Chapter 6 - The Poisoned Glass and the Knife in the Dark
The ballroom was a den of vipers disguised in black ties and diamonds.
At the center of the hall stood Vance Sterling, laughing with corrupt city officials and several high-ranking port inspectors. When he saw Gabriel walk through the doors alive and uninjured, the color drained instantly from Sterling’s face.
Gabriel didn't approach him immediately. Instead, he led Claire to the center of the dance floor as the orchestra began playing a sweeping waltz.
“You know how to dance?” Gabriel asked, placing one large, warm hand against the small of her back.
“My father insisted on old-world manners,” Claire whispered, resting her hand on his broad shoulder.
They moved together with effortless grace. Gabriel held her closely, his dark eyes never leaving hers. “You belong here, Claire. Not behind the service doors. Out here, where the world can see your brilliance.”
“Gabriel...” Claire’s heart fluttered, the line between business and deep passion blurring with every heartbeat.
Suddenly, Claire’s sharp ears caught a whisper behind the floral arrangement near the terrace doors. Two catering staff members were speaking in low, hurried Japanese dialect.
“The blue drink is ready for Mercer. When he drinks, Pike’s men will strike the dock.”
Claire’s eyes widened. She pulled Gabriel closer, whispering into his ear: “The champagne waiter to your right. The tray with the gold-rimmed flutes is poisoned.”
Gabriel didn't even flinch. He spun Claire gently toward the edge of the terrace.
In a single, lightning-fast motion, Gabriel grabbed the waiter by the wrist, twisted his arm behind his back, and slammed him against the marble pillar outside the terrace doors, out of sight of the main crowd.
The waiter drew a ceramic knife, but Gabriel was faster. With terrifying precision, Gabriel disarmed the man, snapped his wrist, and pinned him by the throat.
“Who sent you?” Gabriel growled in Japanese.
May you like
The assassin choked out, “Pike... and Sterling!”
Gabriel knocked him unconscious with a single blow, then turned to Claire. His eyes burned with protective fury. “We end this tonight.”
