Chapter 4 - Confessions in the Penthouse
The elevator doors chimed, opening directly into a stunning, glass-walled penthouse overlooking the city skyline.
Clara stepped out hesitantly, her worn sneakers sinking into the plush, ivory carpet.
“You can stay in the guest wing,” Julian said, shrugging off his suit jacket and tossing it over a chair.
“I can’t stay here,” Clara protested, wrapping her arms around her chest.
“Marcus will find me. He works for the Volkov syndicate.”
Julian poured two fingers of amber whiskey into a crystal glass and turned to face her.
A dark, dangerous smirk played on his lips.
“The Volkovs are a minor nuisance. They answer to me.”
Clara felt the floor tilt beneath her feet.
“You’re a mob boss?” she breathed, stepping backward.
Julian’s eyes softened, a flash of genuine pain crossing his sharp features.
“I am a businessman who operates in the shadows, Clara.”
He walked slowly toward her, stopping just before their bodies touched.
“I will never hurt you. You have my word on my life.”
Clara looked up into his stormy blue eyes, searching for a lie.
She found none.
Only a desperate, burning need to protect her.
“Why are you doing this for me?” she whispered.
Julian gently reached out, his thumb brushing lightly over the fading bruise on her wrist.
“Because someone I loved once suffered in silence, and I was too late to save her.”
May you like
He rested his forehead against hers.
“I will not be too late for you.”
