Chapter 8 - The Chicago Test
The drawing room of the manor was filled with the heavy scent of cigar smoke and expensive scotch. Three men from Chicago sat in the leather armchairs, their faces hardened by decades of survival in a brutal world.
At the center sat Dominic Vale, a man with silver hair, sharp hazel eyes, and an air of absolute authority that reminded Maya of a king.
Julian stood by the fireplace, his arm casually draped around Maya’s waist. Her hand rested flat against his chest, her fingers feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart. She smiled, looking up at him with an expression of pure, devoted adoration she had practiced in the mirror for hours.
"She’s a beautiful girl, Julian," Dominic Vale said, his voice a low, gravelly rasp as he took a sip of his whiskey. "But she looks fragile. Our life... it’s not for fragile women. My own wife... she had to be made of steel to survive the early days."
"Sarah is stronger than she looks, Dominic," Julian said, his hand gently squeezing her hip. "She’s survived things that would have broken lesser men."
Dominic’s sharp gaze turned to Maya. "Is that so, young lady? And what do you think of our Julian? He’s not a man who is easy to love. He has more ice in his veins than the Hudson in January."
Maya didn't flinch. She took a step forward, her hand moving from Julian’s chest to slide into his large, warm palm.
"Julian is the only man who has ever made me feel safe, Mr. Vale," she said, her voice steady and clear. "The world outside... it’s full of men who think they are strong because they use force. Julian is strong because he doesn't have to."
The room became very quiet. The two associates from Chicago stopped whispering, their eyes darting between Dominic and Julian.
May you like
Dominic stared at Maya for a long, agonizing moment. Then, a slow, appreciative smile spread across his weathered face. He raised his glass to them.
"To the future Mrs. Sterling," Dominic said. "A woman who knows the difference between a boy with a gun and a man with a kingdom."
