Chapter 6 - The Dinner of WolvesThe crystal chandelier in the grand dining room cast a glittering, cold light over an oak table that could easily seat twenty people. Yet, only three sat at it: Dominic, Lia, and Nora.
Lia chattered happily, sitting next to Nora and eagerly recounting her favorite cartoons, completely shielded from the nightmare swirling around them. Dominic sat at the head of the table, his dark eyes never leaving Nora’s face as she gently cut Lia’s chicken into bite-sized pieces.
"You're good with her," Dominic observed, taking a slow sip of red wine.
"I have three younger brothers," Nora said without looking up. "When you grow up raising kids while your parents work three jobs, you learn patience."
"Your file said your brother Tyler is currently doing time in Graterford," Dominic stated bluntly, testing her reaction.
Nora stiffened, her fork clattering against her plate. She looked up, her eyes flashing with a sudden, sharp fury. "Did you run a background check on me? Is that why you brought me here? To dig up dirt?"
"I don't leave variables unchecked, Nora," Dominic said calmly, his voice a steady baritone. "Tyler Ellis was framed for possession with intent to distribute. The drugs were planted by a crooked narcotics detective on the take for the Santoro family."
Nora’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at him across the vast expanse of the mahogany table, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "What did you say?"
"I said your brother is innocent," Dominic repeated, leaning forward. "And by tonight, he will be walking out the front gates of Graterford a free man, with his record expunged. All you have to do is stay here, play the part of my guest, and keep my daughter safe while I hunt down Leo Santoro."
Nora’s mind raced. This wasn't just a billionaire playing savior; this was the Devil of Broad Street offering a faustian bargain. But for her brother... for Tyler...
"And what's the catch?" Nora asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Nothing in your world is free, Mr. Moretti. What do you want from me in return?"
Dominic stood up slowly, walking around the table until he stood right behind her chair. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear, his deep voice sending a shiver straight down her spine.
"I want you to stop running," Dominic whispered. "And I want you to trust me."
Before Nora could formulate a reply, the estate's security system shrieked—a deafening, piercing wail that plunged the entire mansion into pitch blackness as the backup generators kicked in.
Red emergency strobe lights began to flash rhythmically along the high ceilings.
Matteo burst into the dining room, his pistol drawn and ready. "Dom! We've been breached! Perimeter sensors on the western ridge just went dead, and the main server room is on fire!"
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Dominic didn't panic. His face turned to solid granite. He grabbed Nora’s hand with an iron grip and scooped Lia up into his other arm.
"They didn't come to steal the code," Dominic realized with a sudden, sickening jolt of clarity. "They came for her."
