Chapter 2 - Shattered Sanctuaries
The armored town car glided smoothly through the decaying streets of Boston’s south side.
Clara sat rigidly against the luxurious leather seats, painfully aware of how out of place she looked next to Julian.
He had not spoken a word since they left the hospital, but his eyes tracked every rusted fire escape and graffiti-covered brick wall they passed.
“It’s the next building on the right,” Clara murmured, pointing toward a crumbling apartment complex.
Elias, the stoic driver, pulled the massive vehicle to a halt beside a shattered streetlight.
Julian stared at the building, his expression darkening into a stormy scowl.
“You live here?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
“It’s what I can afford,” Clara said defensively, reaching for the door handle.
Before she could open it, Julian was already out of the car, rounding the hood to open her door himself.
He offered his hand, and reluctantly, she placed her small, battered fingers into his large, warm palm.
As they approached the front steps, Clara’s heart plummeted.
The heavy deadbolt on her apartment door was splintered, the wood shattered around the frame.
Someone had broken in.
Panic seized Clara’s chest, making it impossible to draw air into her lungs.
Julian’s demeanor changed in a fraction of a second, shifting from a wealthy businessman to an apex predator.
He gently pushed Clara behind his broad back.
“Elias,” Julian barked, not taking his eyes off the broken door.
The driver was instantly by his side, a dark, lethal-looking handgun suddenly appearing in his grip.
Clara gasped, stepping back.
“What is going on?” she choked out, terror flooding her veins.
Julian glanced back at her, his blue eyes fiercely protective.
“We are leaving,” he commanded.
“But my things—”
May you like
“Are replaceable. Your life is not.”
Julian scooped her into his arms effortlessly, carrying her back to the car before she could protest.
