Chapter 2 - The Crimson Threshold
Julian didn't flinch. In a fraction of a second, his body shifted, shielding Clara entirely from the line of fire. The air in the penthouse crackled with lethal intent. Julian’s private security detail, hidden in the shadows of the mezzanine, racked their slides in unison, laser dots painting red constellations across Senator Sterling’s chest.
"You dare draw steel under my roof, Thomas?" Julian asked, his voice steady as granite. "In my city?"
Senator Sterling’s eyes darted upward to the snipers perched above. He knew Julian’s reputation. Vance was not merely a billionaire real estate magnate; he was the undisputed kingmaker of the eastern seaboard, a man whose family roots ran deeper into the city’s underground than city hall itself.
"The girl is property of the Sterling estate," the Senator said through gritted teeth. "She violated her non-disclosure agreement and stole classified files from our safe. Give her to us, and we overlook this insult."
Clara clung to the fabric of Julian’s tuxedo jacket from behind, her entire body shaking violently. "Mr. Vance... please... don't let them take me back," she whimpered, her breath warm and ragged against his shoulder. "If they take me, they'll kill me."
Julian reached back, his large hand finding hers, fingers interlacing with an instinctive, protective grip. The contrast between his scarred, tattooed knuckles and her fragile, bruised fingers was striking.
"Nobody leaves this room until I say so," Julian declared. "Victoria, pack your jewelry. Your engagement to me ended the moment you laid hands on this girl."
May you like
Victoria gasped, rising in outrage, but Julian didn't even look at her. He turned his head slightly toward Clara. "Take her to my private quarters on the penthouse floor. Lock the steel doors."
As two of Julian’s most trusted bodyguards moved to escort Clara toward the private elevator, Senator Sterling reached into his coat pocket. A metallic click echoed through the hall, followed by the high-pitched arming beep of a detonator.
