Chapter 13 - The Gathering Storm
Tension bled into the breakfast table the following morning. Dominic sat at the head of the long oak table, nursing a cup of black coffee while reviewing tablet reports. Emily watched him from across the table, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and the tight line of his mouth.
"You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?" Emily asked quietly, making sure Ava was distracted by her cereal and cartoon illustrations.
"I have things to handle," Dominic replied without looking up.
"Dominic Moretti, look at me," Emily said firmly, setting her spoon down.
Dominic paused, lifting his gaze to meet hers. There was authority in his eyes, but also a deep, underlying exhaustion born of absolute protectiveness.
"You are carrying this entirely alone," Emily continued, her voice steady and fierce. "We promised each other two years ago, in that hospital room, that we would face everything together. No secrets. No shutting each other out."
Dominic sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I’m protecting you and the kids. If Vane’s remnants are back, they’re desperate. Desperate men do unpredictable things. I won't let anyone touch you."
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"And you won't have to face them alone," Emily replied, her eyes flashing with the same quiet strength that had kept her alive on the night her life changed forever. "I am not that frightened girl from Valentino's anymore, Dominic. I am your wife. Let me stand with you."
Before Dominic could answer, the heavy oak doors of the dining room swung open, and Marco strode in, looking urgent. "Boss, we have movement on the eastern ridge. And... you need to see this dispatch."
