I gripped the handle of the gun tighter, my knuckles turning white.

In the darkness, the screen of Vanessa’s phone on the desk suddenly lit up, casting a blue glow on her terrified face.

An incoming call showed a name I knew all too well.

*Marcus.*

The heavy door splintered further, wood groaning under a sudden, violent weight.

Dante did not flinch.

He raised his weapon with a steady, unhurried hand.

Beside me, Vanessa shrank back against the wall, her hands covering her face.

The door flew open with a loud crash.

A tall figure stumbled into the dim green light of the office.

Before the intruder could raise his arm, Dante stepped forward and drove the butt of his gun into the man’s temple.

The man collapsed onto the carpet without a sound.

Another shadow appeared in the doorway, weapon raised.

“Down!” Dante barked.

A sharp crack echoed through the room.

The second man gasped, his gun clattering to the floor as he fell backward into the hallway.

Leo, Dante’s head of security, stepped over the fallen body, his own weapon raised and smoking.