chapter eight

Roy drove silently through the dark streets, his hands steady on the steering wheel while the city lights flashed past the tinted windows of the black SUV. Kimmy sat quietly in the backseat beside her mother, her mind was still struggling to process everything that had happened at the hospital. She could still hear the gunshots and the screaming, Her entire body still trembled slightly from the shock.

Beside her, Mara sat stiffly against the seat, clutching the edge of her hospital blanket tightly in her frail hands. Her face was pale and her eyes were distant and shaken, She looked completely lost. Kimmy’s chest tightened painfully at the sight,This was too much for her mother.

Mara slowly turned toward her.

“Kimmy…” her voice came out weak and uncertain. “Who were those men?”

Kimmy froze sge had been dreading that question. How was she supposed to explain any of this? That she had somehow gotten involved with dangerous mafia men and That armed gangs were now hunting them,That the man she helped in an alley was one of the most feared criminals in the city? None of it even sounded real.

Kimmy forced a small smile and said, “It’s… complicated, Mum.”

“You’re hiding something from me.” Mara said frowning slightly Kimmy looked away quickly because she was and she hated it. Before Mara could ask more questions, Roy spoke from the driver’s seat, his calm voice cutting through the tension.

“Don’t worry too much, Mrs. Anderson. You’re both safe now.”

Mara looked uncertain, but she nodded weakly. Kimmy glanced at Roy through the mirror. Unlike Gabriel, Roy had a calming presence that made people want to trust him. Even now, after everything, he still looked relaxed and composed. Kimmy honestly didn’t understand how he and Gabriel could possibly be brothers.

One was cold, terrifying, and impossible to approach,the other looked like a harmless teenage boy who should be in college instead of carrying guns and rescuing people from armed gangs.

The drive continued in silence. After a while, the city lights slowly disappeared and was , replaced by long empty roads surrounded by thick trees

“Where exactly is your house?” Kimmy asked with a frown.

Roy smiled faintly. “You’ll see.”

A few minutes later, massive black gates appeared ahead.Armed guards stood outside, dressed in black suits with weapons visibly strapped to them.The gates slowly opened and Kimmy’s breath caught. The car drove into a massive estate that seemed to stretch endlessly into the

darkness.Trees surrounded the entire property, giving the place an isolated and eerie atmosphere and at the center of it all stood the mansion,it was huge,dark and intimidating.

It towered over everything around it like something straight out of a nightmare. Lights glowed from the enormous windows, but instead of making the mansion look warm, they somehow made it feel even colder.

The entire estate radiated power,danger and fear. Kimmy swallowed hard as she stared at armed men patrolling different corners of the property. Some stood near the entrance while Others walked around the grounds. Everywhere she looked, there were guards.

This wasn’t a home....It was a fortress.Her stomach tightened. She was really about to step into a mafia boss’s house. Roy noticed her expression and chuckled softly.

“You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Kimmy tore her eyes away from the mansion. “How are you saying that so casually?”

Roy parked the car smoothly. “Because I grew up here.”

“That’s not comforting.”

He laughed quietly.“Relax. No one’s going to hurt you here.”roy said

Kimmy wasn’t entirely convinced. One of the guards quickly opened the car door for them and Roy stepped out first before helping Mara carefully. Kimmy slowly got out of the car and looked up at the mansion again. The closer she got, the more overwhelming it felt. The cold air brushed against her skin as fear crept deeper into her chest.

Roy noticed her hesitation. “Kimmy.” be called out. She looked at him.

“You’re safe here,” he said gently.

For some reason, she believed him At least a little. Then Slowly, she nodded. Roy led them toward the mansion entrance. The giant doors opened almost immediately, and Kimmy stepped inside Only to freeze again.

The interior was breathtaking and Everything looked expensive. Elegant marble floors stretched across the massive space, illuminated by sparkling chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The furniture was luxurious, modern, and perfectly arranged.

But despite all the beauty the mansion felt cold and empty. There was no warmth in it. It felt more like a carefully decorated prison than a real home. Kimmy slowly turned around, taking everything in while Mara remained silent beside her. Even the air inside felt heavy.

Roy glanced at her.“What do you think?”

Kimmy looked around cautiously. “It’s beautiful…” Then she lowered her voice.“…and terrifying.”

“That sounds about right.” Roy said grinning.

Kimmy walked a little further into the sitting room, her eyes moving across the enormous staircase at the center of the mansion. She was so distracted by the luxurious interior that she didn’t notice the footsteps coming from upstairs until a deep voice suddenly spoke.

“You’re finally here.”

Kimmy jumped slightly and turned around immediately with her heart skipping.

Gabriel was descending the stairs. He was Dressed in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled slightly upward, he walked down calmly, one hand in his pocket with his sharp eyes fixed directly on her.

The intimidating aura around him instantly filled the room and The entire atmosphere changed the moment he appeared. He exuded a cold and dangerous aura. Kimmy suddenly felt nervous again. Gabriel’s gaze briefly moved to the bruise on her cheek and his expression didn't change. Then his eyes returned to hers.

“You refused my protection two days ago,” he said calmly as He stepped off the last stair.

“And now you’re standing inside my house.”