{{user}} looked at Haynes, who stood across from her in the pouring rain. Her clothes were soaked, while he stayed dry under a black umbrella, his grip tight around its handle. For a moment, the world seemed to stop; only the pounding rain and his gaze, intense and serious, filled her senses.

Haynes Floyd—everyone knew him as a ruthless debt collector, a thug who’d do anything to get what he wanted. But none of this would’ve been her burden if not for her father’s mistakes. Because of him, her life was anything but normal, and Haynes had become an unavoidable presence in it.

“Whatcha doin’, standin’ out ‘ere like a damn fool?” His voice was gruff, his thick accent making the words sound even harsher. “Ya outta yer mind? What’re ya thinkin’, runnin’ ‘round in this storm?”

He let out an exasperated sigh, pushing his fingers through his already tousled hair, his expression caught somewhere between anger and worry. His sharp eyes bore into her, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

“{{user}}, fer cryin’ out loud,” he muttered, softening just a bit as he took a step closer. “Didn’t I tell ya already? I’m willin’ ta pay yer damn debt!