Page 59 of Thunder

"Positive. Something's going on, Marcus. I can feel it. It's...it's bigger than we ever imagined."

"Then we'll figure it out together," he says, his voice laced with determination and loyalty. “Figure it out, and tear it all down.”

I gather my thoughts, feeling the weight of what I'm about to say. Each word feels like I’m inching closer to opening a door that, once opened, cannot be shut.

"As certain as I am that something deeply criminal is happening, I’m also certain that Antonio is dangerous, Marcus. Beyond dangerous. He's not some low-level thug; he’s high up the chain. Antonio’s connected to something that is so much bigger than us." The words fall from my lips like lead, heavy with the knowledge of just how precarious our situation is.

Marcus runs a hand through his dark hair, his green eyes filled with concern and determination. "We'll handle this, Lia. Together. We’ve got the club with us. The Steel Reapers can protect our own."

"I don’t know how deep this rabbit hole goes, but if people like Antonio Mancini are involved, and if he’s brought in a group of killers to handle the situation, then it’s darker than either of us can fathom." My voice softens, vulnerability bleeding through my words. "This project is about far more than protecting the environment or putting some people out of their homes. There's an insane amount of money involved, more than enough that these people are going to kill for. This might be more than just the club can handle."

Marcus pulls me closer, his eyes a molten mix of fear and conviction.

"Then we'll be even more careful, because I can’t afford to lose you, Lia. Not now, not ever."

His brawny arms wrap around me, pulling me close, and I feel a warmth blossoming in my chest despite the fear that still lingers.

"We need to tread carefully. I’m not sure who I can trust, but I’m going to figure this thing out. There are people at my office who are armed. I’m afraidofwhat could happen to us... to you."

"Hey," Marcus says gently, tilting my chin up so I'm looking into those piercing green eyes. "I love you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

I pull him down to me, our lips meeting in a kiss that is equal parts urgency and tenderness. We're aware of the looming threats, but we refuse to let them mar the beauty of the moment. His hands wrap around my waist, fingers digging into my flesh as if anchoring himself to me.

A low moan comes from him. Not one of pain, but desire.

Briefly, I toy with the idea of turning our kiss into something more, of the lovely distraction that would come with exploring his body.

But now isn’t the time.

"No one on earth is taking you from me," he murmurs against my mouth, and I can feel the truth of his words warming me from the inside out.

"Promise me," I whisper,needing reassurance, needing to know that the bond between us will never waver, no matter what darkness we may face.

"I promise," he says, his voice laced with conviction. "You and me, it’s us against the world."

His arms tighten around me, and I cling to him, drawing strength from the fierce determination coursing through his veins; to know that I am not alone, that we are in this fight together, is a lifeline.

But those are just feelings; they’re no good to anybody if they’re not followed up with action.

And what comes next is an action that only I can perform.

I pull away from Marcus, our lips parting slowly, and clear my throat.

"There's something I have to do. Something that could really help us break this whole thing open," I say with determination. My thoughts turn to the thumb drive nestled safely inside my purse. I keep it with me always, concealed in a small, hidden pocket in my purse because I can't risk leaving it unattended—not in my hotel room or my car. I feel Marcus's eyes on me as I step away, an unspoken promise of support exchanged between us.

“Is this something you need to do alone?”

I nod.

"Be careful," he says, his voice soft yet strong, and I nod, my pulse quickening.

"Always."

Stepping out into the night, cool air invigorates my senses. My heels sound a march to war on the pavement. I slide into the driver's seat and wrap my fingers tightly around the steering wheel. The fake leather feels comforting beneath my grip, anchoring me to the moment.

The Eco Resort project was always morally murky, but now... now, it's a breeding ground for something much worse; for destruction, for danger, for murder. The weight of the thumb drive presses against my consciousness, both a burden and a catalyst.

"Shit," I murmur under my breath, feeling the enormity of what lies ahead.

---