Chapter 9
The death of Julian the traitor solidified the loyalty of the remaining Ashford forces, but it also painted a clear, undeniable picture: as long as Victor Mercer drew breath, the Ashford family would never be safe.
Two hours later, Roman stood in the armory, loading magazines with cold, mechanical precision. He was gearing up for a full-scale assault on the Mercer family’s central compound. This was not a defensive maneuver; this was a decapitation strike.
Nina stood in the doorway, her clear eyes filled with a heavy, sorrowful understanding. She had washed the gunpowder from her hands, but the memory of the weight of the gun still lingered.
"You're leaving," she stated quietly, stepping into the room.
Roman stopped, setting down his weapon. He walked over to her, his broad shoulders casting a protective shadow over her petite frame. "I have to, Nina. Victor crossed the line of no return. If I don't end him tonight, he will keep coming after you and Owen."
"I want to go with you," she said, her chin lifting with sudden defiance.
Roman’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened with profound affection. He reached out, his tattooed hands cupping her face. "No. Absolutely not. You proved your bravery today, Nina, but I will not drag you into a bloodbath. You stay here. You keep Owen safe in the bunker. Dante will be with you."
"But what if something happens to you?" she whispered, her voice cracking.
"I am the king of this city," Roman murmured, leaning down to press his forehead against hers. "And I have a queen waiting for me at home. Nothing on this earth can stop me from coming back to you."
He kissed her, a deep, passionate, branding kiss that tasted of impending violence and eternal devotion. He pulled away, securing his tactical vest, and walked out of the armory, leading his army into the night.
For the next four hours, Nina sat in the underground bunker with Owen, listening to the encrypted radio chatter. The strike on the Mercer compound was brutal and swift. Roman’s forces attacked with overwhelming firepower, catching Victor’s men completely off guard.
Nina squeezed her eyes shut, praying for Roman’s safety as the radio barked reports of breached walls and heavy casualties on the Mercer side.
Finally, the radio crackled with a burst of static, followed by Roman’s deep, exhausted voice.
"Dante. Do you copy?"
Dante, standing near the bunker console, grabbed the mic. "Copy, Boss. Status?"
"The Mercer compound is secured," Roman reported, his breathing heavy. "Victor Mercer is dead. The remaining lieutenants have surrendered. It's done."
Nina let out a massive, tearing sob of relief, burying her face in her hands. The nightmare was finally over.
"What about Dahlia, Boss?" Dante asked grimly.
There was a long pause on the radio. "Dahlia escaped before we breached the inner sanctum. She took a vehicle and fled the city. Let her run. Without her father's money or men, she is a ghost. We won."
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"Copy that, Boss. Bring the boys home," Dante smiled, looking over at Nina with deep respect.
An hour later, the heavy steel door of the bunker hissed open. Roman walked in, covered in ash and blood, looking like a weary god of war. He dropped his weapons and fell to his knees as Nina and Owen rushed into his arms. The war was won, and his family was safe.
