Chapter 6 - Targeted
The drive back from the Windsor Hotel was quiet, but the air inside the limousine hummed with intense, unspoken tension.
The triplets were fast asleep in their custom car seats in the back. Dela sat on the plush leather bench, her heart pounding violently against her ribs. She couldn't stop staring at her hands, which were still trembling from the dramatic events at the gala.
Antoine sat across from her, his collar unbuttoned, watching her every movement with a dark, intense focus.
“You called me... the future matriarch,” Dela finally whispered, breaking the silence. “Why would you say that in front of everyone, Antoine? You gave those people a target.”
Antoine shifted, sliding across the bench until he was sitting right beside her. He reached out, taking her soft hand into his large, calloused grip.
“I didn't say it to make a scene, Dela,” Antoine said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “I said it because it is the truth.”
Dela looked up, her dark eyes filled with disbelief. “Antoine, look at me! I am not a mob wife! I’m not thin, I’m not glamorous, I don't know how to play these dangerous games! I’m just a woman who loved your children when nobody else did!”
“And that makes you more worthy of my name than anyone in that ballroom,” Antoine said fiercely, his hand moving to gently cup her cheek. “Do you think I care about fashion models or fake smiles? My entire life has been built on violence, lies, and betrayal. You are the only real, pure thing that has ever entered my life.”
Dela swallowed hard, her pulse racing as his thumb stroked her cheekbone. “Antoine...”
“I watched you tonight,” Antoine continued, leaning closer until his lips were inches from hers. “You held your head high. You protected my daughter. You stood beside me without flinching. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
Before Dela could answer, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes. The tires shrieked against the asphalt, throwing Dela forward. Antoine’s arm lashed out instantly, pinning her safely against the seat while his other hand drew his weapon from inside his jacket.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Gunfire shattered the night air. Bullets rained against the reinforced armor of the limousine.
“Donovan!” Antoine barked into the comms system. “Status!”
“Ambush, Boss!” Donovan’s voice crackled through the radio amidst the sound of automatic gunfire. “Two black SUVs rammed our escort cars! It’s Moretti’s remnants! They’re trying to kill the kids before Victor reaches central booking!”
Dela gasped in horror, immediately throwing her body over the triplets' car seats in the back, shielding them with her wide frame. “I’ve got them!” she screamed over the deafening noise of shattering glass.
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Antoine’s eyes burned with demonic rage. Seeing Dela risk her life to shield his children triggered something primal inside him.
“Stay down, Dela!” Antoine yelled, kicking the heavy armored door open and stepping out into the hail of bullets like an immortal warlord.
