Chapter 7 - The Trial of Blood and Loyalty
Inside the panic room, the monitors flickered to life, projecting live feeds from the security cameras across the estate. Clara watched with bated breath as shadowy figures moved through the gardens.
It was a coordinated hit. Four armed mercenaries had scaled the perimeter wall, attempting to infiltrate the main study to steal the financial ledgers.
On another monitor, she saw Dominic.
He moved through the dark corridors of his own home like a ghost. He didn't shout or panic. With terrifying calm, he outmaneuvered the intruders one by one. Noah and his men secured the perimeter, trapping the mercenaries in a crossfire.
The confrontation was swift and brutal. Within twenty minutes, the threat was neutralized. The intruders were captured, bound on the wet gravel of the courtyard.
Dominic stood under the harsh light of the portico, rain beginning to fall once more, looking down at the captive men.
The leader of the cell spat blood onto the pavement. "You think you've won, Russo? The council wants you out. This is just the beginning."
Dominic didn't blink. He signaled to Noah, then turned his gaze upward, directly toward the camera lens he knew looked into his study. He knew Clara was watching.
The feed cut to black.
Minutes later, the heavy steel door of the panic room clicked and swung open.
Dominic stood in the doorway, breathing slightly heavier than usual, a small graze of blood staining his cheek. He looked at Clara, who was shaking against the far wall.
"It's over," he said quietly.
May you like
Clara rushed forward, not thinking, and threw her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.
Dominic stiffened in surprise. For a moment, he stood completely rigid, unused to comfort or affection. Then, slowly, his arms came up, wrapping securely around her, holding her against the storm outside.
