Chapter 6 - The Trap Sprung
The sharp crash of the microphone shattered the fragile peace of the ballroom.
Marco Vance’s bodyguards drew their sidearms, but Dante moved with blinding, predatory speed. He stepped in front of Alina and Leo, his broad frame blocking them completely, and drew his heavy tactical sidearm from his shoulder holster.
BOOM!
Dante fired two precise rounds into the ceiling plaster overhead. The thunderous echo sent the high-society guests and corrupt politicians screaming toward the exit doors in wild panic.
"Frank! Secure the perimeter!" Dante roared, keeping his arm locked around Alina's waist as he guided her and baby Leo toward the grand marble staircase.
Alina held baby Leo tightly against her chest, her midnight-blue silk dress rustling as she sprinted beside the Mafia Boss. Leo didn't cry—the brave nine-month-old held his mother's antique silver locket in one hand and clung to Dante's burgundy lapel with the other, his gray eyes wide and watchful.
Four of Vance’s mercenaries charged up the stairs to cut off their escape.
Dante neutralized the first two with swift, controlled shots, then delivered a devastating strike with his heavy fist to the third man's jaw, sending him crashing down the marble steps.
They reached the private penthouse elevator bank on the top floor. Frank slammed his keycard into the electronic reader, and the steel doors slid open.
Dante ushered Alina and Leo inside, stepping in behind them as the doors clicked shut, sealing them into the quiet elevator as it descended rapidly toward the subterranean parking garage.
Inside the quiet elevator, Alina stood breathing heavily, her face flushed, her dark eyes looking at Dante in utter awe.
Dante stood before her, his tactical weapon lowered, his broad chest rising as he checked baby Leo for any injuries. The infant was completely unharmed, babbling softly as he reached up to touch the thin scar along Dante's face.
Dante’s sharp features softened completely as he looked at his son, then at Alina. He reached out his broad, calloused hand, gently cupping Alina’s cheek, his thumb brushing a stray strand of dark hair from her forehead.
"You were incredible back there, Alina," Dante whispered, his deep voice filled with intense, raw warmth.
Alina looked up into his dark eyes, feeling a powerful, electric spark pass between them in the quiet elevator. For the first time, she didn't see a dangerous Mafia Boss with a dragon tattoo—she saw a fierce, protective father who would burn the world to keep his family safe.
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"We make a good team, Dante," Alina murmured softly, using his first name for the first time.
Suddenly, the elevator jerked violently and came to a dead halt between the second and third subterranean levels as the emergency power grid was cut.
