Chapter 17

Liam Blackwood never imagined Evelyn Carter could be so fierce. She always appeared so delicate and soft-spoken.

Before Evelyn could speak, a thug burst in, pointing at Liam. "Boss! That's the guy who started trouble! He knocked out Harry and punched me!"

Within moments, Liam found himself encircled by several burly bouncers, their murderous glares fixed on him.

This was an underground casino that only welcomed regular patrons. Every gambler in the room eyed Liam with suspicion - a stranger in their midst.

"Why did you attack my men and force your way in here?" Vince, the casino manager, demanded.

Evelyn stepped protectively in front of Liam. "Vince, he's with me."

Vince snorted. "You came here beating up your own brother, disturbing my customers. Fine. But this?" He gestured to his injured men. "Your friend assaulted my security."

Evelyn worried Liam couldn't handle all the bouncers. "I apologize for him, Vince," she said soothingly. "We'll leave now without further trouble."

She grabbed Liam's hand to exit.

Several thugs blocked their path. "Oh no you don't. You're not walking away that easily."

Evelyn froze.

She didn't realize she was still clutching Liam's hand tightly.

Liam wasn't concerned about the bouncers. What captivated him was Evelyn's nervous defense of him.

His gaze dropped to their intertwined hands. Her soft fingers gripped his with surprising strength, making his pulse quicken.

Victoria Dawson's touch had never elicited this reaction.

Evelyn forced a smile. "What do you want, Vince?"

"Compensation for my men's medical bills," Vince growled.

Evelyn sighed. Money ruled everything here.

"How much?"

Vince held up five fingers.

Evelyn turned to Liam. "Do you have cash? Give him five thousand."

Liam's expression darkened.

"Five thousand?" Vince laughed harshly. "I meant five hundred thousand!"

"That's robbery!" Evelyn gasped.

"No payment, no leaving."

"Fifty thousand?" she bargained.

"Not a single cent," Liam declared imperiously.

He despised extortion and would never comply.

Vince studied Liam's muscular frame and commanding presence. The man looked capable, but surely not against so many.

Vince smirked. "Cocky bastard. Think you can walk out without paying?" He waved his men forward. "Get him!"

Liam pushed Evelyn toward the crowd. "Stay back. Don't get hurt."

Worried, Evelyn retreated to avoid complicating things for him.

Several men charged with metal bats. Liam dispatched them effortlessly with a sweeping kick, sending them crashing before they could swing.

The bats clattered loudly.

The room fell silent in shock.

Chaos erupted as patrons scattered or gathered to watch the unprecedented spectacle.

Seeing his men fall so quickly, Vince panicked. He stepped back, shouting, "Everyone! Take him down now!"