Page 110 of Ruined By Blood
My thumb traces the outline of her bottom lip.
"You're mine, Sienna. Only mine."
The words hang between us, heavy with meaning. In my world, claiming someone isn't done lightly. It means protection, devotion, blood spilled without hesitation. It means she becomes my priority above all else.
To my surprise, Sienna laughs. A bright, genuine soundI've rarely heard from her. It transforms her face, erasing the shadows Sterling carved into her soul.
"Yours," she agrees, rising on her toes. "I think I have been since you found me by that fountain."
Her lips meet mine, soft at first, then with growing urgency.
I break away reluctantly, resting my forehead against hers. "We need to leave now."
"Now?" Sienna's fingers tighten around my arms.
"Sterling's people are still loyal to their paychecks. Some might decide to be heroes when they realize he's gone." I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Your mother has Alessio's men for protection. We need to get you somewhere safe."
Understanding floods her eyes. She nods once, resolute. "Let me say goodbye first."
While Sienna returns to her mother, I step outside to where Alessio waits by our cars. Sterling lies unconscious in the back of a black SUV, secured with zip ties.
"Take him to the warehouse on Fulton," I instruct, keeping my voice low. "No one touches him until I get there. I want him awake for what comes next."
Alessio's expression darkens with anticipation. "I'll make sure he's properly welcomed."
Sienna emerges from the house. Whatever passed between mother and daughter has given her strength. She walks toward us with purpose.
I guide her to my Bentley Continental, opening the passenger door. She slides into the leather seat.
"You okay?" I ask as I start the engine.
"Better than I've been in years." She looks back at the house as we pull away. "How did you do it? Get someone inside my father's security?"
The engine purrs as we pass through the iron gates.
"Noah." I shift gears smoothly. "He knew a guy who specializes in placing security personnel with families like yours. High-end bodyguards for people with something to hide."
"And my father hired him just like that?"
"Not exactly." I glance in the rearview mirror, watching Sterling's house grow smaller. "We created an opening first. Two of your father's regular security team had unfortunate accidents."
"You killed them?" Her voice holds no judgment, just curiosity.
"One car crash, one food poisoning. Both alive but needed some days off." I take the turn onto the main road. "Noah's guy came highly recommended by another client of Sterling's. Your father needed men quickly."
The drive back to our mansion passes in comfortable silence. Sienna's hand rests in mine on the center console, her fingers occasionally tightening as if to reassure herself I'm still there. I don't push for conversation. After everything that's happened today, we both need this moment of quiet.
As we pull through the gates, I notice Sienna's shoulders tensing slightly.
"What is it?" I ask, glancing at her profile.
"Nothing." She shakes her head, then reconsiders. "Just... last time I left here, I didn't think I'd ever come back."
I squeeze her hand. "This time, you're not leaving."
The mansion looms ahead, lights blazing from everywindow. Someone must have alerted them we were on our way. As we approach the front entrance, the massive oak doors swing open.
Lucrezia and Zoe burst out onto the steps before I've even cut the engine. Lucrezia's face is a mixture of anxiety and relief, while Zoe stands slightly behind her.
