Chapter 9 - The Beast Unleashed
Luca stepped into the boathouse, covered in mud and blood that wasn't his own.
He didn't say a word.
He moved with the terrifying, predatory grace of a cornered beast.
Elena screamed and fired a shot, but her hand was shaking too badly from the rolling pin strike.
The bullet grazed Luca's shoulder, tearing through his jacket, but he didn't even flinch.
He reached her in two strides, slapping the weapon out of her hand so hard it flew into the lake.
He grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against the rotting wooden wall.
I watched as the man I married finally showed his true face, the ruthless Mafia boss who ruled an empire.
He was lethal, merciless, and completely terrifying.
I expected to feel fear, but all I felt was overwhelming relief.
Luca dropped Elena to the floor, leaving her gasping for air as his men rushed in to secure her.
He turned to face me, his massive chest heaving.
He hesitated, looking down at his blood-stained hands, clearly expecting me to recoil from him.
"I told you," he whispered roughly.
"Experience told me you would run."
I didn't run.
I walked straight up to him and placed my hands on his bloodied cheeks.
"I told you I was stubborn," I replied, tracing the line of his jaw.
He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch like a starving man offered bread.
For a beautiful, perfect moment, the chaos of the world faded away.
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Then, the crack of a sniper rifle echoed across the water.
Marco stepped out from the reeds, his weapon raised for one final shot.
