As the men closed in, a sudden, familiar voice rang out from the shadows.
"Leave her."
The sound of it was enough to make Jasmine's heart stop in disbelief. The two thugs paused, turning to see who had interrupted their assault. There, stepping out from the darkness, was Jerrick. He was older now, more rugged, but those green eyes were unmistakable.
Before she could process what was happening, Jerrick moved with lightning speed, disarming the man with the knife and sending him sprawling to the ground. The second thug, seeing his companion fall, pulled out a knife and waved at him. Jerrick dodged him skillfully. The first man got up and pulling his friend, the two of them bolted without a second thought.
