The mansion’s alarm shattered the silence. Red lights flashed across the walls as shadows moved outside the glass doors.
Natalie’s breath caught. “Adrian—”
“I see them.” His voice was pure steel. In a single movement, he grabbed her by the waist and pushed her behind the sofa, shielding her as he reached for the gun hidden beneath the side drawer.
The child’s soft cry echoed from upstairs. Natalie’s heart squeezed. Ethan.
“Stay here,” Adrian commanded.
“No!” she hissed, panic rising. “They’re here for him. I’m not hiding while they take my son.”
Their eyes met — storm against fire. Adrian clenched his jaw, torn between fury and admiration. “Then stay close to me,” he said roughly. “And don’t look back.”
The glass shattered. Three masked men stormed inside, their movements sharp and
