Chapter 10
The atmosphere in the grand foyer was a chaotic symphony of violence and preparation. The tiered crystal chandeliers were shattered, raining glass across the blood-stained marble floors. Harrison’s men moved with terrifying efficiency, loading assault rifles, distributing tactical body armor, and organizing a massive counter-offensive.
Harrison stood near the center of the room, strapping a heavy Kevlar vest over his dark turtleneck. His angular jaw was set in stone, his eyes focused entirely on the logistics of the impending slaughter.
Lena stood by the sweeping staircase, holding Archie tightly against her hip. She had cleaned the dust from her face, but she felt entirely numb. The reality of Harrison's world had finally crashed down upon her. She was no longer watching the mafia from the sidelines; she was the reason they were going to war.
Harrison finished securing his gear and walked over to her. He handed Archie off to Marco, who held the toddler with surprising gentleness for a scarred killer.
"Marco will take you to the underground bunker," Harrison instructed softly, his voice meant only for her ears. "The steel doors will lock from the inside. There is a week's worth of food and water. You do not open it until I come get you."
"Harrison, please," Lena whispered, her hands gripping the lapels of his tactical vest. "Don't go. Let your men handle it. If Arthur Wren is expecting you—"
"He is expecting a broken man," Harrison interrupted gently, his tattooed hands coming up to cup her face. His thumbs brushed over her fair, rosy skin. "He thinks he struck fear into my heart tonight. I have to show him, and every other syndicate in this city, what happens when you touch my family."
"I can't lose you," Lena sobbed, the tears flowing freely now. She pressed her hand against her stomach, the baby kicking frantically against the tension in her body. "We need you."
Harrison looked down at her bump, a profound, agonizing love softening his harsh features. He leaned down and pressed a long, reverent kiss directly over her stomach, before standing up and capturing her lips in a deep, desperate kiss. It tasted of smoke, salt, and absolute devotion.
"I'll burn their empire to the ground for touching my house," Harrison whispered fiercely against her mouth. "I will make the world safe for you and our children."
"Promise me you'll come back," Lena pleaded, her clear eyes searching his dark ones.
"I swear it," Harrison vowed.
He stepped back, breaking the physical connection between them. He turned to his men, his presence instantly commanding the room.
"Move out!" Harrison roared, his voice echoing off the ruined walls. "Leave no survivors!"
Lena watched as Harrison led his heavily armed soldiers out through the shattered grand doors and into the howling winter blizzard. The snow swirled around his broad shoulders as he disappeared into the darkness, walking directly into the fires of war.
May you like
Marco gently touched her arm. "Come on, Lena. We have to get downstairs."
Lena turned and followed the capo into the depths of the mansion, holding Archie's hand. As the heavy steel doors of the bunker hissed shut, sealing her in silence, she placed a trembling hand over her unborn child. She was safe, but her heart was out there in the snow, the fate of their family hanging entirely in the balance.
