Vanessa crouched low and moved swiftly towards Liam. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached him, her eyes darting between his wound and the men holding Ann hostage. She pressed her hands firmly against his shoulder, feeling the warm, sticky blood seeping through his shirt. The injury was bad, but Liam's face remained composed, his deep blue eyes locked onto their enemies with an unsettling calm.
Before she could say anything, Liam placed his hand over hers, stilling her movements. His touch was firm but gentle. "Wait," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Vanessa swallowed hard, understanding what he meant. Now was not the time for weakness. Now was not the time for hesitation.
