break

ence, remained the focal point of admiration

and the numerous eyes trailing them. "Tsk, tsk. They're more captivating than any of u

u were five or six years younger, you'd e

g I've already become an uncle?" For h

't mean it like that. You st

ctual age suggests otherwise-

large hand suddenly covered her mouth, m

ishing glasses nearby. "To those sixteen- or seventeen

for yourself! I'm currently the m

e golden bachelor. How long do you plan

no intention of retu

r guests, proprietor?" Roc

d left that young woman stranded. Susan will undoubtedly explode. Given her recent advancements in knife-throwing and judo, if you wish to be h

are!" Rocky accus

es." As he spoke, Lloyd's hands deftly

ld you abandon her, Rocky?" Amy's compassio

left to prevent her from developing further

ifted toward the entrance, where she spo

! She was undoubtedly here for

loyd's cool voice c

Consider that hi

irmed Susan's presence and swiftly stood. "Thank

ve a cas

ght. A few strategic dodges allowed

ng onto a slightly broader street. Houses lined b

g a woman. Even in the gloom, his vision remai

her car when the dark window ref

nd, alarmed.

d no answers,"

fought to stay calm, buying t

witnesses. Hope dwindled in her chest. Wou

houses-some still lit. If she s

y, she do

prickled

you gone..." The man's

h chatter. If someone passes by, we

tch. Almost

ed blades and lung

She scrambled backward, stu

scape!" The arme

ing her flight. As the gap cl

h brushed her neck.

eyes shut, bracing f

p. That's how rescuers find you." A languid voice sl

s pulled

ld glimpse her savior, a vicious slash graz

hero. Scram," one

He seized a knife-wielding wrist, twisted it to block another strike

frantically, her coat

rming one man and sending him

he third man's blade poised to strike. Without thou

l buried itself in her rescuer's

ss his white shirt

ing stabbed felt downright un

dvantage, aiming to finish

his head and unleashed a lo

aped, sp

s? What did

thickened wit

cus, they moved to act-only to freeze. The street now sw

re to taste a canine's g

liva dripping from sharp

ling, afraid even to breat

ram

bediently, as tho

ng, fearing delay wou

d a shorter

d into the shadow

could only stare, u

ave," Rocky said once

injured! You need hospital care! Wait, I'll fetch my car!" She

began, but she'd

to him-some blood, so

he blade, blood

e turned and walked away,