Faye's POV
The word died in my throat before I could finish it. What was wrong with me? Why had I stepped forward to stop him? My voice came out shakier than I intended. "What I mean is... he wasn't trying to hurt me."
Around us, the tension crackled like electricity. I watched the others adjust their grips on their weapons, shifting into attack positions. My muscles coiled tight, bracing for the violence that seemed inevitable.
Then Hardy spoke, his voice cutting through the charged air like a blade. "You think you have what it takes to stop me?"
For a heartbeat, I thought he was talking to me. Then I saw where his gaze had landed. He wasn't looking at me at all. His attention was fixed entirely on them.
The corner of his mouth curved upward in a predatory smile. "You should reconsider."
