Chapter 7 - CROSSING THE INVISIBLE LINEEthan moved through the darkened halls of the mansion like a shadow. He wasn't just a former mechanic; before Maya was born, Ethan had served four years in the Army Special Operations. He had buried that life to raise his daughter in peace, but tonight, the soldier returned.
The glass of the patio doors shattered. Two intruders entered the grand living room, weapons raised.
Ethan waited behind a massive marble pillar. As the first intruder stepped past, Ethan struck with lethal speed, disarming him with a swift strike to the wrist and bringing the fireplace poker down on his collarbone. The man collapsed without a sound.
The second intruder turned, but Ethan was already on him, driving him into the wall and securing a chokehold until the man went limp.
Outside, security sirens from the local police force were approaching. Richard’s men had failed.
An hour later, the police had cleared the property and taken the intruders into custody. Victoria emerged from the panic room holding a sleepy Maya. When she saw Ethan covered in minor bruises but entirely unharmed, standing in the center of the living room, she dropped all corporate decorum.
She ran across the room and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder. Ethan wrapped his arms firmly around her waist, holding her close, feeling her heart beating rapidly against his chest.
"You're crazy," she sobbed softly into his neck. "You're an absolute lunatic."
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"I told you," Ethan whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "I don't leave people I care about."
Victoria pulled back slightly, her hands cupping his cheeks. Looking deep into his eyes, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. It was a kiss born of adrenaline, relief, and an overwhelming, long-suppressed passion. Ethan responded instantly, pulling her tighter against him as the rain continued to pour outside the shattered windows.
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