Chapter 7 - The Intruder
Julian’s romantic demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by the instincts of a man who commanded an empire.
He set his wine glass down without making a sound and pressed a finger to his lips.
Elena’s blood ran cold.
The estate had a state-of-the-art security system; no one should have been able to get past the gate, let alone open a second-story window.
Julian pulled a small panic button from his pocket and pressed it silently, alerting Elias and the security team.
He crept toward the nursery door, motioning for Elena to stay near the cribs.
Elena grabbed a heavy brass lamp from the bedside table, her maternal instincts flaring into high gear.
Through the crack in the door, Julian saw a shadow moving in the darkened playroom.
The figure was rummaging through a stack of legal documents Julian had carelessly left on a side table earlier that day.
It wasn't a kidnapper.
It was corporate espionage.
Suddenly, Toby woke up in his toddler bed across the room and let out a loud yawn.
The intruder froze, pulling a dark metallic object from his jacket.
Julian didn't hesitate.
He kicked the nursery door open, launching his entire body at the intruder.
The two men crashed into a bookshelf, sending wooden blocks flying everywhere.
Elena screamed, throwing herself over Toby’s bed to shield him.
The intruder struggled, but Julian was fueled by the pure adrenaline of a father protecting his home.
Within seconds, the heavy oak doors burst open again.
Elias and three armed guards swarmed the room, pinning the intruder to the floor.
Panting heavily, Julian stood up and straightened his ruined shirt.
He looked over at Elena, who was shaking violently, clutching Toby to her chest.
Julian ignored the guards, ignored the thief, and crossed the room in three massive strides.
May you like
He wrapped his arms tightly around Elena and Toby, pulling them against his chest.
“I’ve got you,” Julian whispered into her hair. “You’re safe.”
