Chapter 7 - The Fortress
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The drive out to Star Island was a blur of neon lights and adrenaline. Clare sat in the back of the black SUV, clutching Maya tightly to her chest.
They crossed a heavily guarded private bridge, pulling up to massive wrought-iron gates that opened silently. The Salvatore compound was a sprawling, modern fortress of white stucco and glass, overlooking the dark, shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay.
The SUV stopped at the front steps. The scarred man opened her door.
“He’s in his study,” the man said, pointing toward the grand entrance.
Clare carried Maya, who had fallen asleep against her shoulder, up the marble steps. The house was breathtaking, filled with imported art and modern luxury, but it felt cold. It felt like a beautifully decorated cage.
She was escorted down a long, quiet hallway to a set of heavy oak double doors.
Gabriel Salvatore was standing by a floor-to-ceiling window, a glass of amber liquid in his hand, looking out at the bay. He turned when she entered. He was wearing a dark dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up, revealing faint, dark ink trailing up his forearms.
“You’re bleeding,” Gabriel said, his eyes immediately locking onto the red, bruised handprint forming on her throat. His voice dropped to a lethal, quiet register.
“I’m fine,” Clare said, stepping back defensively. “You had your men follow me.”
“I had my men protect you,” Gabriel corrected, setting his glass down. He walked toward her, his imposing frame dominating the room. “Your ex-husband broke a restraining order, tracked you across state lines, and was strangling you in a kitchen. If I hadn't intervened, you would be dead, Clare.”
“And what do you want in return?” Clare demanded, her voice shaking with residual terror and anger. “Men like you don't do favors for free.”
Gabriel stopped a few feet away. He looked at the exhausted, bruised woman clutching her child like a shield.
“I want nothing but your presence,” Gabriel said softly. “You saved my son on that plane. You gave him peace when his entire world was shattered. I protect what is mine, Clare. And you are under my protection now. You and your daughter are safe here.”
May you like
Clare looked into his dark, unwavering eyes. She didn't see the monster the world claimed he was. She saw a father who was willing to burn the world down for a sliver of peace.
“Okay,” Clare whispered.
