He lowered his voice but she could still hear the commanding rich baritone he possessed. "They're part of the Mafia. You're an easy target and you're a young lonely woman who just witnessed something you shouldn't see. The best they'll make out of you is a slave."
Tessa tried to swing the wok again but he pried it from her hand. For a badly injured man, he was full of strength. She had felt the steadiness of his chest as he pressed her against him.
"You have two choices, lady. You can help me and we can both live. Or we both die."
"You have no right to threaten me."
"Fine. Here." He dug his hand into his pocket.
Tessa was afraid that he would pull out a gun so she stepped back.
"Take it." He pushed it towards her.
"What's that?"
"If you don't want to save me, you can pawn it. But if you save me, I promise I'll give you anything you want when you present me with that wristwatch."
"Anything? Even-"
Tessa's next words were swallowed by the sound of the gunshots to the roof. Something shattered in the main part of the restaurant as the men outside spoke over each other and swore.
"You owe me." She pointed to the trash bin in the corner. "Hide quickly."