Chapter 9 - The Danger at the Docks
Elena’s eyes widened as Julian flipped the velvet box open.
Inside rested a breathtaking ring—a flawless, emerald-cut blue sapphire flanked by two brilliant diamonds, glowing like the waters of Puget Sound under the afternoon sun.
“Julian…” Elena gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “This is… this is too much. I’m just—”
“Don't say you’re just a housekeeper,” Julian interrupted, his voice dropping into a fierce, commanding whisper. “You are the heart of this house. You are the woman I love.”
Elena felt hot tears spill over her eyelashes. “You love me?”
“More than my empire,” Julian whispered, stepping closer. “More than my own life.”
Before Elena could answer, a loud, metallic CLANG echoed from the private boat dock at the edge of the estate.
Julian’s head whipped toward the water. His security detail was stationed at the main gate, but the lower dock was supposed to be clear.
Down near the shoreline, Toby had chased his foam ball down the wooden ramp leading to the boat slip. Leo and Lucas were waddling right behind him, giggling loudly.
Standing on the lower dock was a man in a greasy mechanic’s jumpsuit—one of the contractors Evelyn had hired weeks ago to inspect the estate’s yacht.
The man had a heavy steel wrench in his hand, his eyes wild and desperate. He was one of Evelyn’s loyal cronies, facing financial ruin after her shares were liquidated.
“Hey! Kid!” the man barked, lunging forward to grab Toby’s shoulder. “Get over here!”
Toby let out a sharp, terrified shriek.
Elena didn't think. She didn't scream.
Driven by a mother’s instinct that defied all human limits, Elena sprinted down the grassy hill like a streak of lightning.
“Get away from my son!” Elena roared.
She reached the dock in three seconds flat, tackling the man with the full force of her body just as his hand touched Toby’s shirt.
They both crashed heavily onto the wooden planks. The man swore viciously, swinging the steel wrench at her face. Elena ducked, grabbing his wrist with both hands, kicking him hard in the shin.
“Run, Toby! Take the boys to the house!” Elena screamed.
Toby, terrifyingly smart for a three-year-old, grabbed Leo and Lucas by their hands, pulling the toddlers back up the wooden ramp toward the safety of the lawn.
The hitman broke free of Elena’s grip, raising the heavy wrench to strike her—
CRACK!
A heavy leather boot struck the man squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward off the dock. He crashed into the freezing, deep waters of Puget Sound with a massive splash.
Julian stood over the edge of the dock, his chest heaving, his face transformed into a terrifying vision of pure rage. Elias and three armed security guards slid down the hill a second later, aiming their weapons at the man thrashing in the water.
“Fish him out,” Julian growled to Elias, his voice laced with venom. “And make sure he spends the rest of his life in a federal facility.”
Julian spun around, dropping to his knees on the dock, gathering Elena into his arms.
He pulled her against his chest so tightly she could barely breathe, his hands trembling as he checked her face, her hands, her shoulders for any injuries.
“Are you hurt? Did he touch you?” Julian rasped, his voice cracking with sheer terror.
Elena wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face into his collarbone, smelling the familiar cedar and rain scent that had become her sanctuary.
“I’m okay,” Elena sobbed softly, her body shaking from the adrenaline rush. “The boys… are the boys okay?”
Julian looked up toward the lawn. Toby was sitting on the grass, holding Leo and Lucas close, proudly guarding the twins like a brave big brother.
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Julian looked back down at Elena, holding her face between his large, warm hands.
“They’re safe,” Julian whispered, pressing his forehead against hers. “Because you’re invincible.”
