Chapter 14 - Shield of a Broken King
Bullets peppered the brick walls, dropping mortar dust over their hair.
Damian stood directly in front of Claire, using his broad, heavy frame as a human shield to block her completely from the line of fire.
He raised his weapon, firing coolly and methodically through the smoke, dropping two more hitmen as they tried to advance down the alleyway.
"Damian! Watch out!" Claire screamed.
From behind a parked truck, Antonio Moretti stepped out, holding a shotgun aimed straight at Claire's chest.
"If I can't have the empire, Damian, you don't get your happy ending either!" Antonio screamed, pulling the trigger.
Damian didn't hesitate. He didn't think about his life, his money, or his pride.
He threw his entire body over Claire, locking her in his arms, turning his back completely to the gunfire.
BLAM!
The blast of heavy buckshot struck Damian directly in the upper back and shoulder.
A sharp, violent gasp tore from Damian’s throat. Blood spattered across the wooden door behind Claire.
Despite the staggering impact, Damian didn't fall. He gritted his teeth, turned around with pure, demonic ferocity in his bloodshot eyes, and fired his last three rounds directly into Antonio's chest.
Antonio collapsed onto the cobblestones, motionless.
The remaining Russian mercenaries, seeing their contractor dead, slammed their doors and sped away into the foggy evening.
The street fell dead silent, save for the crackle of burning vehicle tires.
Damian stood frozen for a second, his gun dropping from his numb fingers. He slowly turned back to look at Claire.
"Are you... hurt?" Damian rasped out, blood dripping from the corner of his lips.
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"Damian... oh God, Damian!" Claire cried out, catching him as his knees gave way.
He collapsed into her arms, his blood soaking through her jacket as they sank together onto the cold, glass-littered pavement.
