Chapter 6 - the night of the breach
By midnight, a violent thunderstorm slammed into the coastal cliffs. Heavy rain lashed against the reinforced windows of the estate, and lightning illuminated the dark ocean below in sudden, blinding flashes.
Inside the sub-level panic vault beneath the mansion, Clare sat on a leather sofa, holding a fast-asleep Ellie in her arms. The heavy iron door stood sealed, locked by three mechanical deadbolts.
The security monitors on the wall displayed live feeds from the perimeter gates.
Suddenly, three tactical SUVs belonging to the Vance Syndicate smashed through the outer security gates, tearing across the manicured lawns under the cover of the storm. Armed mercenaries in dark tactical gear poured out of the vehicles, firing suppressed weapons at the outer guard posts.
Dominic stood near the vault monitoring station, wearing a black tactical vest over a dark long-sleeve shirt. His broad shoulders were squared, his dark hair damp from the rain outside as he checked the magazine of his heavy sidearm.
"They're desperate, Boss," Vincent said, watching the monitors as he coordinated the house defense team over his earpiece. "Arthur’s arrest spooked the Chicago bosses. They know if they don't secure that forty-million-dollar trust key tonight, your syndicate will liquidate their entire east coast operations by morning."
"Let them come," Dominic said, his deep voice thick with lethal promise. "They think my house is weak because I was injured. I am going to teach them why this cliff is called the Vale."
Dominic turned toward Clare. He walked over to the sofa, kneeling down in front of her. He reached out, his warm, large hand resting gently over hers.
"Stay inside this vault, Clare," Dominic said softly, his dark eyes locking onto hers with intense devotion. "No matter what you hear outside these doors, do not open them until Vincent or I give you the voice code."
Clare looked up into his rugged, handsome face, tears of deep concern welling in her brown eyes. She reached out with her free hand, resting her soft fingers against his strong jawline.
"Please be careful, Dominic," she whispered, her voice trembling. "We need you to come back."
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Dominic felt a sudden, powerful surge of emotion in his chest. He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her forehead, his breath warm against her skin.
"I will always come back to you," Dominic promised softly.
