Chapter 9
The heavy, reinforced steel doors of the West Wing hissed shut behind them, the massive internal locks engaging with a heavy, final CLANK.
Instantly, the chaotic sounds of the mansion's lockdown were completely silenced. The West Wing was Adrien’s absolute private sanctuary, a place no servant, no lieutenant, and no enemy had ever been allowed to enter. The hallway was dimly lit by warm amber sconces, the walls lined with dark mahogany paneling and expensive, classic art.
Adrien led Clara down the corridor and into his private study. It was a massive room, featuring a roaring fireplace, deep leather couches, and a colossal mahogany desk. The floor-to-ceiling windows were covered by heavy steel shutters that had automatically deployed when the lockdown was initiated.
"Put her down on the couch," Adrien instructed, walking over to a hidden cabinet behind his desk.
Clara gently set Lily down on the expensive leather sofa. The little girl looked around the dark, imposing room, her pink dress a stark contrast to the dark mafia luxury.
"Is this your room?" Lily asked Adrien, her voice small but curious.
"Yes, little one," Adrien replied. He pulled a heavy, matte-black secure communications tablet from the cabinet. "This is where I work."
"It's very dark," Lily observed, kicking her legs over the edge of the couch. "Are the bad men outside?"
Clara gasped, rushing to sit beside her daughter. "Lily, hush."
Adrien paused, looking at the child. He walked over and crouched down in front of her, just as he had done in the grand hallway. The exhaustion in his face was heavy, but his eyes remained gentle when looking at her.
"There are some loud people outside," Adrien explained softly, framing the violent mafia war in terms a three-year-old could understand. "But they cannot come in here. The doors are very strong. We are going to play a new game now. It’s called the quiet game. Can you do that for me?"
Lily nodded solemnly, putting a tiny finger over her lips. "Shhh."
"Good girl," Adrien smiled faintly. He stood up and looked at Clara. "Sit with her. Do not leave this room. I have to monitor the security feeds from the desk."
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Clara nodded, pulling a thick cashmere throw blanket from the back of the couch and wrapping it around Lily. She watched Adrien as he worked, his broad shoulders hunched over the glowing tablet. He was terrifying, powerful, and ruthless, yet he had willingly locked himself in a room to protect a night maid and her child.
"Why are you doing this for us?" Clara whispered, the question escaping her lips before she could stop it.
