Chapter 3 The Danger

Rory's heart was racing as she looked into Alex's eyes. She knew that she had to make a decision, and fast.

"Alex, I..." she started to say, but he cut her off.

"Rory, don't say anything," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Just listen to me. My world is not a safe place. There are people who want to hurt me, to hurt my family. And if you're with me, you'll be in danger too."

Rory felt a shiver run down her spine as she listened to Alex's words. She knew that he was serious, that he was trying to protect her.

But she also knew that she couldn't just walk away. She had feelings for Alex, strong feelings that she couldn't ignore.

"Alex, I understand what you're saying," she said, her voice firm. "But I'm not afraid. I want to be with you, no matter what."

Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "Rory, you don't understand," he said. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into."

But Rory stood her ground. "I do understand, Alex," she said. "I understand that you're trying to protect me, but I also understand that I have a choice. And I choose to be with you."

Alex's expression softened, his eyes searching hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.

Then, without a word, Alex pulled Rory into his arms. He kissed her, hard and deep, and Rory felt herself melting into his embrace.

As they kissed, Rory knew that she had made the right decision. She was in this now, all the way.

But as they pulled back, gasping for air, Rory saw something that made her heart skip a beat. A figure, lurking in the shadows, watching them with cold, calculating eyes.

"Alex," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear. "I think we're in trouble."

To be continued...