Chapter 46
Domenico stood over the unconscious mercenary, his chest heaving slightly under his crisp white dress shirt. The cinematic, bright lighting illuminated the devastating aftermath of his wrath. He smoothly holstered his weapon, the terrifying apex predator instantly receding to reveal the desperate father. He turned and dropped to both knees on the grass beside Evelyn. She was still clutching Ruby tightly against her chest, her fair skin pale, but she had not yielded a single inch of ground. "Are you harmed?" Domenico whispered, his deep, raspy voice cracking with profound emotion. "We are safe, Domenico," Evelyn breathed, her voice shaking as she slowly lowered the heavy gardening shears. Ruby peeked out from behind Evelyn's shoulder, her bright blue eyes wide but tearless. "Daddy, Evelyn saved me," the little girl said softly. Domenico reached out with his heavily tattooed hands, pulling both his daughter and the incredible woman who had just shielded her into a desperate, crushing embrace. "You protected my blood," Domenico murmured into Evelyn's hair, breathing in her scent. "You stood in front of a loaded weapon for her. I will never, ever forget this." In that moment, the warlord realized she was his absolute equal.
