Chapter 9 - The Morning Light
The bright, warm morning sun slowly rose over the sparkling waters of the calm Atlantic Ocean.
The massive estate was swarming heavily with Julian’s private cleanup crews, silently repairing the massive, terrible damage.
Julian stood quietly on the private wooden dock, watching the gentle waves peacefully lap against the heavy pylons.
He was completely exhausted, his expensive suit terribly torn, and his body heavily aching from the brutal night of violence.
The heavy, armored boat suddenly hummed perfectly to life in the calm distance, slowly making its way back to the private dock.
Victor skillfully tied the heavy ropes securely to the wooden posts, helping a heavily bandaged Elena carefully step onto the solid wood.
Leo completely bypassed the tall, armed guards and sprinted wildly down the long dock directly toward Julian.
The exhausted little boy crashed heavily into Julian’s legs, wrapping his tiny arms incredibly tight around his knees.
Julian slowly knelt down on the damp wood, wrapping his massive, bloody arms protectively around the brave child.
"You promised my mama you would cook us a big breakfast," Leo mumbled sleepily against his torn shoulder.
Julian laughed softly, an incredibly rare, genuine sound that felt totally foreign in his dark throat.
"I am a man of my absolute word, Leo," Julian promised gently.
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He stood up completely, his dark eyes meeting Elena’s soft, warm gaze as she slowly walked toward him.
The brutal, terrifying underworld he ruthlessly commanded suddenly seemed totally insignificant compared to the brave family standing right in front of him.
