Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO CAME WITHOUT A GUN
Christian arrived at the abandoned distribution center just before midnight.
No visible weapon.
No entourage.
Only a dark coat and a small black case.
Victoria watched from the upper office.
"He's alone."
Nathan looked toward the security monitors.
"That's what it looks like."
She smiled.
"Good."
Downstairs, Christian entered the warehouse.
His footsteps echoed.
"Victoria."
Her voice came through a speaker.
"Hello, darling."
Christian stopped.
"Where's Maya?"
"Safe."
"Let me see her."
Victoria laughed.
"Always so demanding."
A monitor flickered on.
I appeared on the screen.
Tied to a chair.
Bruised.
But alive.
Christian's expression changed.
For one fraction of a second, the cold mask disappeared.
Then he looked toward the camera.
"Let her go."
Victoria smiled.
"Give me the records."
Christian lifted the case.
"Here."
She hesitated.
"Open it."
He did.
Inside was a drive.
Victoria stared.
"That's all?"
Christian nodded.
"Everything you asked for."
Nathan looked at the monitor.
His expression tightened.
Something was wrong.
Christian was too calm.
Victoria didn't notice.
She leaned toward the microphone.
"Bring it upstairs."
Christian shook his head.
"First, Maya."
Victoria's smile disappeared.
"You don't negotiate with me."
Christian looked directly into the camera.
"Then we're done."
He turned toward the exit.
Victoria panicked.
"Wait!"
Christian stopped.
Silence.
Then he said quietly:
"You've spent your whole life believing everyone has a price."
Victoria stared.
Christian continued.
"You were wrong."
He looked toward the monitor.
"Maya isn't part of a transaction."
My eyes filled.
Victoria's face twisted.
"You're choosing her over your empire?"
Christian nodded.
"Yes."
The word echoed through the warehouse.
Victoria stared.
Then screamed:
"Kill him!"
Nathan moved.
But before he could reach the door, federal agents entered from the rear corridor.
"Federal agents! Hands where we can see them!"
Victoria froze.
Nathan raised his hands.
Christian remained still.
The entire operation had been coordinated with Agent Shaw.
The drive was a controlled evidence copy.
The warehouse had been monitored.
And Victoria's threats had been recorded.
I heard shouting.
Footsteps.
Then the door to my room opened.
A woman in a dark jacket entered.
"Federal agent. You're safe."
She cut the restraints.
I began crying.
Minutes later, Christian appeared in the doorway.
He stopped when he saw me.
"Maya."
I stood.
My knees nearly gave way.
He crossed the room.
Then stopped an arm's length away.
"Can I?"
I nodded.
He wrapped his arms around me.
I buried my face against his chest.
For the first time in years, I let someone hold me while I cried.
Christian whispered:
"I'm here."
I clung to him.
He kissed the top of my head.
And I realized something terrifying.
I was falling in love with the most dangerous man I'd ever met.
May you like
Not because he was powerful.
But because he had chosen not to use that power to control me.
