Chapter 8 - The Price of Loyalty
Marco panicked, spinning around to grab Sadi as a human shield, but Victor was faster.
With blinding speed, Victor fired two precise non-lethal shots, striking Marco in both shoulders. Marco screamed in pain, dropping his weapon and collapsing against the wall as Victor’s outer guards finally slammed into the room, securing the remaining intruders.
"Get them out of here," Victor ordered coldly, stepping over the fallen men without glancing at them. "Take them to Gabriel. I’ll deal with Julian Falcone personally by tonight."
"Yes, boss!" the guards grunted, dragging Marco and his men out into the hallway.
The room cleared instantly. Sam was staring with wide eyes, breathing heavily, but unharmed.
Sadi dropped her small knife, her knees shaking as the adrenaline washed through her. Victor immediately turned to her, holstering his gun and wrapping his heavy arms around her, pulling her tight against his chest.
"Are you hurt?" Victor demanded softly, examining her face, her arms, checking every inch of her for injuries. "Did they touch you?"
"No... no, I'm fine," Sadi panted, burying her face in his neck, taking in his scent to ground herself. "You were here."
"I will always be here," Victor vowed, kissing her temple passionately. He turned to Sam. "You alright, kid?"
"I'm fine, Mr. Costello," Sam said, letting out a wild laugh. "That was... honestly the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life."
Victor offered a rare, genuine smile to the boy. "Get your coat, Sam. We're moving you to the private medical wing inside my estate. The hospital is no longer secure enough for my family."
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Sadi froze, looking up at Victor. "Your family?"
Victor looked down into her eyes, his hand cupping her cheek with absolute tenderness. "You and your brother are my family now, Sadi. It’s time I made that official to the rest of the world."
