Chapter 8 - Shadows in the Garden
Claire rushed to the sunroom, throwing open the doors and sweeping Lily into her arms so fast the little girl dropped her half-eaten strawberry pastry.
"Mommy? What’s wrong?" Lily asked, sensing the sheer panic radiating from Claire’s trembling frame.
"Nothing, sweet girl. We just need to move away from the windows," Claire breathed, retreating deep into the interior corridors of the estate, away from any line of sight. Her heart hammered like a trapped bird. The realization of what Vincent had brought upon them was terrifying. It didn't matter if he had loved her, didn't matter if he had tried to protect her five years ago—his world was death, and now Lily was in the crosshairs.
Heavy footsteps approached. Vincent appeared at the end of the hall. He had removed his suit jacket, rolling the sleeves of his crisp white shirt up to his forearms, revealing the dark, intricate mafia tattoos that wound around his skin like creeping vines. A black leather shoulder holster was strapped across his chest, holding a custom silver Beretta.
Lily’s eyes widened. "Mommy, the airport man has a toy!"
Vincent stopped dead in his tracks. He looked down at the holster, then immediately unbuckled the harness, handing the weapon to a guard behind him before stepping forward. He sank to his knees once more, keeping a respectful distance from Claire.
"Lily," Vincent said softly. "Would you like to play a game with me?"
Lily peeked around Claire’s shoulder. "What game?"
"A game called hide-and-seek. In this house, there is a very special room hidden behind a bookshelf in my library. It has big televisions, soft beds, and every toy you can imagine. But you have to be very quiet, like a little mouse. Can you do that?"
Lily giggled. "I'm the quietest mouse in the whole world."
Claire glared at him through unshed tears. "You're putting her in a bunker."
"I am putting her where God himself couldn't reach her," Vincent replied, his gaze locking with Claire's. "I need you safe, Claire. Both of you. Valenti is desperate. He knows his syndicate is crumbling, and he thinks taking you will force me to my knees."
"And won't it?" Claire challenged bitterly. "If he takes her, won't you give him whatever he wants?"
Vincent rose to his full height. His eyes locked onto hers with a dark, blazing certainty that took the breath straight out of her lungs.
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"If he touches a single hair on her head, Claire, I won't give him the docks. I will tear this city apart with my bare hands until I burn his entire bloodline off the face of the earth. Now go to the safe room. Please."
For the first time in five years, the word *please* fell from the lips of the King of Chicago.
