Mia sat at the edge of the bed, her breath shaky as Liam and Dain faced each other. The tension in the room was sharp enough to cut through bone. Their gazes locked—two men with nothing but steel and fire between them.
“You think you can protect her better than me?” Dain’s voice was low, sharp.
Liam’s mouth curved dangerously. “I don’t think—I know.”
Dain’s eyes darkened. “And if you fail?”
Liam’s gaze sharpened. “Then I’ll die trying.”
Mia’s breath fractured painfully. “Stop it,” she whispered.
Neither of them moved.
“I said stop!” Mia’s voice cut through the air.
Dain’s gaze softened as it flicked toward her. Liam’s dark eyes remained steady, the fire in them simmering just beneath the surface.
“Mia,” Liam said quietly. “You don’t have to protect us.”
Mia’s breath hitched. “But
