Chapter 9 - The Basement
The grand dining room was completely cleared of the remaining, terrified capos.
Leonardo descended into the cold, damp basement to deal with the man who had betrayed his family.
Abigail stayed upstairs and went to the panic room to comfort the frightened children.
She sat on the floor with Ellie in her lap while Samuel pressed closely against her side.
Even Julian sat near her, his hostile demeanor finally broken by the terrifying events of the day.
Julian looked at Abigail and quietly thanked her for saving his life in the foyer.
Abigail smiled softly and told him that family protects family, no matter what.
The children finally realized that this strange woman was not a gold digger or a replacement for their mother.
She was a fierce, unstoppable protector who was willing to bleed for them.
Hours later, Leonardo emerged from the basement with blood on his white shirt and a dark, heavy exhaustion in his eyes.
He found Abigail waiting for him in his private office with a glass of expensive scotch.
He drank the liquor in one smooth motion and leaned heavily against his mahogany desk.
He told her that Marcus had given up his entire network, and the threat was completely neutralized.
Leonardo looked at Abigail with a raw, undeniable vulnerability he had not shown in years.
He reached out and gently traced the line of her jaw with his rough thumb.
He told her that he had advertised for a simple cook, but he had found a true queen for his empire.
Abigail leaned into his touch, her heart racing as the intense romantic tension finally boiled over.
Leonardo pulled her into a deep, desperate kiss that swept away all the violence and fear of the long day.
He picked her up effortlessly and carried her toward the heavy leather sofa in the corner of the office.
As he laid her down, his hand brushed against the tiny silver pendant resting on her collarbone.
May you like
The metal casing of the cheap necklace suddenly snapped open under his heavy fingers.
Leonardo completely froze as he looked down at the tiny, blinking red light hidden inside the jewelry.
