Chapter 5 - The Fortress on the Lake
The Cole Estate on Mercer Island was a colossal stone mansion built on a private cliff edge, completely surrounded by high iron gates, thermal security cameras, and thirty armed guards patrolling the perimeter with attack dogs.
When the helicopter touched down on the expansive manicured lawn, the rain had settled into a thick, low-hanging fog over Lake Washington.
Ethan personally carried a exhausted, sleeping Amy up the grand marble entrance steps, guiding a shivering Sophie through the massive carved oak doors into the warm, magnificent foyer.
The interior was stunning—soaring ceilings, antique mahogany woodwork, burning stone fireplaces, and massive crystal chandeliers casting a warm golden light across the polished floors.
A middle-aged, kindly woman in a formal housekeeper’s uniform rushed forward, bowing respectfully.
“Welcome home, Mr. Cole. I have prepared the master wing suites as requested,” she said softly.
“Thank you, Mrs. Vance,” Ethan nodded. “Have the kitchen prepare warm soup and hot tea for Miss Miller immediately.”
Ethan led Sophie up the grand winding staircase to the second floor, stopping outside a heavy double door. He pushed it open, revealing a sprawling luxury suite complete with a king-sized canopy bed, a crackling fireplace, a private terrace, and a massive marble bathroom.
He set the sleeping Amy down gently onto the soft, down feather bed, pulling the warm velvet comforter up to her chin.
Sophie walked over to the edge of the bed, kissing her daughter’s forehead gently, before turning back to Ethan.
“This place is massive...” Sophie whispered, looking around the incredible room. “Ethan... how long do we have to stay here?”
“As long as it takes to eliminate Moretti,” Ethan answered frankly, walking over to the fireplace, leaning his arm against the mantelpiece. “Sal Moretti knows I rescued you from the hospital. In his mind, that makes you my highest-value target. If he catches you outside these walls, he will use you to force me into giving up the docks.”
Sophie stepped closer to him, her brows furrowing in concern. “Why would he think I’m important to you? We only met three days ago.”
Ethan turned his head, his cold steel-blue eyes locking onto hers with an intense, burning stillness that made her breath catch in her throat.
“Because Moretti has watched me for ten years, Sophie,” Ethan murmured, taking a single step toward her, closing the distance between them. “He knows I have never brought a woman to this house. He knows I have never protected anyone. The moment I brought you here... he knew you were different.”
Sophie’s heart slammed violently against her ribs. “Different how?”
Ethan reached out, his long, warm fingers gently tracing the curve of her jaw, lifting her face until her hazel eyes were forced to meet his.
“Different because if anyone so much as lays a single finger on you or Amy,” Ethan whispered, his deep baritone dripping with dark, absolute conviction, “I will burn every building in this city until there is nothing left of them but ashes.”
Sophie swallowed hard, her pulse racing wildly under his gentle touch. She didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned slightly into his warm palm, her voice dropping into a tender whisper.
“Ethan... you don't have to carry the whole world alone.”
Ethan went still. For the first time in fifteen years, the powerful, terrifying CEO felt a crack in his impenetrable armor.
May you like
He leaned down, his lips brushing softly, reverently against her temple, before pulling back smoothly.
“Get some rest, Sophie,” he said quietly, walking toward the door. “My guards are outside. You are safe here.”
