Chapter 7 - Nathaniel Kidnapped Callie Again—But This Time Adrian Stone Was Coming for the Woman He Refused to LoseNathaniel captured Callie outside her mother's hospital.
Adrian arrived too late.
He found her phone.
A note.
Old warehouse.
Same place.
Adrian went alone.
He didn't bring his men.
He wanted Nathaniel to believe he was desperate.
He was.
Nathaniel tied Callie to a chair.
“You always loved him?”
She laughed.
“No.”
“You will.”
“You're jealous.”
“I gave you everything.”
“You took everything.”
He looked at her.
“You think Adrian is different?”
“Yes.”
Nathaniel shook his head.
“He's just better at hiding the monster.”
Callie stared at him.
“Maybe.”
Then the warehouse lights went out.
Adrian entered.
Gunfire erupted.
Nathaniel escaped.
But not before he said:
“Ask her what happened the night your father died.”
Adrian turned to Callie.
“What does he mean?”
She looked devastated.
“I was there.”
Adrian froze.
“You saw my father die?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I promised him.”
“Promised what?”
“That I would protect you.”
Adrian closed his eyes.
His father had died trying to save him.
Callie had carried that secret for years.
He understood then that she had never been using him.
She had been protecting him.
He held her.
“You should have told me.”
“I know.”
“I would have helped.”
“I was afraid.”
“Of me?”
“Of losing you.”
He kissed her.
Not as a boss.
May you like
Not as a protector.
As a man who knew exactly what he had almost lost.
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