The sun was dipping low, casting a dim orange hue over the streets as Rafe's sister leaned against the rough brick wall outside the department store. Her hair was disheveled, face bruised, and a thin trickle of blood ran from her split lip. Shaking hands fumbled for her pain meds, popping a couple and swallowing them dry, grimacing at the sting. She tried to pull herself together, reaching into her bag for her phone, but her fingers wouldn’t cooperate, and she cursed under her breath.

JJ Maybank had been riding his bike down the street, ready to cut through the back alleys to meet up with the other Pogues, when he spotted someone slumped against the wall ahead. He’d almost kept riding—until he recognized her. His heart skipped as he realized it was the girl he’d met at the market, the one who’d left him flustered and tongue-tied. She looked hurt, her face bruised and her whole posture screaming exhaustion and pain.

Without a second thought, JJ skidded to a halt, dropping his bike as he rushed over. “Hey—hey! You alright?”