I looked at Kim’s horrified expression and then back at the thief. “I… I can’t give you my ring. My father gave it to me and he passed away recently.”

“That’s a very sad story,” he mocked. “Give me the ring.”

I hid my shaking hand behind me, and looked around for someone, anyone that could help. “I won’t,” I swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

Grahm looked away momentarily to follow my line of sight and Ryan took the opportunity to attack.

Kim ran around the car. “No!”

A scuffle ensued, with the other three jumping on Ryan. They were in a huddle, punching and kicking Ryan mercilessly.

I took a step toward the cluster. “STOP IT!”

Ryan let out a muffled cry and stopped fighting. My hands flew to my mouth as I saw that Stu held a knife dripping with blood.

“STOP IT, PLEASE!” I said.

The men were chuckling to each other; the brutality had ended with one last kick to Ryan’s ribs. I stared in horror as he lay broken on the wet pavement. Just as he attempted to pull himself up to all fours, Stu used his boot to press Ryan’s cheek back into the pavement.

“Agh!” Ryan groaned.

“I didn’t tell you to get up yet, did I?” Stu said.

The attention turned to my hand. I balled it into a fist; I wouldn’t give up my father’s ring. Grahm seemed to notice my decision and they all took a step forward, preparing to take it from me. Four sets of malevolent eyes shifted in unison as a familiar voice growled from behind me.

“I think it’s time you gentlemen moved on.”

Jared strolled past me, and the air escaped from my lungs with overwhelming relief.

“Jared,” I said.

He shot me a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t have to give them your ring.”

“The hell she’s not. You want some of what this boy got?” Stu warned.

Grahm eyed Jared suspiciously. “You’re Ryel’s boy, aren’t you?”

My blood ran cold as I looked down at Ryan’s limp body. He was still breathing, but in small, shallow gasps. I looked at Jared, terrified of what would happen to him.

“Gentlemen, you can either leave now, with the money the lady has offered, or you can stay, without further use of your arms and legs. It’s your choice. Either way, the ring won’t be leaving her finger tonight.” Jared’s voice began polite, but as his offer ended it became low and frightening.

Grahm chuckled as he lowered his head. Once his laughter ended, his eyes darted up, peering at Jared from under his brow. “Then I guess we’ll just have to cut her hand off.”

I froze.

Jared turned to me, his eyes steely-blue, and then he looked back at the men as he took a step towards them.