Chapter 5 - THE CRACK IN THE ARMOR
The confession hung in the air between them, heavy and undeniable.
Chloe’s breath hitched. For months, she had convinced herself that she was nothing more than a biological transaction to Leo Moretti—a convenient vessel to secure his dynasty. To hear him speak of her strength, of wanting her specifically, cracked the thick walls she had built around her heart.
“You’re a dangerous man, Leo Moretti,” she whispered, her hands resting instinctively over his on her stomach.
“Only to those who wish you harm,” he replied, his gaze dropping to her lips before rising back to meet her eyes.
Before Chloe could process the sudden shift in the air, the secure intercom on the desk buzzed sharply.
Leo cursed under his breath, stepping away from her to press the speaker button. “Report.”
“Boss,” Vincent’s voice came through, urgent and breathless. “We tracked the license plate of the sedan from the bakery. It leads to an abandoned warehouse district near Pier 42. But that’s not all. Our informants inside the rival syndicate report that Raymond Vance is making a move.”
Leo’s expression instantly hardened into carved marble. The warmth from moments before vanished, replaced by the lethal coldness of a mob boss preparing for war.
“Vance thinks because there’s a woman involved, I’ve grown soft,” Leo said, his voice dropping an octave. “Get the tactical teams ready. I want every exit sealed within twenty minutes.”
“Understood, Boss.”
The intercom clicked off. Leo turned back to Chloe, his eyes flashing with dark determination.
“Go back to the bedroom and lock the door,” he commanded, reaching into his desk drawer and pulling out a heavy, matte-black Sig Sauer pistol, checking the magazine with expert precision.
“No,” Chloe said, standing her ground.
Leo froze, his dark eyes snapping to her face. “This isn't a negotiation, Chloe.”
“I am not sitting in a room waiting to be rescued while you walk into a war zone,” she snapped, her jaw set. “Raymond Vance is the one who threatened my brother. He’s the one who’s been trying to destabilize your territory. If you think I’m going to cower upstairs while you settle scores, you don't know me at all.”
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Leo stared at her for five long seconds. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Then, slowly, a grim, dangerous smile touched the corner of his mouth.
“God help me,” he muttered. “You really are a Moretti wife.”
