Chapter 18 - Fire and Blood
The heavy steel doors of the shipping yard exploded inward in a shower of sparks and smoke.
Julian did not wait for his men to clear the perimeter.
He stepped out of his armored SUV before it had even fully stopped, an assault rifle gripped tightly in his hands.
His intel had been perfect.
Alexei’s men poured out of the surrounding containers, opening fire.
Julian’s syndicate moved like a well-oiled machine, ruthlessly cutting down anyone who stood in their way.
Julian moved with terrifying precision, not wasting a single bullet.
He wasn't fighting for territory or money. He was fighting for his soul.
He reached the center of the yard, kicking open the door of the largest shipping container.
Inside, Alexei had his phone raised, his other hand gripping a combat knife.
But Clara wasn't tied to the chair.
Her hands were free, and she had smashed a heavy wooden plank across Alexei’s back just as Julian breached the door.
Alexei stumbled forward, dropping the knife.
Julian dropped his rifle and lunged.
He tackled Alexei to the rusted floor, his fists raining down with brutal, unstoppable force.
Alexei fought back, landing a heavy punch to Julian’s ribs, but Julian didn't even flinch.
Julian grabbed Alexei by the throat, hauling him off the ground and slamming him against the steel wall of the container.
“You touched her,” Julian roared, his voice demonic.
He drew a sleek, black combat blade from his boot, pressing it against Alexei’s throat.
“Julian, stop!” Clara screamed, running forward.
Julian froze, the blade millimeter from ending Alexei’s life.
He looked at Clara.
Her lip was bleeding, her dress was torn, but she was alive.
“If you kill him like this, he wins,” Clara cried, grabbing Julian’s arm. “You promised me you were done with this life. Don't let him turn you back into a monster.”
Julian stared at Alexei’s terrified face, his chest heaving with exertion.
Slowly, agonizingly, Julian lowered the knife.
He threw Alexei to the ground in disgust.
“Elias,” Julian barked, not looking away from Clara. “Take out the trash. Leave him for the police with enough evidence to put him away forever.”
Julian turned, dropping to his knees in front of Clara.
May you like
He pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her neck, finally letting out a shuddering breath.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered brokenly. “I’ve got you.”
