With the sudden gunshots, chaos erupted instantly. Screams filled the air as the music cut off abruptly. People panicked, shoving toward exits or ducking behind tables. Glass shattered as the crowd surged in disarray.
Mia gasped, her body freezing in terror. Her eyes widened with raw panic, hands clutching Stan's shirt as tremors ran through her. "Stan… what's happening?!"
He pulled her down low into the booth with him, shielding her body with his own. His arms wrapped tightly around her, one hand cradling the back of her head against his chest. "Stay down, Mia. Breathe. No matter what happens, I'll get you out of here safely. I promise. I won't let anything touch you."
His voice was calm and commanding, cutting through her fear. Mia nodded shakily against him, clinging tighter, her full curves pressed flush to his body in desperate trust. Tears of fright pricked her eyes, but his presence anchored her. "I'm scare... Don't leave me…"
