e tension in the room thickened with every passing second. She could hear her breath, shallow and uneven, but it felt like every sound w

ocus was solely on the men at the front of the diner. He was calculating, and asse

n. She didn't know why they were there, but she had a sinking feeling that it was all connect

trying to keep her voice steady

lled. "This is bigger than just him. They're part of the same

n over her head. She had always known that Cole had a dangerous side, but hearing him talk about these men so casually, as i

ainst them?" Mia asked, her voice trem

t Mia couldn't make out the words. Her gaze flicked between the men and Cole, trying to piece together what was happening

a beat, still not looking at her. "Bu

isted she stay away from everything. It wasn't just for her safety-it was because he didn't want her involved.

"I'm not going anywhere, Cole. I'm not some helpless damsel you can protect from a dist

tation. He didn't want to let her in. He didn't want to risk her safety. But the truth was, Mia was already in this. Sh

ia," Cole said quietly. "You have no

ant to know why I'm involved in the first place. Why did Ma

ll. For a moment, Cole hesitated, his jaw tightening. He didn't speak right awa

ole said, his voice barely abo

nd she had to brace herself against the counter to steady

postures stiff and purposeful. They were coming closer. His ga

've been tracking their every move for months, trying to

was just a waitress trying to make it through the night. But somehow, her life had bee

group of men entered, their faces hard and cold. Mason led the group, a smug smile

, his voice smooth and condescending. "Now you've drag

ing on, what she had done to deserve this. All she knew was that Cole was standing between

said, his voice steady, almost too calm. "Y

d Cole. "We both know that's not true," he said, his tone turning sh

choked her. Mia's hands were clammy, her mind racing fo

d forward, his eyes cold and calculatin

, didn't flinch.

s would end. She had a decision to make with Cole and face whatever they we