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"Come on, then," I challenge, steeling myself for what's to come. The fight that follows is swift and brutal, a whirlwind of fists, feet, and raw power. The sound of bone meeting bone rings out like a symphony, each crunch and collision fueling my determination.
Emily cries out, her voice filled with terror as she watches from the safety of the candy shop. But I don't let it distract me. I can't afford to. I need to prove myself to her, to show her that I am worthy of her trust, her affection, herheart.
"Stay back, Emily," I grit out between clenched teeth, sweat dripping down my brow as I face the final thug, the one with brass knuckles glinting in the dim light. "I've got this."
Our eyes meet, and I see something in hers that I haven't seen before—a flicker of admiration, of gratitude, of something more. And it gives me the strength to land one final blow, sending the last thug crumpling to the ground.
"Emily," I breathe, my chest heaving as I reach for her hand. Our fingers interlock like puzzle pieces, and for a moment, I feel as though our souls are intertwined. The warmth of her touch sends sparks dancing across my skin as we race through the shadows. "We need to go. Now."
"Okay," she whispers, her fingers trembling within my grasp.
As we disappear into the night, I promise to keep her safe—no matter what lies ahead. And as I glance at her beautiful face, illuminated by the glow of the streetlights, I know that I would do anything, endure anything, for her. Forus.
The fight has ended, but my heart still races. I glance over at Emily, her wide blue eyes filled with a mix of fear and admiration. And it's in that moment that I know—she's worth fighting for, every single time.
"Who were those men?" she asks, her breath coming in short gasps as we navigate the darkness together.
"Thugs," I reply, my mind racing with thoughts of Carter, his cunning smile, his manipulation. "But don't worry. They won't hurt you anymore."
"Who would have thought?" she swallows. "This kind of danger lurking right here in our perfect little town. Thank you for protecting me," she whispers, squeezing my hand tighter.
Her hand in mine feels like a lifeline, connecting us to each other in this whirlwind of chaos.
"Any time," I promise, swallowing hard as we reach the far end of the alley, hidden from view. My chest tightens with the weight of my unspoken confession. I'll do anything to keep her safe, anything to protect her.
"Did your sister like the chocolates?" she asks.
My heart leaps within me.She remembers me!
"Yeah," I tell her. "She loved them."
Like I love you.
She grins at me. "What's your name?"
"Max," my voice comes out low and rough.
"Max," she repeats it and I about jizz in my pants. Fuck, I'm pathetic, and I've got it so bad for her.
And as she gazes at me with a mix of gratitude and admiration, her eyes shining like constellations in the night sky, I know that I will move mountains for her—even if it means facing demons I never knew existed.
CHAPTER9
Emily
The warmthof the sun caresses my skin, as if trying to soothe away the lingering fear that clings to me like a stubborn shadow. Max stands beside me, his strong arms folded across his broad chest, dark brown eyes full of concern.
"Thank you," I breathe, my voice soft and wavering. "You...you really saved me back there."
He looks down at his shoes, his cheeks flushing with a hint of pink. "It was nothing, Emily. I'm just glad I was there to help."
"Nothing?" I shake my head in disbelief. "Max, you're a hero."
His gaze shifts to meet mine, the vulnerability in his eyes making it hard to look away. It feels like we're two souls dancing on the edge of a newfound connection. I never thought someone like him would emerge from the shadows and save me—I never thought I'd bein needof saving. Yet, here he is, standing before me—a beacon of hope and strength.
"Can I walk you home?" Max asks quietly, his awkwardness emphasized by the way he rubs the back of his neck.
"Of course," I reply, realizing that this man might just be someone I could trust. Friendship blooms within me like a rose opening its petals to reveal hidden depths of beauty.
