Chapter 8 - The Ultimatum
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The silence in the apartment was deafening. The idea of taking Lily and leaving Sophia behind made me physically sick.
“I am not leaving without you,” I said, my voice hardening. “I spent four years breathing without actually living. I am not doing it again.”
“Dominic, please—”
“No,” I interrupted, stepping into her space and gently framing her face with my hands. She flinched, but I didn't let go. I wiped a tear from her cheek with my thumb. “I will burn down New York before I let anyone touch you. I will dismantle the syndicate piece by piece if I have to. But you are coming with me.”
I pulled out my phone and dialed Enzo.
“Bring the men up. We’re packing the apartment.”
Sophia watched, stunned, as ten massive men in tailored suits flooded her tiny apartment. They didn't ask questions. They grabbed bags, packed clothes, and gathered Lily’s meager toys with striking efficiency.
“You’re kidnapping me,” Sophia whispered as Enzo carried out a duffel bag.
“I’m rescuing you,” I corrected, grabbing a thick blanket from the sofa and wrapping it around her shoulders. “Even if you hate me for it right now.”
I guided her out into the freezing hallway. As we walked down the stairs, Sophia looked at the armed guards clearing the path.
May you like
“You can’t fix four years of fear with bodyguards, Dominic,” she said quietly.
“I know,” I replied, keeping my hand firmly on the small of her back. “But I have the rest of my life to try.”
