The mall buzzed with life, laughter echoing through its halls as Ever walked through, her eyes scanning the stores absentmindedly. She had barely entered a boutique when a man approached her with an easy smirk.
"Excuse me, miss," he said smoothly, stepping into her path. "I couldn't help but notice you. You have the kind of presence that turns heads." His eyes shamelessly roamed her pregnant figure, and Ever instantly felt uncomfortable.
She took a small step back, maintaining a polite but firm expression. "Thank you, but I'm not interested."
The man chuckled, undeterred. "Come on, don't shut me down so fast. A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be walking around alone.."
Before he could finish his sentence, the atmosphere shifted.
A dark presence loomed behind her. A scent of expensive cologne mixed with dominance filled the air.
Ever knew that scent.
A slow, menacing chuckle followed. "Alone?"
