Mine to Keep Dangerous Hands

Lia (fl)

Did you know there’s a bruise on my arm?

Adrian (ml)

I know.

Lia (fl)

…You put it there.

Adrian (ml)

You were about to walk into trouble. I stopped you.

Later — at the University Gates

Lia (fl)

You don’t have to keep waiting for me here.

Adrian (ml)

I’m not waiting. I’m guarding.

She rolls her eyes, walking ahead. He matches her pace.

Lia (fl)

You think I’m some porcelain doll?

Adrian (ml)

No. I think you’re the only thing in this city I can’t lose.

**That Night **

She’s walking back from the store, bag in hand.

Unknown

Drop the bag. Run to me.

She stops — two men step out from behind a parked van.

Lia (fl)

…Adrian?

Adrian (ml)

*Run.*

She bolts — he’s there in seconds, pulling her behind him. One man reaches forward — Adrian twists his wrist until there’s a sickening crack.

Lia (fl)

Adrian—!

Adrian (ml)

Close your eyes.

She hears the sounds of impact, groans, and the rush of footsteps fleeing. Then silence.

Lia (fl)

Who were they?

Adrian (ml)

People I’ve been hunting.

Lia (fl)

Hunting?

Adrian (ml)

I told you. Complicated.

He wipes a streak of blood from his cheek, like it’s nothing.

. . . .

** In the Car **

Lia (fl)

This isn’t normal.

Adrian (ml)

Neither am I.

Silence. He pulls over in front of her building, but doesn’t unlock the door.

Adrian (ml)

You can walk away now. Pretend you never met me.

Lia (fl)

Is that what you want?

Adrian (ml)

No.

Her voice drops.

Lia (fl)

Then stop giving me a choice.

He leans closer, the leather of his gloves brushing her jaw.

Adrian (ml)

Dangerous words, princess.

Lia (fl)

Dangerous man.

. . . .

**The Next Morning **

Family Group Chat

Milly (lia's Mom)

I heard you’re seeing someone.

Liam (lia's dad)

He’s not from a good family.

Lia (fl)

Neither am I.

Milly (lia's Mom)

Don’t be insolent.

Lia exits the chat permanently

Adrian’s Apartment

Lia (fl)

So… mafia?

Adrian (ml)

I never said that.

Lia (fl)

You didn’t have to.

Adrian (ml)

Are you afraid?

Lia (fl)

I should be.

Adrian (ml)

But?

Lia (fl)

I’m not.

His smirk is slow, dangerous.

Adrian (ml)

Then you’re already mine.

. . . . .

**To be continued…**