Allison's POV

"You want to help?" I turned to Williams, my voice low and edged with a seriousness that made him straighten his posture. His eyes were still wide with the lingering adrenaline from the chaos earlier. The beach’s cold wind whipped through the air, bringing a chill that bit through the night. But nothing could be colder than the expression on my face as I stared him down.

"Of course, I do," he replied, almost breathless, as if he couldn’t believe I was asking him. "I’ll do whatever it takes, Allison."

I held his gaze for a long moment, searching for any flicker of hesitation. He might’ve been desperate...