Chapter 14 - Protecting LilyWithout pausing to catch my breath, I sprinted down the dimly lit corridor toward Lily’s bedroom. The heavy oak door was already splintered open.
My heart slammed against my ribs. "Lily!" I screamed.
I rushed into the room. A third tactical operative had cornered the little girl near her bed. He had his tactical knife drawn, moving toward her with cold, mechanical efficiency.
Rage—pure, blinding, protective rage—surged through my veins.
I didn't yell. I raised my weapon and fired three rapid shots into the operative's vest, sending him crashing backward onto the hardwood floor.
I dropped to my knees in front of the bed. Lily was curled into a tight ball, trembling violently, her hands clamped tightly over her ears to block out the terrifying sounds of the warzone outside.
I gently reached out and pulled her hands away from her face, making sure she could see my eyes. Using my hands with fierce, reassuring speed, I signed:
Look at me. You are safe. I have you.
Lily’s tear-filled eyes locked onto mine. She threw her arms around my neck, clinging to me with all her might as the distant sound of gunfire echoed through the burning corridors of the estate.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed in the doorway.
I spun around, leveling my pistol, my finger tightening on the trigger.
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It was Marcus. His suit jacket was torn, a shallow graze bleeding on his left shoulder, but his eyes were blazing with lethal fury. He took one look at Lily safe in my arms, and the deadly tension in his posture eased by a fraction.
"The perimeter is secure," Marcus said, his voice dropping into a harsh whisper. "Victor sealed the bunkers. The strike team has been neutralized."
