Chapter 6 - The Shadow from the Past
The crystal chandelier above the center of the ballroom swayed violently as two gunshots rang out, shattering the glass panels along the mezzanine floor.
Panicked screams filled the hall as high-society guests dropped to the floor, scrambling for the exits.
"Code Red!" Marco shouted, pulling a silenced sidearm from his jacket as six Russo security guards instantly surrounded Dominic and me, forming a human shield.
Dominic didn't panic. In a split second, he pulled me flush against his chest, tucking my head beneath his shoulder to protect me from falling glass.
Looking up through the smoke on the balcony, I saw a familiar face—Victor Moretti. He was the head of a rival syndicate from Detroit who had been trying to breach Dominic's territory for years, and the man responsible for the shootout at the Starlight Gala months ago.
"Russo!" Moretti roared down from the balcony, holding an automatic rifle. "You thought you could eliminate my crews in the South? Now I take your woman and your bastard child!"
Dominic’s eyes turned into liquid fire. The terrifying crime boss had fully returned.
"Marco," Dominic growled, keeping his arms locked around me like iron bands. "Clear the room. Kill everyone on that balcony."
"With pleasure, Boss," Marco said, signaling the guards as a fierce gunbattle erupted in the upper levels of the Drake Hotel.
Dominic didn't wait. He picked me up in his arms—carrying me effortlessly despite my pregnancy—and moved swiftly toward the hotel’s private service exit.
As we reached the kitchen corridor, Moretti’s primary lieutenant burst through the double doors, raising a gun directly at us.
"Drop her, Russo!" the man screamed.
Dominic didn't hesitate. Without dropping me, he drew his personal firearm with his right hand and fired two precise shots. The attacker collapsed instantly.
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Dominic kept moving, his heartbeat steady, his chest broad and firm against my cheek.
"I have you, Chloe," he whispered as we burst into the rainy night air where our armored SUV was already waiting with the doors open. "I have you both."
