Chapter 7 - Behind the Cold Mask
Back inside the private security suite of the hotel, Gabriel personally tended to a minor scratch on Claire’s wrist from the scuffle.
The sight of this ruthless titan kneeling before her, gently applying antiseptic with trembling care, made tears prick Claire’s eyes.
“Why do you do this, Gabriel?” she asked softly. “You could live anywhere. You could leave this dangerous life behind.”
Gabriel looked up, holding her hand gently between his scarred palms.
“Because when I was ten years old, my mother died because no one stood up to the men who controlled the docks,” he admitted, his voice raw with ancient pain. “Kenji Sato took me in and showed me that true power exists to protect the vulnerable, not exploit them. I built this empire to tear down men like Pike and Sterling. But for years... I fought alone.”
He reached up, his fingertips brushing a stray lock of hair from Claire’s cheek.
“Until you stepped in front of that glass. You didn't just save my life, Claire. You reminded me why I’m fighting.”
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Claire leaned into his touch, her heart pounding with fierce devotion. “You are not alone anymore, Gabriel.”
Gabriel leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was deep, passionate, and filled with years of unspoken hunger. In that moment, surrounded by danger, Claire knew she would follow this man to the ends of the earth.
