Chapter 7 - Protecting What Is Mine
Inside the dark pantry, Maris held Leo tightly against her chest, her hands pressed over her son’s ears to drown out the terrifying sounds of war taking place on the other side of the wall.
Shouts. Shattering wood. The heavy thuds of bodies slamming against drywall. The sharp, violent cracks of gunfire.
Maris wept silently, praying to every god she knew to keep Cassius alive. She realized with absolute, horrifying clarity that she had spent five years running from a man who was willing to die to keep her and her son breathing.
Suddenly, the gunshots stopped.
A heavy, suffocating silence descended over the house.
Maris held her breath, her heart hammering against her ribs so hard it was painful. Five seconds. Ten seconds.
Footsteps.
Heavy, slow steps approached the pantry door.
Maris squeezed her eyes shut, pulling a heavy brass heavy candlestick off the shelf, raising it with trembling hands, ready to fight for her child’s life.
The iron latch turned. The heavy door swung open.
Standing in the doorway, framed by the smoke and destruction of the ruined house, was Cassius.
His sweater was torn at the shoulder, stained with soot and blood. A deep cut bled over his left eyebrow, but his posture was upright, towering, and victorious. Behind him, three of Mercer’s gunmen lay unconscious or dead on the floor, while Gideon and six Vane security operatives were securing the perimeter outside.
Cassius looked down into the pantry. When his eyes met Maris’s, the cold killer vanished, replaced by the man who loved her beyond reason.
He dropped his weapon and reached into the dark space, pulling both Maris and Leo out into his arms.
"It’s over," Cassius whispered, his broad chest heaving as he held them both so tight they could barely breathe. "It’s over. They're done."
Gideon stepped into the ruined living room, stepping over the debris, holding a satellite phone.
"Boss," Gideon reported, his voice crisp. "Mercer’s primary compound in Chicago has just been raided by federal authorities. We leaked his offshore ledger fifteen minutes ago. Victor Mercer is in custody. The syndicate is dismantled."
Cassius didn't even look at Gideon. He kept his arms wrapped securely around Maris and Leo, his face buried in Maris’s golden hair.
"We leave for Chicago tonight," Cassius said softly, looking down at Maris. "No more running. No more hiding. You and Leo are coming home."
Maris looked at the ruin of her house, then looked up into the eyes of the man she had loved for five long, painful years. She saw the blood on his forehead, the fierce protection in his eyes, and the deep, unwavering devotion that had survived her worst mistake.
May you like
She reached up, her soft fingers gently wiping the blood from his cheek.
"Take us home, Cassius," Maris whispered softly. "Take us home."
