I collapsed while scrubbing blood off the floor of the most feared mafia boss in Grayhaven’s mansion.

At 1:45 AM, the storm outside Grayhaven reached its peak. Heavy rain lashed against the windows, and thunder shook the stone foundation of the estate.

The Blackwood Syndicate fell directly into Declan’s trap.

Three armored vehicles carrying thirty mercenaries tore through the outer gates of the north shipping yard, believing Declan’s forces were distracted and broken.

They were met with total, absolute annihilation.

Declan didn't fight from behind a desk. He led his men on the front line at the docks, wearing heavy tactical armor, his silenced rifle raining hell down upon the intruders.

From the high security control room overlooking the docks, I watched the battle unfold on high-definition thermal monitors alongside Carter’s secondary team.

"The Blackwood captain is falling back!" a security officer shouted. "They're retreating toward the east fence!"

On the monitor, I saw Declan moving through the shadows of the shipping containers like a phantom. He cut off the leader's retreat, disarming him in seconds, bringing the rival syndicate boss to his knees in the pouring rain.

Within forty-five minutes, the entire Blackwood strike force had surrendered or been eliminated.

The threat that had hung over Grayhaven for five long years was wiped out in a single, decisive night.

At 3:30 AM, the heavy armored SUV pulled back into the courtyard of the mansion.

I ran down the grand marble staircase as the front doors opened.

Declan stepped into the foyer. He was soaked with rain, dark smudges of gunpowder across his jaw, his tactical vest splattered with water and mud.

When he saw me running toward him, he dropped his rifle into Carter’s hands and stepped forward with open arms.

I slammed into him, throwing my arms around his neck, uncaring of the mud or water.

"You came back," I sobbed with relief.

"I'll always come back to you, Nora," Declan rasped, wrapping his large arms around my waist, spinning me around right there in the grand foyer as his men cheered and clapped around us.