CHAPTER 5
Four more Moretti enforcers rounded the corner of the stairwell, raising their weapons the instant they spotted the syndicate kingpin standing on the concrete landing.
Leo fired five rapid shots, dropping the front two men instantly while using the narrow stairwell geography to choke the enemy’s advance.
The third enforcer managed to raise his shotgun, blasting a heavy spray of lead that tore into the concrete wall inches above Leo's left shoulder.
Leo didn't even flinch; he stepped directly into the line of fire, driving his tactical knife into the attacker's throat before executing the fourth man with a single shot to the head.
Blood splattered across the gray concrete wall, painting a brutal scene that made Clare gag as the metallic smell of iron filled the enclosed stairwell.
Leo stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as he reloaded his firearm with cold, mechanical perfection without a single drop of hesitation.
He turned back to look at Clare, who was huddled against the cold concrete pillar, staring at him as if he were a monster spawned from her worst nightmares.
"Come here," he commanded softly, holding out a blood-stained hand toward her trembling frame.
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"You're a demon..." she whispered, her voice shaking violently as she backed away until her spine hit the reinforced emergency door behind her.
"I am the demon that keeps you breathing," Leo countered fiercely, closing the distance between them in two long strides and grabbing her arm with unyielding authority.
