Josefina leaned in close while Camden and Jaxon exchanged a knowing glance and strode ahead.
Jaxon reached out, intending to dunk Josefina into the vat of dye. His face twisted into a snarl, his eyes blazing with the arrogance of a predator about to strike. Camden's hand clamped down on Josefina's arm, fearing she might break free.
As both men stared each other down, ready to push Josefina into the vat, the tables turned dramatically. A wicked grin curled at the corner of Josefina's lips. She stomped down on Jaxon's foot and delivered a swift back kick to Camden's groin.
"Josie!"
Oliver arrived just in time to see someone going after her. He picked up speed, leaping into the air and landing a solid kick on Jaxon's back, sending him tumbling into the vat.
Camden tried to seize the moment to push Josefina in, but Oliver caught his hand. The snap of bone was followed by Camden's howls of pain as Oliver twisted his other hand, snapping it with a decisive crack.
Josefina watched Oliver's swift and ruthless actions in utter shock. Thinking she was terrified, Oliver pulled her into his embrace, his arms a haven of warmth. "Shh, don't be scared," he soothed, his voice a steady comfort in her ear.
Josefina instinctively looked up at him, first meeting Oliver's strong jawline. When he lowered his eyes to meet hers, she felt an inexplicable sense of safety wash over her. "How did you get here?"
"You said you were at the textile factory and thought I'd pick you up for dinner," he explained, the concern clear in his voice. What he hadn't expected was to walk into a scene right out of a crime drama.
"Are you alright? Hurt anywhere? Does your hand hurt?" Oliver carefully examined her hands.
Josefina gripped his larger hand in hers. "I'm fine. You showed up just in time. You saved me." She wondered if Oliver had seen her fight back and if he knew she could handle herself. Hopefully, he would still think she was a damsel in distress.
Meeting her bright, clear eyes, Oliver chuckled. "Don't look at me like that, my princess."
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