Chapter 10
The profound, heavy tension between them was suddenly shattered by the sharp, urgent buzzing of the satellite phone resting on the mahogany desk across the room.
Michael pulled his hand away from Emily’s face, his pale blue eyes hardening instantly as he turned toward the desk. He walked over with long, fast strides and snatched the phone, pressing it to his ear.
"Report," Michael barked, his terrifying mafia boss persona snapping back into place effortlessly.
Emily stood up from the armchair, her heart pounding as she watched his facial micro-expressions shift rapidly. His sharp jaw clenched, the muscles in his neck tightening. The devastating despair from earlier was entirely gone, replaced by a cold, calculating, and violent readiness.
"Are my men secure?" Michael asked, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. He listened for a moment, his eyes darting toward Emily. "Understood. Lock down the hospital wing. Shoot anyone who breaches the perimeter, badge or no badge. I am on my way."
He ended the call, tossing the phone back onto the desk.
"What is it?" Emily asked, taking a step forward, her hands instinctively clutching the white apron of her uniform. "Is Noah okay? Did the tachycardia rebound?"
"Noah is stable," Michael answered, turning to face her. "He is awake, and the doctors say his prognosis is excellent. Because of you."
Emily let out a slow, trembling breath of relief. "Then what's wrong?"
"The ambulance transport was flagged," Michael stated grimly, walking back toward her. "Someone intercepted the paramedic communication channels. They didn't come for the ambulance, but they tracked the registration of the medical personnel. The lead paramedic you yelled at... he was just found dead in the hospital parking garage."
Emily’s blood ran cold. The color drained completely from her fair face. The cartel wasn't just looking for her; they were eliminating anyone who might have seen her, anyone who could confirm that a highly trained doctor was hiding in Boston.
"They know," Emily whispered in stunned disbelief, stepping backward toward the door. "They know I'm here. I have to run. I have to leave right now."
Before she could reach the heavy mahogany doors, Michael moved with blinding speed, blocking her path entirely. His broad, muscular frame formed an impenetrable wall between her and the exit.
"You aren't running anymore," Michael declared, his pale blue eyes burning with a fierce, absolute command. He reached out, grabbing both of her shoulders, holding her firmly in place. "This mansion is a fortress, and as of tonight, you are under the permanent protection of the Carter family."
"Michael, they will come for you too!" Emily pleaded, her voice desperate.
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"Let them come," Michael sneered, a dark, terrifying smile spreading across his face as he looked down at the brilliant surgeon who had saved his world. "They are about to find out what happens when you threaten what belongs to a Boston king."
The heavy mahogany doors suddenly swung open, and three heavily armed enforcers stepped into the room, their weapons drawn, waiting for their boss's final command. The war had officially begun.
