Chapter 7 - Betrayal and Fire
Muffled gunfire erupted through the darkness. Dante and Val immediately drew their weapons, returning fire to cover the retreat. Lorenzo grabbed Elena's wrist, pulling her through a service corridor toward the underground parking bay.
As they reached the lower garage, a dark SUV skidded to a halt, blocking the exit. The door swung open, and Marcus Thorne—Elena’s former manager at The Obsidian—stepped out, holding a suppressed pistol.
"Marcus?" Elena gasped.
Marcus aimed directly at Lorenzo, his face twisted by desperation. "I'm sorry, Elena. Lorenzo's reign is over. The Russians offered ten times what he pays."
"You're a fool, Marcus," Lorenzo said coolly, not stepping back an inch. "Do you truly believe the Volkovs leave loose ends alive?"
As Marcus tightened his finger on the trigger, Elena hurled her heavy embellished clutch directly into his face. The shot went wide, striking the concrete pillar behind them. Lorenzo closed the gap instantly, disarming Marcus and delivering a decisive blow that sent him crashing to the floor.
Sirens echoed in the distance alongside approaching footsteps from Volkov enforcers. Lorenzo opened the door of an idling sports car and shoved Elena into the passenger seat.
"Dante will drive you out of the state," Lorenzo ordered, his voice urgent.
May you like
"What about you?" Elena cried out, clutching his sleeve.
"I finish this tonight." Lorenzo leaned down, pressing a hard, brief kiss to her lips. "If I survive, I will find you."
