The evening air was crisp, the city lights casting a warm glow on the bustling streets as Ava hurried out of the campus gates. She had stayed late in the library, determined to catch up on her studies after a day of distractions. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the figure lurking in the shadows until he stepped into her path, blocking her way."Ava!" Daniel's voice was a mixture of eagerness and resentment. "I need to talk to you."Ava sighed, her shoulders slumping. She had hoped to avoid this confrontation, but it seemed inevitable. "Daniel, I..." she began, but he cut her off."Why did you return the flowers?" he demanded, his voice rising in frustration. "I thought you might... I hoped you would..."Ava's heart sank. So it wasn't Liam who had sent the roses after all. A wave of disappointment washed over her, quickly replaced by a surge of annoyance. She had been right to reject the flowers, right to maintain her distance."Daniel," she said firmly, "I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not interested. I've tried to make that clear, but you haven't been taking the hint."Daniel's face flushed with anger. "But why not? What's wrong with me?""There's nothing wrong with you," Ava replied, trying to remain calm. "We're just not compatible. I'm focused on my studies, and I'm not interested in a relationship right now.""That's just an excuse," Daniel retorted, his voice growing louder. "You're just playing hard to get. But I'm not giving up. I know you feel something for me, Ava. I can see it in your eyes."Ava's patience was wearing thin. "Daniel, please," she pleaded, "just leave me alone."But Daniel, fueled by a mixture of frustration and misplaced confidence, refused to listen. He stepped closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "Just one kiss, Ava," he pleaded. "Just let me show you how I feel."Before Ava could protest, he lunged forward, his hands reaching for her face. Ava, though small in stature, was not one to back down from a challenge. She pushed him away, her hands finding his chest, but he was stronger than she anticipated. He grabbed her wrists, pinning them to her sides, his body pressing against hers.Ava struggled, her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She tried to knee him, to kick him, but he held her tight, his grip like a vise. Her vision blurred, her strength waning. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, a sense of helplessness she had never experienced before.Just as she was about to give in, a strong arm reached out from the shadows, grabbing Daniel by the collar and yanking him away with a force that sent him sprawling onto the pavement."Get away from her!" a familiar voice boomed.Ava's eyes fluttered open, her vision clearing just enough to see Liam Blackwood standing protectively in front of her, his face contorted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. He kicked Daniel aside, then scooped Ava into his arms, cradling her close to his chest."Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern, his gaze searching her face for any signs of injury.Ava, still shaken and disoriented, could only nod weakly, her head resting against his broad chest. She felt safe in his arms, protected from the fear that had gripped her moments before.Liam turned his attention back to Daniel, who was slowly picking himself up off the ground, his face a mixture of shock and resentment."Stay away from her," Liam warned, his voice a low growl. "She's mine."Ava's eyes widened at his possessive declaration. She wanted to protest, to tell him that she didn't belong to anyone, but the words caught in her throat. She was still trembling, her body weak from the struggle, her mind reeling from the sudden turn of events.Liam, oblivious to her inner turmoil, tightened his hold on her, his gaze fixed on Daniel with a menacing intensity. "Do you understand?" he demanded.Daniel, intimidated by Liam's imposing presence and the fierce protectiveness in his eyes, mumbled a reluctant assent and retreated into the shadows, casting a resentful glance back at the pair before disappearing into the night.Liam turned back to Ava, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," he said, his voice gentle. "I should have been here sooner."Ava, still nestled in his arms, felt a wave of warmth spread through her, a sense of security she had never experienced before. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and a hint of something more, something she couldn't quite define."Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.Liam's lips curved into a gentle smile. "You're welcome, my girl."Ava's heart fluttered at the endearment, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the fear she had just experienced. She was too overwhelmed, too exhausted to protest his possessive claim. For now, she would simply allow herself to be held, to be protected, to be safe in the arms of the man who had unexpectedly become her knight in shining armor, even if he was wearing a bespoke suit instead of a suit of mail.