Page 105 of Protection (Mobsters + Billionaires 2)
Anders spins, his happy look instantly transforming into something far more sinister. It’s a look I recognize, having seen it on Hopper on more than one occasion. Omar, bloodied with one eye swollen shut, is fighting off a very well-trained assailant. They’re trading ferocious blows, neither one losing their footing. While he is still very much in the fight—his opponent is equally bloodied and favoring his left shoulder—Omar is beginning to flag.
Wordlessly, Hopper slips Anders one of his knives, and Anders, deathly silent, comes up behind Omar’s attacker and draws Hopper’s knife across the man’s jugular. A pulse of blood strikes Omar's face, and he sends his husband a grateful smile.
Suddenly I realize how quiet it’s become, and I look around. All the Russian operatives are dead or dying.
I look up to the bell tower and see a silhouette that makes my knees go weak with relief. Mads. He's looking down at us, and I can't read his expression.
“Hopper, Anders, Everett, you’re with me. Everyone else, get these bodies off the front lawn.”
Hopper looks up from his incapacitated victim, a little pouty. “But I saved him for last.”
“It's for Mads.”
His shoulders droop, but he nods. “That's true.” He looks down at the man whose eyes are glazed in pain and fear. “It's your lucky day,” he says, jamming his knife into the man’s temple.
We make our way into the house, putting two in anyone still moving. We take the stairs up to the first floor, clearing it room by room, until the third floor, where we find Mads’ family hiding in the primary bedroom.
His mother screams, and I look back. “Hop, put the knife down. You're scaring them.”
He does as I ask and shrugs. “Sorry, I don't know how not to scare the normal people.”
Wide-eyed, they look between Hopper and me. I hold up my hands. “I'm Mads’ boyfriend and security force. We killed everyone downstairs but stay in here while we clear the rest of the house.”
His father, silent until now, answers, “I was upstairs with him when we heard the shouting. He insisted I come down here to protect his mother and sisters. He’s waiting for you upstairs.”
“I’m leaving Anders and Everett here with you,” I say, and Mads’ father nods.
We carefully make it up the narrow staircase to the bell tower, me looking forward, Hopper looking back.
I’m unnerved that Mads hasn't yet called out for me. It’s too quiet. I look back, and Hopper makes eye contact, his jaw tense. Neither of us likes this.
Approaching the door, I open it a crack. Mads is still standing at the window, taking in the scene below, his hands fisted at his side. I do a quick visual sweep and let out a sigh of relief. He's alone.
