Emily felt her pulse pounding as the sound of the footfall increased, and her thoughts were racing. With his body rigid and ready for whatever was to come, James grasped her with all his might. It was only a matter of responding; there was no time to prepare or think about it. Even if the darkness around them was dense and dismal, it was impossible to misunderstand it at this moment. Dominic had returned, and the people who were with him were getting ready for a fierce confrontation.
Oliver pushed ahead, his eyes taking in the darkness as he did so until the sound of footsteps ultimately ceased. There was an uncomfortable amount of pressure, and the only thing that shattered the silence was the distant hum of the evening. Never for a moment did anybody move. At that moment, Dominic emerg
