Eliana smiled the moment she spotted his car pulling up in front of the bar. Relief and nerves twisted in her stomach. She clutched her phone tighter as the headlights washed over her.
Nicky stepped out quickly, crossing the sidewalk to reach her. His eyes found her instantly, then flicked to Liam, standing a little protectively behind her.
Nicky offered Liam a small smile. "Thanks for making sure she's safe."
Liam didn't smile back. He just shrugged, voice low. "Yeah, well. I'd do anything for Eliana. She's a kind girl."
Nicky smirked slightly, but there was a sharper edge to it this time. "Yeah, she is. Sometimes she doesn't see danger where it should be." His eyes lingered on Liam for a second longer—not a threat, but enough warning to make the meaning clear.
Liam gave a small, bitter smile, but there was a flicker of steel in his eyes. "Yeah. Even from the ones closest to her," he said, his voice steady, a quiet challenge buried underneath.
