their strikes and fights back, his movements fluid and precise. It’s clear that his black belts weren’t just for show. He lands another kick that sends one of the men sprawling on the ground and then disarms the other one with a swift twist of his arm.
The remaining gang member backs away, glancing around nervously. “Forget this, man,” he mutters, backing away. “Not worth it.”
With that, they disappear into the shadows whence they came. Brian steps back, his breathing ragged. “Are you okay?” he asks me, turning to face me with concern etched on his face.
I nod, still unable to find my voice. My heart is thundering in my chest, and my hands are shaking.
“Let’s get out of here,” Brian says, taking my arm.
As we hurry down the sidewalk, my mind is racing with everything that just happened. Breathless, I stare at Brian in stunned awe. He turns to me, a sheepish look on his handsome face.
“I thought I mentioned this earlier—I have a black belt in karate.”
I blink at him. Then a slightly hysterical laugh bubbles up in my chest. “Trust me to go out with a ninja!”
Brian smiles ruefully and pulls me into his arms. I cling to him, shaking hard—a delayed reaction. He kisses the top of my head, his strong embrace chasing away the last of my fears.
“It’s all right,” he murmurs. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
And I know with sudden, blinding certainty that he means it. This man—this incredible, complex, caring man—is going to be the death of me.
But what a way to go.
We stop to sit on a bench near the town center. I take a deep, steadying breath and look up at Brian. “I can’t thank you enough,” I say, still slightly shocked at what just happened.
He shakes his head. “Don’t thank me. I wasn’t going to stand by and watch them hurt you.” His eyes are dark and intense as they meet mine.
My heart skips a beat. I can’t believe this man really cares about me.
Suddenly, Brian frowns. “What is it?” I ask.
“Those scumbags knew who I was. Something about this feels off.”
“Off how?” I ask, confused. He’s right, but I don’t know what to make of it.
“They didn’t want our valuables,” Brian says grimly. “They wanted me to go with them.” He looks back at me, his eyes haunted. “I think it had something to do with Bennett. What if the loan sharks I’m investigating found out who I am?”
I gasp as I realize the implications. “You think they’re the ones who murdered him?”
