“Run, Annie, they will kill you…” Annie murmured to herself as she made a run for her life.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she raced through the chaotic streets, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. The sound of her pursuers’ heavy footsteps echoed in her ears, sending shivers down her spine. She had stumbled upon something she shouldn’t have, and now her life was at stake.

Her senses heightened. Annie’s eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for a place to hide. With a burst of adrenaline-fueled energy, she took a sharp turn, hoping to lose her pursuers in the labyrinthine alleyways. But fate had other plans.

In her panicked state, her foot caught on an uneven cobblestone, and she felt herself hurtling towards the unforgiving ground. A scream escaped her lips, but before she could brace for impact, she felt a strange touch, a firm grip that halted her fall.

Annie’s eyes remained tightly shut, her body trembling with fear as strong arms enveloped her. She could feel the man’s steady heartbeat against her back, his presence offering a strange sense of protection amidst the chaos.

Just as she was about to open her eyes and face her mysterious savior, the booming voices of her pursuers reached her ears. Their demands filled the air, slicing through the tension like a knife. “Hand over the girl to us!”

Reflexively, Annie clung to the man, her grip on his shirt tightening, her fingers digging into the fabric. She pleaded in a shaky voice, “Please, don’t leave me. They are goons. Please, help.” Her lips trembled as she mumbled, frightened, against his broad chest.

“Hand over the girl easily. She is our prey,” one of the goons shouted, taking a step forward.

The man’s response was immediate. “Not on my watch,” he growled, his voice carrying a steely determination.

As the goons closed in, the air crackled with anticipation. With a swift movement, the man released Annie from his hold, positioning himself between her and the approaching danger. His muscles tensed, ready to fight.

The clash erupted in a flurry of fists and kicks. The man’s movements were fluid and precise, his every strike landing with calculated accuracy. He fought with a skill that surpassed that of an ordinary man, evoking a sense of awe and mystery in Annie’s bewildered mind.

The street became a battleground, the scuffling of feet and grunts of pain filling the air. The goons, once so confident in their pursuit, now found themselves outmatched and outmaneuvered by their unexpected adversary.

Annie watched in awe as the man effortlessly incapacitated each of her attackers, his movements a symphony of power and control. She couldn’t tear her eyes away, captivated by his prowess and the way he seemed to dance amidst the chaos.

Finally, the last of the goons fell to the ground, defeated. And the crowd which have accumulated on hearing the commotion cheered at his bravery.

The man turned to Annie, a victorious glint in his eyes. Just then, they heard a faint siren. He relaxed, knowing the police were coming their way only. And soon officers approached them.

“What’s happening here?” They shouted, causing the crowd to disperse. Now only the man, Annie, and the police were left apart from the groaning goons. “Did you guys fight?”

“Hello, officer, my name is Bryan and I hold the responsibility for the commotion.” Said the man.

The officer glared at him, gazing his scrutinizing eyes up and down. “You seem to be a gentleman. Why did you involve in such fights, Mr. Bryan?” The officer presumed by the crisp shirt, pants, and tie Bryan was wearing.

“I was just helping the lady, officer. They were chasing her and happened to collide with me. In fear, she asked for help from me, which I did. That’s it.” His honest words make the officer double-take at the goons. He recognized the group as the local goons who had several records of eve-teasing, harassment, and misbehavior against them. Thus, the police considered this the same case and nodded.

“I see you did a good job, young man,” he said and ordered his junior to arrest the goons. “Get them in the car, Jack! They have again misbehaved with a girl.”

He walked towards the car while Bryan walked to a trembling Annie. She was so scared that she didn’t even converse with the police.

“You okay?” Bryan asked, concern evident in his voice, as he approached Annie, who stood before him, her gaze timid and wary.

“Yes. Thank you!” Annie managed to speak, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and exhaustion. Her throat felt dry, the remnants of the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

“Why were they chasing you, if I may ask?” Bryan gestured toward the boys, who were now being dragged away by the police.

Annie shifted uncomfortably, her eyes avoiding his gaze. “I…kicked their boss in…umm…where the sun doesn’t shine.”

Bryan’s eyes widened in surprise at her response. His brows furrowed, a mix of astonishment and curiosity flashing across his features. “Woah, brave act, girl. What did the man actually do to deserve such an action from you?”

Annie’s face flushed with embarrassment, her eyes flickering everywhere but his. She offered a brief reply, her voice barely above a whisper. “He was trying to touch me, and they were passing lewd comments.”

Bryan’s expression hardened, his lips forming a grim line as he spoke. “In that case, I delivered fewer punches, I believe. Those bastards deserve a whole thrashing session for their filthy actions.” His pissed-off tone surprised her.

Annie’s eyes snapped up, meeting Bryan’s gaze, amazement shining within them. She found herself speechless, unable to comprehend the unexpected support and understanding she had found in this stranger.

“By the way, I suggest you lodge a complaint against them,” Bryan suggested, his tone firm, disregarding the shocked look on Annie’s face.

Annie blinked rapidly, coming out of her momentary trance, and nodded her head. “I did that already, that’s why the police were here.”

Bryan’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You called them? And here I was, thinking they were patrolling officers who happened to stumble upon the commotion.”

Annie lightly shook her head, a soft giggle escaping her lips. “No, I somehow managed to do it in the middle of the chase.”

Impressed by her resourcefulness, Bryan praised her. “I’m impressed by your intellect, girl. Not everyone caught in a situation like this would act so calmly. Great!”

A blush tinted Annie’s cheeks once again, this time from shyness. “Thank you.” She gently tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear.

“By the way, I’m Bryan Garcia.” Bryan extended his hand for a handshake, a warm smile gracing his lips. Annie hesitated for a moment, glancing from his hand to his face, before finally placing her hand in his. “Annie Moore.”

Just then, a tiny drop fell onto their entwined hands, signaling the imminent arrival of rain. Bryan looked up at the cloudy sky.

“Shall I drop you somewhere?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

“No, it’s okay. My home is not very far. I’ll walk there,” Annie replied, grateful for his offer.

Bryan nodded, his smile remaining sweet. “Alright then, it was really a pleasure to meet you, Annie.”

Annie pressed her lips into a smile. “Thank you again for saving me, Bryan.”

“Mention not, brave girl!” Bryan replied warmly. “I hope we’ll meet soon.”

Annie took her leave, retreating toward the main streets, leaving Bryan in the background. As she walked a few meters away, Bryan’s lips curled into a devilish smirk.

His eyes remained fixed on her retreating figure, the smirk growing increasingly sinister, as the rain began to pour, concealing the darker intentions that lay hidden beneath his charming facade.

"Finally!" A mysterious tone laced his sigh. He raked his hands through his wet hair, muttering to himself, “Welcome to my world, baby girl!” his voice laced with a sinister charm.

To be continued…