Chapter 9
Enid’s breath hitched in her throat. The imposing frame of the mafia boss filled her vision as he stepped closer. The warm golden light of the study caught the fine lines framing his perceptive eyes, revealing a depth of character she had never fully appreciated.
"What kind of change, Mr. Ravenshaw?" Enid asked, her heart racing.
"Would you prefer to assume the role of Aaron’s personal governess, answering to no one in this house but me?" Felix asked.
Enid stared at him, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the offer. A personal governess was a position of high respect and immense trust, offering a salary and security that far exceeded her role as a housemaid. It meant she would no longer be invisible; she would be a central figure in the life of the mafia boss's family.
"Are you serious, sir?" Enid asked, a radiant, beautiful smile breaking across her fair, rosy face.
"Have I ever joked about the welfare of my child?" Felix asked, stopping just inches from her.
"I would be honored," Enid whispered.
"Will you trust me to keep you safe when the war begins tonight?" Felix asked, his voice a low, gravelly promise.
"Always," Enid replied without hesitation.
Felix raised his tattooed hand, his knuckles gently brushing against the soft curve of her jawline. It was a fleeting, electric touch that promised a future far more complicated than employer and employee.
Before either could speak again, the heavy oak doors of the study burst open. A bloodied security operative stumbled into the room, gasping for breath.
"Is the perimeter breached?" Felix asked, spinning around, his hand already reaching for the concealed weapon beneath his vest.
"Yes, Boss!" the operative choked out. "The Ward syndicate didn't wait! They are at the gates right now!"
Felix looked back at Enid, his cold, perceptive eyes burning with an unyielding, protective fire.
"Shall we show them exactly what it costs to threaten my family?" Felix asked the quiet room.
He racked the slide of his handgun with a sharp, metallic clatter as the estate's high-pitched security sirens began to wail. The war had officially arrived at their doorstep.
"Are the interior blast doors engaged?" Felix asked, remaining terrifyingly calm despite the adrenaline surging through his veins.
"Engaging now, sir! But they have heavy explosives. We are returning fire, but they are pushing hard toward the family wing!" the operative shouted over his radio.
"Will you hold the main hall until I arrive?" Felix asked.
"We will hold the line, Mr. Ravenshaw!"
Felix released the radio button. He reached under his desk, his tattooed hands moving with practiced, lethal precision, and pulled out a heavy, customized automatic weapon. He turned and looked at Enid. She was backed against the wall, her expressive eyes wide with fear, yet entirely resolute. She was not running.
"Are you prepared to lock this door behind me?" Felix asked, walking toward her.
"I have to get to Aaron!" Enid cried out, panic finally lacing her American accent. "They are going toward his room!"
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"Will you survive running through a crossfire in the main hallway?" Felix asked bluntly, his imposing frame blocking the exit.
"I can't just leave him alone in the dark, Felix!" Enid pleaded, using his first name in her desperation. "He will be terrified!"
