he man by the door moved quickly, a wall of muscle and menace, blocking her path with a smirk that was as cold as the co

, smooth and deep, slipped into the air like a knife. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, amusement flickering in his eyes as though this was all just a game to him. "Your father has a debt to settle. A debt he ca

her that this man-this stranger who oozed power and cruelty-was here to kill her father. Her mouth went dry, and her vision blurred around t

ted out, stepping forward before she had time to think. Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to hold his gaze.

ned by her sudden burst of bravery. He arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms in a way that made his tailored suit stretch across his broad shoulders, the smooth fabric whis

ltered. Two hundred thousand dollars. Her mind reeled. She could barely afford to keep the lights on and feed herself with what she scrap

Her gaze dropped, her mind grasping at straws as she struggled to find something-anything-that could buy her a sliver of tim

I'll find a way. I'll find some way to pay it back. Just... don't hurt him. Please..." The humiliation stung li

His gaze lingered on the tear tracks staining her cheeks, her bitten lips, her shaking hands. His expression was unreadable, a mix of interest an

nd turned his attention to the muscular man

groan. He remained there, a pitiful heap on the ground, barely able to meet Sera's eyes as he clutched hi

His tone sharpened, a blade wrapped in silk. "I'll be back. And when I return..." He leaned forward, th

e were little more than a curiosity. He strode toward the door, Boulder and the other man following him in lockstep.

together what had just happened. Her father's sniffles broke through the silence, and she glanced over, watching as he dragged himself up, his face pale and his

iar clink of beer bottles in the kitchen, followed by the hiss of a can opening. The anger simmered beneath her fear, growing hotter with each passing second.

leaned against the wall for support. A strange numbness settled over her as she walked into the living room, her eyes drawn to the sight of her father, sprawled across the

agged her into this mess, putting her life, her safety, her very future on the line. But she knew it would be pointless. Her