Chapter 11 - The Price of Loyalty
The heavy oak doors of the boardroom closed behind Victor and the captive security chief, leaving Declan and Nora alone in the sprawling penthouse suite once more.
The air felt electric, charged with the lingering tension of betrayal and absolute power.
Declan walked slowly across the Persian rug toward her, his dark eyes softening as he closed the distance between them.
“You didn't look away,” he noted quietly, stopping just inches from where she stood by the edge of the mahogany table.
“Why would I?” Nora replied, her voice steady and unyielding. “I spent three years pretending I didn't see the blood on the ledgers. It's time I saw the whole picture.”
Declan reached out, his warm, scarred fingers gently cupping her cheek, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her cheekbone.
“You were never meant for spreadsheets and corporate cubicles, Nora,” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. “You belong right here. Beside me.”
Nora didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned slightly into his touch, feeling the raw, steady warmth of his hand against her skin.
“And what happens when the next rival syndicate comes for us?” she asked softly.
May you like
A faint, confident smile touched Declan's lips.
“Let them come,” he whispered, pulling her flush against his chest, his arms wrapping securely around her waist to anchor her against the world. “They'll find out very quickly that Gallagher Enterprises answers to no one—and neither do we.”
