The crash shattered the moment.
One second, Emily was standing too close to James, her breath still uneven from the kiss. The next—
Chaos.
James moved first.
"Stay behind me," he ordered, already reaching for his gun.
Emily barely had time to react before another crash echoed through the estate, followed by the unmistakable sound of heavy boots pounding against the marble floors.
The attack had begun.
James grabbed her wrist, yanking her toward the desk, but Emily ripped away.
"No," she hissed. "I’m not hiding while someone tries to kill me."
James shot her a glare. "This isn’t up for debate."
The study door slammed open.
Then—
Gunfire.
The window exploded, shards of glass raining down like deadly confetti. Emily gasped, shielding her face as she stumbled backward. James curse
