Chapter 14 - The Reunion|
When the armored SUV pulled through the heavily fortified gates of the Reyes estate, it looked less like a home and more like a military compound. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter with K-9 units, and tactical vehicles blocked the main driveways.
Marcus was waiting on the front steps as Damon parked the car.
The security chief let out a massive sigh of relief when he saw Selena step out of the vehicle, bruised and dusty, but alive.
“Where is she?” Selena asked, her voice cracking, ignoring the heavily armed men surrounding her.
“In the safe room,” Marcus said gently. “My wife is reading her a story. She’s okay, Selena. She didn't cry once.”
Selena didn't wait for Damon. She broke into a run, sprinting up the steps and through the grand foyer of the massive house. Damon followed closely behind, watching the frantic desperation of a mother who had just walked through hell.
When they reached the reinforced steel door of the safe room, Marcus punched in the code. The heavy door hissed open.
Inside, sitting on a plush rug surrounded by coloring books, was Ruby.
The little girl looked up. When she saw the bruised, disheveled woman standing in the doorway, her eyes widened.
“Mommy!”
Ruby dropped her crayon and ran across the room as fast as her little legs could carry her. Selena dropped to her knees, catching the child in a desperate, crushing embrace. She buried her face in Ruby’s dark curls, sobbing openly, rocking the little girl back and forth.
“I’m here, baby,” Selena wept, kissing Ruby’s forehead, her cheeks, her hair. “Mommy’s here. I love you so much.”
Ruby hugged her mother tightly, then peeked over Selena’s shoulder to look at Damon standing in the doorway.
“You brought her back,” Ruby said, pointing a small, accusatory finger at him. “You promised.”
Damon leaned against the doorframe, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips. “I always keep my promises, Ruby.”
Ruby patted her mother’s back. “See, Mommy? I told you the mean man wouldn't get us. Mr. Damon is stronger than the mean man.”
Selena looked up at Damon through her tears, mouthing the words thank you.
May you like
Damon nodded. But the night wasn't over. He turned to Marcus, his smile vanishing, replaced by cold, ruthless authority.
“Where is Victor?”
