Chapter 3 - The Lockdown
"Get down!" Gabriel roared.
With blinding, terrifying speed, the massive mafia boss lunged forward. His heavy arms wrapped around my waist, violently tackling me to the polished maple floor just a fraction of a micro-second before the front windows exploded inward.
CRASH.
A hail of high-caliber bullets shredded through the glass, completely destroying the mirrors along the back wall. Wood splintered. Plaster rained down on us. I screamed, covering my head as the deafening gunfire echoed through my beautiful, peaceful studio.
Gabriel’s massive body completely shielded mine. He didn't flinch.
His elite security chief had immediately flipped a heavy oak desk, returning fire with a suppressed weapon.
"Nana!" Gabriel yelled over the gunfire.
"I'm fine, Gabriel!" Rose shouted from behind the sturdy reception counter, sounding more annoyed than terrified. "They ruined the mirrors! Send them the bill!"
Gabriel pulled a heavy black handgun from his shoulder holster. He looked down at me, his dark eyes burning with absolute, demonic fury, but his voice was surprisingly calm.
"Are you hit, Claire?" he asked, his hand firmly holding my trembling shoulder.
"No," I sobbed, completely paralyzed by fear. "Why are they shooting at my studio?!"
"Because my uncle Marcus wants me dead," Gabriel stated coldly, completely devoid of mercy. "He found out Nana booked these lessons. He thought I would be vulnerable without my full security detail."
May you like
Gabriel’s jaw locked. He had intentionally used his grandmother's innocent gift as a cover, but his own blood had betrayed him and turned my sanctuary into a war zone.
👉 The gunfire suddenly stopped, but the terrifying silence was about to reveal a hostage situation.
