Page 78 of Tailored for You

We were surprising them as much as they had surprised us.

I had run drills with my men for situations like this, so we were never unprepared. They called me paranoid, but looking at how efficient we were, I knew they wouldn’t make the same comment.

We needed to be lethal and never underestimate our enemies.

I listened, searching for the off-cycle splashing as I quietly made my way toward the back of the boat.

I came into full view of the hull, spotting two more bodies pulling themselves up over the deck at the same time they spotted me.

I took my shots, moving faster than they could reach for their weapons. They collapsed, dark blood leaking onto the wood floors.

Spinning, I noticed I was the only person in the area: none of the other men had come back here.

A mistake.

Where were my men? If they were all at the front, there was no one patrolling. No one was ensuring we had no blind spots.

I had killed three, but there were at least eight. Or was it nine reported to be approaching?

The numbers didn’t matter, but the chance that one of them made it through our defenses because we were too focused on getting to where we thought the action was left us wide open.

My heart ratcheted into my throat. It was an easy path to Serena. If it were me, I would’ve studied the boat layout and known exactly where to go.

I had to get to her. I promised her safety, that she wouldn’t have to use the gun, and I’d keep that promise to my dying breath.

I sprinted back to our room. Whoever was here had come for her. Just like last time.

The door was open, and a tall person in a black wetsuit stood in front of the closet, reaching for the handle.

I slid across the floor onto my side, skin tearing from the impact. It was wet from the person who thought they could harm the woman I’d devoted myself to.

I had to be careful with my aim. One stray bullet could go through the closet and hit Serena. The person turned. I could see the man behind the mask smiling as he raised his gun.

I didn’t let him get a shot off. I pulled the trigger, the bullet burying itself in his calf. He yelled, falling to his knees.

I stood, took aim, and pulled the trigger. The next bullet found his shoulder— his gun arm.

Another press of the trigger, and his knee shattered as he fell to the side.

I stood over him as he screamed in pain. “Faccia di culo.” I put a bullet between his eyes, shutting him up forever.

Maybe this would serve as a warning to whoever was after Serena.

I stepped over the dead body and pulled the closet door open. I saw the glint of a gun and called out fast—before she could shoot me by accident.

“It’s me, Serena.” There was a gush of air and a hiccup, tearing my heart apart. I couldn’t imagine how scared she was. What was she thinking, being forced to hide while someone came to hurt her for a second time?

Serena crawled from the back of the closet and into my arms. Her body shook as she cried.

I sat down, pulling her closer, and rocked her. There was nothing I could do but comfort her as she worked through her emotions.

Was the threat over? I wasn’t sure, but I had to trust my men to do the jobs I trained them for. Being with Serena and ensuring she was safe was my only priority.

The only thing I could do as I held her in my arms, where I had wanted her for what felt like my entire life, was pray that this wasn’t the beginning of the end.

That she saw through the brief moments of violence to the love and happiness I could give her and Harper.

I was asking a lot, maybe more than I deserved, but I clung to hope as I held her, keeping her face turned away from the dead body on the floor.