Chapter 6 - Unlikely Saviors
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The world was fading into darkness when the sound of splintering wood shattered the apartment.
The heavy front door was kicked off its hinges with a devastating, explosive force. It crashed onto the living room floor, tearing the deadbolt cleanly out of the frame.
Richard spun around in shock, his grip on Clare’s throat loosening just enough for her to collapse against the cabinets, gasping desperately for air.
Three men stepped over the ruined door. They weren't police officers. They wore impeccably tailored dark suits, their faces carved from stone, radiating an aura of professional, absolute violence.
“Who the hell are you?!” Richard barked, stepping in front of Clare. “I’m calling the cops!”
The lead man, a massive bruiser with a thick scar running through his left eyebrow, didn't say a word. He crossed the small living room in two strides.
Richard tried to throw a punch, but the man easily deflected it, grabbing Richard by the lapels of his expensive polo shirt and slamming his head brutally into the drywall.
Richard crumpled to the floor, groaning in agony, blood pouring from his broken nose.
The other two men stepped into the apartment, completely ignoring the bleeding man on the floor. The lead man looked down at Clare, who was clutching her bruised throat, coughing violently.
“Ms. Jensen,” the scarred man said, his voice surprisingly calm and respectful. “Are you injured?”
“Who... who are you?” Clare choked out, backing away.
“We work for Mr. Salvatore,” the man explained simply. “He requested that we ensure your safety upon your arrival in Miami.”
Clare’s eyes widened in horror. The black car. They had been watching her since the airport. Gabriel Salvatore had never let her go.
“I didn't ask for his protection,” Clare whispered, terrified of the debt she was suddenly incurring.
“Mr. Salvatore doesn't ask for permission to protect what he considers his,” the man replied. He reached out and offered her a hand. “Grab your daughter, Ms. Jensen. You aren't staying here anymore. The boss is waiting.”
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Richard moaned on the floor, trying to push himself up. One of the suited men casually kicked him in the ribs, sending him back to the cheap carpet.
Clare didn't hesitate. She ran to the bedroom, pulled a terrified Maya from the closet, and grabbed her duffel bag. She didn't have a choice. She was trading one monster for another.
