Chapter 7 - Tested by Fire
“Grab the kid!” the lead mercenary barked, pointing a tactical rifle directly at Willow. “Kill the woman!”
Mia screamed, hiding her face in Willow's neck. Willow felt a surge of absolute, blinding instinct. She wasn't just a waitress or a nanny anymore; she was the protector of this child, and she refused to let anyone tear their family apart.
As the second mercenary stepped forward to grab Mia, Willow acted without thinking. She grabbed a heavy, solid bronze desk lamp from the bedside table and swung it with all her strength, striking the man hard across his face. The mercenary groaned, staggering backward into the hallway.
“You bitch!” the lead gunman roared, raising his rifle to shoot Willow.
BANG! BANG!
Two sudden, thunderous gunshots echoed through the bedroom. The lead gunman’s eyes went wide, and he collapsed to the floor instantly.
Standing in the doorway, framed by smoke and glowing red emergency lights, was Josiah. His custom black sidearm was raised, smoke curling from the barrel. His eyes were wide with a terrifying, primal rage. Behind him, Marcus and a team of loyal Sterling guards moved in to clear the remaining attackers.
“Josiah!” Willow cried out, holding Mia tightly against her chest.
Josiah dropped his weapon into its holster and rushed across the room, closing the distance between them in a single stride. He pulled both Willow and Mia into his massive arms, wrapping them in an embrace so fierce and tight that Willow could feel the frantic, heavy pounding of his heart against her cheek.
“Are you hurt? Tell me you’re not hurt!” Josiah pleaded, his voice breaking as he cupped Willow’s face in his hand, his thumb desperately wiping away a drop of blood on her cheek from flying glass.
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“We’re okay... we’re okay,” Willow sobbed, holding onto his blood-stained tactical vest. “You came.”
“I will always come for you,” Josiah swore, kissing Mia’s forehead fiercely before pressing a soft, desperate kiss against Willow’s forehead. “Marcus! Secure the lower bunkers! I am ending the Valenti family tonight.”
