Chapter 23
Days passed without a single sign of Julian, and for a second, Savannah wondered if he’d actually died out there.
Not that she had the time–or interest–to care. She was back doing what she did best.
The girl she’d pulled out of that alley?
She’d become Savannah’s closest friend in this quiet little town.
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Savannah helped her through the trauma, piece by piece, but the past still clung to her like a shadow.
The pain she carried reminded Savannah too much of Emily.
And maybe that’s why she couldn’t walk away–not this time.
Because if she could bring that bastard to justice, maybe she’d finally find the courage to face what happened to her sister.
Thankfully, building the case wasn’t impossible.
And with Ben’s legal expertise backing her, things moved smoothly.
That afternoon, after finishing a round of interviews at the girl’s apartment, Savannah stepped outside- -and ran straight into him.
A man with a mean sneer and cold, calculating eyes.
He blocked her path, jaw clenched, reeking of aggression and stale cologne.
Then he pulled out a wad of cash and tossed it in her face. The bills scattered across her coat, insult layered thick in his voice.
“Just name your price,” he said. “Whatever you want, I’ll pay.”
Savannah didn’t flinch. She calmly brushed the money off her coat and looked him straight in the eye.”
“I don’t even know you,” she said. “But you clearly know who I am, so let’s cut the crap.‘
The man’s tone sharpened. “Look, lady. I’ve got no beef with you. So why the hell are you going after me?”
“She and I–we had something. Ask anyone in town. We were dating. She wanted me.”
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Savannah let out a dry laugh, then slowly ripped the bills in half, letting the shredded pieces fall like confetti at his feet.
“What’s the matter?” she asked. “Scared now?”
“If you were so innocent, you wouldn’t be trying this hard to shut me up.”
“I’m not a cop. I can’t throw you behind bars. But I’m a lawyer. And I sure as hell can drag every skeleton you’ve got into the light.”
The man’s face twisted. His facade cracked, and something darker showed through.
Then, without warning, he pulled out a knife–small, serrated, and terrifying in his grip.
“You should’ve taken the deal,” he growled. “Now I’m done being nice.”
Savannah’s stomach dropped.
She’d already hit the emergency alert on her phone–but no response yet.
She tried to keep him talking, buying time. But he lunged.
Savannah fought back with everything she had–moves Ben had taught her, basic self–defense drills–but it wasn’t enough.
She was fast.
But he was stronger. Bigger. Meaner.
Chapter 23
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In seconds, she was pinned to the pavement, wrists burning from the struggle, the knife flashing far too close.
He grinned, sick and twisted.
That grin widened as he leaned down and traced the blade lightly across her cheek.
“You’ve got a pretty face,” he sneered. “I’ll make you a deal. Strip for me now, and I’ll let you go. Don’t? Then say goodbye to this face.”
Savannah felt bile rise in her throat. Her voice was low but steady.
“In your dreams.”
He laughed coldly. “Suit yourself.”
The blade rose.
Savannah squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for pain.
But it never came.
Instead, something warm splattered across her skin–blood.
She gasped, eyes flying open.
And there he was.
Julian, pale as death, gripping the blade with his bare hand–his palm split open and bleeding, but
He didn’t even seem to feel it. His eyes locked on the man, black and ice–cold, burning with fury.
The attacker faltered, clearly rattled.
“The hell are you?” he barked. “Some homeless freak? Get lost! This isn’t your damn business!”
unwavering.
Chapter 23
