Chapter 11 - THE KISS BEFORE THE GUNFIRE
The final confrontation began outside a courthouse.
Ethan had agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Luca had been located.
Dominic was under investigation.
I attended a hearing because my personal information had been used in the financial scheme.
Vincent was there.
We hadn't spoken in weeks.
He stood across the hallway.
Dark suit.
Tired eyes.
Healing hands.
When he saw me, he stopped.
“Nora.”
I nodded.
“Vincent.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said:
“I'm glad you're safe.”
I looked at him.
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“I read your statement.”
I nodded.
He swallowed.
“You were brave.”
I smiled faintly.
“I was angry.”
Vincent almost smiled.
“Both can be true.”
For the first time in weeks, I laughed.
Then a loud crack echoed outside.
People screamed.
Security personnel moved toward the doors.
Vincent stepped beside me.
“Get down.”
We crouched behind a marble column.
Police officers directed people away from the entrance.
The disturbance was contained quickly.
No one inside the courthouse was injured.
Later, investigators confirmed that someone connected to Alby's organization had attempted to intimidate witnesses.
Vincent looked at me.
His expression was shaken.
“Nora.”
I turned.
He swallowed.
“I thought I was going to lose you.”
I looked at him.
“You already did.”
His face fell.
I stepped closer.
“But that doesn't mean we can't talk.”
Vincent stared.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he whispered:
“Can I kiss you?”
I hesitated.
Then shook my head.
“Not yet.”
Vincent nodded.
May you like
“Okay.”
And somehow, that simple acceptance meant more than any dramatic declaration.
