Chapter 19 - A Sanctuary in Blood|
By sunrise, the rain had finally stopped over the city, leaving the sky painted in soft, pale pinks and blues.
The Cross estate was locked down tight under high-level security protocols. Inside Vincent's private penthouse suite, Fay sat wrapped in a warm cashmere blanket on the edge of the massive bed, sipping hot tea while Dr. Aris cleaned a small scrape on her shoulder.
Vincent stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the rising sun, his posture rigid and dark.
When Dr. Aris finished and quietly left the room, Fay set her tea cup aside and stood up, letting the blanket drape over her arms.
She walked over to Vincent, stopping right behind him.
"Vincent," she whispered softly.
He didn't turn around immediately. "You almost died tonight because of me, Fay. Salvatore was right about one thing. Being close to me makes you a prime target."
Fay reached out and wrapped her arms gently around his waist from behind, pressing her cheek against his back.
"I was a target the second Donovan put his hands on me in the hallway," Fay said softly. "You didn't bring danger into my life, Vincent. You were the only person who protected me from it."
Vincent turned around slowly in her embrace, looking down into her face with an intensity that took her breath away. He framed her face with both hands, his thumb brushing over her soft lip.
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"I will tear this entire city down before I let anyone hurt you again," he vowed softly.
He leaned down and kissed her—a deep, desperate, possessive kiss that erased three years of lingering coldness and fear, leaving only the fierce, burning heat of two souls bound together in the shadows.
