Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2569

But Giles wasn’t going to let him off that easily.

Just as Mario’s crew was about to be wiped out, with nowhere left to run, a new armed force stormed into the abandoned factory, turning the tide in Mario’s favor.

These newcomers moved with the precision and ferocity of professionals, wielding heavy weaponry. In a matter of moments, they’d shot down two of the Blackwater squadron’s fighter jets.

Hiding inside a derelict office, Mario watched as Sean strode toward him.

Overwhelmed with relief, Mario nearly shouted, “Sean, what are you doing here?”

Sean, dressed in camouflage, his lean frame and striking, ambiguous features giving him an air of both danger and charm, flashed Mario a crooked grin. “Of course I’m here to back you up. I figured that old bastard Giles was up to something. No way he ever planned to negotiate.”

Mario cursed under his breath, glancing at the firepower their opponents still wielded, hesitation flickering in his eyes. “Let’s just get the hell out of here first.”

Sean blocked his way. “And waste this chance? If you run now, you’ll never get another shot at Giles—he’ll come after you until you’re dead. You really think he’ll let you go?”

Mario’s bravado faltered. “Half my men are dead or dying. How am I supposed to take his crew on?”

“You’ve got me, haven’t you?” Sean clapped him on the shoulder, eyes glittering with a mix of challenge and fierce resolve. “I did some digging. The guys backing Giles are Blackwater’s mercenaries from Eastern Europe. They’re only here to buy arms from him. Take Giles out today, right in front of their eyes, show them what you’re made of. They’ll turn on Giles and side with you. You’ll become the biggest arms dealer in the city overnight.”

Sean’s words set Mario’s eyes ablaze. Jaw clenched, he growled, “You’re right. If I try to run, Giles will hunt me down like a dog. Might as well take my chances and end this now.”

Sean laughed, dark and low. “Heaven or hell, Mario—it’s all in your hands. What’s it going to be?”

A surge of fighting spirit and bloodlust shot through Mario. He smacked Sean’s shoulder hard. “When I take Giles’ place, you’re my top man. You stick with me, you’ll never have to worry about money again.”

Sean’s eyes narrowed with a wolfish grin. “We’re both in this together, Mario. Doesn’t matter whose table I’m eating from—as long as we’re eating. I’m with you.”

Moved, Mario quickly rallied his remaining men. With Sean’s team covering them, they charged back into the fray, aiming straight for Giles’ forces.

Two more fighter jets roared back in response, sweeping low.

Almost at the same time, several helicopters approached from the southeast. Before they’d even reached the factory, they’d shot down both Blackwater jets.

The helicopters circled overhead, then banked toward the abandoned factory.

Moments later, four or five more choppers followed, thundering after the first wave.

Bruce looked up, then called over his shoulder, “Lambert Brennan’s men are here!”

Gab, eyes cold and sharp against the sunlight, let a slow, dangerous smile curve his lips.

“Right on time.”