Chapter 6 - The Siege
The siege lasted for three days. The estate was completely cut off. No food, no medical supplies, no reinforcements. Vincent was running on pure adrenaline and cold, calculated rage.
Ruby kept the house running. She taught Leo how to play games in the dark, she made sure they were fed, and she kept the staff from panicking. She was the anchor in the middle of a hurricane.
Vincent spent his time in the command center, coordinating with his men, his face gaunt, his eyes hollow.
On the third night, he came to her. He looked like a man who had seen the end of the world.
“They’re going to breach the gates tonight,” he said. “I’ve arranged for a private car to take you and Leo to the border. My men will get you out.”
“What about you?” Ruby asked.
“I’m the head of the house,” Vincent said. “I have to stay.”
“I’m not leaving you, Vincent,” she said, stepping toward him.
“You have to,” he said, his voice pleading. “For Leo. For yourself.”
“I’m not an asset,” she repeated, her eyes locked on his. “And I’m not a liability. I’m your family.”
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Vincent stared at her, the word family hanging in the air between them like a fragile, beautiful promise.
He didn't argue. He just pulled her into his arms, a sudden, desperate embrace that felt like the first breath of air after a long time underwater.
