Betrayed by Blood: My Second Life as a Queen novel Chapter 165

In a flash, Lucian untied the ropes binding her wrists and ankles. He pulled her into his chest, burying her face against him. The crisp, comforting scent of cedarwood enveloped her, providing an overwhelming sense of safety.

Leaning in, his lips brushed against her ear as he murmured, "Keep your eyes closed."

The heat of his breath against her skin sent a sudden shiver down her spine.

She squeezed her eyes shut. A split second later, a deafening gunshot echoed through the warehouse.

The bullet tore mercilessly through the second camera, sending sharp shards of plastic and glass exploding into the kidnapper's hand, prompting a guttural howl of pain.

Willow flinched, an inexplicable feeling washing over her.

In this filthy, ruined wasteland, he was holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world. She was covered in dirt and thoroughly humiliated, yet surrounded by his protective embrace.

He had even shielded her eyes just so she wouldn't have to witness the violence.

Amidst the smell of gunpowder and chaos, his unwavering devotion made her heart flutter.

Xavier's face darkened as he stared intensely at the intruder. For a brief second, he felt a strange sense of familiarity looking at the man...

But now wasn't the time to play guessing games. Glaring fiercely, Xavier warned him, "Who the hell are you? This is internal Shaw family business. I highly suggest you back off!"

Lucian didn't even bother dignifying that with a real response. Instead, he smoothly racked the slide of his gun, aiming it squarely at Xavier's chest. "Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is that your life belongs to me right now."

Right on cue, the helicopter's roar hit a crescendo. Within ten seconds, heavily armed operatives swarmed the warehouse, securing the perimeter.

Xavier paled. He had assumed Willow was isolated and utterly defenseless, so he hadn't bothered to bring any real backup aside from these street-level thugs.

They were completely outgunned and outmatched!

Taking a sharp breath, he spat defensively, "I'm disciplining my sister. What does it have to do with you?"

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