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"Taylor, he's coming your way!" Liam shouted, his voice strained with urgency.
"I see him!" Taylor responded, her eyes locked on Nick's advancing figure.
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows across the dimly lit alley. Jade pressed herself against the cold brick wall, her heart pounding in her chest like a caged animal desperate for escape. She strained to see through the darkness as two figures moved, their bodies tangled in a chaotic dance of power and aggression.
Taylor, the smaller of the two, fought with every ounce of her being, her voice a barely audible whisper as she gasped for breath. The larger figure, Nick, moved with an unnerving grace, his every action calculated and deliberate.
"Come on, Taylor," Jade whispered, her breath catching in her throat as she watched the scene unfold. "You can do this."
As the two combatants continued their deadly dance, the sound of their fists connecting with flesh echoed through the alley, punctuated by the occasional grunt or cry of pain. Taylor, her face a mask of determination, managed to dodge and weave, evading most of Nick's powerful blows.
Nick let out a low chuckle, his eyes narrowing as he watched Taylor struggle. "You're good," he taunted, "but not good enough."
"Watch your back, Taylor!" Jade cried out, her voice trembling with fear as she saw Nick gaining the upper hand. She could feel Liam's presence behind her, his hand on her shoulder in a futile attempt to provide comfort.
Taylor glanced at Jade for a split second, her eyes filled with desperation. The distraction proved costly, as Nick capitalized on her momentary lapse in focus. His fist connected with Taylor's ribs, the sound of cracking bone reverberating through the air. Taylor stumbled backward, her face contorted with pain.
"No!" Jade screamed, the word tearing from her throat as if it had a life of its own.
Nick smirked at the fallen Taylor, taking a step back to survey his handiwork. "Better luck next time," he sneered, before turning on his heel and disappearing into the shadows.
Jade's worry for Taylor was evident in her wide, fearful eyes as she rushed to her side, her hands shaking as she tried to assess the extent of Taylor's injuries. Liam followed closely behind, his face etched with concern.
"Stay with me, Taylor," Jade pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. "We'll get you help."
As Jade and Liam tended to the battered Taylor, the alley seemed to close in around them, the shadows lengthening and the darkness deepening. In that moment, the weight of their struggle and the pain of their loss pressed down upon them, threatening to crush their spirits and smother the flickering flame of hope that still burned within.
Minutes later, the sterile white walls of the emergency room seemed to close in on Jade and Taylor as they waited for the doctor to examine Taylor's injuries. Taylor's face was a mix of pain and regret, her eyes downcast as she apologized to Jade.
"I'm so sorry, Jade. I failed you," Taylor murmured, her voice barely audible as she winced in pain.
Jade shook her head firmly, her gaze filled with admiration and affection. "You fought bravely, and you succeeded in keeping me safe. That's all that matters to me."
The emotional weight of Jade's words hung in the air as their eyes met, a palpable connection sparking between them. Unable to resist any longer, they leaned in for a tender, passionate kiss, their lips meeting in a moment of shared vulnerability and strength.
As they broke apart, they heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and Liam appeared in the doorway, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Well, well, well, I knew something was going on between you two."
Jade's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink at Liam's teasing, while Taylor managed a weak smile despite her pain.
Liam couldn't help but prod further, his playful nature getting the best of him. "So, how long has this been going on, and what exactly is the nature of your relationship? Are you girlfriends now, or just friends with benefits?"
The blush on Jade's cheeks deepened, and she stammered in response, trying to find the right words. Taylor, ever the protector, put a gentle hand on Jade's arm, giving her a reassuring squeeze before addressing Liam. "Liam, give us a break, will you? It's been a long day, and we're still figuring things out."
With a chuckle, Liam conceded. "Alright, alright, I'll back off. Just take care of each other, okay?"
Liam was glad to have gone through the unique joy of watching people he cared about fall in love with each other.
Chapter 11
The bustling premiere of Jade's new film was in full swing, with the excited chatter of the crowd filling the air. Flashbulbs flickered, and eager fans pressed closer to catch a glimpse of their favorite actress. Jade and Taylor stood side by side, their eyes scanning the crowd, always vigilant.
As they moved through the throngs of people, Taylor's eyes suddenly locked onto a familiar face, and her heart raced with apprehension. Nick stood a few yards away, his eyes eerily fixated on Jade. Taylor's protective instincts flared, and she quickly whispered to Jade, "Stay close to me. It's Nick."
Jade's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening with fear. Taylor took her hand, leading her away from the crowd toward a nearby back alley, away from the red carpet and the watchful eyes of the public.
The confrontation with Nick was inevitable, as he followed them into the alley, his menacing presence casting a shadow over the moment. Taylor stepped between Jade and Nick, her body a barrier between the predator and his prey.
"What do you want, Nick?" Taylor demanded, her voice sharp and commanding. “You won last time, but try to attack me once more and you’ll be sorry you ever came into my life.”
