Page 96 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

“If we take him out of the equation, we cripple their ability to cover their tracks,” Dominic says.

“But it’s a trap,” I interject, my stomach twisting. “You know it is.”

Dominic’s gaze hardens. “Of course it is. But we don’t have a choice.”

I reach for his hand, my grip firm. “Then we face it together.”

The warehouse is cold and uninviting, its metal walls gleaming under the harsh floodlights. Adrian’s team fans out, their movements swift and silent as they secure the perimeter.

Dominic and I move in tandem, our footsteps echoing on the concrete floor. My heart pounds with every step, the tension thick enough to choke on.

“Eyes open,” Dominic whispers as we approach the main office.

The door creaks open, revealing a sparse room filled with computer equipment. Vincent Marlowe sits at the center, his fingers flying across a keyboard.

“You’re late,” he says without looking up.

Dominic raises his weapon. “Hands where I can see them.”

Vincent smirks, his movements slowing. “You’re predictable, Kane. Always charging in, thinking you’re in control.”

“Don’t test me,” Dominic growls, his tone lethal.

Vincent finally looks up, his expression calm. “You think this is the endgame? You’re just scratching the surface.”

Before Dominic can respond, the sound of gunfire erupts from the far end of the warehouse.

Chaos ensues as bullets ricochet off the walls. Adrian’s voice crackles through the comms, shouting commands as his team engages Reyes’s men.

“Dominic!” I shout, my voice barely audible over the noise.

He grabs my arm, pulling me behind a stack of crates. “Stay down!”

“What about Marlowe?” I ask, panic rising.

Dominic’s jaw tightens. “He’s not going anywhere.”

But as the gunfire intensifies, I catch a glimpse of Marlowe slipping through a side door.

“Dominic!” I shout again, pointing toward the escape route.

His eyes narrow, and he curses under his breath. “Adrian, cover the front. We’re going after him.”

With a nod, Dominic pulls me to my feet, and we sprint toward the side door. The night air hits like a shock as we burst outside, the sounds of the firefight fading behind us.

Marlowe is ahead, his figure silhouetted against the dim streetlights. Dominic doesn’t hesitate, his focus unyielding as we close the distance.

But just as we reach him, Marlowe turns, a sly smile on his face.

“You’re too late,” he says, holding up a small device.

My blood runs cold as the device beeps once, then twice.

“Dominic,” I whisper, my voice trembling.

He doesn’t hesitate, pulling me back as the warehouse explodes in a blinding flash of light and heat.

The force of the blast knocks us to the ground, and the world tilts as smoke and debris fill the air. Dominic shields me with his body, his arms tight around me as the ground shakes beneath us.

---