Chapter 5 - Shadow in the Storm
“Someone’s outside!” Mason barked.
Claire didn't wait. Ignoring the sharp pain radiating down her arm, she scrambled to her feet and sprinted across the slippery lawn toward the main terrace entrance.
Behind her, the heavy iron side door of the basement burst open. Mason stumbled out into the rain, his eyes locking onto her running figure.
“Claire!” Mason roared, his voice echoing over the thunder. “Get back here, you bitch!”
Claire sprinted faster, her wet sneakers tearing through the mud. She reached the glass French doors of the library and threw herself inside, slamming the heavy deadbolt shut just as Mason’s body crashed violently against the glass from the outside.
“Adrian!” Claire screamed at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing through the massive stone corridors of the estate. “ADRIAN!”
In the central hall, Adrian and Marcus heard the scream. Adrian moved instantly, pulling his weapon and sprinting toward the library like a predator unleashed.
He burst into the library just as Mason smashed the glass panel of the door with a heavy stone statue. Mason reached inside, unlocked the door, and stepped into the room, holding a heavy hunting knife.
“Claire! You’re coming with me!” Mason yelled, grabbing her arm violently.
Claire screamed as Mason dragged her backward. But before Mason could take another step, a massive shadow fell over him.
Adrian grabbed Mason by the throat with one hand, lifting the larger man completely off his feet and slamming him brutally against the grand stone fireplace. The hunting knife clattered uselessly onto the hardwood floor.
“You touch her again,” Adrian growled, his voice a lethal, demonic whisper that vibrated through the entire room, “and I will tear your limbs off one by one.”
Mason choked, his eyes bulging in pure terror as he stared into the face of New York’s most feared crime boss. He realized too late that he wasn't dealing with a helpless woman anymore—he was dealing with a monster who protected her.
“Adrian, wait!” Claire sobbed, clutching his arm. “It’s Charles! Charles is the traitor! He brought Mason here! The Genovese family is attacking tomorrow night!”
Adrian’s eyes flickered with realization. He squeezed Mason’s throat until the man went limp and passed out, dropping his body like trash onto the floor.
Marcus rushed into the room, gun drawn. “Boss!”
“Lock this piece of filth in the wine cellar,” Adrian commanded coldly, pointing at Mason. “And find Charles Reddick. Now!”
Marcus sprinted out of the room. Adrian turned to Claire, pulling her into his arms. She was soaking wet, trembling uncontrollably, and weeping against his chest.
“I’ve got you,” Adrian murmured, holding her tightly, his hand cradling the back of her head. “I’m here. You’re safe.”
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“He... he was going to hurt Lily,” Claire sobbed. “They were going to kill you, Adrian!”
“No one is killing me,” Adrian said, pulling back to look into her eyes, his hands cupping her wet cheeks. “And no one is taking you away from me. Ever.”
