Chapter 6 - The Glass House|
The Cadillac turned off the highway forty minutes later, passing through a set of massive wrought-iron gates guarded by four armed men in tactical gear.
We pulled up the long, winding driveway of a cliffside estate overlooking the dark waters of Long Island Sound. The house was a modern fortress of black stone, glass, and steel, surrounded by high concrete walls and security cameras.
The SUV ground to a halt under the wide marble portico.
"Boss," the driver said, looking back. "The house is secure. Captain Anton has set a triple perimeter."
Dimitri opened his door, stepping out into the cold rain before turning and extending a hand to me.
I looked at his open palm. His skin was pale, his knuckles bruised, his signet ring gleaming under the exterior lanterns.
"I can't stay here," I said, my voice cracking as I looked around the terrifying, militarized estate. "I have a shift tomorrow. I have rent due. I need to go home."
Dimitri did not pull his hand back.
"Your diner is currently a crime scene filled with federal agents and Moretti enforcers, Elena," he said, his tone entirely devoid of debate. "Your apartment address is listed in the employee ledger behind the counter. If you go back to your apartment tonight, you will be dead before sunrise."
The reality of his words hit me like a physical blow.
My small, quiet life—my late rent, my tired feet, my invisible mornings—was gone. Destroyed in the span of forty-one seconds because I couldn't watch a stranger get his head blown off.
May you like
Tears blurred my vision as I slid my small, cold hand into his.
His grip closed around mine—firm, warm, and absolute. He pulled me out of the vehicle and guided me up the wide stone steps into the warm, quiet luxury of his glass house.
