Chapter 17: The Breaking Point

The night was heavy with tension. The air smelled of rain and gunpowder, an eerie combination that set Jenny on edge. She sat in the backseat of Marcus’s black SUV, her fingers gripping the leather seat as they drove through the darkened streets.

They were heading to the docks.

Romano had made his move, and Marcus was ready to answer.

But Jenny wasn’t sure if this was a battle Marcus could win.

Not without losing a part of himself.

She glanced at him.

He sat beside her, his posture tense, his expression unreadable. His hands rested on his thighs, but she could see the way his fingers curled slightly, like a predator ready to strike.

He hadn’t said much since Gabriel delivered the news.

The fact that Eric was missing had done something to him.

Jenny didn’t know Eric well, but she knew what loyalty meant to Marcus. Losing a man—especially one who had trusted him—was a wound he wouldn’t easily forgive.

The SUV pulled to a stop near the docks. The engine cut off, leaving an eerie silence.

Jenny exhaled slowly.

She shouldn’t be here.

She knew that.

But she also knew Marcus wouldn’t have let her out of his sight. Not now. Not when Romano had proven he was willing to take things further.

“Stay close to me,” Marcus said, his voice low.

She nodded.

The doors opened, and Gabriel was the first to step out. The other men followed, each one armed, their eyes scanning the area.

Marcus stepped out last, his presence commanding.

Jenny followed, the cold air biting against her skin.

The docks were quiet, too quiet. The only sounds were the distant waves and the occasional creak of wood as the wind passed through the shipping containers stacked high around them.

Then—

A voice.

“Well, well… Look who finally decided to show up.”

Jenny’s heart clenched.

Romano.

She turned, her breath catching as she spotted him standing near a rusted shipping container. He was flanked by several men, all armed, all watching Marcus with wary eyes.

But Romano himself looked… amused.

That was what unsettled Jenny the most.

He wasn’t afraid.

Marcus took a step forward. “Where is he?”

Romano chuckled. “Straight to business, as always.” He sighed dramatically. “I almost miss the days when men like you knew how to have a civilized conversation.”

Marcus didn’t react. “Eric. Now.”

Romano smirked. “You’re no fun.”

Then, with a snap of his fingers, two of his men dragged someone forward.

Jenny gasped.

Eric.

Or at least… what was left of him.

His face was bruised, blood smeared down his temple. His hands were bound, his body barely able to hold itself up. One of Romano’s men shoved him forward, making him stumble onto the concrete.

Jenny’s stomach twisted.

Marcus’s expression didn’t change.

But Jenny could feel the rage rolling off him in waves.

Romano smiled. “He’s still alive. For now.”

Marcus took a slow step forward. “What do you want?”

Romano tilted his head, as if considering. Then he gestured toward Jenny.

Her blood ran cold.

“This,” Romano said, “is about her, isn’t it?”

Marcus’s jaw tensed.

Romano smirked. “I heard rumors. That Marcus Wolfe—the man who never lets anyone get close—finally has a weakness.”

He turned his gaze to Jenny.

Jenny didn’t move.