Chapter 9 - The Iron Fortress|
The Sewickley estate was a fortress disguised as a country home. High stone walls, discreet security cameras, and trained guards discreetly stationed around the perimeter made it clear that no unwanted soul could ever step foot on the grounds.
A gentle housekeeper named Mrs. Gable greeted us at the heavy oak front doors, immediately taking my coat and offering a warm smile.
"Show Miss Monroe to the guest suite in the east wing," Ronin instructed her. "Ensure she has everything she needs."
"Right away, sir," Mrs. Gable nodded softly.
Ronin turned to me, standing in the grand foyer under the warm light of a crystal chandelier. "Take a shower. Rest. Your phone will be wiped and replaced with a encrypted line by evening. You don't have to look at his messages ever again."
"Ronin," I whispered, stepping closer to him. "Why are you doing all of this? I'm just your secretary."
Ronin looked at me for a long, quiet moment. The cold, ruthless titan who had slammed a prosecutor against a pillar vanished, leaving only a man holding a heavy, unspoken truth.
"You've worked three feet away from me for three years, Laurel," Ronin said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "You know every detail of my life. You know how I take my coffee, you know when I'm angry, you know every deal I've ever signed."
May you like
He stepped closer, his thumb gently brushing the edge of my jaw, careful not to touch my bruised wrist.
"How have you not realized yet," Ronin murmured, "that you are the only reason I come into that office every morning?"
