Chapter 6 - The Threat Returns
Life inside the Thorne estate felt like an alternate reality. Safe, controlled, and deeply focused on healing. But the real world was waiting just outside the iron gates.
It had been exactly two weeks since the men in the alley gave me my ultimatum. Julian had promised to clear my debt, but mob promises were notoriously complex, and I had no idea if he had actually done it.
I found out on a rainy Tuesday.
I was in the kitchen, cutting up apples for Leo’s snack, when the heavy oak doors to the service entrance banged open. Ms. Sterling shrieked as two massive men shoved past the kitchen staff.
It was the men from the alley.
“Where is she?” the broad one yelled, spotting me by the island. He sneered, pulling a switchblade from his pocket. “Time’s up, Maya. You think hiding in a rich man’s house is going to save you?”
Panic seized my chest. “How did you get in here? The gates—”
“Silas has friends everywhere,” the man laughed, lunging toward me.
I backed up, grabbing a heavy cast-iron skillet from the stove. Before I could even raise it, the kitchen plunged into chaos.
Four armed guards materialized from the shadows, their weapons drawn and leveled at the intruders’ heads.
Then, Julian walked in.
He didn't yell. He didn't rush. He simply strolled into his kitchen, radiating absolute, murderous intent. He stopped inches from the man with the switchblade.
“You broke into my home,” Julian said, his voice a lethal whisper. “You threatened my son’s therapist.”
“Thorne,” the man stammered, dropping the knife, suddenly realizing exactly whose estate he had breached. “We—we were just collecting a debt. From Silas Vance.”
“I bought Silas Vance’s entire operation last night,” Julian stated coldly. “I own his debts. I own his men. Which means, I own you.”
The blood drained from the men’s faces.
Julian didn't blink. “Take them to the docks. Make sure they understand what happens when they touch what is mine.”
The guards dragged the screaming men away. Julian turned to me, his dark eyes softening slightly. “Are you hurt?”
May you like
“No,” I whispered, my hands shaking. “You bought an entire criminal operation just to clear my debt?”
“I protect what is mine, Maya,” Julian said softly, stepping closer, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch sent a shockwave of electricity through my body. “And you are vital to this family.”
