2: Rai

N'S

swirling around Rain's feet. She splashed through the puddles, her worn-out sneakers squeaking with each s

oup of rough-looking men huddled under a streetlight. They eyed her up and down, their faces twisted into

ward. His voice was like a rusty gate, scraping against R

past them, but they blocked her way. She tried

one." She ma

ed out to grab her arm, but Rain jerked away just in time. Her elb

as he charged towards the group. His footsteps echoed off the walls,

ched. His voice was low and even, but it ca

the first thug with a swift kick, followed by a series of rapid-fire punches that sent the others crashi

fluidly. When the last thug fell to the ground, Damon turned to her, his chest heaving with exer

and gentle. He was staring into her eyes

pulled her towards a taxi that had pulled up to the c

the door and ushering her insid

the scene, Rain turned to D

said, her voice

he said. "But next time, maybe

t saved her life. She leaned back against the seat, feeling the warmth of the ta

oaked streets, Rain couldn't help bu

and stepped out into the rain. He offered her his hand, helping her out of t

he ride," Rai

around. "I'm just glad I was able to get

ings. The houses were cramped and rundown, with rusty corrugated iron roofs and

ing with sarcasm. "I'm surprised you don't have

rrassment. "I know sarcasm wh

think someone as beautiful as you would

anger. "You don't know any

I do," he said, his voice low and sm

s narrowed

hrugged

gging her legs and chattering excitedly. They were dirt

ey chorused, tug

ack. "Hey, guys! What are yo

h wide eyes, taking in his expe

of them asked, p

That's...um...

r, then back at Damon. "Hi,"

g down to their level.

lling Damon about their day. Rain watched

a misty veil that hung over the streets like a curtain. The air

..your brothers

plied. "They're my

quickly looked away. Damon looked around, brushing off h

beat. "Okay," she said,

"The mosquitoes from here c

with embarrassment. "

n to whisper in her ear.

walked away, leaving Rain s