Chapter 4 - Dominic’s Enemy Revealed the One Secret Claire Had Never Known About Her HusbandThe first attack happened three days later.
A Blackwater truck exploded outside a warehouse.
No one died.
But the message was clear.
Claire called Dominic.
He answered before the first ring finished.
“Get to a secure location.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I ordered protection.”
“You ordered?”
“Yes.”
“You don't get to decide where I live.”
“Claire.”
“No.”
She heard the change in his breathing.
“Please.”
She stopped.
He had never said please.
She went to the safe house.
Dominic was waiting.
For the first time in almost two years, they spent the night in the same building.
Separate rooms.
But together.
At midnight, Claire found him sitting in the kitchen.
“You don't sleep?”
“Not much.”
“Neither do I.”
He looked at her.
“Sit.”
She did.
He made tea.
Exactly the way she liked it.
She stared at the cup.
“You remembered.”
“I remember everything.”
She looked away.
“Then why did you say life would go on?”
His voice softened.
“Because I was trying to sound like I didn't care.”
“Why?”
“Because everyone in that room was watching me.”
“And?”
“I was afraid they'd see how much power you had over me.”
Claire stared.
“You were afraid of loving your wife?”
“Yes.”
She laughed sadly.
“That may be the stupidest thing you've ever said.”
“Probably.”
Silence.
Then Dominic told her the truth.
The Vale empire had been built partly on legitimate shipping.
But underneath it was a network of illegal operations established by his father and uncle.
Dominic had spent years dismantling it.
His uncle hated him for it.
Claire listened.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I thought distance kept you safe.”
“It didn't.”
“No.”
“Did you marry me because of your grandfather?”
“Yes.”
“Did you ever love me?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
He looked at her.
“The first time you told me my plan was stupid.”
She laughed.
“You hated that.”
“I loved it.”
She smiled.
Then the lights went out.
Gunfire erupted outside.
Dominic pulled her behind him.
Men surrounded the safe house.
The attack lasted four minutes.
When it ended, Dominic found an envelope at the door.
Inside was one sentence.
You should have listened to Richard.
Claire looked at him.
“Your uncle.”
“Yes.”
“What does he want?”
Dominic stared at the note.
“You.”
Her face went cold.
May you like
“Why?”
“Because he knows I will do anything to get you back.”
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