Chapter 6 - The FortressBy the time I returned inside,
my security team had already swept the perimeter,
chasing the intruders off the property entirely.
I paced the length of the grand foyer,
my heavy footsteps echoing off the marble floors,
a deep scowl etched permanently on my face.
My head of security,
a broad-shouldered man named Marcus,
stood at attention near the doorway,
waiting for my impending explosion of anger.
How did they get past the outer gates,
I demanded,
my voice dangerously low,
barely containing the fury surging through my veins.
They found a blind spot in the camera network,
sir,
Marcus explained steadily,
though sweat beaded on his forehead.
Fix it,
I snapped,
running a hand through my messy hair,
pacing back to the other side of the room.
I want guards posted at every entrance,
I want the walls raised if necessary,
and I want this estate locked down tight.
No one gets in without my express permission,
and absolutely no cameras are allowed within a mile,
do you understand me,
I barked.
Yes,
Mr. Cole,
Marcus nodded quickly,
turning on his heel to bark orders into his radio,
rushing out to secure the grounds.
I took a deep breath,
trying to calm the racing of my heart,
before making my way to the east wing.
The hallway seemed longer than usual,
the silence pressing against my eardrums,
mocking the sudden chaos of the evening.
I found Maria sitting on the edge of a bed,
her arms wrapped tightly around herself,
staring blankly at the floor.
Lily was asleep in the center of the large mattress,
exhausted from the sudden panic,
her thumb resting softly against her lips.
I stepped into the room slowly,
not wanting to startle the terrified mother,
and crouched down in front of her.
They are gone,
I whispered,
reaching out to gently touch her knee.
You are safe here,
I promised,
looking deep into her fearful,
tear-filled eyes.
Why would they take pictures of us,
she asked,
a tremor shaking her slender shoulders,
a single tear escaping down her cheek.
Because I am a public figure,
and the media feeds on rumors,
I explained bitterly,
hating the world I had built around myself.
They will think things,
terrible things,
about me and my daughter,
she sobbed,
burying her face in her hands.
I will not let them print a single word,
I swore fiercely,
my jaw clenching with absolute resolve,
pulling her hands gently away from her face.
You are moving into the main wing,
tomorrow morning,
I stated,
leaving no room for argument or hesitation.
I can protect you better there,
I added,
May you like
wiping the tear from her soft skin,
realizing I would burn the world down to keep them safe.
