Chapter 9 - Standing TallJulian didn't look scared. In fact, a dark, amused smile spread across his face as he looked at Adrian struggling to keep his balance on legs that were still healing from a bullet-ridden past.
"Look at you, boy," Julian scoffed, shaking his head. "The great Adrian Moretti, reduced to a cripple leaning against a wall, trying to play the hero."
Adrian’s jaw tightened. Every muscle in his body trembled with the immense physical effort of standing upright, but his aim didn't waver by a single millimeter.
"I may not be able to run yet, Julian," Adrian said, his voice dropping to a terrifying, lethal register, "but I don't need to run to put a bullet through your skull."
Julian chuckled, snapping his fingers.
From the shadows of the open courtyard doors, six heavily armed mercenaries stepped forward, their assault rifles raised, painting Adrian’s chest with glowing red laser dots.
"You're outnumbered, outgunned, and standing on failing legs," Julian mocked. "Drop the gun, Adrian. Or watch your wife become a widow for the second time today."
My heart stopped. I couldn't let them shoot Adrian. Not after everything we had fought for. Not when we had finally found our peace.
I lowered my pistol slightly, stepping out from the upper landing. "Don't shoot him! Take me instead. I'm the one you want—the last true Romano."
Adrian turned his head sharply upward, his dark eyes blazing with absolute fury. "Melissa, no! Get back!"
"I love you, Adrian," I whispered, tears spilling over my lashes as I looked down at the man who had given me his heart, his empire, and his protection.
Julian smiled, raising his hand to signal his men to move in and grab me.
He made the biggest mistake of his life.
Because he was looking up at me, he didn't see what was happening behind him.
The heavy library doors at the back of the foyer clicked open.
Adrian’s loyal captain, Marco, along with a dozen elite Moretti snipers who had been positioned on the upper roof vents all night, stepped out of the shadows.
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"Drop your weapons!" Marco roared, racking the bolt of his heavy sniper rifle. "Now!"
Julian’s mercenaries froze, realizing too late that they had walked directly into a well-laid trap. They were surrounded from above, below, and behind.
