Chapter 7 - The Apex Predator
A tactical grappling hook tore through the reinforced glass, followed immediately by Julian Thorne.
He had rappelled down from the roof, knowing the front door was a fatal chokepoint. Julian hit the floor rolling, glass raining down around him like diamonds in the moonlight.
Silas spun around, firing wildly at the sound, but Julian was already moving with the lethal, terrifying speed that had built his empire. Julian fired twice.
The first bullet shattered Silas’s kneecap. The second blew the pistol entirely out of his hand.
Silas collapsed to the floor, screaming in agony.
Julian didn't hesitate. He crossed the room in three strides, grabbed Silas by the throat, and slammed him violently against the wall, his gun pressed directly between Silas’s eyes.
“Julian! Wait!” Silas shrieked, spitting blood. “We can make a deal! The Morettis—”
“There are no deals,” Julian said, his voice a demonic, soulless whisper. “You touched my car. You endangered my daughter. But worst of all, Silas, you pointed a gun at my woman.”
Julian didn't blink. He pulled the trigger.
The loud crack echoed through the penthouse, and Silas Vance dropped to the floor, dead.
Julian stood over the body, his chest heaving, his eyes completely dark. The apex predator had been unleashed.
He turned slowly, looking down the hallway.
Clara dropped the cast-iron skillet. She was shaking violently, her knees finally giving out. She slid down the wall, gasping for air.
Julian instantly holstered his weapon. The ruthless killer vanished, replaced entirely by a terrified, desperate man. He rushed to her side, dropping to his knees and pulling her fiercely into his arms.
“Are you hurt? Did he touch you?” Julian demanded, his hands frantically checking her for blood.
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“I’m okay,” Clara sobbed, burying her face in his chest, clutching his shirt as if it were the only solid thing in the world. “I’m okay.”
Julian held her so tightly he thought he might break her ribs. He buried his face in her hair, breathing in the scent of her, his own hands shaking. “I’ve got you. You’re safe. I will never let anything touch you again.”
