Chapter 5 - THE MARSHAL’S GAMBIT
"Keep him back, Naomi!" Leo’s voice cracked over the estate’s external intercom system as security guards moved into tactical positions along the terrace.
The federal marshals unholstered their sidearms, stepping through the pedestrian gate that had been unlocked by a federal override code. The attorney stepped forward, holding the legal document high.
"Any interference with federal officers executing a court-ordered animal seizure will result in immediate felony obstruction charges!" Agent Harris yelled, leveling his Glock directly at Titan’s chest.
Titan didn't retreat. He lunged forward, barking furiously, the terrifying sound echoing off the stone walls.
"Don't shoot!" Naomi screamed, throwing herself directly in front of Titan’s body.
She stood between the raised gun of a federal marshal and a 140-pound pitbull. The entire courtyard froze.
"Lady, get out of the way!" Harris shouted, his finger tightening on the trigger. "That animal is a dangerous weapon!"
"He is a living creature under active veterinary behavioral modification!" Naomi shouted back, her hands raised, her eyes blazing with raw, terrifying authority. "If you discharge that weapon on private property without a signed veterinary health warrant from the state board, you are violating federal agricultural code 412! Your seizure warrant is civil, not criminal! You have no legal authority to execute an animal without a twenty-four-hour quarantine assessment!"
Agent Harris blinked, caught completely off guard by a waitress citing hyper-specific federal veterinary law. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"She’s talking about the law, Agent Harris," Belvin’s voice cut through the air like a blade.
Belvin walked casually down the grand stone steps, clad in a dark suit, his hands tucked loosely in his pockets. He didn't look like a man facing federal agents; he looked like a king addressing trespassers.
Beside him walked Marcus Vance—not Julian Vance, but Julian’s estranged older brother, the top defense attorney in Manhattan, whom Belvin had retained three hours ago.
"Agent Harris," Marcus Vance spoke up, his voice smooth as silk as he handed a fresh injunction to the marshal's attorney. "This is a temporary restraining order issued thirty minutes ago by Southern District Judge Williams. It stays all seizure actions regarding the animal pending an independent psychological and physical evaluation conducted by a certified veterinary specialist."
Marcus turned his head, smiling warmly at Naomi. "A specialist such as Miss Naomi Rivers, whom the court has just recognized as the official legal custodian of the animal."
Agent Harris lowered his weapon, his face turning dark purple with rage. "You think you're clever, Santoro? You think hiding behind a girl and a lawyer is going to save you?"
"I don't need saving, Harris," Belvin replied quietly, stepping up until he was inches from the marshal's face. "Tell Julian Vance that the next time he sends men to my home, he better send a battalion. Because if I see you or your officers near my perimeter again, I won't use lawyers. I'll use Titan."
Titan let out a low, terrifying bark on cue, stepping up beside Belvin, his broad shoulder pressing firmly against Naomi’s knee.
Harris gritted his teeth, snatched the injunction from Marcus’s hand, and turned back to his men. "Fallback! We're done here for today!"
As the federal vehicles tore down the driveway, leaving clouds of gravel in their wake, Naomi let out a breath she felt like she’d been holding for an hour. Her legs gave out, and she sank onto the stone steps.
Titan immediately leaned his heavy weight against her, licking her hand.
Belvin knelt beside her on the stone step. He looked at her face—pale, terrified, yet completely unbroken.
"You stood in front of a loaded gun for him," Belvin said softly, his voice carrying an emotion he rarely allowed anyone to see.
"I told you," Naomi whispered, looking up into his dark eyes. "I don't abandon things just because they're threatened."
Belvin reached out, his long fingers gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was warm, sending a sudden surge of electricity through her core.
"No one has ever defended my assets like that, Naomi," Belvin murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. "Least of all a woman who owes me nothing."
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"I owe you my sister's life," she replied softly.
"No," Belvin corrected her, his voice dropping into a thrilling, dangerous register. "Your sister’s life is a gift. What happens between you and me... that's entirely separate."
