Chapter 8 - A Declaration in the Storm
The rain was pouring heavily over the ocean when Frank’s car passed through the heavy iron gates of the Vance estate.
Mina stepped out of the car, her rain jacket pulled tight around her. She didn't wait for Frank to escort her. She walked straight up the stone steps and pushed through the grand front doors.
The house was dark and silent.
In the grand living room, a single fire burned low in the fireplace. Sitting in a high-backed leather chair facing the flames was Leo. He held a glass of dark liquor, his posture slouched with an exhaustion Mina had never seen in him before. He looked older, heavier, carrying the weight of a violent world on his shoulders.
"Frank," Leo said without turning around, his voice rough. "I told you I didn't want to be disturbed tonight."
"It's not Frank," Mina said softly.
Leo froze.
He stood up slowly, turning around as if he believed she were a ghost created by his tired mind. His steel-gray eyes locked onto hers, filled with a mixture of shock, longing, and sudden panic.
"Mina?" he breathed. "What are you doing here? Did something happen? Is someone threatening you?"
"No one is threatening me, Leo," Mina said, taking a step toward him across the thick oriental rug.
"Then why are you here?" Leo asked, his tone growing defensive, trying to protect himself. "I gave you my word. I stayed away. I made sure Callahan's was safe—Moretti is gone. He will never bother you again. You are free."
"I don't want to be free of you!" Mina shouted, her voice echoing off the high wood-paneled ceiling.
Leo stopped, stunned into silence.
Mina walked right up to him, stopping only inches from his chest. She grabbed the lapels of his dark wool jacket, forcing him to look down into her eyes.
"You idiot," she sobbed, a laugh escaping her breath through her tears. "You thought you were protecting me by walking away. But all you did was leave me in a quiet, lonely room. I tried to go back to my normal, safe life, Leo. And it meant nothing. It felt empty."
"Mina... my world is dangerous—"
"I don't care!" Mina cried out, pressing her hand against his cheek. His skin was rough, warm, and familiar. "I don't care about the dark cars or the security guards or the broken windows! I care about you. I care about Ezra. I spent my whole life running from fear, Leo, but being away from you is the only thing that actually terrifies me."
Leo stared at her, his dark eyes searching her face, looking for any hesitation, any doubt. He found none—only fierce, unwavering devotion.
A low groan escaped Leo’s throat as his control shattered completely.
He wrapped his large arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet and pulling her flush against his chest. He buried his face in her neck, breathing in the scent of rain and vanilla that belonged only to her.
"I missed you," he growled softly against her skin, his body shaking with suppressed emotion. "Every single second of every day, Mina. I was losing my mind without you."
"Then don't ever send me away again," Mina whispered, holding his head in her hands.
Leo pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "Never. I swear to God, Mina, I will spend the rest of my life making sure you and Ezra are safe. I will burn the world down before I let anything happen to either of you."
May you like
He leaned down and captured her lips with his.
The kiss was deep, desperate, and filled with months of unspoken longing. Mina wrapped her arms around his neck, pouring all her love, her strength, and her heart into him. The cold storm outside raged against the glass windows, but inside the dark fortress, two lost souls had finally found their home.
