Chapter 20 - The Edge of Tomorrow
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The estate was secure. Romano was dead, killed at the docks by Gabriel, and the internal traitor had been dealt with.
The emergency lights finally flickered on, bathing the bedroom in a dim red glow. Oliver was safe, sleeping again after the trauma, protected by three guards outside his door.
Sebastian was sitting on the edge of the bed, his shoulder bandaged. Clare knelt in front of him, cleaning the blood from his hands with a warm towel.
He looked down at her, his expression serious and dark.
“You proved yourself tonight, Clare,” Sebastian said quietly. “You saved my life.”
“You saved mine first,” she replied, not looking up.
He reached out, tilting her chin up so she was forced to look into his piercing blue eyes. “I can give you the money now. Millions. Enough to take Oliver anywhere in the world. You can disappear. Be safe. Never have to hold a weapon again.”
Clare searched his face. She saw the fear behind his eyes—the absolute terror that she would say yes and walk away from him.
“Or?” Clare whispered.
“Or,” Sebastian’s voice dropped to a rough, possessive rumble. “You stay. You stand by my side in a world that is always going to be violent and dangerous. You become the Queen of a syndicate, and we burn down anyone who tries to touch us.”
Clare looked at the man who had terrified her, healed with her, and bled for her.
Before she could answer, Gabriel burst into the room, his face pale.
“Boss,” Gabriel breathed heavily. “The Italians just landed at the airport. They heard Romano is dead. They’re coming for the throne.”
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Sebastian looked at Clare, waiting for her answer. The alarm sirens began to wail in the distance. The war wasn't over; it was just beginning.
Clare stood up, took a deep breath, and turned to face the door.
