Chapter 2 - The Estate on the Lake
The Croft estate was a fortress of dark stone and wrought iron situated on the edge of Lake Michigan.
When the black SUV pulled through the iron gates, medical personnel were already waiting. I was whisked into a private wing of the mansion that rivaled a top-tier hospital, while Buster was wheeled into a specialized veterinary suite right next door.
A gentle female doctor taped my cracked ribs, administered pain relief, and tended to the severe bruises blooming across my torso. Through it all, I sat on the edge of a luxurious velvet bed, numb, clutching a warm cup of tea.
The door opened, and Julian walked in. He had discarded his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt.
“How are your ribs?” he asked, taking a seat in the leather armchair across from me.
“They hurt,” I admitted honestly, keeping my eyes on my tea. “But I’ll be fine. Mr. Croft... I should go back to my apartment. I don't belong here.”
“Your apartment in Pilsen?” Julian replied smoothly, pulling a thin file from the side table. “The one where the landlord works for Alderman Vane? The moment Celeste left the restaurant, she sent three men to your building. If you go back there, Sadie, you won't survive the night.”
A cold chill washed over me. “I... I just wanted to help the dog.”
“I know,” Julian said, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. “You risked your job, your safety, and your life for a dying creature that meant nothing to you. In my world, people only act out of greed or fear. I haven't seen an act of pure grace in ten years.”
“How is Buster?” I asked softly.
A rare, faint smile touched Julian’s lips. “Dr. Evans stabilized him. He was severely malnourished and poisoned with low-grade toxins—likely kept in a cage by whoever took him. But he’s strong. He’s sleeping now. The vet said he kept whining until Marcus put your apron next to his nose.”
My eyes stung with tears of relief. “I’m glad he’s safe.”
“He is safe. And so are you,” Julian said, standing up. “From this moment on, you are under my protection. You will stay here as long as you need. My staff will fetch your belongings—or buy you new ones.”
“Mr. Croft, I can’t accept—"
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“Call me Julian,” he interrupted gently. “And you don't have a choice, Sadie. You saved the last piece of my brother I had left. The Croft family pays its debts.”
He walked toward the door, stopping just before stepping out. “Rest tonight. Tomorrow, the Vanes will realize they’ve lost everything, and cornered rats always bite back. But as long as you’re inside these walls, no one can touch you.”
