Chapter 8 - Safe in the Dark
Damian rushed into the glass office, but as he approached the table, seven-year-old Ava screamed violently, rocking back and forth, entirely overwhelmed by the flashbangs, the gunshots, and the terrifying noise.
"Ava, baby, it's Daddy!" Damian tried to reach for her, but his frantic energy only made her shrink further into the corner, kicking her legs in terror.
"Damian, wait!" Natalie called out softly, stepping into the room.
She motioned for Damian to step back. Taking a slow, deep breath, Natalie dropped onto her hands and knees and crawled across the glass-strewn floor toward the metal table.
She didn't try to touch Ava. She didn't make sudden movements.
Instead, Natalie reached up and switched off the harsh halogen construction light sitting on the desk. Darkness enveloped the small office, illuminated only by the faint moonlight outside.
Natalie took off her heavy wool coat—the one she had pulled over her silk dress—and gently laid it near Ava's feet.
Then, just as she had done months ago on the cold marble floor of Bellamy & Stone, Natalie began to hum.
A low, steady, comforting vibration.
Mmm-mmm-mmm...
The chaotic noise of the warehouse seemed to fade away. Ava’s frantic rocking slowed down. Her hands slowly lowered from her ears.
"Natalie?" Ava whimpered, her tiny voice trembling.
"I'm right here, sweetheart," Natalie whispered gently. "You're safe. Your dad is here. Nobody can hurt you."
Ava crawled out from under the table and threw her small arms around Natalie’s neck, burying her face in Natalie’s shoulder. Natalie wrapped her coat around the child, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head.
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Damian stood in the doorway, watching the woman he loved hold his daughter. Tears welled in the eyes of the ruthless man as he stepped forward, dropping to his knees, and wrapped his massive arms around both of them, holding them tight against his chest.
"I've got you," Damian breathed, his voice cracking with emotion. "I've got you both."
